Research and Learn about Decorative Concrete
Interior Floors: Acid Stained Concrete; Interior Concrete Floors; Concrete Overlays; Basement Floors; Concrete Polishing; Decorative Engraving; Concrete Dyes; Stenciling Interior Floors; Concrete Resurfacing; Radiant Floor Heating; Garage Floor Coatings
Interior Concrete: Concrete Countertops; Concrete Fireplace Surrounds; Faux Wall Coverings; Concrete Furniture; Sinks and Vessels
Outdoor Concrete: Concrete Patios; Stamped Concrete; Concrete Driveways; Concrete Pool Decks; Concrete Countertops; Outdoor Living Rooms; Concrete Walkways; Concrete Resurfacing; Acid Stained Concrete; Colored Concrete; Exposed Aggregate; Rock Salt Finish; Stenciled Concrete; Decorative Engraving; Pavers; Faux Wall Coverings
Foundation Repair/Waterproofing: Foundation Repair; Concrete Crack Repair; Foundation Waterproofing; Basement Wall Repair
Building with Concrete: Concrete Homes; Finished Basements; Decorative Concrete; Concrete Basements; Pervious Concrete; Green Building
Maintaining Concrete: Clean and Seal; Make Existing Concrete Better
Other Concrete Info: Florida Concrete; Texas Concrete

Decorative Concrete
Glossary of Terms

Index of terms

Bands

Broom Finishes

Colored Concrete

Exposed Aggregate

Fields

Float and Trowel Textures

Bands	Bands can be 6"-24" wide. The proportion of the bands size and the spacing of the bands are important when compared to the structure that the flatwork is in front of and the size of the concrete "fields" the bands abut. Bands can be any type of decorative concrete: stamped, exposed aggregate, colored concrete, salt finish—to name a few. Bands look best when contrasted against a different "field" decorative concrete. The rock in an exposed aggregate mix placed in bands can be stunning next to colored concrete fields, for example. Check the upper end model homes in your area for good ideas. Top
Broom Finishes	Broom finishes can be light broom or coarse depending on the bristles of the broom you choose. This is not a fancy finish but provides a non-slip surface. Choose brooms specifically made for this purpose. See textured finishes. Top
Colored Concrete	Various manufacturers make colors that can be placed "integral" to the mix or "dry shake" which is dusted on. See colored concrete. Top
Exposed Aggregate	Colorful rocks are embedded in the concrete. When the top layer of cement paste is washed off either chemically, with water pressure, or sandblasted—the rocks show through. The rocks can be either "seeded" to the top of the concrete or in the entire mix. See exposed aggregate. Top
Fields	Fields are larger areas of flatwork that go inside the "bands". If there are no bands each section of the flatwork may be considered a field. The fields may all have the same decorative flatwork finish or be different in an alternating pattern Top
Float and Trowel Textures	Patterns can be made on the concrete, such as swirls, or different size arcs. The texture created can be coarse, medium, or smooth depending on the tool used to impart the pattern. Wood floats create coarser textures. Aluminum floats or steel trowels create medium or smooth finishes. Top
Painting Concrete	Concrete that is well cured can be painted for colorful effects. Painting concrete is almost always done to existing concrete, after a repair for example, whereas colored concrete is done with freshly placed concrete and specifically for decorative purposes. See painting concrete. Top
Patterned Concrete	See stamped concrete. Top
Rock Salt Finish	Water softener salt crystals 1/8" to 3/8" in size are broadcast onto the fresh concrete. A roller is then used to press the salt crystals into the concrete. The surface is later washed, dissolving the salt and leaving small holes. See textured finishes. Top
Sawcutting Concrete	A power concrete saw can cut patterns into the concrete as soon as the concrete has hardened. Top
Scoring Concrete	Decorative lines can be placed in concrete with "groovers." Groovers come in various depths and widths. See Scoring and Sawcutting for Special Effects. For decorative work, the groover must penetrate the concrete at least 1/4". If the groove is also serving as a control joint, the groove must be 25% the depth of the slab. See jointing concrete. Top
Stained Concrete	Existing concrete can be dressed up by sawcutting patterns into the concrete and then staining different sections with concrete stains. Artisans can create variegated looks by blending stain colors on top each other. See staining concrete. Top
Stamped Concrete	Concrete can be stamped to look like brick, cobblestone, slate, and a wide variety of other patterns. When combined with colored concrete the results can be fabulous. Review the stamped concrete section for more information. Top
Toppings	Decorative flatwork can be produced with epoxy or another type of thin coating over existing concrete. Surface preparation and getting a good bond is critical in this procedure. See making existing concrete better. Top
Travertine Finishes	Often called Keystone. The concrete has a knock down finish with a smooth surface at its highest points, but rough in the low area. This is often used in hotter climates on pool decks and other surfaces desired to be cooler to the feet. Top