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The external part of a home or building can often be overlooked, but when it comes to selecting the right floor finish for an outdoor space, the right choice will make a huge difference. In this article, we’ll provide essential tips for choosing the most suitable exterior concrete floor finishes for any outdoor area.
Types of Exterior Concrete Floor Finishes
Before deciding which type of exterior concrete floor finish to go for, it’s important to understand the main options available. The three major types of concrete floor finishes for external use are: stamped concrete, colored concrete, and exposed aggregate concrete.
Stamped Concrete
Stamped concrete is an attractive and cost-effective option that can be used to imitate more expensive materials such as brick or natural stone. It is achieved by pressing marks into the wet cement before it sets using special molds. This process provides a beautiful, detailed pattern without the need for extra finishing steps.
Colored Concrete
The second type of exterior concrete finish is colored concrete, which uses pigments to give both standard and stamped concrete an even coating of color throughout their surface. Colored concrete is a great way to create a more natural look that will fade over time into subtle but complementary hues depending on the environment it is placed in.
Exposed Aggregate Concrete
Finally, exposed aggregate concrete uses decorative aggregates such as gravel, pebbles, or shells to create an interesting and unique finish. The effect is achieved by placing a layer of decorative aggregate onto the concrete before it dries, allowing it to sink slightly into the wet material below. Once dry, it produces a rough texture that provides excellent traction.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Exterior Concrete Floor Finish
When selecting the right finish for an external concrete floor, there are several important factors to consider. Firstly, you must think about the environment in which the floor will be placed – things like sun exposure, weather conditions, and amount of foot traffic all need to be taken into account before making your decision. It’s also important to consider maintenance needs – some finishes require more care than others and you should factor this into your budget and plans.
Cost
Cost is also an important consideration when selecting exterior floor finishes. Stamped and colored concrete are generally much cheaper than exposed aggregate but may need more maintenance over time. Exposed aggregate is slightly more expensive in terms of initial installation costs but can last much longer with minimal upkeep.
Aesthetics
Finally, aesthetics should play a major part in any decision – choose something that fits with your property’s style and surrounding environment. Stamped and colored concrete offer a wide range of design options while exposed aggregate can create a unique look with its varied texture and color palette.
Choosing the Right Exterior Concrete Floor Finish
When selecting an exterior floor finish for your home or business premises, there are several important points to bear in mind. First consider your environment, budget, maintenance needs, and desired aesthetic look before making a decision on which option is best suited for your project. Stamped and colored concrete offer economical solutions with plenty of design potential while exposed aggregate provides durable beauty without breaking the bank balance. With so many options available, there’s bound to be the perfect floor finishing solution out there waiting for you!
What types of external concrete floor finishes are available?
1. Troweled concrete: Troweled concrete is a traditional finish composed of a blend of cement, sand, and gravel applied with a trowel. It results in a smooth, durable, non-skid surface.2. Broom-finished concrete: Broom-finished concrete is created by dragging a broom across the surface of the wet concrete to create a textured surface like small ridges and grooves. This helps create better traction and slip-resistance than a smooth troweled surface.
3. Exposed aggregate: An exposed aggregate finish exposes the small stones and aggregates in the concrete to create an attractive aesthetic. The stones can be sealed to enhance durability and protection against moisture.
4. Stamped concrete: Stamped concrete is a decorative style of concrete finishing that uses special tools to stamp patterns into freshly poured wet concrete before it cures. This technique can achieve the look of brick, flagstone, and other masonry textures.
5. Polished concrete: Polished concrete is achieved by grinding the surface with a grinder/polisher and using chemicals to densify and harden the surface. This results in a long-lasting shine and durable finish that can be used as an alternative to traditional flooring materials.
What are the benefits of using concrete floor finishes for external surfaces?
1. Durability: Concrete floor finishes are highly durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic and weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.2. Low Maintenance: With a concrete floor finish, you don’t have to worry about scraping away dirt or applying sealants. All you need to do is sweep and mop the floor when necessary to keep it in top condition.
3. Attractive Appearance: Concrete floor finishes can be polished, dyed, or stamped with patterns to create an attractive look that enhances the aesthetics of an exterior space.
4. Cost-Effective: Concrete floor finishes can be installed quickly and at minimal cost, making them an affordable option for any homeowner. They can also last for many years with minimal maintenance. Conclusion
Concrete floor finishes are an excellent choice for external surfaces due to their durability, low maintenance requirements, attractive appearance, and cost-effectiveness. There are a variety of finishes available such as troweled, broom-finished, exposed aggregate, stamped concrete, and polished concrete. Depending on your desired aesthetic and budget, you can choose the right finish for your project.
What are the disadvantages of using concrete floor finishes for external surfaces?
1. Fragility: Concrete is susceptible to cracking, scaling, and spalling due to exposure to the elements, and as a result, requires regular maintenance and repair.2. Cost: The cost to install concrete floor finishes for external surfaces can be expensive due to the need for specialized labor and materials.
3. Slipperiness: Concrete can become slippery when wet, making it a dangerous choice for outdoor walkways or high-traffic areas.
4. Aesthetics: The plain gray color of concrete may not be aesthetically pleasing for some, although there are ways to color or stamp the concrete to add visual appeal.