From Plain to Wow!: Colored Concrete & Stamped Patterns

When most people think of concrete, the image of cracked, gray slabs usually comes to mind. After all, concrete has been the go-to material for paving driveways and walkways for years. However, this generic appearance is not all concrete has to offer. On the contrary, modern techniques have revolutionized the appearance of concrete, making this versatile material not just practical but attractive as well.

Stained concrete can make any concrete look beautiful. For refined indoor spaces or inviting outdoor areas, stained concrete has a wide array of finishes that are attractive and affordable. To get started with a personal concrete transformation, consider the following tips.

Color
Concrete is naturally associated with the color gray. While this may be fine for a parking lot, it may not complement a home or the front of a business. Fortunately, there is no reason to settle for a boring shade when concrete can easily be dyed any color. Existing or new concrete can be stained, or new concrete can be purchased with the dye added to the mix, which reduces any complications in the coloring process. This means that when remodeling a house or business, carpet or wood can be torn up and the existing concrete can be stained. Either of these techniques make it easy to create colorful concrete.

Texture
Concrete does not have to have a flat appearance. Contractors can provide stamped patterns to create a multitude of finishes. The options are almost endless. Stamped concrete can look like wood, stone, or brick and can feature ornate designs. Texturing is completed by imprinting the concrete when it is wet with pre-made stamps. This can be done on freshly laid concrete or can be added on top of previously laid concrete as a decorative overlay. With stamps, concrete can be dramatically transformed to complement any style or space.

Sheen
Concrete can literally shine. It is easy for your concrete contractor to add any number of sealers to create a distinctive finishing sheen to the end product. This can let concrete retain a glossy appearance, which is a far cry from the drab finish most people expect. These additives can also create an extra layer of durability, further safeguarding the integrity of the concrete for years to come.

Maintenance
Concrete is extremely easy to maintain. When compared to other flooring materials, concrete lasts longer and requires less upkeep. Concrete has the benefit of being easy to clean. Spilling grape juice on carpet is a big deal, but spilling grape juice on concrete is not a problem – it will come right up. It is great for indoor surfaces because it does not get cold like tile or other smooth surfaces do.  In an outdoor setting, concrete does not have the seams that brick, pavers, and cobblestones have, so there is less maintenance related to weeds and other plant growth.

These concrete finishing tips are just the start. With these tips, any home or business can transform plain concrete into a spectacular paving material.

Razorback Concrete is one of the largest suppliers of ready-mix in Arkansas. There are now 18 Razorback Concrete plants in 16 locations and more than 100 mixer trucks serving the region, and the company has become a recognized leader in concrete technology.