Concrete has come a long way from a standard gray slab. It can be molded to any shape, size or finish by skilled concrete professionals. If you’re looking to add visual interest and texture to newly poured concrete surfaces at your home or business, here are some ideas for how to finish concrete.
Troweled finish
The troweled finish is the most basic of concrete finishes. When the fresh concrete has been poured into a formwork and leveled, concrete technicians use a trowel to smooth the surface and ensure it’s level. Rely on skilled concrete professionals to apply this type of surface, since even minor imperfections can be noticeable.
Broom finish
To create a broom finish, concrete installers will drag a broom over the surface while the concrete is still fresh. You’ll notice small, parallel ridges in the concrete, but the texture is more than just a decorative feature, since it also provides extra traction and slip resistance.
Salt finish
If you’re looking for a decorative yet subtle texture for concrete surfaces, a salt finish is one of the best concrete finishes that also adds skid resistance. You’ll usually see this finish in swimming pools, bathrooms or other areas where water can accumulate. To create this interesting finish, your concrete installer adds coarse rock crystals to the surface of fresh concrete, working them in with a roller.
Stamped finish
Stamped concrete is one of the most popular finishes due to the number of interesting textures that can be made. You can imitate the look of bricks, flagstone, wood and many other textures to add plenty of visual interest to driveways, patios or any other concrete surfaces. Stamped finishes are installed after concrete has been poured and leveled. In most cases, a tint or stain is applied during the process to enhance the look even more.
Exposed aggregate finish
Installing exposed aggregate can be a complicated process, but the results are beautiful, especially in commercial settings. The concrete should be leveled, and aggregate distributed evenly. As the concrete cures, a diamond polisher tool polishes the top portion of the surface, removing a concrete layer that’s just a few millimeters deep. This step gets the surface completely level, then a final protection layer is applied for a shiny finish.
Polished finish
Polishing concrete is a multi-step process, but the results can be stunning in the right setting. It’s achieved by grinding down the concrete and using either a wet or dry method to create a non-slippery surface with incredible shine and high durability. Polished concrete is ideal in a variety of environments, from homes to industrial settings, providing a surface that can easily be cleaned by water or neutral cleaners.
There are many concrete finishes to choose from, and each has its advantages in terms of appearance and skid resistance. Whether you’re installing a new driveway, patio or any other concrete feature at a home or business, investing in a finish adds beauty to any concrete surface. Contact Bri-Mic Construction, Inc. to learn more about concrete finishes and how to select the right one for your applications.