Concrete has been a widely used construction material for centuries. However, the decorative concrete we are familiar with now got its start during the 1950s in the US.
Over the years, the product has become more sophisticated and is widely used for home and commercial purposes with marvellous results. It has many advantages over other commonly used materials and works well indoors and out.
Decorative Concrete: Advantages vs Disadvantages
Advantages include, decorative concrete can be used indoors or outside with exceptional results. Using decorative concrete is easy to maintain and simple to clean. Decorative concrete’s can be used for multiple spaces such as driveways or alfrescos. Your home’s resale value can be increased by using decorative concrete.
What is Decorative Concrete?
The term decorative concrete denotes that concrete is an effective building material and can enhance the appearance of structures. Ordinary grey concrete is often transformed into stunning, one-of-a-kind surfaces with the incorporation of colours and textures.
There are numerous types of decorative concrete, which makes your choices nearly unlimited. Some of the most popular varieties of decorative concrete include,
- Engraved Concrete- A massive number of new looks can be created when you choose engraved concrete. Various patterns and shapes are cut into the concrete to make your desired look.
- Stamped Concrete- The stamping process allows you to get high-end results that look like natural materials such as stone, wood, or brick.
- Polished Concrete- By using special chemicals to fill the concrete pores, an elegant, smooth look is achieved. This option is prevalent in commercial settings.
- Stained Concrete- Various staining agents can be applied to concrete to create unique colours and patterns.
- Honed Concrete- This type of decorative concrete is a favourite for homes or commercial properties. Numerous stones mix with concrete, and then they are poured, polished, and ground to create a smooth surface.
- Exposed Aggregate Concrete: A versatile and beautiful type of concrete, exposed aggregate concrete gets its unique look by combining various pebbles, stones, or glass aggregates into the concrete mix. In some applications, the surface is ground down, and the exposed concrete reveals a different layer of beauty.
Advantages of Decorative Concrete
1. Durable: Surfaces made from decorative concrete will stand the test of time. It is resistant to scratching, scuffing or chipping and will not collapse under weight from heavy objects.
2. Eco-Friendly: It helps keep older materials out of landfills because you can continue to use your subfloors.
3. Versatile: Not only can decorative concrete be used in business and home settings, but it can be installed in a number of locations within your home. Driveways, alfresco areas, pool surrounds, garages, kitchens, foyers, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and many more places in your home are ideal.
4. Low Maintenance:The majority of the upkeep associated with decorative concrete includes,
- Mopping the concrete floor regularly
- Wax indoor surfaces annually.
- Seal exterior surfaces every four to five years.
5. Enhance Curb Appeal and Boost Home Value: Even if you are not thinking of slling your home now or in the near future, preparing for what lies ahead is always a good idea. Decorative concrete will help your home stand out from the crowd.
6. Improves Safety: Children, pets, and everyone else will be safe from slips on wet floors or pool surrounds when your decorative concrete has texture added.
7. Cost Effective: Compared with other popular building materials, decorative concrete can lower the cost of installation. Additionally, the decorative concrete is cleaner and easier to install.
Disadvantages of Decorative Concrete
1. Decorative Concrete Requires Professional Installation: Unless you are someone with extensive experience installing decorative concrete, you will need to work with a professional installation team. This is not a do-it-yourself type of job.
2. Scratches are Possible- While it is not common, your decorative concrete surface can scratch even if you do not have especially heavy traffic.
3.Some Material Can be Prone to Damage- This is where quality becomes an essential factor in the installation of your new decorative concrete. Not all brands of products have the same level of quality.
4.Look Out for Unscrupulous Business People- You will also want to check the credentials of whomever you hire. Also, be sure to check out their star rating and take the time to read both the positive and negative reviews. This will help you choose the best company for the job.
CoastCrete Are Your Decorative Concrete Experts
At CoastCrete, our team of experts has more than a decade of experience creating one-of-a-kind lifestyles through creative concrete work. Our designers work with you to learn your preferences. The end result is a surface marked by exceptional beauty and durability.
If you think decorative concrete could be a welcome addition to your home or office, do not hesitate to contact CoastCrete. We have the training and skills to create extraordinary concrete features that will make you the envy of your neighbourhood.
