All About Decorative Concrete (2017)

STAMPED CONCRETE

The biggest attraction of stamping concrete is the versatility. There are many textures, patterns, and colors that are readily available which makes design opportunites almost endless. You can also incorporate the use of stains and dyes to further customize the appearance of concrete.

Other benefits of concrete stamping include:

Competitive Cost: Usually cheaper than natural  stone, slate, and man made pavers.

Faster installation: Can be placed in less than half the time it takes to install pavers.

Aesthetic Appeal: With a wide array of patterns, colors, and textures, it can blend with any architecture or landscape.

Easy Maintenance: Much easier to maintain than pavers and wood decks.

The popularity of stamped concrete has flourished in the past 20 years or so, but you might be surprised to know that the technique has been around since the middle of the last century.

The first stamping tools were invented by a man named Brad Bowman, but were limited to basic tile and brick patterns.

Customers today can choose from a multitude of textures, patterns, and colors. And many stamping tools are molded from real materials to duplicate their textures down to the finest detail.

Because of the beauty, versatility, durability, and cost of stamped concrete, it’s popularity has surpassed any of the traditional paving materials.

The second kind of decorative concrete is called acid staining.

ACID STAINING

Acid based concrete stains aren’t new. They’ve been around for many years but were mainly used in commercial applications such as museum floors. In recent years, however, they have become increasingly popular for residential use.

Whether your concrete is old or new, acid based concrete stains can create a refreshing and unique look.

It can be used on interior or exterior surfaces including:

Driveways

Patios

Porches

Walkways

Landscape pavers

Retaining Walls

Garage floors

Basement floors

Acid stains are transparent concrete stains . The concrete’s surface textures and characteristics are still visible after staining which adds depth and a somewhat marbled look. But if your concrete has any scars, blemishes, or cracks they will also be apparent which is not necessarily a bad thing.

It adds character and uniqueness. Don’t feel that you need perfect concrete for beautifulstaining. Expect to have variations throughout because with acid stains, a completely uniform color is impossible.

Due to inconsistencies in the concrete surface and all the other variables that come into play, no two slabs will ever stain exactly like. This is the biggest benefit of acid staining. Every project is a one of a kind.

If there are cracks, don’t bother fixing them prior to staining. You’ll just make them look worse. Actually, cracks also add character. But if you are bothered by cracks, then we can fill them with an epoxy crack filler and apply an overlay before acid staining

Dirty Boys Concrete, LLC