Stamped Concrete
Stamped concrete, commonly referred to as patterned stamped concrete or imprinted concrete, is concrete that is designed to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile and even wood. Colors and patterns for stamped cement are often chosen to blend with other stone, tile or patterned concrete elements at the residence. Complex designs incorporating steps, courtyards and foundations can be achieved when patterns are pressed into the concrete. Concrete provides the perfect canvas for creating and economical replica of more expensive materials, and yet still maintaining a very natural, authentic look.
Stamped Overlay
A stamped overly offers all the aesthetic benefits of conventional stamped concrete but is applied over existing concrete. Stamped concrete overlays allow you to duplicate they beauty and texture of natural stone, brick, slate, wood and other materials without having to replace your concrete. Stamped overlays can be used on existing exterior surfaces. They are especially popular for refreshing the appearance of driveways, patios, walkways and pool decks.
Rock Salt Finish Concrete
Exposing concrete to salt isn’t always a bad thing, especially in the case of a rock salt finish – a traditional and easy method for adding subtle texture and skid resistance to plain or colored concrete. Considered a step above smooth or broom-finished concrete, a salt finish leaves a speckled pattern of shallow indentations on the concrete surface, similar to the appearance of slightly pitted, weathered rock. As the name implies, a salt finish is traditionally achieved with the same course rock salt sold for use in water softeners or as a deicer in winter. Concrete finishers broadcast the salt particles over wet concrete and then press the grains into the surface with a float or roller. After the concrete sets, a power washer is used to wash the salt away, revealing a speckled pattern of shallow indentations left by the dislodged salt particles.
A brushed finished is obtained by pulling a brush over the surface of the fresh concrete, after the surface has been leveled. The type of finish achieved will depend upon the coarseness of the brush bristles and the length and shape of the tufts. Brushes can have plastic bristles of varying gauge and density. A coarse texture is created by using a stiff-bristled broom. Softer bristles provide for medium and light textures. Brushed finishes are suitable for either vehicle or foot traffic in most commercial and residential situations where a more course texture is desired. Brushed finishes are relatively shallow and will eventually wear under heavy traffic.
Water-based concrete staining is a process in which a chemical reaction takes place between the stain, the lime and other minerals inside the concrete. Depending on the application method, you can achieve a wide variety of results. However, each concrete surface has its own “personality”, so it is difficult to specifically predict the final colors’ intensity and other character traits associated with the process. Multiple colors can be skillfully used together to create a dynamic that’s visually stunning!
Spray texture is a polymer modified cement-based coating that is bonded to new and old concrete with a variety of colors. It is a unique concrete resurfacing technique that adds texture and color to an existing concrete structure that adds only a quarter of an inch to the existing surface. The product is mildew, mold and stain-resistant, making it easy to maintain. It is a slip-resistant surface and provides up to 25% cooler surface temperature than normal concrete.
Slip Resistant Concrete Topping
Any concrete surface can be slippery when it is wet, especially epoxy paint covered, color-hardened or sealed concrete. For commercial environments, this not only creates safety hazards, it can put your business at risk of slip and fall injury lawsuits. Understanding the need for slip-resistant surface when the situation demands is important to protecting your business, employees and other people.
Not all concrete flatwork is created equal. This is true of both its structural integrity and decorative function. Premium quality concrete requires precisely mixing aggregates and rapid delivery to ensure proper curing and delicate application techniques to achieve a durable finish. Smoother concrete can be slippery when wet. Brush-textured concrete is better for exterior flatwork.