Using decorative concrete resurfacing is a wonderful way to make your house more attractive and sophisticated looking, without incurring much expense at all. In fact, decorative concrete resurfacing is an extremely affordable way to spruce up your home, and many of the decorative concrete resurfacing options available today are so nice that most people can't even tell the design was done with concrete.
Some decorative concrete resurfacing is designed to specifically mimic some other natural stone form. You can use decorative concrete resurfacing on your driveway for instance, to make it appear as if it's made of a pretty brick design. Decorative concrete resurfacing is also used to create designs which look like old castle stone, or cobble stones too.
Decorative concrete resurfacing is also used indoors quite often, because it can be used to create the look of marble for instance. Decorative concrete resurfacing can even be used as a way to create expensive looking tile designs too, all made out of concrete.
Another type of decorative concrete resurfacing is done just by using colored tints in the concrete. If for instance, you want to resurface the concrete of the walkway to your home, but you don't want the drab gray color that's usually seen with concrete, you could use a colored tint in your concrete such as blue, white, green, mauve, or whatever you'd like.
The decorative concrete resurfacing could match your primary house color if you'd like, or it could match the grass yard, or match the decorative paint trim color on your house instead. Using tinted decorative concrete resurfacing is a versatile, easy, and affordable decorating option for almost any concrete surface need.
Some people like decorative concrete surfacing that's simply a texture instead of a specific color or design. Around your swimming pool for instance, you might decide to have a decorative textured concrete resurface done to both beautify the pool and make it safer too. Since the decorative concrete resurfacing will be rough in texture, it will make the area much less slippery when wet.
Some people love to use decorative concrete resurfacing inside the kitchen particularly, because it allows them to create extremely strong, sturdy kitchen counter tops which are very beautiful looking. Decorative concrete surfacing in the kitchen can end up looking like you have solid wood block counters, solid marble counters, or almost anything else you'd like.
Another way to use decorative concrete surfacing is on the floor inside your home too. Since the decorative concrete surfacing techniques can make the surface look like almost anything you desire, such as cobblestone, expensive tiles, mosaics and even murals, you can end up with a beautiful and unique floor inside your home that will stand the wear of time.
Surfaces created with decorative concrete resurfacing techniques can be treated in various ways too. If you had decorative concrete resurfacing done on the floors of your home in a mosaic tile design for instance, you should have a nice glossy finish coat put on the design to both help the floor stay looking new longer, and to help the floor look even more decorative too.
Family Room Project
Hello all!
I've just finished one of my projects and thought I give you some insight. My first project was a poured-in-place. This technique is by far the simplest way to create your decorative concrete project. The form work is pretty basic and relatively simple to make. You won't need to have a shop or move your pieces, which can often weigh more than 200 pounds. Also you don't need to worry much about the curing process if your poured-in-place project is done in a heated room. Just remember that if the room is not heated please don't let the temperature drop below freezing. If this happens, the water will turn to ice crystals, which will weaken the concrete. If possible try to maintain a temperature between 55-78 degrees.
The poured-in-place technique does have some drawbacks. The first is design, which is limited but not impossible. For instance, the use of inlays or semi-precious aggregate(stones/gems) to appear flat on the surface will be a daunting task for anyone, even a skilled craftsman. To create a smooth, flat surface one need's a certain amount of skill. The easiest way is to use a straight board to screed the top of the concrete, just move your board back and forth with a slight upward tilt. Another drawback would be to create a countertop with an undermounted sink, integral drainboard or cutting board knockout. Difficult yes, impossible no. Also, poured-in-place can be messy especially if you decide to grind and polish your project, otherwise it's not too bad. Just remember to use lots of plastic! I would recommend a poured-in-place project if your a first timer or even if you have some experience with concrete. The major drawback is a lack of design elements.
Here are a few photos of my poured-in-place project. One more thing that I thought you should know is that I used my own mix design for this project. For all you first timers, please remember that it is not as simple as going to the store and buying a few bags of concrete, mix and pour. If you do it this way it will look like [you guessed it] concrete. There are certain procedures we must do in order to achieve a piece which will not crack or become weak. It is some what of a science, but basically it has to do with water, admixture, reinforcement, and curing(properly hydrated). I would recommend buying a bag of concrete and experimenting with some color, just don't use more than 10% of color to volume of cement(ex: 10 pds. cement, no more than 1 pd. color). Try not to use more water than recommended. Maybe if I have some more time in the future I will write an article about my mix design. I should also say that this project took me about 4-5 hours to complete. It actually took me less time than that but I had to wait for the concrete to stiffen up a bit before I stripped the forms. I'll have my other project on here in the near future, with plenty of pics. It will be a cast-in-mold countertop for my kitchen with decorative inlays, integral drainboard and an undermount sink, plus more. I'm really excited about this project and can't wait to finish. Check back to see my next project, it's looking great.
Concrete Countertops - Setting A New Trend In Home Decor by Samantha Davis
Unless you have seen a concrete countertop, you might think it is an ugly slab of material that is porous and gray. But concrete countertops are as versatile and as colorful as their stone counterparts and more affordable and nothing like concrete blocks. In fact, concrete countertops can look so similar to their stone counterparts that some will not be able to tell the difference.
Concrete countertops are making a big splash in home decor because of the trend toward a more natural, stone appearance of countertops in kitchens and bathrooms. Many who cannot afford the more expensive granite or marble are moving toward concrete countertops.
You can find concrete countertops in almost as many colors as laminate countertops. Hues of blue, red and green along with the natural stone colors are available. Concrete countertops can be designed to match any kitchen or bathroom decor. Most concrete countertops are custom made, so you can put as much of your personality in it as you like regarding color, shape and design. Ask your contractor for samples of his work and don't be afraid to ask for something unique!
Many contractors will pre-cast concrete countertops at a shop. This allows them to use special tables and allows them to seal the concrete countertops in the shop. If a kitchen or bathroom has a peculiar shape or design, a contractor may chose to build the concrete countertops at the home to adapt to the edges and corners of the surface.
Concrete countertops must be sealed. This is so that the countertop will be stain-resistant. You will need to wax the concrete countertop every few months so the countertop can retain its shiny, new look. Be sure to read your owner's manual for instructions.
Concrete countertops are much stronger than any natural surface such as granite or marble. They are resistant to heat and scratches, meaning you don't have to worry if you accidentally set a hot pot or pan on the countertop. But if you want to cut vegetables, you will need to use a cutting board since cutting a concrete countertop will leave a mark. Newly installed concrete countertops can become warped if the temperature changes suddenly. Ask you contractor how to prevent this if you live in an area where temperatures are sometimes extreme.
Like most countertops, you need to avoid abrasive products when cleaning your concrete countertops. Make sure you wipe away all spills immediately. A mild soap should keep the concrete countertops looking like new. And as mentioned earlier, waxing is required every few months. Concrete countertops need to be resealed every few years. Check you owner's manual for exact specifications.
Concrete countertops range in price from $55 to $125 per square foot, since most of them are custom-made. You can find a qualified contractor in the yellow pages that will make and install your concrete countertops. Ask him to see a sample of his work before agreeing to sign a contract to install your concrete countertops.
Kitchen Counter Weight
Kitchen Counter Weight: Respect the hardest working surface in your house by Karen Hoeve
It's a place to put your red hot pots and pans. It's where gallons of messy foods and discoloring liquids are spilled each year, where the sink overflows and where you cut the vegetables when you can't find a cutting board. The kitchen counter is where cans land when they fall out of the cupboard. It's where you stand to get things off the high shelf. It has to be tough.
The counter is the main surface in the most visited room in the home. It's where the guests always end up. It's a place to put your drink during the kitchen party. It's where the food gets laid out for the buffet. It's where your new friend stirs sugar into their coffee. It has to look good.
The kitchen counter is also the place where you sweat the most. It's where you're dealing with hunger, dishes and groceries all at the same time. Food's coming in and food's going out while the garbage piles up. You're home from work to feed the family and hoping you can spend some time together before you all drop off to sleep. It has to be easy.
Fortunately there are a number of countertops that are tough, good-looking and easy. None of them are perfect but some will suit you better than others, so before you agree to the first thing that catches your eye, shop around a little. Your kitchen counter is the hardest working surface in the house and it deserves respect.
Here's a quick run down of the main players in today's wide world of countertops. All of them have proven themselves to be durable but sadly, nothing lasts forever. Chips, cracks and stains will happen, so weigh your lifestyle needs against your budget and personal style to find the one that will fit your kitchen.
1. Granite - This is the new darling of the kitchen reno. Granite is a natural solid stone countertop that can be had in a selection of colors. Extremely durable and nice to look at, granite is also heat and waterproof. Cons: It resists stains and scratches but not entirely. Seams are visible. Granite can be high maintenance and has to be resealed every year. Imported and expensive.
2. Quartz - Beautiful quartz countertops offer many of the same benefits as granite, but come in a wider range of colors. These counters never need resealing or polishing. They resist scratches, heat and stains. Cons: Seams are visible and installation is expensive.
3. Polished concrete - Customizable counters can be had in any shape or size you want and will take on any color you care to tint them. These seamless counters are heat and scratch resistant and they look good. Cons: They also stain easily and are very expensive. Can be hard to find skilled tradespeople.
4. Solid surface - Usually acrylic, these counters are solid all the way through and give you a durable surface without seams. Waterproof. Small scratches can be sanded away. Wide range of colors and designs. Cons: Though these counters can look solid, they can be scratched easily and become damaged by heat and knives.
5. Recycled glass - Looks great. This alternative to natural stone combines colored recycled glass with concrete to make an attractive countertop that's good for the environment. Cons: Properties are similar to granite so while it resists heat and scratches, it stains easily and needs to be resealed regularly. Expensive.
6. Laminate - The old standby, laminate is cheap and versatile. Made of plastic layers bonded to paper or particle board, it comes in an endless variety of colors and patterns. Somewhat durable. Cons: Can be permanently damaged by heat and knives and shows scratches easily. Once ruined, it can't be fixed.
7. Tile - Why don't we tile our kitchen counters more often? Tiles make a durable, easy-to-clean counter that is inexpensive and can be done yourself. Ceramic is heat and scratch resistant. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Cons: It also chips and cracks easily, and makes a poor cutting surface. Though tiles come clean, grout becomes stained.
8. Wood - Comes in a range of colors and finishes with maple and oak being the most popular. Makes a fairly easy-to-clean surface and gives a nice warm effect to the room. Can be damaged by heat and water but can also be sanded and resealed. Makes a good cutting surface. Cons: High maintenance countertop that needs regular oiling.
9. Stainless steel - Great looking modern countertop. Heat resistant and durable. Seamless. Easy-to-clean. Cons: Also expensive and noisy. These counters dent easily and dull knives.
Expect time to add character to the countertop you choose just like anything else in your home. No matter what material you decide on, make sure it's one you love and you can't go wrong.
About the Author
Karen Hoeve is a Raleigh Real estate agent. Her passion for helping people find the perfect home makes Karen the one to call when you're looking for a home in Raleigh North Carolina.
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