Expos Concrete Contracting LLC - Finish Types

Concrete is a very versatile patio and landscape construction material. It can be broomed, washed, seeded with decorative stones, stained, stamped, colored, and polished. It also can be much more economical than using stone or other paving materials. The most often asked question is what finish is right for the particular patio, walkway or driveway to be installed. The cost of installing concrete will vary depending on the pour size, type of finish, and preparation required for the area to be installed.

Broom finish: Simply, a broom is pulled across the concrete to provide texture (Typically outdoor concrete should not be installed with a smooth texture as slipping can be a hazard when a smooth surface wet). The broom finishing results in fine lines in the finish of the concrete that can reduce slipping and falling.

Exposed Aggregate Finish: An exposed finish simply is a washing away of the top layer of concrete, exposing the natural aggregate stones contain in the concrete. It was the common finish of older city sidewalks.

Colored Concrete: Concrete can be colored in two ways, by the addition integral mix that is combined in the concrete as it is mixed at the plant, or by sprinkling on a top coat of colored powder that adds a colored finish to the surface layer of concrete only.Click Here to see the exciting colors availible.

Stained Concrete: This can be performed on either new or existing concrete. Once the concrete is installed, it is finished with a broom finish and once it has cured, is sprayed with a specialized concrete stain. Stains can be done in multiple colors to induce marbling or other effects. Staining using these techniques is most commonly seen on interior floors of restaurants.

Seeded Aggregate Finish: Small decorative stones are impregnated into the top layer of the concrete, and during the finishing process are exposed to reveal a beautiful pebble texture added to the concrete finish. This is a similar technique to exposed aggregate concrete, but instead of exposing the natural concrete aggregate, decorative aggregate is purposely added when the concrete is poured.

Stamped Concrete: Concrete is normally installed and then carefully stamped with large cookie-cutter-like patterns. A variety of color applications or finishing techiniques may be used.

Scoring Patterns: Scoring patterns can be used decoratively and also help to control cracking as the concrete ages. They are usually tooled into the wet concrete, but can also be saw cut for a tighter, more tile like look.

Below is a gallery of some examples of different finishes. Click a photo to enlarge or view an automated slide show.