Decorative Concrete is an excellent choice for interior and exterior design, as it can replicate natural materials such as marble and granite for less. Its cost is less than half of the cost of raw materials such as marble or granite, and the cost is comparable. Decorative Concrete has numerous benefits, including reduced energy bills. Its thermal mass is variable depending on where you live, but it is worth exploring the possibilities. A variety of decorative concrete products are available.
When considering decorative Concrete for your home or business, it is important to choose an installer who is familiar with manufacturer specifications. Ask for references from satisfied clients, and don’t be afraid to ask for them. A reputable contractor should be more than happy to provide a portfolio of completed projects. You may even want to construct mock-ups of your desired look before hiring a decorative concrete company. Lastly, make sure your chosen finish product will withstand the elements.
Decorative Concrete is susceptible to damage from other trades. Compared to tile and other finished floor surfaces, concrete slabs are more likely to sustain damage. Plumbers and carpenters have been known to spill hot solder and cutting oil on their slabs. In addition, carpenters have been known to pile lumber on flat surfaces. Footprints may be visible if the floor is stained with acid-stains. Shoe soles contain oils that act as a resistant to the staining.
Polymer-modified overlays offer similar performance benefits, although manufacturers use different types of polymer resins. These materials are blended together to produce proprietary products. Acrylics provide excellent bond strength and UV resistance. The type of decorative concrete overlay you choose depends on the existing floor condition. The more durable, the longer the floor will last. Once the process is complete, it is time to install the overlays. If you have a budget, consider the following decorative concrete methods.
Decorative Concrete can be made to mimic other materials, including marble, slate, and wood. Its durability is another advantage of decorative Concrete. You can have an elaborate design without spending as much as you would if you installed marble or slate. Furthermore, a quality concrete craftsman will allow you to select any color you want to have on your Concrete. The lifespan of the concrete floor will be several decades. Decorative Concrete is a great alternative to carpeting.
The history of decorative Concrete can be traced to the ancient world. The word “concretus” means “to bind together.” The first use of Concrete dates back to at least 150 BC in ancient Rome. Decorative Concrete was subsequently favored by the Romans, and the Greeks used it for paving their roads and monuments. Then, in 1891, the first concrete street was poured in Ohio. The pre-cast builders used colored Concrete as an accent, drenching their castings in chemical stains.
The development of these techniques led to the invention of rubber imprinting tools. These tools were originally used by bomanite contractors, and would not have been possible without Stegmeir’s release powder.
Polished Concrete is another technique for decoratively coating Concrete. This process uses a chemical densifier to fill in the concrete pores and then a grinder shaves it down into the desired polish. Polished Concrete can be found in many buildings, but has only recently become considered the most durable replacement flooring. In fact, many buildings have decorative Concrete in their interiors, though it has not yet reached the popularity of natural stone. A variety of decorative concrete finishes are available, from matte to ultra-high gloss.