What kinds of structures do concrete contractors create? They are often hired to pour foundations. Whether it's a basement or a slab foundation, concrete is the way to go. Another common job is pouring patios. A concrete patio is nice and durable, and it also looks nice. Then, there are the smaller projects: concrete stairs, pathways, planting boxes, and more. You don't have to be a concrete contractor to learn about these services. In fact, this blog is written for everyone, and no matter who you are, it will teach you more about concrete work and the people who do it.
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Patios, Paths, and Foundations
Stamped Concrete Can Be Used Indoors And Outdoors To Add Beauty To Your Property
Freddie Andrews
Stamped concrete is a type of decorative concrete you can use in many places indoors and outside. It mimics the look of pavers, but it's less expensive. Some stamps provide texture only without the seams that make them look like pavers. You have many options in textures, patterns, and colors. Here's a closer look at stamped concrete.
Places To Use Stamped Concrete
You can use this decorative concrete outside on your pool deck, patio, driveway, and walkways. It doesn't hurt to get stamped concrete wet, and it can withstand vehicle traffic. You can use stamped concrete indoors for floors and countertops. Any place concrete can be poured or an overlay can be installed is a good place to have stamping done.
Methods For Making The Base
Stamping can be done as the last phase of a new installation, such as when you get a new driveway or patio put in. Stamping can also be done on existing concrete by pouring an overlay of new concrete on top that's just thick enough to be stamped. Both of these methods make the base for the stamps to make designs. Stamping requires concrete that's firm, but not too dry.
Stamping Is Done With Forms
The concrete designs are made with forms. Stamping is similar to using a cookie cutter in stiff dough. The stamps are pressed into the concrete to create the pattern you want. Color pigments are brushed on the stamps and the concrete to get the color pattern you like. The stamp design and color choice can make your driveway look like a variety of materials, or you can just choose an artistic design.
Stamped Concrete Needs Time to Cure
Just like when making a new concrete driveway, stamped concrete needs time to cure, even if it's just an overlay. The length of time you need to leave the concrete alone depends on how you'll use it. The contractor might advise you to keep cars off of a stamped driveway for several days.
Coatings Can Protect The Concrete
Your contractor might recommend putting a clear topcoat over the finished project to protect it, especially if it's outside. A coating makes it easier to clean the concrete, and it protects it from the sun and rain. Plus, a coating can add shine to the concrete and bring out the stamped design you had created.
Cleaning Can Be Done With A Pressure Washer
Outdoor stamped concrete can be cleaned with a pressure washer, so it's easy to keep clean. You can also clean it with a mild soap solution, garden hose, and brush. Indoor concrete can be cleaned by sweeping and wet mopping. Concrete is an easy material to keep clean, especially when it's stamped and colored so imperfections blend in.
For more info about stamped concrete, contact a local company.
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