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When our concrete arrives on site we modify the mixture depending on the humidity, temperature, soil
conditions and application type to minimize concrete cracking and potential displacement that may
occur with an improperly mixed batch of concrete. (these factors are never taken into consideration at the
concrete plant)
MOLDING THE CONCRETE:
Decorative concrete (Concrete Stamping) work is a relatively new concept but really goes back many
years. You may have seen a concrete sidewalk leading into a business or mall that looked like a rustic
stone path with one or more colors. This design is becoming very popular because it is so
complimentary of landscapes and homes. Many people are even having decorative concrete finishes
installed in rooms of their homes. Kitchens are among the most common requests.
Properly finished decorative concrete can look very elegant or rustic depending on what look is desired.
While decorative concrete is the most desired these days it is also the most difficult finish to perfect and
requires much more preparation, finishing, and skill.
When the contractor actually gets to the point where the concrete driveway, patio or walkway can be
stamped (process to apply the decorative appearance) time is crucial. There are very limited amounts of
time for the various applications and any mistakes can leave a finish that the homeowner is not satisfied
with. Stamping Concrete is an art and I only know one other stamped concrete artisan (besides my crew
and myself) in a 200 mile radius from Houston that have perfected this ancient art....
After the concrete is poured and finished the job is not complete. Clean up for this type of finish is more
difficult because of the various colors that are involved. After a day or so the contractor will have to return
to the job site to pressure wash the excess color/release for the perfect finish and look, then resin-coat
the concrete. Simply put decorative concrete is a much more labor-intensive process but most feel it is
worth the cost because of the unique, prestigious and elegant look.
How is decorative concrete colored? The Technicians at Concrete Forever.com use two methods to
color decorative concrete. Using the first method, color is spread onto the surface by hand using the “dry
shake method,” then worked into the surface using hand tools. After the color is applied and worked into
the fresh cement, a release/hardener is applied.
The release/hardener serves a duel purpose. It adds a tremendous amount of strength and it highlights
and acts as a second color, which gives the stamped pattern and overall color a defining and
distinguished look. The second method used is when the color is mixed directly inside the concrete at
the concrete plant and mixed inside the truck. The concrete is the colored throughout from the top to the
bottom instead of just ¼” into the surface. The release/hardener is applied using this method as well.
The second method tends to be slightly more expensive since the cost of the material will increase.
Both are good methods and not one is better than the other. Which method is used depends on the
conditions and what look the customer is trying to accomplish.
"I can't afford to do my entire project all at once. Can I do half now and half later?" Decorative concrete is
surprisingly inexpensive and can be seamlessly extended when it is convenient for you.
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