For added versatility, concrete can be prepared in a variety of ways to add patterns and textures to the finished surface. There are several applications to achieve a textured concrete finish, and the designs are limited only by the imagination:
1. Stamping. Patterns are imprinted into the freshly-placed concrete surface with the artistic use of any hard object. Stones, tiles, wood, or brick are often used to cut patterned grooves on the surface. Decorative concrete coatings contractors trained in specific stamping techniques can create these beautiful patterns on patios, gazebo floors, hallways, decks, and various locations in the facility. The surface patterns can appear in random ways at the surface or outlined in groups to create interesting variations as well as to maximize use of the entire surface.
2. Scoring. Concrete surfaces that have been around for sometime can use a bit of spicing up with the simple method known as scoring. Shallow cuts are made on the surface using masonry-bladed abrasive saws, creating geometric patterns or simple grout lines. The scoring creates two colors — one of the original concrete, and the other of the scored lines. When used in combination with decorative concrete coatings, colorants or sealers, the effect can be even more striking.
3. Aggregate finish. When aggregates like stone or gravel are applied to the top-most layer of freshly-poured concrete, a natural-looking and eye-catching surface effect is created. An aggregate of marble, shells, pebbles or colored stones can add even more color to the concrete surface. Clear sealers can bond the aggregates tightly to the surface, needing only minimal maintenance through time.
