Tips by Real-Estate-Agents.com
Simulated Concrete Finishes
Concrete can be colored and stamped to simulate other materials such as natural stone (granite, slate, cobblestone, etc.) or brick at about half the cost of using the real thing. This is because to use masonry stone or brick, a concrete foundation or slab must be poured first, then the stone or brick must be installed, then mortared. With stamped concrete, only concrete is used, so there is less invested in materials and labor.
Although less expensive than using real masonry materials, stamped concrete is a specialty and therefore more expensive than regular or exposed aggregate concrete.
It is always advisable to have the contractor create a sample before starting a project to make sure both the consumer and the contractor understand the expectations.
Specialty Finishes for Concrete Patios and Other Flatwork
Concrete surfaces come in three basic finishes and many colors. The most common finish for interiors has a smooth finish created by running a flat trowel over the top. This can be quite smooth, almost like glass.
Smooth surfaces don't work well outside; a little water can turn a smooth concrete surface into a slip hazard. Contractors will texture exterior surfaces with a "brush-textured" finish, a rougher surface that wicks away water and provides traction.
Exposed aggregate finish is a rougher finish and less common. The gravel that makes up the concrete is exposed to the surface and is good for traction.
Colors: Concrete can come in a wide variety of colors created by adding dyes to the liquid mixture. A knockdown finish is accomplished by spraying a polymer based mix through a hopper gun over an existing concrete base and then knocked down with a trowel. It can be made to look like tile, flagstone, and many other looks.
Stamped concrete is diverse. From slate to stone, tile to brick , stamped concrete offers a big array of colors and designs that will satisfy the most critical eye. This concrete finish is solid, long lasting and you have many color combinations and textures to choose from.
Acid or chemical stain is a penetrating stain that chemically etches the color into the concrete for a permanent marble like finish. This decorative concrete finish may be applied over new concrete, old concrete or overlayment polymer.
Site Preparation (Excavation, Grading): Concrete is often one of the very base foundations of any structure. Proper site preparation is necessary to insure a good foundation.
Concrete Form Work: Concrete can either be flat or shaped into three-dimensional objects. If you need steps, curbs or other form work, please note this in your special requirements.
Rebar Installed: Steel rebar within the concrete makes the concrete structure stronger.
Old Concrete or Paving Surface Removed: Removing concrete or paving material is difficult work. Often it's best to leave this to your service professional, who will have proper equipment and training to handle the removal.
Stamped Concrete
Q: My deck and surrounding patios are stamped (Bomanite) concrete in a Spanish tile pattern. The driveway is in the fishtail pattern.
We are researching how to bring back the original terra cotta color and then seal it with a sealer that won't be slippery to walk on when it rains.
A: Thanks for your inquiry. According to the stamped concrete expert I contacted, it is possible to strip the old sealer off the stamped concrete and clean it with chemicals to restore the original color. Most experienced concrete contractors should be able to handle this for you, even if they don't have experience with stamping because it is really a finishing issue.
However, sealer is going to be slippery when wet. One way to alleviate this is to put some fine sand in a gunney sack and sprinkle it sparsely over freshly applied sealer. Then once that first coat of sealer is dry, apply another topcoat of sealer over the sand. Done correctly, the sand should be almost imperceptible.
To locate a reliable concrete contractor, visit Service Magic and join as a member (it's free). Fill out a service request to be matched you with the ideal service professional in your area.
Stamped Concrete Walls
There are three ways to create stamped concrete walls. The first would be to stamp the walls flat and tilt them up, bolting them into a poured concrete footing. The second would be mixing color hardener with an acrylic bonding agent and water to form a paste, which is then applied to the face of the wall, much like plaster. The third way is to apply the stamps (molds) to the inside of the formwork, pour colored concrete, vibrate and remove the formwork once the concrete is cured.