Decorative concrete is a versatile material that can be used in a wide range of applications. It can be dyed, patterned and textured to look like anything you want it to, including stone, slate, brick and wood.
Decorative concrete is a great way to add beauty and functionality to any space. It’s a great option for patios, driveways, garage floors, outdoor kitchens, and more. Here are a few reasons why hiring local Concrete Company is the best option for your project.
Stamped Concrete
Stamped concrete is a great way to enhance your exterior patios, driveways and walkways. It’s a more affordable option than natural stone and requires less maintenance than pavers. When you hire Venture Concrete Charleston for your project, you can rest assured that your home or business will get the best of the best.
Concrete contractors use special stamps to imprint new concrete with a variety of patterns. These patterns can mimic slate, brick, flagstone and wood.
They can be a single color or multiple colors for an authentic look. They can also be mixed in with the concrete mix or applied during the stamped process.
Stamped concrete can be used in a wide range of projects, from simple walkways and patios to complex fountains and steps. Many homeowners draw inspiration from their surroundings or the architectural style of their home, and then select patterns and colors that fit their aesthetic.
Polished Concrete
A polished concrete floor can be used in a variety of commercial settings. These include restaurants, retail stores, offices, and lobbies. When hiring Concrete Contractor Charleston for your project, you can rest assured that they will get the job done right.
A polished floor can have a wide range of finishes from low sheen to high gloss. The level of sheen is determined by the grit of the polishing tool.
The first step is to mechanically grind the surface using a series of diamond abrasives. Then, the surface is densified with a chemical hardener.
After this, the surface is processed through a series of progressively finer grinding tools with grits varying from 30 to 100. The final finishing is performed by a 1500 or 3000 grit resin bond diamond.
Microtoppings
Microtoppings are cement-based overlay materials that can be used to refresh old and discolored surfaces. These specialized coatings are applied in very thin coats to create a new blank canvas that can be stained and/or colored to provide a decorative finish.
Typically, microtoppings are used to resurface concrete floors and walls. They are also a great way to add texture to other surfaces like ceramic tile, VCT and gypsum board.
To apply microtoppings, you mix the material and use a trowel or squeegee to spread it over the surface. The amount of microtopping you apply varies depending on the look and size of the project.
To get a smooth finish, you need to do two or more trowelings. You can do it with a standard hand trowel, but it may be faster and more efficient to use a rubber squeegee that’s 12 inches to 22 inches long.
Textured Concrete
Textured concrete is an affordable option that adds a distinct look to any space. It isn’t as hard to clean or maintain as other flooring materials and is a great choice for a variety of uses, such as patios, driveways, and indoor areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Texturing a concrete surface can be accomplished by removing the top cement layer to expose coarse decorative aggregates. These can include natural stones such as granite, basalts, and limestone; recycled colored glass or seashells; and other interesting particles.
Textured concrete can also be created with stencils or by dragging a trowel across the wet concrete surface at different angles and in different swipe patterns. This can create a broom finish, slate pattern, swirl pattern, or rock texture.