When you are building a home or business you will see concrete finishes throughout the project. Driveways, walkways, pool decks and patios are just a few examples of them. These finishes can be applied to concrete and brick or stone surfaces to bring out the beauty and durability of the material.

Concrete finishes are one of the most durable options available when it comes to repairing and refinishing concrete. A concrete finisher is an experienced tradesperson that works primarily with concrete around the house, building and engineering projects where concrete is used. Concrete finishers will typically be hired to complete the concrete finishes around the house, building and engineering projects where concrete is used. There are many to choose from including stamped concrete finishes, exposed aggregate finishes, porcelain finishes, stucco finishes and concrete overlay finishes.

Common Finishes

Stamped concrete finish option is very attractive and can add incredible value to your home, but can be labour intensive. Power trowels are used in this finish to move the black stamp across the concrete surface. The trowel and concrete mix will need to be dampened before it is applied so that the design will remain intact and not fade.

Stucco is one of the most common and popular concrete finishes because of its durability, appearance and affordability. These concrete floor finishes can add great value to your home, but require regular maintenance. They will need water to stay moist, scrubbed with a special power scrub brush and refinished with concrete floor finishes which are designed to prevent staining and to add additional durability to the concrete floor.

Concrete overlays are made by applying a thin, resin-based coating over an exterior concrete slab. This coating is usually applied to make the concrete stronger, able to withstand extreme temperatures and is protected by a vapour barrier. Many of these finishes are made using pigmented aluminium oxide, which makes the finished product very bright, glossy and durable. Some concrete overlays contain natural stone-like stones that can be stamped or painted. If you prefer a more natural look, you may want to consider natural stone or coloured aggregate concrete finishes.

An alternative to stamped concrete finishes is to use concrete overlay tiles which are made similarly but using natural stone or coloured aggregate. These are also good for pool builders as they do not need any additional finishing. They are lightweight, so they are easy to transport and install. In some instances, the pool owners have chosen to have these pools stained with a special epoxy resin that is applied over the coloured aggregate and helps protect the pool from stains.

Final Words

In the final analysis, concrete is used to finish a wet concrete surface whether it is at home or on a building site. The three basic concrete finishes include concrete paver, wet concrete surface and concrete slurry. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages depending on your desired outcome and budget. When choosing a concrete finish, it is advisable to consult with a professional concrete builder who will be able to provide advice on your preferred concrete finishes and contractors that are experienced with this service. Once you have decided to have a concrete surface, you should ensure that it is properly protected by a professional concrete sealer who will ensure that the colour and texture of the concrete do not fade.

For home use, the most popular option is the concrete floor broom finish. This is achieved by spraying a fine mist of water along the concrete surface keeping it covered with a protective sheet. This water-based concrete floor cleaning system can be used for concrete floors, splash blocks and porches as well. A concrete floor scrubber is a good option for cleaning larger areas and is great for patios and swimming pools. This equipment uses high-powered water jets which scrub the concrete floor at very high speeds and can remove any dirt, dust or debris in the concrete surface. This concrete floor cleaning option is an effective way to clean large areas as well as home offices and commercial buildings.