Decorative Concrete Design & Supply Contractors | Patios, Floors

4 Budget Friendly Decorative Concrete Ideas For Patios, Floors, Paths & Driveways

With the vast number of decorative options available for concrete, it is easy for you to want everything that appeals your eyes, just like a small kid in a candy shop. It is important to be a little more careful when selecting a design. The first thing you should consider is your budget. Do not pick a design in which you will not complete due to financial constraints. Remember that the more decorative treatments you use, the more money you spend on materials and labor cost. To avoid this loophole, here is a list of the top 4 economical but elegant decorative concrete ideas you might consider trying out:

1. The Basic One Color/ Stain Application

Instead of stamped concrete that combines multiple patterns and colors on your driveway or walkway, consider one with one color hardener or one color. You can then stencil a decorative border or one section of the driveway or walkway.

This option is also ideal for interior concrete floors. In this case a one color/ stain application with a sealing coat is applied rather than the more elaborate treatment options. Don’t mind the jargon, your contractor should be able to explain everything to you. To avoid the cost associated with incorporating decorative saw-cuts, stain colors and other intricate graphics the contractor should suggest an economical alternative like using a water-based stain instead on an acid one.

2. Stenciling Concrete

In case you want to install a stamped patio or driveway for a multi-patterned or colored look, use one integral color (or even hardener color). Alternatively, you can stencil a portion of the patio or driveway. Stenciling the decorative borders also produces the same desired effect. Your contractor will explain this to you.

3. The Rock Salt vs Exposed Aggregate Finish

Use rock-salt finish or exposed aggregate for outdoor pavements. They are highly attractive and economical. They work best for sidewalks, patios and exterior pavements like pool decks and plazas.

An exposed aggregate finish is achieved by placing concrete then removing the outer ‘skin’ of cement to reveal the decorative coarse aggregate. The finish is durable and skid-resistant hence ideal for flat-work. Vertical applications of this technique include sound barrier walls and retaining walls.

A rock salt finish is also skid resistant. It’s achieved when wet concrete is exposed to salt (same one used as a de-icer in winter). After 24 hours of this, the salt is washed away to reveal a speckled pattern of indentations. The cost of these types of finishes depends on the surface area of the project. Get a quote for exact figures.

4. The Polished Finish

Polishing concrete increase the illumination of an establishment (light is reflected for better visibility); increases slip resistance and allows it to breathe. In addition to this, it’s cheaper to maintain. The bottom-line here is that, polished concrete flooring is a more economical alternative to marble and/ or granite. In the course of time, areas with heavy foot traffic tend to lose their shine. This shine can be brought back with minimal aggravation and cost compared to doing the same on granite or marble. Contact a contractor for maintenance tips.

PS: Avoid too many details on concrete countertops and fireplaces. You might have to pay a lot more on labor costs. You can opt for simple details such as simple straight lines instead of curves, and still make your concrete outstanding.

Top Tips

Some people may argue that incurring huge home renovation costs like re-doing the concrete work increase the property value. That may be true but nothing should justify extravagance. Note that:

Turning curves in concrete works into straight lines not only brings down cost but also creates a focal point.
Add the bottom line (ask the contractor what that is) by including drain boards, a pack splash and custom edges on kitchen countertops.
Your contractor should advice you on the ideal decorative concrete technique to be undertaken on your project.

Whenever you need to actualize any of the above ideas for your structures anywhere around the United States, call AAA Concreting. We will be there to deliver promptly. Our experts are on standby, waiting for that important signal from you.

How Much Does Decorative Concrete Cost?

Decorative concrete is a great option for homeowners who want a stunning look without having to pay a hefty price. Concrete is undoubtedly the most versatile building material available and can be used for countertops, driveways, paths, walkways, patios, floors, and more. Our modern techniques such as staining, polishing, and stamping, can transform concrete to look like high-end materials such as flagstone and marble for just a few dollars.

For basic decorative concrete applications, expect to pay $2-$8 per square foot. You might pay $8-$15 per square foot for mid-range applications and $20 and up for customized applications.

Factors Affecting the Price of Decorative Concrete Coating

There are many variables that can affect the cost of your decorative cement/concrete. These include:

The amount of stamping textures used
The number of colors needed
The level of polishing required
The skill required to complete the project
The overall detail of the design
The special details added

Where Can We Apply Decorative Concrete?

Indoor space

Garage floor coatings
Concrete floors
Radiant floor heating
Concrete driveways
Basement floors
Concrete countertops
Sinks, furniture, and fireplaces

Outdoor space

Concrete driveways
Outdoor counters and kitchens
Concrete paths and walkways
Concrete pool decks
Concrete patios
Concrete walls
Outdoor fireplaces
Concrete pavers
Outdoor sinks and furniture

7 Questions You Should Ask Before Signing a Contract With AAA Concreting

Do we display high level of professionalism?
Are we available when you need us?
Are we prompt when you call for a service?
Are we affordable?
What is our level of experience?
Are we licensed and insured?
Do we operate in your local area?

Having been into business for a number of years now, we have heavily invested in cutting edge equipment and employee training; hence we have the capacity to deliver top-notch decorative concrete services to our ever growing client population. Try us today and make your indoor and outdoor space a haven that many will admire for years.

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