Q:“We recently purchased a home and removed the carpets to find concrete underneath; can we change the color and use this concrete as our actual floor?”

A:Yes you can! Famous architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, who was ahead of his time , used resilient concrete floors that have held up for years. Depending on the quality of the concrete, you can introduce various types of stains to the concrete to create a beautiful finish.

• Acid stains are the most popular but are limited to earth tones. These colors can be blended or used alone to create a mottled, patina effect.
• Water base stains have a pigmented color that can vary dramatically. They also can be used alone or combined to create a beautiful faux finish.

It is important that proper sealer be applied for the appropriate floor usage. You can also create patterns and designs by aesthetically saw-cutting the concrete to divide colors or simply add to the overall ambience.

“What if my concrete surface is not in perfect condition?”

When the concrete surface is in a condition of distress, there are different repairs that can be installed to give a new surface.

• Micro-toppings – the use of thin layer of concrete with polymers. It can be stained and/or integrally colored.
• Texture-crete – also a thin layer, but adding an extra textured finish to add a non-skid surface. Excellent for restaurant applications.  It can be stained, color washed and integrally colored.
• Engineered Cement – A 1/4'” material that is usually poured as a self-leveling material and has its own unique purposes. It can be expensive. It can be stained and/or integrally colored.
• Formulated Concrete Toppings – this is a special mix designed to be poured as thin as ¾” thick. It is imperative to use an epoxy bonder when using this system. It can be stained and/or integrally colored.
• Epoxy Systems – the floor will need to be patched with the proper material. The epoxy systems can be rolled on the surface to create a solid opaque appearance. Materials such as metal dust can be introduced to jazz up the look! Colors are mixed into the epoxy.

Remember, all toppings are dependant on the surface to which they are applied.  Take proper care in preparation of the substrate and always check for moisture content.

Q:We are considering an exposed aggregate concrete patio, what are my options and advantages?

A:

There are two ways to achieve an exposed aggregate surface, by having the aggregate added at the batch plant or by seeding the surface of the concrete with selected material. In the past we were able to bring or order special aggregates that the batch plants would mix into the concrete, most ready-mix companies now limit the aggregates to a small selection of local material. When seeding aggregate, the sizes, shapes, colors and types are limitless. Anything from stones such as granite, quartz, limestone, and river rock; colored sands; recycled glass or even seashell can be broadcast into the surface of the concrete. You name it, we’ll try it. Your concrete is our canvas.

Some of the advantages to consider are your finish will have a rugged non-skid surface great for pool decks, heavy traffic and vehicular areas. Exposed aggregate is extremely durable with little maintenance, other than an occasional cleaning and periodical sealing.

Some other factors to consider:

• Color of concrete.
• Depth of expose.
• Type of sealer.
• Texture of surface.
• Blending of different aggregates.

Remember, when making a decision on the surface desired always have a referee sample available so all parties involved with the project know exactly what to expect.