What is decorative concrete?
Decorative concrete is regular concrete that is poured to the standard 4 inch depth (or other specified depth), and while still wet, has certain pigments and a chemical hardener worked into its surface, after which special stamping tools are used to impress into the still wet surface texture and patterns to give concrete the real block or slate look. Once cleaned and dried, the decorative concrete is then sealed.
The pigment that is worked into the surface of the concrete is a metal oxide pigment, the same as is used in making bricks which do not noticeably fade for many years. All pigments are obtained from reputable national manufacturers who have been leaders in the pigment industry, and whose standards for a uniform product and consistent quality are unquestioned.
The system for making decorative concrete is more than 20 years old, with the chemistry having been proven in installations throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe, in both hot and cold climates. The decorative concrete system now uses exclusively platform tools which control the depth of the joints and allows multiple color systems to be used.
Decorative concrete is used in all places you would use normal concrete, but want a more decorative surface. Decorative concrete installers have made installations of all types for both residential and commercial pool decks, patios, walkways, and driveways. Commercially, uses include entryways into hotels and other commercial buildings, front walkways on strip shopping centers, and the initial portion of roads at the entrances of housing developments.
Decorative concrete is just like regular concrete and should last for many, many years. If there is extensive wear on the concrete, you may want to give it the "just like new look" by having it resealed.
Because decorative concrete is sealed, the salts used for snow and ice removal are not allowed to penetrate the concrete to cause harm. In heavily salted areas with heavy foot traffic, resealing the concrete every two or more years is suggested.
The advantages of decorative concrete over brick or pavers are many, including the following:
a. No weeds. There are no cracks between the "bricks" in decorative concrete for dirt to settle into and weeds to grow, eliminating any need to spray weed killer, pull weds or "mow your patio"
b. Level surface. Through the effects of freeze/thaw cycle, heavy rains, and every day traffic, bricks and brick pavers many times settle, pop up, or separate, posing liability risks from people tripping. Additionally, there is the need for periodic maintenance of tearing the bricks up and leveling the base on which they are placed. On roadways, another frequently occurring problem is a general up and down, without redoing the entire job.
c. Cost. Decorative concrete cost up to 30 percent less than a standard installation of brick or pavers.
The concrete can be washed the same as any other floor surface, water and mild soap are all that is generally required. To maintain the luster in areas such as sunrooms and patios, a polish containing some wax can be used.
