Welcome to my concrete blog. My name is Helen, and I hate stumbling over old and broken concrete. It makes a home, business or even a whole neighborhood look old and unkempt. To make the world a more beautiful place, I have decided to create this blog. In it, I plan to post everything I have learned about concrete over the years. I plan to include everything from maintenance schedules to upkeep tips to simple repairs to financial risks of broken concrete. If you have a patch of concrete anywhere on your property, I hope you enjoy the information in this blog and learn something new from it.
A gorgeous patio will draw you outside to enjoy the space more frequently and relax in the garden. But lawn or dirt can be inconvenient, especially when it rains. To enhance the patio, you could install decorative concrete, three types of which are described below.
Coloured Concrete
When you think of concrete, you might picture a drab grey slab without much character. However, decorative concrete comes in an endless array of colours. Contractors use various methods to imbue shades into the cement, and each technique gives a different effect. For example, they can add pigments to the cement mix before it's poured, which gives the concrete an even tone. Alternatively, they can spread stains over hardened concrete. The stains chemically react with the concrete's ingredients to create multi-tone patterns that look natural and organic. Other processes are also available, and contractors can blend techniques and colours. Thus, you could spread warm terracotta red shades across your patio or coat it in golden and sandy hues. With so many colour effects on offer, it's easy to harmonise the terrace with the surrounding environment.
Stamped Concrete
Another way to add visual interest to your patio is to lay down stamped concrete. Contractors cover the cement with texture by pressing moulds and stamps into the concrete as it cures. Assorted stamps are available, some mimicking elements like granite or sandstone pavers or timber planks. Thus, you can stylise your patio paving to replicate more expensive and high-maintenance materials. Because concrete forms a continuous surface, you won't have to worry about weeds growing between separate pavers. Plus, you have more control over the texture and colour than you do with stone or wood substances.
Exposed Aggregate
Exposed aggregate creates lovely flooring that's full of colourful pebbles, crushed stones and other elements like coloured glass or seashells. These aggregates are added to the cement before it's poured. You can impact the exposed aggregate's look by picking stones in specific shades of yellow, red, brown or grey, for example. Plus, contractors can add pigments to the cement that shows in between the aggregates.
Exposed aggregate gives a sunny feel to a garden, and it's ideal for patios and pool decks because of its texture that provides extra grip. If you intend to walk across the concrete with bare feet, think about how comfortable it will be when picking the aggregates. You could incorporate rounded river pebbles rather than angular crushed stones that are pulverised by a machine.
Share30 March 2021
