(ARA) - Concrete -- it's practical, sturdy and has been used in the construction of buildings since the early Roman times. However, let's face it -- few of us would argue that most concrete patios, driveways, walkways and garage floors are attractive. In fact, more than likely, they're drab, dull, even boring. But, as many homeowners and do-it-yourselfers are discovering, through the use of decorative finishing concrete treatments, those gray, cold outdoor slabs can take on a unique, stylish look that reflects homeowners' particular tastes.
Why Decorative Concrete Treatments?
Decorative concrete treatments, such as staining and stenciling, have gained in popularity during the past few years, although the idea of decorative concrete is not new. Concrete stamping tools have been around since the early 1950s and concrete coloring has been in existence even longer. However, the selection of finishes, colors and textures have grown, offering homeowners more options when choosing to add a little oomph to their outdoor decor.
According to Pete Donati, product manager for H&C Stain, a leading manufacturer of concrete care products, the desire for concrete decor among homeowners is an extension of their interior design-sense. "Consumers want the ability to express their own style, not just inside their homes, but on the exterior, as well. Concrete decor is emerging as a newly discovered form of easy-to-complete landscape design that allows homeowners to 'dress-up' something as mundane as a bare concrete driveway."
Donati goes on to say that in addition to adding beauty to a home's exterior, decorative concrete allows homeowners to create vibrant colors and intricate designs at half the cost of installing real stone or other natural materials. "Rather than spending thousands of dollars on replacing concrete walkways, patios or driveways, at a cost of approximately $6 a square foot, the same beautiful effect can easily be accomplished by using decorative techniques on existing concrete."
DIY Friendly Decorative Concrete Treatments The majority of decorative techniques involve changing either the color or pattern of a concrete surface, or both. The most common treatments make concrete appear more like expensive material such as tile, cobblestone, brick and keystone. These illusions can be accomplished through a number of applications. The following are two of the easiest and most popular DIY treatments:
Staining
If you're looking to add some pizzazz to your dreary driveway, patio or garage floor, or cover up some unsightly oil stains, staining will serve to change the color or look of your concrete, as well as add lasting protection against the outdoor elements. In several simple steps, you can transform an outdoor concrete surface into a colorful creation. In most cases, you'll begin by cleaning the area with a concrete de-greaser to help alleviate oil and grease spots. After rinsing off the de-greaser, you should apply an etch cleaner. This step should make the surface feel like 120 grit sandpaper and allow the stain to easily soak into the concrete. After waiting for 24 hours, you can apply the first coat of stain with a brush or roller. A second coat can usually be added after the first coat of stain dries for at least another 12 hours.
Today, concrete stains span the color spectrum. They're offered in colors ranging from traditional browns and grays to racy reds, greens and even hues of purple.
Stenciling
If you want to take staining one step further, stenciling is the simplest way to place brick or stone patterns on a concrete surface. Stencil templates can be purchased in rolls of water-resistant plastic. The "stone" pattern is created by rolling the template out on the concrete and applying a spray base color through the stencil, much like the staining procedure.
Stencils come in a variety of patterns, including cobblestone, herringbone, hexagon tile and natural stone. Cost varies by pattern, but Donati adds that in addition to the staining costs, most stencil systems cost between approximately twenty to twenty five cents per square foot.
Helpful Decorative Concrete Treatment Tips
Although decorative concrete projects are very DIY friendly, if you're thinking about incorporating color or patterns into an upcoming concrete project, there are some tips that will help you successfully accomplish your goal.
First, know that no colored slab will perfectly match any color chart. Expect some slight variations in coloring, even when working with newly poured concrete. If you are working with new concrete, be sure to let it cure for 30-45 days before attempting to stencil or stain the surface. Once completed, your new concrete creation will require some maintenance to keep it looking its very best. Continued weathering can make concrete colors appear faded, so make sure you re-seal your colored or stenciled concrete every two to five years after the initial application. Following these tips will help to ensure you can enjoy your concrete artwork for years to come!
Courtesy of ARA Content
EDITORS NOTE: H&C Concrete Stain has been a leader in the field of specialty and concrete coatings since 1953. With state-of-the-art technology, research and manufacturing, as well as complete technical field support, H&C offers a complete line of concrete and masonry stains, sealers, water repellents and specialty products for both the commercial and DIY marketplaces.
