Different Types of Concrete Resurfacing Techniques
by Bonnie Phillips on Feb 24, 2020
Concrete was perhaps the most important invention in the world of construction, besides bricks. The use of concrete transcends place and time, primarily because of its versatility and durability. Concrete can be used anywhere, from walls to ceiling and floors, of any kind of structure. Concrete floorings are especially popular due to the wide range of looks you can give them, and mostly at a fraction of the cost of other materials.
There are many types of flooring prevalent today. Tile, marble, granite, wood, stone - the possibilities are endless. However, none of these are as versatile as concrete. The best thing about concrete floors is that not only does it have their own characteristic looks, but they can also be made to look like any of the above. With clever coloring and texturing, concrete can even be given the appearance of objects that have nothing to do with flooring, like fossils, shells, or bamboo. The possibilities truly are endless. Let’s discuss a few of them.
Staining
One of the classic techniques for doing concrete floors is staining. Besides the earliest method of using organic compound-based carriers, the most common for a long time was acid staining. In this, a mixture of mineral salts in acid solution is applied to concrete, allowed to cure for a few hours, and then treated with a sealant to create various somber tones in a variegated pattern on the floor. Later on, water staining became more popular due to being more environment-friendly and having a bigger color palette.
Polishing
Polishing is a method in which a layer of cement is laid and polished with diamond pads of an increasingly finer gradient to remove all crags and ridges. The result is an exceptionally glossy floor, that can be given a variety of colors and patterns depending on the dyes added to the concrete. But three-dimensional patterns were also becoming popular, with people trying several spray techniques like knockdown and splatter to create appealing designs.
People soon became interested in creating more alluring textures in the concrete to produce an even larger spectrum of effects. Thus overlays, stenciling, and stamping entered the scene. Concrete overlayment involves pouring a thin layer of concrete over the old one and creating interesting designs in them. If you are stenciling, a stencil of appropriate size is laid on the floor before the top concrete layer is poured out, and then taken out when semi-dry to leave behind a pattern in its shape.
Stamping
Stamped concrete is easier, because the sizes of stamps can be much smaller than stencils. The cement is poured out first, and once semi-dry, is pressed with patterned stamps to create designs. Inlays are a ready-made alternative to this, where pre-made patterned slabs are laid in like tiles.
To conclude
Your choice of technique should depend on the location of the flooring, and also the condition of the old floor for overlays, since excessively rugged, damaged ones are not fit for it. But once done, nothing can beat a concrete floor in its low-cost, easy maintenance and the wonderful aesthetic appeal it imparts to a building. The next time you find yourself searching for decorative concrete contractors near me, call us
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
94922 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
74308 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
71747 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
52747 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
30580 Views
Latest Articles
10 Concrete Patio Ideas on a Budget
A concrete patio can be a game-changer for your outdoor space. It is durable, versatile, and can be customized to fit your style. But what if you...
on Mar 25, 2025
Tips for Creating a Stunning Personalized Photo on Canvas
Order the unique beauty of a personalized photo on canvas and bring your memories to life. With a customized photo on canvas, you can transform...
on Mar 7, 2025
Best Areas to Buy Property in Singapore for Long-Term Growth
Singapore's real estate market remains one of the most stable and lucrative in the world. With limited land supply, strong governmental...
on Feb 18, 2025
Troubleshooting Excess Water in Your HVAC Secondary Condensate Drain Pan
When maintaining your air conditioning system, it is easy to overlook the condensate drain pan - until excess water starts pooling in places where...
on Jan 12, 2025
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): A Beginners Guide
By combining the advantages of stock market and real estate investing, Real Estate Investment Trusts, or REITs, offer an alluring investment...
on Dec 19, 2024
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates

Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Sponsored Articles
Best Areas to Buy Property in Singapore for Long-Term Growth
on Feb 18, 2025
Real Estate / Finance

Singapore's real estate market remains one of the most stable and lucrative in the world. With limited land supply, strong governmental...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 264
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 203
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 148
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 116
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 113
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
How to Give Your Master Bedroom an Instant Facelift When on a Budget
When it comes to giving your room a facelift, you can bring about stark changes in the appearance even when on a strict budget. From moving a...
Cleaning Grandfather Clocks
Cleaning grandfather clocks is not the easiest process but, is definitely worth the time. Keeping grandfather clocks clean is just as important as...
What to Do When Your HVAC System Breaks
You must want your furnace to operate perfectly to keep you warm during the cold winter months. For this reason, you need to take care of your...
Finding the Best Curtain Poles and Blinds for Your Home
You want your home to be a beautiful reflection of you. When your guests arrive, you want them to clearly see how much effort you have put into...
Reviewing Home Test Kits for Asbestos
If you have an older home, you might be at risk of asbestos exposure due to some of the building materials that were commonly used when building...