Concrete is a flexible building material used in all types of construction work. You can modify it into any size, form, and finish by utilizing different finishing methods and tools. Consequently, it leads to an appealing and long-standing concrete surface. 

Therefore, to wrap up the installation perfectly, ensure to choose the ideal concrete floor finishes for a high aesthetic significance. Though it makes your floor look beautiful, there are also many qualities they possess such as durability, safety, dazzling, etc.

So, to know about the different purposes of the various concrete finishes, here, in this article, we are describing them. 

6 Different Varieties Of Concrete Floor Finishing Options

Polished Concrete Finish

A polished concrete finish is a perfect choice if you want smooth floors. In addition, this flooring is easy to retain, highly appealing, and durable. For this reason, polished concrete floors in Melbourne have become the desired choice for many residential and commercial areas.

The polished concrete finishing is accomplished by the grinding and polishing process.

• In the grinding process, workers use the concrete grinders having diamond segmented abrasives of 16 to 20 grit. It grinds down the floors into a shiny and smooth texture.
• Generally, the polishing process consists of two methods – wet and dry.

Wet Method: Workers use the water in this process. It prevents the accumulation of dust produced throughout the process. Additionally, water decreases the friction between the diamond abrasives. 

Dry Method: This technique does not make use of water.  Instead, the worker uses the machine having a vacuum cleaner that directly takes out the accumulated dust. Thus, it clears out all the dirt in addition to polishing the concrete surface.  

Mostly, people use this technique in industrial areas because it is reliable, quick, and eco-friendly.

Troweled Finish

In this type of finish, firstly concrete is spread on the surface. Secondly, the top coating is made smooth using a trowel technique. Workers utilize a trowel machine bearing flat blades to even out the surface, which delivers a smooth finish. It works in a pull and push manner over the concrete surface. Workers repeat these steps till they accomplish the smooth surface they desire.

The projects of industrial and commercial sites require a power trowel to give the best concrete finishing which is available in riding and walk-behind models.

• Ride-on Models: In this type of model, an operator operates the machine and keeps control of the trowel functioning the regulators present on it. Worker’s and machine’s weight makes the model so heavy that it can not be placed over the wet surface. 

So, when the concrete dries completely, then only use the machine to stamp on the surface to attain the preferred finish. 

• Walk-behind Model: In this type of model, an operator strolls after the machine, which has blades and a pole to operate it. The machine is so light-weighted that you can place it over the wet concrete even before it has not completely cured. 

This model works by rotating the blades and using a gas-powered engine, producing vibrations that pull down the aggregation and carries mortar on the surface. Thus, altering the speed of the blades can help to execute different finishes.

Stamped Concrete Finish

You can accomplish this type of finishing by pressing down the desired designs or prints on the fresh concrete surface. The patterns appear exactly like the tile, bricks, slates, or flagstones. People use this finishing extensively on footpaths, porches, and driveway areas. 

Moreover, this finishing adds stability to the floors as well as gives an appealing appearance. In addition, it is cost-friendly as compared to other finishes.

Workers apply the designs on the surface with the help of concrete stamps and this method is called concrete stamping. In this type of finish, workers use base coloring and color release because it prevents the adhesion of the stamps to the concrete surface.

Just as the workers apply and level the concrete, they use the concrete stamps to execute the work. They place the stamps over the concrete and then pull it out which leaves the prints.

Exposed Aggregate Finish

As the name indicates, aggregates blended in the concrete get disclosed. In the process, workers apply, level out, and trowel the concrete perfectly. Then they use chemicals that slow down the hardening of the cement and leave the concrete overnight. Afterward, they clean the surface, using water which makes the aggregates transparent. 

The kinds of aggregates used in this type of finish are seashells, colorful glasses, appealing stones, and granite. Thus, it makes the surface non-slippery, durable, and supports heavy traffic and load. Therefore, it is best for warehouses, garages, galleries, and porches.

Salt Finish

Salt finishing is the oldest and most traditional decorative method.  Workers place the granulated rock salt crystals on the newly prepared concrete that creates little pits over the surface. Thereafter, they wash the floor with water which gives a finely smooth, speckled, and anti-slip surface. 

This type of finish is suitable for swimming pools or some damp areas. Sealing the salt concrete finish is a must because it can become vulnerable to the elements, causing damages to the floor. 

Salt finishes are perfect for the western and southern areas. The reason is that when the weather of these regions becomes frizzy, water frosts in indentations which can cause cracks.

Broom Finish

The finishing process of the broom finish is similar to the troweled finish. Firstly, the workers level out the concrete properly, and then by using the troweling technique they execute the work which makes the surface smooth. Afterward, workers extract a broom over the concrete surface. 

The direction of extracting the broom should be towards the slope because it quickly draws off the water from the concrete surface. Additionally, dragging produces some tiny bumps all over the surface, leading to a traction-free and anti-slip surface. This finishing is perfect for damp areas like swimming pools because safety is a must in these locations.

Conclusion

Different construction work requires various concrete finishes. Therefore, it will be helpful to know about various concrete finishes as each has its own benefits.

So, definitely, consider the different types of concrete finishes mentioned above, if you are planning to install them in any location.