How To Pick Which Finish Is Best For You.

We understand that it is hard to pick which concrete finish is the right one for you so we came up with a few key points on the three main finishes. Stamped Concrete, Exposed Aggregate, and Flat Broom Finish.

Stamped Concrete

One of the more popular decorative concrete design is Stamped Concrete.  Also called textured concrete, it mimics various different looks and colours such as stone, flagstone, slate, and the list goes on.  You can see different examples in our Instagram page (link on the homepage).

Like all options, it has its pros and cons. Here a few for you to consider.

Pros
-       Enhances your landscape
-       Many patterns to choose from
-       Durable and long lasting
-       Low maintenance after it is sealed
-       More cost effective over other options such as interlock.

Cons
-       Difficult to produce
-       Colour can slightly fade if not sealed properly
-       More expensive than other concrete options such as flat white broom finish or exposed aggregate
-       Very difficult to repair if damaged

Exposed Aggregate

Because of its durability and versatility, this decorative concrete often used for driveways, walkways, pool decks, and so much more.   Exposed aggregate is done by taking out the top layer (or sometimes referred to as the “Outer skin”) of concrete to show the aggregate creating the colourful and unique finish.

Here are some things to consider with Exposed Aggregate.

Pros
-       Very Stylish and unique colour schemes.
-       Extremely Durable and versatile
-       Low Maintenance
-       Savings on money due to its low maintenance and durability
-       Less expensive than other decorative concrete

Cons
-       This is not a DIY job
-       The stones potentially can chip off because they are exposed
-       Extremely difficult to repair if damaged
-       Cleaning can be tricky

Broom Finished Concrete

Broom finish (sometimes called brushed concrete) is the simplest and basic finish for concrete.  By running a concrete broom across the concrete, it creates a texture that is functional and stylish.

Pros
-       Very functional and used for many applications
-       Tends to be slip resistant more so than other finishes
-       Affordable and cost effective
-       Durable
-       Time efficient
-       Stylish

Cons
-       Can be too rough on bare feet
-       Not as decorative than other finishes
-       Blemishes and cracks tend to be more noticeable