Decorative Concrete: Adding Beauty to Your Concrete Parking Area

While concrete continues to contribute towards green benefits for constructing your parking areas, another benefit of using concrete is the aesthetic value. Decorative concrete delivers advantages and value in a number of ways. With the wide array of colors and textures to choose from, the owner is virtually limited only by his or her imagination. There are also options regarding the method used to obtain your pavement enhancements.

Integrally Colored Concrete

When using integrally colored concrete, the color of the concrete is distributed completely through the material. If the surface of the material is scarred or chipped the color of the concrete is still visible. The concerns of the past regarding fading and batch to batch consistency have been mitigated by the advent of today’s new color admixtures.  

Textured Finishes

Texturing finishes may be achieved through the use of chemicals or by sandblasting.  These methods offer a variety of textures and provide the user with greater control over the amount of exposure and increased uniformity in appearance. Exposed aggregate concrete is an example of this technique. With an exposed aggregate finish the color of the concrete may be controlled to match or contrast with the type of aggregate in it. The slip resistant finish produced through exposing the aggregate allows for greater security for pedestrians in the case of inclement weather.

Stamped Concrete

Using stamped concrete, the concrete surface can be made to replicate the pattern and texture of brick, slate, flagstone, cobblestone, stone, and even wood. The color is typically produced through the use of some type of shake on powder. These shake on colors produce concrete with an extremely hard, mar resistant surface. The advantage offered by stamping can be found in the savings realized during the installation process (as compared to laying brick or stone) and the long term performance of the pavement.  

Stenciling/Staining

Stenciling and staining also provide another way to personalize a project. Stenciling involves masking off an area of the concrete and sand blasting, coloring, or etching the exposed area to produce a finish that leaves a pattern or faux finish. Stains, which penetrate to pavement surface, may be applied to produce a unique mottled finish to the surface of the concrete.

For more information on decorative concrete, contact Ken Crank or Bruce Cody.

Concrete Contributes to LEED Credits

As the focus on utilizing sustainable and eco-friendly solutions continues to grow, concrete is leading with a wide range of sustainable benefits, including many that can earn LEED credits.

For more information on how concrete can contribute to LEED certification, contact Ken Crank or Bruce Cody.

Feature CE Course: Zero Defects Concrete

“Only 8 months left to fulfill new CE requirements.”

Weather, subgrade conditions, jointing, and mix selection are all factors in producing quality concrete. This education program offers insights as to why concrete cracks and offers suggested best practices to eliminate or mitigate these cracks. For this presentation, concrete mix design and proper construction techniques will be the topic of discussion. 

Our instructors bring the presentations right to your door. Select the presentation you would like PACA to provide, complete and send the reservation form to the PACA office and our instructors will contact you to set up a schedule convenient for you and your employees.

For questions or more information, contact Ken Crank or Bruce Cody. 

Ask the Expert!

Q: I am considering using decorative concrete for sidewalks and a driveway at my new home. How much more expensive is decorative concrete as compared to conventional concrete? How does the price compare to concrete pavers?

A: You can expect to pay more for decorative concrete versus conventional concrete. It is difficult to put a number on the cost difference because of the myriad of options that exist relative to the choice of color and pattern that may be incorporated into a decorative project. I would suggest consulting your local ready mixed concrete producer for their recommendation on which installation contractors to contact for pricing.

Because of the labor involved with the installation of concrete pavers, decorative concrete is competitive with or less expensive than that option. It must also be noted that your decision should also go beyond initial cost. Concrete’s proven durability make it the better long-term construction material.

Lastly, if you have a tight budget, but wish to have a project with more curb appeal, you may wish to consider incorporating stamped/colored concrete with conventional concrete.

For more information, contact Ken Crank or Bruce Cody.