How to Achieve Different Styles of Decorative Concrete by Hiring Residential Concrete Contractors

We give our bathrooms, kitchens and even our entire homes a makeover, but when it comes to concrete, we tend to overlook it and then we complain that our real estate lacks appeal. The same applies to business establishments as well where first impressions matter. It is here that decorative concrete comes to the rescue. Decorative concrete in such cases not only helps in enhancing the appeal of your real estate’s surroundings, but also helps a great deal in increasing its value.

A number of residential concrete contractors as well as homeowners are considering options other than regular aggregate or concrete.

Decorative concrete makes use of regular concrete but adds a bit of charm which concrete cannot otherwise provide.

Depending on the tastes and preferences of the client, a flooring specialist will take the required steps before or after the concrete has been cured. Decorative residential concrete contractors can incorporate a number of styles in your project.

So, what is decorative concrete?

It is a term, generally used for concrete which is embossed, patterned, and/or textured. A few of the decorative styles and their explanations are as follows –

• • Acid Staining
    In this process, an acid is applied to the concrete after it hardens, and then, etching is done on it, carefully, which adds colors as well. Such an application provides a marble-like effect on the existing slab.

• • Epoxy Flooring
    Epoxy is a kind of adhesive which is used in areas where there is high traffic. It provides the concrete additional strength and gives an elegant and smooth finish. It is used in residential areas but commercial and industrial uses are its primary areas of application.

• • Reflector Enhancer
    This is one of the recent developments in decorative concrete in which, the shavings of metal and other additives which are of a reflective nature are mixed with an epoxy. The end result is a 3D look which never fails to amaze any visitor.

• • Stamped Concrete
    When the concrete is being cured or poured, it can be stamped to provide different effects to the concrete. Some of the possible effects are blocks, bricks, cobblestone, and shale.

• • Dyes
    When concrete is poured, it can be mixed with a wide variety of colors. Some of the commonly used colors include red, blue and brown. However, any color can be used to match the surrounding décor.

• Concrete Overlays
  In this, the existing concrete slab is cracked, damaged or pitted. A fine layer of cement is mixed with acrylics and is spread across the slab. The range of thickness of the overlays can be from 1/8″ to 4″ or even more, depending on the requirements of the project.