Decorative Concrete Expert

A plastic brick stencil is first floated into the slab; then color hardener is applied and floated into the surface (left). When the stencil is removed, the original gray concrete is exposed as grout lines (above).

Other textured finishes. Exposed aggregate is one of the more traditional textured finishes. The finished look depends on color, size, and amount of aggregate that's exposed. Additional aggregate can be added to the mix or seeded onto and troweled into the slab. The slab is then sprayed with retarder to prevent the surface layer of paste from setting. The lower portion of the slab is allowed to set, and the aggregate is exposed by scrubbing the surface with a broom and water. Aggregate can be exposed selectively by masking portions of the slab prior to applying retarder. Exposed aggregate can produce representational forms like trees and natural effects like concrete that resembles eroded sea stone.

Salt-finished slabs are covered with pockmarks of varying sizes. This texture is achieved by using a roller to press rock salt into the surface of the wet concrete. The slab is later washed, which dissolves and removes the salt. This type of finish is popular in warm western states but should not be used in areas that are subject to freezing. Salt finishes are normally used in conjunction with color.

Polymer Overlay
The techniques used to color and texture exterior flatwork can also be used to produce interior floors. Decorative concrete floors are common on commercial projects but less so in residences because framed wood floors aren't designed to carry thick slabs. Polymer cement overlay, however, allows you to bring decorative finishes inside without adding weight or thickness to the floor system.

This material was originally developed to repair worn concrete surfaces. It's made from cement, aggregate, and proprietary resin and is designed to go on thin. Most polymer cement can be applied in layers 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick and can be spread to a feather edge. Some products are designed to be troweled, while others are self-leveling. Polymer overlays will bond to plywood subflooring, new concrete, and old concrete that has been cleaned by shot blasting.

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