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11 Different Types of Concrete Finishes

11 Different Types of Concrete Finishes

11 Different Types of Concrete Finishes

Polished concrete is a strong design statement in the built environment. Installed by pouring concrete with a suitable aggregate of your choice, and then ground down to a smooth finish, the completed surface will show the stones and binder in stark relief, in an eye catching manner. As the product is laid, each batch of aggregate will be different, and the way the stones fall is random, so there will be no two surfaces alike, and you can be certain of the uniqueness of what you have. As a finish , you can include underfloor heating so that you can make the most of the visual effect of the concrete in its final form. However, concrete can be overestimated, and as with all things, it is important to know the limitations of the material as well: - It must be sealed. Concrete is porous, and sealing it is essential to limit marks and stains. - Sealing is not permanent and must be repeated periodically. - Some sealants can be affected by chemicals, and some household cleaners can strip the sealant and attack the concrete very quickly. - Concrete is not the hardest material. The stone in the aggregate is usually fairly hard, but the binder is softer. It will scratch over time. Stunning when applied, the polished concrete will develop with the use of the building, grow character and show the story of its life over time. Want to know more? Get in touch.

Concrete Pavements: Imprinted Concrete as Alternatives to Paving or Interlocking Blocks Concrete pavements serve many functions in buildings. They can be used as walkways, patios, or driveways. A concrete pavement with plain surface is dull and unattractive. However, there are techniques to render it aesthetically appealing. One of such techniques is by stamping. Stamped -- or pattern imprinted concrete (PIC) -- are popular because of the style and elegance they bestow on landscapes. There are various methods of producing patterned concrete pavements. You could imprint patterns on concrete with broad rubber mats called stamps. This is the most common method, and it requires a high level of skill to deliver quality work, making stamped concrete quite expensive. Stamps come in different textures to imitate the appearance of tiles, stone, bricks, flagstone, or other materials. Another method of producing textured concrete is to stamp the fresh concrete with inexpensive, open-ended moulds made of steel or plastic. The process leaves a pavement that has patterns similar to that made by paving or interlocking blocks, and it is gaining increasing acceptance. The moulds can be fabricated to imitate a variety of patterns. Aesthetics can be enhanced with colours. By adding pigments to the concrete mix, it's possible to produce pavements with various colours. A pavement constructed with such moulds has several advantages: 1. It is better in appearance than a plain surface. 2. It is cheaper than using paving or interlocking blocks. 3. It is cheaper than the traditional stamped concrete obtained with plastic mats. 4. It requires less skill than stamped concrete. 5. The steel moulds can be fabricated.

Learn more about the costs to consider when looking to include a concrete flooring in your next shed. In our latest article, we provide insights into the two most common types of concrete floor in New Zealand, the most common thicknesses and how much they cost per square m2. Find out more details here » https://hubs.li/Q02yclDR0

IS CONCRETE POLISHING IS EXPENSIVE? Concrete polishing is a process of refining the surface of concrete to achieve a smooth, glossy finish. It involves using specialized equipment and techniques to grind, polish, and seal the concrete surface, resulting in a durable and attractive flooring option. COST OF CONCRETE POLISHING The cost of concrete polishing can vary depending on various factors such as the size of the area, the condition of the concrete, the level of polishing desired, and the location. Generally, concrete polishing tends to be more expensive than basic concrete sealing or staining due to the labor-intensive nature of the process and the specialized equipment required. Here are some key factors that can influence the overall cost: 1.     Size of the Area: The total square footage of the area to be polished is a significant factor in determining the cost. Larger areas will generally incur higher costs due to the increased labor and material requirements. 2.     Condition of the Concrete: The condition of the concrete surface plays a role in determining the amount of preparation work required before polishing can begin. If the concrete is in poor condition or has existing coatings or sealants that need to be removed, additional preparation work will be necessary, which can increase the overall cost. 3.     Level of Polishing Desired: The level of polishing desired, ranging from a low-gloss matte finish to a high-gloss mirror-like finish, will impact the cost. Achieving a higher level of polish typically requires more time, labor, and specialized equipment, thus increasing the overall cost. 4.     Aggregate Exposure: If you desire to expose aggregate in the concrete surface, this may require additional grinding and polishing steps, affecting the overall cost. 5.     Access to the Area: Accessibility to the area to be polished can affect the cost. If the area is difficult to access or requires specialized equipment to reach, it may increase labor costs. 6.     Location: The geographical location can influence the cost due to differences in labor rates, material costs, and local market conditions. 7.     Additional Services: Additional services such as decorative scoring, staining, or engraving will add to the overall cost of the project. 8.     Type of Sealer Used: The type of sealer or protective coating applied after polishing can impact the cost. Some sealers may be more expensive than others, and certain types may require multiple coats for adequate protection. It is essential to consult with a professional concrete polishing contractor to assess your specific project requirements and receive an accurate cost estimate based on these factors.

Give a concrete surface outside your home an update with one of these paver ideas. #exterior #hometips

This article is a good resource for adding pavers over a concrete surface. #hometips #exteriors

This article is a good resource for adding pavers over a concrete surface. #hometips #exteriors