Decorative concrete is simply the application of concrete as both a functional material for building construction and as an artistic enhancement to an existing structure, most often as a decorative feature on the exterior of a building. Concrete can be stamped into many different textures and patterns and can even be stamped with designs that can include tiles, bricks, and pavers. Concrete is porous, which allows it to absorb natural liquids such as water and oil. These liquids can either seep into the cracks of a poorly built foundation or be left behind in trace amounts once the structure has been completed and sold or torn down. It is sealing concrete works to prevent these leaks, allowing water or liquid penetration only within a small area of solidified concrete. Stamped concrete is simply a type of decorative concrete that has been stained or marked with an attractive design.
While decorative concrete floors are popular in commercial applications, they can also be used for various purposes. Many homeowners like the decorative nature of stained concrete but do not want the maintenance and cleaning that come with it. Stained concrete floors at https://decorativeconcretesolutions.biz/ can be stained with acrylic paints and grouts in a wide variety of colors, creating a nearly limitless palette of color choices. These floors also do not require the regular upkeep and costs that stained concrete will require.
Colored concrete may also be created with the addition of polymer cement overlays. These concrete surfaces have been designed so that they will not crack, blister, or chip. Polymer cement overlays are made up of a coating of polyethylene plastic applied over a binder base. Polyethylene plastic is designed to be flexible but will resist tearing and stay durable even under high foot traffic.
Several types of decorative finishes can be added to concrete. Inlaid patterns, stamped concrete finishes, stamped concrete stains, and raised nail heads are various options. Stamped finishes include texturing, deburring, and engraving, giving the surfaces a decorative look. Textured finishes include various texture effects such as bevelled edges, grooves, and other irregularities. And raised nail heads combine the advantages of texture and design with an increase in durability.
Stamped concrete uses tiny stamped designs that are applied to the surface using a stamp. These designs are usually created with marble, granite, or other materials to achieve the depth and subtle imperfections that are characteristic of stamped concrete. The appearance of these stamps is quite natural and adds an elegant touch to any home improvements. This type of finish can also be painted, although this will make the flooring prone to staining and damage from harsh solvents. However, the low cost of this option may be worth the sacrifice of having a marked floor.
Stamped concrete can be used as a decorative work for the inside of homes. Concrete floors finishing techniques include stamped concrete surfacing and stamped concrete shearing. Surfaces can be stamped with detailed patterns to create a sophisticated, stamped concrete look, or the surface can simply be left plain for a more simplistic effect. Shearing, or removing small stones and larger ones, can be done to produce the irregular or smooth surface that many people desire for their concrete floors.
Another way to create a custom and beautiful concrete surface is through the application of a polymer. Polymers are applied to the exterior and interior portions of a concrete slab. When dry, these polymers harden to create a durable layer of protection from weather and other hazards. A concrete overlay, a thin waterproof coating applied to both the exterior and interior of a concrete slab, can protect the slab against rain damage but can also provide a striking contrast and visual interest to the finished work. These finishes are usually combined with concrete slab tiles that are made out of recycled materials and are designed to look like stone or ceramic.
There are several options for decorating your floors. A popular option is to use decorative concrete surfacing techniques on the outside of a home. These projects are relatively inexpensive and can be done on a small scale. Large scale decorative concrete projects such as these are best left to professional contractors. However, even if you want to take on this project on your own, it’s important to do plenty of research so that you don’t end up wasting time and money.