Brushed Concrete

Brushed concrete is a type of finish for poured concrete. After pouring, the concrete is then brushed with a stiff-bristled broom, which gives it a rougher surface compared to smooth finished concrete. Brushed concrete is also one of the most affordable options, so it’s a great choice if you’re on a budget.

Ideal Use
Brushed concrete is versatile and popular choice that can be used for driveways, walkways, staircases, or patios.

Because the rough texture of brushed concrete adds more traction, it’s great for areas that are bound to get wet, such as a patio near a swimming pool. The extra traction can help prevent slips and falls.

Maintenance and Lifespan
Brushed concrete is a low maintenance option and doesn’t require regular upkeep. It can often last 30-40 years.

Colored Concrete

Concrete can be colored in four different ways: stains, integral pigments, color hardeners, and dyes. Each of these coloring methods produces different looks and comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Staining Concrete
Stains are popular because they can be used on new and existing concrete. They produce subtle, earth-toned colors that appeal to many homeowners and blend well with natural surroundings. Typical stained concrete colors include tans, browns and terra cottas.

Because they penetrate the surface of the concrete, stains produce permanent color that is UV stable. That means that most stains can be used outdoors without fading. Stains are limited in that they are semi-transparent, meaning they won’t hide existing blemishes or patchwork.

Coloring Concrete Integrally
Integrally colored concrete is only an option for new pours. Pigments are added to the concrete mix prior to placement, ensuring the color goes completely through. The color will not wear or chip away, nor will it not fade.

For integrally colored concrete, the options are primarily earth tones – browns, tans, grays and subtle reds. Subtle blues and greens can also be achieved. If you are looking for intense, eye-catching color, integral pigments are not the best option. Many contractors use integral colors as a base and add color hardeners, stains or dyes to the surface for an enhanced hue.

Stained Concrete

The concept of staining concrete is similar to altering the color of materials such as wood. Instead of creating an opaque surface through paint, staining provides several hues and tones for concrete through different solutions and techniques. Practice makes perfect when staining concrete, and homeowners can master the art of creating concrete textures that resemble the shades of natural stone, leather, marble, and wood. Concrete is very absorbent, which allows a property owner to stain almost any color imaginable.

When it comes to concrete stain vs. dye, the main difference is that stain will chemically react with the concrete, while a dye will permeate the material.

Types of Concrete Staining

The first thing to consider when staining is deciding the base for your solution. Stains designed for concrete fall into two categories — acid stains and water-based stains.

Acid stains are typically made up of inorganic metallic salts, hydrochloric acid, and water. The stains absorb into the surface of concrete for a reaction with calcium hydroxide to form a bond. Acid staining offers deep color tones of tans, browns, blues, and greens with marbling effects.
Water-based stains are non-reactive and exist as a mixture of acrylic polymers and pigments. These stains fill the pores on the surface of concrete for a wider spectrum of colors including translucent and opaque finishes. Generally, water-based solutions are more consistent as they don’t involve reactions in the concrete and are free of solvents and acids.

Both types of concrete staining are ideal for rejuvenating dull surfaces inside and outside. A home or business concrete staining project may include the following applications:

• Walkways
• Patios
• Garage flooring
• Indoor flooring
• Countertops
• Walls
• Around fireplaces

Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete, often called textured or imprinted concrete, replicates stones, such as slate and flagstone, tile, brick, and even wood. The wide variety of patterns and color choices make it popular for beautifying patios, pool decks, driveways, and more. Additionally, it’s an affordable paving option that requires less maintenance than other materials.

Styles of Stamped Concrete

The stamping process uses rubber stamps or texturizing mats to imprint a pattern into wet cement. There are also ways to apply it over existing concrete if your slab is in good shape. These stamps are often designed from molds of the real material to get the appropriate texture. They can make your concrete resemble brick, cobblestone, slate, wood planks, and more. You’re even able to add large medallions and other custom accents to a concrete slab.

Also, the stamps can be applied vertically as well as horizontally, which makes them good for much more than flooring. For instance, you can give an outdoor concrete fireplace surround a natural stone treatment. Or you can make a concrete retaining wall look like brick.
Plus, you can use stamped concrete inside your home. It can be both a practical and attractive finish. A popular option is to stamp a concrete basement floor to make it look like wood. Stamped concrete that resembles tile is also a durable option for the kitchen.

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