Textured concrete finishes range from simple to elaborate and affordable to expensive. Some are easy to create, while others require special skills. Certain concrete textures serve functional purposes, while others are highly decorative. Read on to decide which option is best for you.
1. Stamped concrete
Stamped concrete, commonly referred to as textured or imprinted concrete, is a type of concrete finish designed to resemble brick, natural stone such as slate or flagstone, tile and even wood. Colour hardener is a popular way of colouring concrete that accentuates the stamped pattern.
2. Stenciled concrete
Stenciling concrete can be a great alternative to decorative stamping while permitting similar design flexibility. Stencils are typically used in conjunction with staining concrete or resurfacing. Concrete engraving can also be used to create similar effects.
3. Exposed aggregate
An exposed aggregate surface is obtained by placing concrete and then removing the top layer of cement paste to uncover coarse decorative aggregate. The most popular decorative aggregates are richly colored natural stones such as basalts, granite, quartz, or limestone. But you can also use materials such as recycled colored glass or seashells and other interesting objects seeded into the surface of the concrete.
4. Float and trowel finishes
Patterns can be made on the concrete, such as swirls, or different size arcs. The texture created can be coarse, medium, or smooth depending on the tool used to impart the pattern. Wood floats create coarser textures. Aluminum floats or steel trowels create medium or smooth finishes.
5. Broom finish
Broom finished concrete can be light or coarse depending on the bristles of the broom you choose. This is not a fancy finish but provides a non-slip surface which is important for safety around swimming pools and on footpaths.
6. Rock salt finish
Water softener salt crystals 1/8″ to 3/8″ in size are broadcast onto the fresh concrete. A roller is then used to press the salt crystals into the concrete. The surface is later washed, dissolving the salt and leaving small holes.
7. Coloured finish
Concrete can be coloured in a variety of ways, but integral colour and colour hardener are two popular options, especially outdoors. Integral color is added to the concrete mix before pouring, while colour hardener is broadcast onto freshly placed concrete and finished into the surface. Both of these coloured finishes can be used alone or combined with various texturing methods such as stamping, exposed aggregate, brooming and more.
8. Polished concrete
Polished concrete is the ultimate modern flooring material, where the surface of the concrete is ground to a high-gloss finish. Homeowners, retailers, big-box stores, educational and medical facilities are choosing polished concrete for their floor finish because of the competitive advantage it offers over other types of floor coverings.
9. Stained concrete
Staining is the most popular method for enhancing both commercial and residential concrete floors. Stained concrete is a good finish for both new or existing floors and works equally well with concrete overlays. Colors can mimic marble, leather, natural stone or even wood.
10. Epoxy coatings
Epoxy concrete floor coatings are a great option if you are looking for tough and attractive flooring. They are popular in auto shops, restaurants, salons, retail stores and more. Customise your coating with metallic pigments, decorative chips, or mosaic-like terrazzo.
Discover More Concrete Styles and Finishes
Intrigued by the variety of concrete finishes? Want to see more of what we can do for your space? Our team at Colossal Concreting is ready to help you explore the perfect textured concrete for both indoors and out.
Get in touch today for a free quote!
