What is Decorative Concrete, and Why Should You Use It?

Decorative concrete is a great way to transform the look of your home or business. It can be used for driveways, sidewalks, patios, and more. There are many different decorative finishes that you can apply, including acid stains, staining patterns, stamped concrete, and much more! If you are interested in using decorative concrete on your property, keep reading to find out some of the benefits of this type of surface.

The benefits of using decorative concrete

Decorative concrete is gaining popularity from many homeowners because of its many benefits.

Enhanced aesthetics

It is not only aesthetically pleasing to look at, but it also offers many health benefits. You can find a lot of studies that show how the porous nature of decorative concrete improves air quality by minimizing dust and eliminating allergens from homes or businesses.

Durable and long-lasting

It is also durable and can last for many years. It will not only last for years, but it can also be easily maintained without having to spend a lot of money on repairs or renovations. It does not require regular commercial sealing like many other flooring options, which means that homeowners do not have to invest a great deal of time in keeping their floors pristine. It will not chip or peel like other options, so homeowners can enjoy their floors without worrying about chipping or cracking.

It's versatile and low maintenance

It is also a great residential solution because of its versatility and low maintenance requirements. Not only can you use it to create gorgeous flooring, but decorative walls are the perfect backdrop for paintings, sculptures, or other decor pieces so homeowners can get double duty from this single material while saving money at the same time.

It is environment-friendly

It is also environmentally friendly because it reduces the need for dust control, which helps to keep pollutants out of our environment.

While it is already the most popular option in areas where extreme temperatures make other options ineffective, it's become an ever more popular choice for homeowners looking to make their homes healthier and reduce allergens.

It adds value to your property

It adds value to your property or your home, and it can be a great way to create new features in your home that will impress guests and provide a unique decorating style.

It is an investment, but homeowners find the benefits of using this material outweigh its cost, making decorative floors one of the most popular choices on the market today.

How much does it cost?

Many factors will contribute to the cost of installing decorative floors. The type of decorative floor, the size, and the shape of your project, whether indoors or outdoors, and making color patterns or unique designs all contribute to the cost. It is best to get an estimate before beginning a job, so there are no surprises. The average price is around $60 to $70 a square foot.

What are the different types of decorative finishes?

There are different types of decorative finishes to choose from, depending on the desired look you are going for. You can choose from stamped, overlayed, or acid staining to give your concrete flooring a specific design and style that will accentuate any room in which it is installed.

Stamped concrete

Stamping decorative patterns into wet concrete is one of the most popular and time-tested methods for adding color, texture, and design to your flooring.

Stamped concrete is easy to clean and maintain with simple mopping or sweeping. It is often used in high-traffic areas such as entrances, garages, and sidewalks because it can be easily replaced when worn out or damaged.

Overlay concrete

Another popular option is to overlay the flooring with a thin layer of colored material that can be set into or onto your existing slab rather than pouring something new. Overlays are available in many forms, including tile, stone, and textured sheet materials.

Acid Stain

Acid staining may be one of the most visually striking options for decorative floors. It is a relatively new process that uses acid to etch or burn away the top surface of your slab, allowing darker pigments in the base material to rise and create unique patterns and colors on your flooring. Acid stains have become very popular because they can be used with many different types of concrete, old or new.

Is it expensive? How much does it cost?

Stained concrete floors may cost between $1 and $6 per square foot depending on the concrete services you hired, where it is installed, what type of stain was used, and whether or not any other materials were purchased.

If you plan on hiring Northwest Arkansas stained concrete services, then make sure that you consider all additional expenses like mileage costs and extra materials that may need to be purchased before you do anything.

It would also be beneficial to speak with the concrete contractors about how much their services are and if they can handle commercial and residential projects. If they charge by the square foot, then make sure that you ask them to provide additional information on materials costs.

What are the limitations of decorative floors?

Just like any other type of floor, there can be issues that you should consider before committing to a new installation. If installed over an existing slab, it will need to be clean and free from contaminants such as dust or dirt because these elements could affect the final look of your concrete flooring.

You should also consider the limitations of your existing structure if you are planning to overlay or acid stain because these processes must have a solid, stable base to work properly and last for years to come. If your existing slab has damage, it will need repairs before installation can begin, which may add time and cost to the project.

Can stamped concrete be used indoors?

Absolutely! Stamped concrete is an excellent option for indoor and outdoor spaces because it creates a smooth, hard surface that resists pitting or chipping easily. You will have to take care of the floors just as other finished floors, but the results are definitely worth the effort.

Acid staining is another option that can be used indoors or out with excellent results.

One of the most attractive features about acid-stained floors is how they change color depending on the light source in a room, allowing them to adapt and constantly evolve as people move around your flooring surface.

Can it make my floors less slippery?

Yes, it can make your floors less slippery.

A properly installed and finished floor will have a textured surface that provides grip for people walking on it and adds to the aesthetic beauty of your final product. It would help if you worked with a reputable company that has experience working with decorative concrete, so they understand how best to complete the work for your space.

Can decorative concrete be used on existing floors?

Yes, decorative concrete can be used to overlay existing floors and make them more resistant to damage while adding color and texture. If you already have a slab of flooring in your home or business, but it is showing its age, consider having decorative concrete installed to give it a fresh look while also adding protection against everyday wear and tear. It can also be used for interior flooring.

Where should I go for decorative concrete?

If you are looking for a reliable company to install decorative concrete in your home or business, you should look for a company with experience with the process.

You want to choose a company that will complete their work on time and within budget. Hence, it is essential to ask about previous jobs they have completed and any references from past clients who are willing to discuss their experiences with you.

You should also consider the company's reputation for customer service to ensure that you are working with a team who will be available if any issues or problems arise it is complete so you can address them immediately instead of waiting until they have time in their schedule.

Conclusion

With so many different types of concrete and finishes available, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. The decision usually comes down to the desired look and how much effort will need to go into maintaining your floor. Decorative concrete may be just what you're after for those looking for a low-maintenance option that still provides excellent durability!

Our contractors at NWA Concrete Floors are ready to answer any questions or concerns about our services or products. Our contractors would love to help with all your needs related to commercial properties in Northwest Arkansas! Call us today for free estimates!