Did you know that even the ancient Romans used concrete in their construction? They valued it for its strength and for its ability to be molded into different forms. They formed concrete from volcanic ash and lime, which were a bit different from the materials used today, but the substance was very similar and used for similar purposes. Today, concrete contractors carry on the ancient Roman tradition, making everything from patios to counter tops from concrete. These creations last for years and require little maintenance. We think concrete is amazing, and we hope you'll share that opinion after reading the articles provided here.
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Decorative Concrete Options
Edwin Robertson
Concrete is a commonly used material for a number of different surfaces. However, individuals will often want to improve the appearance of the concrete in their structure. In these situations, decorative concrete can be a way of balancing aesthetics with the durability and strength of concrete. For individuals that are not familiar with decorative concrete, they may not know all of the options that are available.
Polished
Some individuals will want their concrete surfaces to have a slick and shiny look. In these situations, polished concrete can be an option that should be considered. As part of the process of polishing the concrete, it will be sanded to be as smooth as possible before a protective coating is applied. This coating will help to prevent the concrete from becoming scuffed while also adding a shine to it. Individuals will often assume that concrete that has been polished will be slick to walk over, but the coating that is applied will actually provide good traction as long as it is kept clean.
Acid Stained
Acid staining can be an option for those that are wanting their concrete to have a unique and rustic design. The lines and discolorations that are created by the acid staining process can give your concrete a unique appearance, and it can also help with adding diversity to the large concrete surfaces on your property. While some individuals may assume that the acid staining process will cause structural damage to the concrete, this is not the case as long as it is done by a professional decorative concrete contractor. These professionals will have the right acidic chemicals that can create these visual features without actually causing the concrete to become brittle.
Textured Designs
While many individuals may like the appearance of natural stone, their budgets may not allow for this expensive option in their project. Fortunately, concrete can actually be textured to resemble natural stone. This is done by heavily texturing the concrete and molding it so that it can resemble stone tiles or pavers. If you choose this option, you may need to be especially diligent when it comes to cleaning and sealing the concrete. The small spaces that can be created by this texturing can be difficult to clean and seal. While a pressure washer can make it easier to clean these surfaces, sealing them will always be somewhat difficult. For this reason, a professional concrete contractor may need to be hired to do this work. Otherwise, there will be a much higher risk of the concrete failing or suffering damage due to areas that were missed by this sealant.
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