Decorative Concrete | Types of Decorative Concrete | Concrete Decorative Resurfacing
Decorative Concrete | Types of Decorative Concrete | Concrete Decorative Resurfacing
Decorative Concrete
Decorative concrete is the use of concrete as an aesthetic improvement to a structure rather than a practical medium for construction, such as floors, walls, roads, and patios, while still maintaining its role as an intrinsic part of the building itself.
Stamped concrete, acid staining, decorative overlays, polished concrete, concrete countertops, vertical overlays, and other materials and/or systems are used to transform concrete into decorative concrete.
These materials and/or systems include, but are not limited to, stamped concrete, acid staining, decorative overlays, polished concrete, concrete countertops, vertical overlays, and more.
Decorative concrete is a new trend in the world of home design. The concrete is a highly-durable material that can be shaped in many different ways to give a clean, uniform look.
It is durable, long lasting and easy to maintain. It achieves an appearance similar to that of stone, without the weight or the cost.
Decorative concrete is a great way to update the look of your property, without undergoing major renovations.
Types of Decorative Concrete
There are numerous methods to use decorative concrete. One way is to add additional elements to the concrete mix before it is poured.
Alternatively, when typical concrete has hardened, an extra decorative layer might be applied on top. Here are a few examples of popular ornamental concrete.
Stamped Concrete
Stamped concrete panels are produced using small stamps that create patterns on the surface of the concrete. The pattern can include any number of different images, symbols or words.
Stamped concrete is very versatile and can be used in practically any place where there is a need for a durable, well-designed facade.
Decorative Concrete Slabs
Decorative concrete slabs are among the most popular ornamental floors. They can be manufactured using several different methods, but mostly take the form of very flat, thin slabs.
The slabs are appropriate for any type of residential or commercial establishment and are especially useful around swimming pools and other water features. They can also be used as flooring or dividing walls.
Stained Concrete
Stained concrete is concrete that has been colored using a dye or a pigment stain. It is a very durable finishing material that gives the appearance of colored stone or slate without the weight or cost.
Concrete Dyes
Concrete dyes have been used for years to help change the color of concrete, but new developments have made them more successful than in the past.
Alcohol-based colors are ineffective for use outside since they fade quickly in the sun. The most recent concrete dyes are blended with better solutions to prevent fading in the sun, including a UV inhibiting ingredient.
Nonetheless, when exposed to direct sunshine on a regular basis, concrete colors fade by 5-8 percent on average every year.
Concrete dyes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they can be used on both residential and commercial concrete applications such as sound/retaining walls, bridges, countertops, floors, and so on.
Decorative Concrete Walls
Decorative concrete walls are a great way to bring color to areas of your home that use plain drywall. They are made by creating a mixture of concrete and mortar.
The mixture is poured into forms that then harden, giving them the appearance of stone or slate. Decorative concrete walls can be used in any area where the subject would benefit from a durable, well-designed facade.
Polishing Concrete
Polishing concrete is a fairly simple process that can add a special touch to your floors. First, the floor is covered with water and then using special polishing pads, the concrete is buffed, creating an attractive luster.
Stenciling Concrete
Concrete stencils are applied using a roller or brush to create patterns in the surface of the brick or concrete. The pattern can be any design you choose, including words or symbols that are visible from several feet away.
Stone-to-Concrete Conversion
The process of converting the exterior surface of a building to decorative concrete is called stone-to-concrete conversion. The material used for the conversion can be obtained from stone quarries and converted into brick or slab form.
The brick or slab is then installed in place of the original exterior wall, creating an attractive facade at a fraction of the cost of other materials.
Pool Decks
Pool decks are attractive, durable surfaces perfect for use around swimming pools, hot tubs and other water features. Decorative concrete pools decks are available in a range of colors and textures, and can be designed to coordinate with your existing decor.
Walkways
Walkways are a very popular decorative concrete application. They come in a number of styles and offer an affordable alternative to traditional brick or stone walkways.
Landscape Edging
Landscape edging is another popular use for decorative concrete, as it adds style while defining the boundaries of the planting beds or lawns.
The decorative concrete landscape edging is available in a range of heights and patterns for your yards and garden.
Decorative Concrete Patio
Decorative concrete patios are an excellent way to add style and flair to your home. The patio can match the rest of your home decor or stand out on its own as a distinct design element.
The patio can be as simple or as complex as you like and can include any number of elements for added visual interest.
Concrete Overlay
A concrete overlay is a thin layer of colored concrete cement that is applied over existing concrete for repair or decoration. Overlays can be as thin as a feather finish or as thick as 3/4′′ in most circumstances, depending on the desired finish.
Decorative Concrete Products Uses
All decorative concrete products are made from natural sand and blended cement, giving them the same appearance as their natural counterparts. Since the product is made only from concrete, it is resistant to any chemicals that may be present in soil or water.
The material does not absorb odor or stain, making it an excellent choice in any surrounding environment pertaining to aesthetics.
Decorative concrete products are available in a variety of colors such as brick, slate, travertine, and cobblestone. This gives the end product a more natural feel that blends with the surrounding environment.
Decorative Concrete is used for several purposes. Decorative concrete is becoming more popular as it can be used to make many different forms and designs. T
This type of concrete can be stamped, stenciled, or painted on to create a design. Concrete driveways have been replaced with decorative concrete as it is more aesthetically pleasing and will not require sealing and maintenance.
Patios, walkways, and other surfaces are also being replaced because they provide a solid, low-porosity design.
Decorative concrete is a durable and long-lasting material that withstands graffiti and other forms of vandalism. Products with high resistance to impact are typically used for decorative concrete sidewalks and other walkways.
Before decorative concrete is applied, it is important that the surface is well prepared. This includes removing any previous material, as well as filling in any openings from cracks or pieces of debris.
It is also helpful to slope any areas where water may collect to ensure proper drainage and prevent further damage or deterioration of the concrete.
Once the surface has been prepared and any debris has been removed, decorative concrete can be applied. There are many different methods for applying decorative concrete to just about any surface, including concrete floors, concrete walls and decorative masonry.
However, as a general rule, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying decorative concrete.
It is also important to note that decorative concrete requires yearly maintenance in order to maintain its original appearance. This can include things like a yearly power washing, and/or adding new material to the surface.
Acid stains are concrete finishes that use acidic solutions to enhance the look of concrete. The acid reacts with the calcium in the concrete and creates a signature color based on the amount of moisture present.
The process is also known as chemical staining because it uses chemicals to achieve different effects. There are many variations of acid staining, including traditional acid stain, acid stain overlay and etched acid stain.
Benefits Of Decorative Concrete Product Designs
Decorative concrete is concrete that has been colored or textured to create a more unique, attractive look for a surface or project. It’s particularly popular for countertops and floors, but it can also be used for walls, as well.
The best thing about this type of concrete is that it can be combined with different textures to produce a variety of looks, and it can be easily installed.
Decorative concrete adds both beauty and durability to any outdoor space, giving the appearance of real stone.
Another benefit to using decorative concrete is that it can be used to conceal cracks in existing concrete, which makes the surface more sanitary and it doesn’t leave behind unsightly holes in a surface or work area that would otherwise need to be patched.
However, this type of concrete is not recommended for use on load-bearing walls, especially if those floors are also slabs with a countertop slab tops or a floor over them.
Decorative Concrete Floors
Decorative concrete floors are perhaps the hardest floors you can have in your house or company, and they can last for decades. Most other floor coverings require replacement every few years, which can add up to a significant expenditure over time. Consider putting in a floor that is:
- Low-maintenance and simple to care for
- Economical, as it will not require replacement
- Elegant and fashionable design
- Reduced allergens, resistance against dust buildup, mold, and bacteria
For a fraction of the cost, custom decorative concrete overlays with stained, stamped, and resurfaced designs may simulate very high-end floors such as flagstone, cobblestone, wood plank, brick, tile, slate, marble, and more.
Concrete Decorative Resurfacing
Concrete resurfacing is the application of a new acrylic-based cementitious material on top of existing concrete surfaces that are in good condition.
Concrete resurfacer is a cementitious compound that combines regular Portland cement, fine sands, polymer modifiers, and other adhesion-enhancing additives. It is meant to be placed in extremely thin coatings (no more than 1/2 inch thick), unlike other cement formulations, and its additives give good adhesion to an existing slab.
Concrete resurfacer is a high-strength compound with a compressive strength of around 4,500 psi. This is actually stronger than the slab itself, thus resurfacing layers can be highly durable if correctly done.
A properly resurfaced floor can last from 8-15 years.
