concrete finishing options

​Concrete is one of the most significant breakthroughs in the construction industry, and it is being celebrated all around the world for its aesthetic beauty, durability, toughness and value-for-money. However, it doesn’t get the credit it deserves when it comes to the amount of finishing options it can provide you.

It’s a malleable material, and you can add your own touch to the concrete to get the exceptional finish you’ve always wanted. Here is a guide to concrete finishing and these will include the following:

• Edging

This technique is used to both strengthen and beautify the concrete. An edging tool is required to give the concrete the neat, bevelled edges.

• Smooth surface

This is considered a basic concrete finish, but it is difficult to achieve. In fact, you need to be a master on the trowel and screed to accomplish a smooth finish to concrete.

• Broom finish

With this finishing option, you will get a non-slip surface, and this is common a finish in public spaces. To achieve this finish, you will need to run a broom over the top of web concrete to create little lines and ripples.

• Exposed aggregate

One of the most popular finishing options used to give a beautiful and textured visual element. Exposed aggregate is commonly used in pool surrounds, driveways, footpaths and patios.

• Salt finish

You’ll often see this finish on the surface and floors around swimming pools, and it is very easy to achieve. Basically, you’ll only need to sprinkle rock salt on the surface of the concrete and wash it away to leave little holes in the surface which is similar to the rocks along the coast.

• Stencilled

Stencilling is another neat technique to create a multitude of looks without having to pay for extra materials. This finish is usually achieved by using a stamp, stencil, and a roller which is rolled out across to the surface of wet concrete. You can even mimic a brick wall or surface using this method and it’s also much durable than tiles or bricks.

• Stamped

Another popular finishing option that can mimic natural building materials like tile, bluestone, brick, and slate. This is usually done using a stamping panel that is fitted with a design and the concrete is then stamped with the pattern while it’s still wet.

• Coloured concrete

There are several ways to add colour to concrete, but the two most popular ones are through pigmentation or adding pigments to a concrete mix and painted concrete, but this method is only applicable for earthy colours like green, grey, brown and red.

• Polished concrete

If you’re undecided on what indoor flooring option you’re going to choose, then you might want to go with polished concrete since it provides excellent value and it is easy to maintain. Most importantly, it is naturally non-slip, so it would definitely benefit you and your family.