Decorative Options
Exposed Aggregate Finishes
This finish is achieved by spraying a chemical retarding agent on the concrete after it has been screeded off. The retarder prevents the top layer of the concrete from setting which allows it to be rinsed off with a pressure washer shortly after in order to expose the aggregate underneath. Since the top layer of paste is removed, the resulting exposed aggregate finish is extremely resistant to the damaging effects of salt and de-icing products. This makes it a highly advantageous finish to select for driveways.
Clients have a couple of different ways to customize this particular finish. First, the type of aggregate in the mix can also be altered. You can choose from #8 pea gravel, #8 limestone (subject to availability), a blend of #8 and #57 limestone, or silica stone(subject to availability). Second, an integral color can be added to the mix, click here to see a chart of available colors. Exposed aggregate finishes typically have a brownish tint to them so integral coloring is not necessary unless you are looking for something more dramatic.
Exposed aggregate and buff wash are the least expensive of the specialty finishes we offer. They are ideal for a client looking for something more decorative than a traditional broom finish on their concrete but do not want the high cost of a stamped concrete installation.
Exposed Aggregate Photos
Buff Wash Finishes
Achieving this finish is very similar to exposed aggregate in that a specialized chemical retarding agent is sprayed on the concrete after it has been screeded off. The retarder prevents the top layer of the concrete from setting which allows it to be rinsed off with a pressure washer shortly after in order to expose the fine sands and a limited amount of aggregate underneath. Buff wash is gaining in popularity as the finish mimics aged and weathered concrete. It is ideal for anyone looking for a clean, modern look for their concrete. The exposed fine sands are also much easier to walk on with your bare feet as opposed to traditional exposed aggregate finishes. Buff wash finishes are also less slippery and provide more traction than traditional exposed aggregate. Like all of our decorative finishes, integral coloring can also be added to the mix as well, click here to see a chart of available colors. Click on each image to zoom in.
Buff Wash Photos
Pattern Stamping Finishes
(At this time we are no longer offering the pattern stamp finish)
This finish is achieved by using rubber mats to imprint the concrete with various textures and patterns. It mimics many hardscape applications and does not suffer from the settling and separation issues that plague many paver installations. Due to the speed in which a patio can be installed, in most cases stamped concrete now costs less than pavers. However, it is still the most expensive decorative option a client can select due to the cost of the coloring and the labor required for installation. The pictures below depict the five patterns that you can choose from. You can also click on the pattern names below each picture to find out more details about each pattern. If you need a more detailed perspective than pictures can provide, we also maintain a selection of 2′ x 2′ mockups to help aid you in decision making process.
We use liquid integral coloring as opposed to dry shake-on color hardeners for the base color of the concrete. Integral coloring has two advantages. First, the the concrete is colored completely through, so if it ever chips for any reason you still see the concrete’s color. Second, dry shake on hardeners require the addition of water to the concrete surface in order for the color to mix with the concrete. This addition of water weakens the strength of the concrete surface.
There are a couple of important expectations clients must keep in mind when selecting stamped concrete. First, like all concrete, contraction joints must be saw cut to prevent random cracking. Some patterns such as Ashlar Slate can hide some of the saw cuts within the mortar joints of the pattern. This is not possible with a pattern such as Random Stone. Second, all photos are taken shortly after application of sealer which makes the new concrete look glossy. However as time goes on the sealer will dull out to more of a matte finish. Lastly stamped concrete is intended to imitate stone, slate, etc at a lower cost. No craftsman, no matter how skilled, can exactly duplicate the real thing.
Photo gallery of a typical stamped patio installation.
Color chart for the base integral color
Color chart for the highlighting release agent
Pattern Stamping Photos
