Concrete has been used ever since the days of the ancient Romans and possibly even earlier. Concrete is looked at for its durability and strength that can last for generations. As the design of homes has changed over the years, concrete has become very popular.  

Concrete Trends

Concrete offers a simplistic approach to giving your home a modern look and feel. There are many benefits to using concrete in your home and in your backyard that can completely transform your look.  

1. Concrete Walls:

Lots of people use concrete walls as an accent piece in their homes. The concrete look gives the room a colder, more industrial feel, so it’s important to balance it out with warmer pieces within the room. A bonus of having concrete walls is that they can withstand high winds during seasonal storms and tornados.  

2. Concrete Floors

They are durable and easy to maintain, making concrete floors so unique. Having polished concrete can give the room an exquisite look to it. If sealed properly, the concrete can withstand anything thrown its way; mopping and the occasional polish every few years is all the maintenance needed.  

3. Concrete Countertops 

If sealed properly, a concrete countertop can be super beneficial. They are resistant to most stains and won’t change colors; being sealed inhibits bacteria from growing. Having a concrete countertop doesn’t have to worry about running it with heat since it’s very absorbent.

4. Concrete Showers or Tubs

Having a shower made out of concrete allows for no seams in the shower itself. This eliminates the possibility of grout and allows for a more effortless clean. Since concrete can be very slippery when wet, it’s highly advised to put some non-slip texture.  

5. Concrete Fireplace 

This is a perfect material for a fireplace as it retains heat efficiently and releases it slowly. You could use this as a statement piece in your living room when somebody enters your home.  

5. Concrete Decor

The opportunities are endless for things in your home that can be made out of concrete. This can be from couch frames, coffee tables, side tables, or light fixtures. Concrete is also very popular among outdoor living areas due to its ability to withstand any form of weather thrown its way.  

Concrete Stamping

Stamping is the process when you take a design of your choosing and press it into wet concrete to mold it. This gives it more texture and flair than just your typical concrete slab. Stamped concrete is also called textured or imprinted concrete. Patterns such as slate and flagstone, tile, brick, and even wood are used. The wide variety of patterns and color choices make it popular for outdoor and indoor surfaces; on top of all that, it’s affordable and easy to maintain

Here’s How the Process Starts

This is very popular in outdoor patios and is becoming more common inside homes—Here’s how the process works for an outdoor patio.  

The idea hind stamping concrete is you take the concrete while it’s still wet and imprint a pattern; here’s how the process works:

• Pours and smooths the slab.
• Presses a design into the surface while the concrete is still damp and soft.
• For realism, adds color to the concrete as it’s mixed or sprays it on after the surface has been stamped.

Already Have Concrete in your Home?

It’s important to keep an eye on your concrete, as cracks can happen over time as things settle. If roots spread, it might be needed to resurface your patio, causing the concrete to change. A lot goes into pouring concrete to make sure it’s done correctly. For the most optimal result, one must make sure that the weather will be above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours after the pour when in the following twenty-four hours, it should be above freezing.  

Steps to Resurfacing Worn Concrete:

1. Clean the Concrete

• Protective boots and eyewear are crucial in a job like this.
• Use a gas-powered power washer to clean the surface.
• Remove all mildew and algae.

2. Patch Spalled Areas

• While the concrete is damp, make sure there is enough concrete to fill any cracks and divots.
• Wait 2-5 hours to move on to the next step.

3. Spread the Resurfacer

• Fill the walkway joints with foam weather stripping
• The material is workable for about twenty minutes.
• Pour Mix

4. Trowel Out the Resurfacer

• Spread the material until it’s about ⅛ to ¼ inches thick.
• For a slip-resistant, wait five minutes and sweep with a nylon bristle concrete broom.
• Remove weatherstripping after twenty minutes. 

This is a process that can be done by yourself, but it is highly recommended to have a professional do it. Especially if there are structural issues to the foundation, if it is as simple as concrete resurfacing, then it doesn’t take as long of a process.  

Do you Need to Contact a Professional?

If you want to revamp your home, contact us at KC Concrete, we are here with your best interest in mind. Becoming skilled with concrete takes lots of practice, and chances are you probably don’t have much experience with that. To guarantee you have the best installation process, we at KC Concrete are here for you.