Decorative concrete can transform your space in the simplest yet most stunning way. Its durable composition and sleek designs make it the perfect choice for surface applications.
If you are considering integrating decorative concrete mix on your property, this guide can help you decide if it is worth it.
What Is Decorative Concrete?
This specialty concrete goes beyond the traditional grey utilitarian image. It showcases the art of transforming ordinary concrete into stunning and unique surfaces.
It is made using different techniques, including stamping, staining, overlaying, and polishing. These methods enhance the appearance of concrete while retaining its durability and longevity.
What Are the Different Types of Decorative Concrete?
There are different kinds of exterior and interior decorative concrete. Each is categorised based on their appearance, application, or the techniques used to create them.
Polished Concrete
Polished concrete transforms the bare surface from rough to a smooth, reflective finish. It utilises a grinding process using coarse diamond abrasives to level the concrete.
It also helps remove the imperfections and expose the aggregate within. After grinding, finer grit abrasives smooth and refine the surface. It can gradually increase the level of polish.
The final stage uses finer diamond abrasives to achieve the desired level of shine. This can range from a subtle sheen to a high-gloss mirror-like finish.
Coloured Concrete
The concrete is intentionally pigmented by adding colourants to the mix to achieve a specific hue. These colourants can be inorganic pigments, like iron oxide or organic dyes.
After mixing, the results can range from subtle earth tones to vibrant shades. Coloured concrete offers a versatile and durable alternative to traditional grey concrete, seamlessly enhancing the aesthetic of your home.
Stamped Concrete
This type of concrete uses the stamping technique to remarkably mimic the appearance of brick, stone, and wood.
To imitate their looks, manufacturers use specialised moulds. These materials are stamped on freshly poured concrete to produce intricate patterns and textures.
This process allows for replicating detailed features. These qualities include brick sizes, mortar joints, stone variations, and wood grain.
Exposed aggregate is a unique technique showcasing the decorative stones’ beauty or
aggregates embedded within the concrete itself.
A chemical retarder is applied to the surface after the concrete is poured and partially cured. It slows down the hardening process, which enables the top layer of cement paste to be washed away.
It can reveal the underlying aggregate, which can consist of various materials, such as pebbles, crushed stone, glass, or even recycled materials.
How to Integrate Decorative Concrete to Your Home?
Like traditional concrete, its decorative and polished concrete also boasts style and versatility. You can install it in your home as:
Countertops
Since concrete is a robust material, it can withstand the demands of your busy culinary space. It is also resistant to heat, scratches, and stains, making it an ideal countertop material.
It also offers unparalleled customisation options. You can choose various colours, textures, and finishes to suit your desired aesthetics. You can even incorporate unique elements like glass or metal for added visual interest.
Walkways
You can rely on decorative concrete flooring to enhance the beauty and functionality of your indoor and outdoor walkways. It is durable and resistant to cracking, weathering, which makes it the perfect material for high foot traffic areas.
It can also be integrated to match your existing or preferred walkway styles, from simple and elegant to intricate and ornate. Their stunning designs can seamlessly blend with any architectural style.
Accent Walls
The unique design qualities, from colours to finishes, make specialty concrete an excellent wall material. It can create a dramatic focal point that adds depth and character to any room.
You can also customise your decorative concrete walls by selecting different kinds of concrete, from stamped to polished, that match your aesthetics.
Creating Stunning Concrete Surfaces with Depow Group
Turn your dull and ordinary areas into appealing and extraordinary space with decorative
surface materials from Depow Group. Our collection of high-quality and stunning concrete materials can breathe new life into your space.
For more enquiries about our decorative and premixed concrete products, please get in touch with us on 1300 47 82 83 today.