Gray vs. Decorative Concrete

From Dean on March 23rd, 2007 in Concrete

While plain gray concrete is still the most often concrete walkway installed, there are numerous decorative alternatives to dress it up, taking your walkway from boring to amazing. The best part is that most of the options will work just as well on an existing walkway, because the concrete industry has rapidly developed many decorative products that can be applied to existing plain concrete walkways.

Advantages and Cost Saving Tips to Using Gray or Decorative Concrete

Gray

Gray paving is inexpensive, traditional, and requires little maintenance.

Decorative paving

Decorative paving can add a new dimension to your home—regardless of the age of your property, it can benefit from an imaginative makeover. Whether you are looking to transform a well-worn driveway, bring color to a swimming pool, or surround or brighten up your patio, decorative paving can provide the perfect answer. Some contractors offer upwards of 250 hues and shades.

Many homeowners tend to gravitate toward the more natural browns, tans, charcoals, and terra cotta reds, but colored concrete can be used in combination, abutting each other, or stamped with a variety of textures to simulate brick, flagstone, pavers, or tile. The same colored concrete can also be made to look different, just by using different finishing techniques: For example, a broom finish creates one look. Brooming the concrete in opposite directions creates shadow effects. Swirl or fan patterns create a different type of look. For even more dramatic effect, the colored concrete can be lightly sandblasted or heavily sandblasted, or a retarder can be used and then the aggregate exposed. The availability of custom colors and penetrating stains can create natural-looking and attractive concrete patios.

[tags]concrete, decorative concrete, concrete cost[/tags]

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4 Responses to “Gray vs. Decorative Concrete”

Ed Winslow Says:

March 16th, 2008 at 11:00 am

3 years ago the decorative concrete industry was in an elementary phase. It’s really only been in the past year that it has been taking shape. Big companies are entering the market. The competition is creating excellent products.
There are DIY systems that are on the market. Concrete overlays for resurfacing concrete are being applied by DIY’s and contractors everywhere on basement floors, garages, walkways pool decks. For under $2.00 a square foot. No reason for plain gray concrete anymore

Renee Says:

May 6th, 2008 at 12:04 pm

Plain gray can make way for pigments as well as the overlays and resurfacing you mention. Homeowners can get creative while taking advantage of concrete’s durability and practicality.

Matthew Evans Says:

March 9th, 2010 at 3:32 pm

Concrete has come a long way since I was first introduced to coating concrete back in 1997. Stains, sealers, cements, waterproofing agents has really taken leaps and bounds in improving their sustainability. 12 years ago it was how long until it cracks, and peels off, now the questions we get are how long until we have to reseal it. That says alot. Owners have gained confidence in these applications, and know that it will last. Education is the key. Giving the owners the knowledge, and managing their expectations so they know what to look for so they can keep their investment looking good for many year into the future. Las Vegas is covered with concrete coatings. Floor Coating Creations, LLC has spent years applying coatings to casinos, businesses, Fremont Street, and residences. We pride ourselves on offers our clientele high quality coatings while staying with budget.

Brian Says:

January 11th, 2011 at 12:49 pm

The nice thing about gray is that, it is a good base for the decorative overlay. This being said, why have gray, when you can make your walk or driveway the nicest in your neighborhood. The best part, it is affordable to most every DIY person.