Concrete surfaces
come in three basic finishes and many colors. The most common finish
for interiors has a smooth finish created by running a flat trowel
over the top. This can be quite smooth, almost like glass.
Smooth surfaces don't work well outside; a little water can turn
a smooth concrete surface into a slip hazard. Contractors will texture
exterior surfaces with a "brush-textured" finish, a rougher
surface that wicks away water and provides traction.
Exposed aggregate finish is a rougher finish and less common. The
gravel that makes up the concrete is exposed to the surface and
good for traction.
Colors: Concrete can come in a wide variety of colors created by
adding dyes to the liquid mixture. A knockdown finish is accomplished
by spraying a polymer based mix through a hopper gun over an existing
concrete base and then knocked down with a trowel. It can be made
to look like tile, flagstone, and many other looks.
Stamped concrete is diverse. From slate to stone, tile to brick
, stamped concrete offers a big array of colors and designs that
will satisfy the most critical eye. This concrete finish is solid,
long lasting and you have many color combinations and textures to
choose from.
Acid or chemical stain is a penetrating stain that chemically etches
the color into the concrete for a permanent marble like finish.
This decorative concrete finish may be applied over new concrete,
old concrete or overlayment polymer.
Site Preparation (Excavation, Grading): Concrete is often
one of the very base foundations of any structure. Proper site preparation
is necessary to insure a good foundation.
Concrete Form Work: Concrete can either be flat or shaped
into three-dimensional objects. If you need steps, curbs or other
form work, please note this in the "Special Requirements"
section at the end of the questionnaire.
Rebar Installed: Steel rebar within the concrete makes
the concrete structure stronger.
Old Concrete or Paving Surface Removed: Removing concrete
or paving material is difficult work. Often it's best to leave this
to your service professional, who will have proper equipment and
training to handle the removal.
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