Here are some facts and FAQ's concerning decorative concrete;

1) Is Decorative concrete only used on exterior surfaces of a home for example driveways, patios etc?

Not so in fact, assuming that the area or areas to be covered are structurally sound, enhancing the concrete rather than covering it up is fast becoming the gold standard for interior floor treatments, with benefits that extend well beyond aesthetics.

2) Are Cracks in concrete inevitable and is it not better to cover them up than to live with them?

Concrete cracks and that is a fact. Not all concrete cracks, but most will show some signs of cracking. The causes that effect concrete to crack are many. Covering or repairing the crack so that it can be hidden or blended within the decorative concrete applications process varies. On most outdoor applications, such as driveways or car ports we would pay attention to large "live" cracks so that we may stop any additional damage to the concrete. But for interior applications it is a whole another ball game.

Unless the cracks are serious and are due to structural issues. Many of our customers like the rustic, fractured look that can be achieved by staining the floor and leaving minor random cracks exposed and part of the overall design.

3) Doesn't carpeting looks warmer and much more inviting than concrete?

With all the options that are available to homeowners today concerning decorative concrete via the various colors and design options nothing could be further from the truth. With decorative concrete, there's also no risk of chemical emissions like those associated with new carpeting. These emissions can be especially hazardous in that aren't well ventilated. Carpets also are a breeding ground for dust mites and other allergens. Carpeting is also much more labor intense to clean and maintain.

4) Are Decorative Concrete floors slippery?

In most cases, a decorative concrete floor is no more slippery than vinyl or ceramic tile. The application of a high-gloss sealer to protect and enhance decorative concrete may reduce traction somewhat, but that's easily remedied by mixing a nonslip additive into the sealer.

5) Aren't most floor coverings cheaper to install than decorative concrete?

The initial outlay for most decorative concrete services should be fairly equal the cost of a low-to-mid priced floor covering, such as carpeting, vinyl tile and wood laminates, but the life expectancy of a concrete floor will far surpass that of most floor covering materials. Decorative concrete can also endure water exposure unlike water-sensitive floor coverings that can peel up, warp, or mildew. That means in the long run homeowners save money because they never need to rip out and replace worn or water-damaged flooring. When compared with high-end floor coverings, such as hard woods , ceramic tile, slate, and marble, decorative concrete is often an economical alternative.

If time is money, then homeowners can also cash in on the low maintenance needs of decorative concrete. Typically just occasional sweeping and damp mopping will keep the floor looking like new for many years. When protected with a good sealer, concrete floors also resist staining, chemicals, and abrasion.