Consumer Information
If you are unfamiliar with the many uses of decorative concrete, & would like more information on how you can transform your home or business into a work of art, then you've found the right page! Below are explanations of some of the different types of decorative concrete, along with a few ideas about where each could be used. . We conduct regular training seminars to keep our contractors up to date with the latest techniques in the decorative concrete industry, so if you would like to discuss your particular application, or need a referral to a decorative concrete installer, give us a call Toll Free at (877) 616-0667, & we'd be happy to help.
Stamped Concrete
Stamped concrete is the process of creating patterns & textures into the surface of fresh concrete. Through the use of Integral Concrete Colors, Color Hardeners, Highlighting Colors, Colored Release Agents, & Patterned Concrete Stamps, an endless variety of colors & textures can be created. This process is completed right after the concrete is poured, so it is suitable for new construction or additions, or when existing concrete is damaged beyond repair.Typically, the concrete is colored while still in the concrete truck by using Integral Colors or immediately after placement by the use of Color Hardeners. The concrete is finished as normal, & Highlighting Colors may be added at this point to add subtle color variations to the surface. Once the concrete has reached the appropriate consistency for stamping, a powdered Color Release Agent is broadcast over the surface of the concrete. This release agent serves (2) purposes:
1. It provides a barrier between the concrete & the stamping tools, so concrete does not stick to the stamps.
2. Some of this release agent remains on the concrete after stamping to provide an accent color in the texture and grout lines.
Once the release agent is applied, the stamping process begins. Using large, textured stamps, the installer will place them on top of the fresh concrete, & press them into the surface of the concrete using body weight, a tamper, or both. The stamp used determines the final texture & pattern of your finished concrete, & there are stamps of various qualities on the market today, so make sure that your installer is using high quality stamps. Inferior quality stamps are typically much thinner, have much less detail, & have a tendency to flex during the stamping process, which can produce unsightly depressions, or "bird baths" in your finished product. High quality stamps are more rigid & have much more detail to produce a more authentic look, but they are expensive, so if your installer is not serious enough about his profession to invest in high quality tools, you may want to consider a different installer.
After the stamping process is complete, the concrete must be allowed to cure, so the installer will usually return the next day to remove excess release agent, using a scrub brush & degreaser. The release agent remaining on the surface is what will give your concrete the highlighting effect after sealing, & can be varied to suit your individual taste. Once the proper amount of release agent is removed, a sealer will be applied to protect the concrete. This sealer used can be either solvent based or water based, with finishes from satin to gloss. If desired a slip resistive additive can be added during the sealer process.
Horizontal Overlays
Horizontal Overlays are a cementitious material that is applied horizontally over an existing surface, without the need to pour new concrete. Typically applied at thicknesses from 1/8" - 3/8", depending upon the application. The coloring & texturing options are nearly the same as with stamped concrete, and they can eliminate the cost & mess associated with tearing out existing concrete. Horizontal Overlays are extremely durable, & in most cases, are harder than your existing concrete driveway or patio. Here are just a few examples of potential uses:- ♦ If existing concrete is in reasonably good condition, the overlay can be applied to the concrete, eliminating the expense of tearing out old concrete.
- ♦ Can be used both indoors & outdoors.
- ♦ Can be applied over existing flooring surfaces, such as wood, vinyl or tile, eliminating the expense of removing the existing floor covering.
- ♦ Due to their lighter weight, horizontal overlays can be used to cover existing wood decks.
- ♦ Can be applied over existing laminate countertop surfaces.
- ♦ Can be acid stained.
- ♦ Can be cut, carved, colored,
& textured to
give the look of tile, stone, brick, or just about
any
other design or pattern imaginable.
- ♦ Can be applied very thin, to "freshen up" old concrete & make it look like new concrete.
Vertical Overlays
Vertical Overlays are a cementitious material that is applied vertically, up to several inches thick, over an existing surface such as concrete, cement block, drywall, wood, or foam. Using special stamping & carving tools, that material can be made to look like incredibly realistic stone, tile, brick, or just about any pattern that you desire. Special coloring techniques are used to mimic the natural color variations found in natural stone, so only you will know that it's not the real thing. The material is much lighter than regular concrete, so no special reinforcing is needed, & certain versions of the vertical overlay material are waterproof, so they can be used for showers, water features, etc. Some typical applications for the vertical overlay material are:- ♦ Fireplace surrounds & Chimneys
- ♦ Foundations
- ♦ Home Exterior
- ♦ Showers
- ♦ Outdoor Kitchens
- ♦ Basement Walls
- ♦ Retaining Walls
- ♦ Porch Columns
- ♦ Water Features
Acid Staining
Acid Staining is a treatment done to concrete, horizontal overlays, or concrete countertops to produce a mottled, multi-hued color on the surface. The acid stain process is a chemical reaction between the acid stain & chemicals in the concrete, so once this stain is applied it cannot be removed like a paint or similar coating. Acid stains are applied to the surface of the concrete using brushes, rollers, sprayers, or other methods, depending on the desired look, & patterns or designs can be incorporated by using different stain colors. Acid staining is one of the most inexpensive decorative concrete treatments available, but it can create a beautiful & unique surface.While acid staining can create a beautiful surface, there are a few things to keep in mind before using acid stain on your project:
- ♦ Since acid stain is not a coating, like paint, any imperfections or stains in the existing concrete will most likely show through, and may possibly be intensified.
- ♦ On older concrete surfaces, acid stain may cause old spills or stains to become noticeable, even if they were not visible before the acid stain process.
- ♦ Concrete surfaces that have been acid washed in the past are typically not good candidates for acid staining due to the fact that the acid wash process removes some of the chemicals in the concrete that are needed for the acid stains to work properly.
Concrete Countertops
Concrete Countertops are quickly becoming one of the most popular countertop options around. The main reasons for this rapid rise in popularity are:- ♦ Extremely durable; can be used both indoors & outdoors.
- ♦ Virtually unlimited design & coloring options.
- ♦ Each piece is a unique, hand-crafted, work of art.
- ♦ Virtually unlimited customization & personalization options.
- ♦ Integral sinks can be added to match countertop.
- ♦ Floor Tiles
- ♦ Wall Tiles
- ♦ Fireplace Surrounds
- ♦ Conference Tables
- ♦ Stools
- ♦ Planters
- ♦ Restaurant Tables & Bars
