Decorative Concrete Ideas and Trends
Decorative Concrete is popular for concrete driveways, patios and pool decks. But trends are growing in the concrete industry, with it being used more inside the home. Modern homeowners had ideas to incorporate concrete applications for countertops, concrete floors, and even walls.
Using concrete as a decorative element incorporates different concrete finishes and colours:
- Stamped Concrete
- Stained Concrete
- Concrete Overlays
- Coloured Concrete
- Polished Concrete
Popular Decorative Concrete Finishes
Stamped Concrete
Colour and pattern options for stamped concrete are virtually endless. This technique often imitates the texture and pattern of stone, brick, tile and other elements found in the home’s decorative scheme. Popular applications for this decorative concrete include concrete patios and driveways.
After we pour the concrete slab, we apply colour hardeners and release agents. Next, we stamp the desired pattern into the concrete. Then we complete detailing and cut contraction joints. And finally, we seal it for strength and easy maintenance.
Stained Concrete
Concrete surfaces stained with colour give them a unique and luxurious look. It’s not a solid colour you achieve with paint or coating, but the colour infuses into the concrete. Therefore, the colour is long-lasting and will not fade, chip, or peel.
Depending on the colours and techniques used, this decorative concrete can provide results that look like polished marble, leather, natural stone, and even stained wood. Even if you use the same materials, no two stained concrete surfaces will look alike.
Popular applications for these unique finishes include concrete floors, walls and countertops. But customers also choose stained concrete for outdoor projects too.
Concrete Overlays
To cover up imperfections or give your concrete surface a complete makeover, we can install concrete overlays. They are thin layers of colour concrete cement mixes applied over existing concrete. This decorative concrete finish isn’t used to repair damaged concrete. The base must be sound if you wish to resurface it.
Multiple types and colours are available to choose from, depending on your goals and preferences using different blends of portland cements, aggregates, and polymer resins. While most customers select concrete overlays for floors, you can use this technique on walls with a few tweaks to the process.
Coloured Concrete
To colour concrete, whether it’s a subtle shade or a dramatic hue, you have several techniques to choose from. These choices allow you to colour new or old concrete inside or outside. Options are virtually unlimited.
Some of the preferred methods to colour concrete include stains, dyes, paint, sealers, integral colours, and colour hardeners. Selecting the best method depends on the application and exposure the concrete must endure.
Pairing coloured concrete with a variety of decorative concrete finishes like broom, stamped, or exposed aggregate expands the options even further. What’s your favourite colour tone and texture combination?
Polished Concrete
Popular for industrial applications, businesses install polished concrete in large warehouses, retail stores, hotels and restaurants, and offices. But some homeowners choose this method as a decorative concrete option.
To achieve polished concrete, machines gradually grind down the concrete surface until they reach the desired level of smoothness, resulting in a glossy finish. We consider it decorative concrete because you can implement a variety of colours. You can create patterns with different saw cuts or embed objects into the concrete before polishing.
What Decorative Concrete Method Are You Dreaming Of?
If you need to spruce up an existing surface or have a new project on the horizon, think beyond the plain and boring. There are so many choices for decorative concrete that allow you to create a unique living or workspace. Reach out to Brosco Concrete to help make those dreams a reality.