Decorative concrete finishes: a picture glossary

Provided by Networx.com

Concrete is not just for sidewalks these days. In fact, with the development of special decorative techniques, concrete is revolutionizing home decor. This durable and affordable substance can be used for a multitude of applications indoors and out. Strikingly handsome concrete patios, pool surrounds, garden paths, flooring, walls, and even kitchen or bathroom countertops show off just how versatile concrete can be. Here is a glossary explaining the most popular finishes used to create decorative concrete.

Acid stained -- treated with permanent, durable color, usually in earthy shades like greens or browns. A solution of inorganic salts, acid, and water is applied to poured and cured concrete. The resultant translucent stain gives a mottled, marbleized effect.

Broadcast (also: seed) -- hand distribute a dry substance (for example, dryshake color hardener or decorative aggregate) onto wet concrete to enhance looks and reduce slipperiness.

Broom finished -- distinctive texture produced by using a broom on the surface of newly poured concrete.

Cast in place -- shaped on site to allow more flexibility of design and avoid having to move heavy pieces. This is often used to make decorative and functional cast-in-place countertops for kitchens or bathrooms. Smooth, long-lasting, and inexpensive, concrete countertops can be designed in an enormous range of colors and shapes.

Color chips -- colored plastic chips that are scattered onto concrete flooring freshly coated with epoxy resin.

Decorative aggregate -- aggregate of colorful pebbles, such as quartz, added to concrete mix to both strengthen it and produce an attractive end product.

Dyed -- poured and cured concrete to which a water- or solvent-based colored solution is then applied. The process differs from acid staining in that dyes do not react chemically with the concrete and are available in a wider range of colors.

Engraved -- cut with special tools to create decorative patterns, often mimicking the look of tile.

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Decorative concrete finishes: a picture glossary