Types of concrete projects
Inspire Concrete offers design, construction, installation, repair, and maintenance of the highest quality concrete footpath in Sydney and surrounds.
More than just concrete
Types of Concrete Projects - Concrete Construction Projects Sydney
When it comes to driveways, pathways, floor slabs and alfresco entertaining areas, concrete is unmatched in its functionality, economy and design flexibility, and this is what we deliver in all our concrete construction projects in Sydney and surrounds.
We can create practical, beautiful outside spaces and surfaces that complement the appearance of your home using all types of concrete. Our team can also help you install various types of concrete driveways, paths, and other functional structures on your property.
Below is a breakdown of what’s involved and what to keep in mind with each type of concreting project.
Types of Concrete Finishes
Plain Concrete
No colour is added to the concrete. The finished look is its natural cement grey colour.
Colour Through
Colour is added to the whole concrete mixture when wet. It allows for consistent colour all the way through and not just the surface. A simple yet elegant and classy look to any environment. A wide variety of colours to choose from that match your colour scheme or environment.
Stamped
Is a patterned textured finish applied with rubber mats while concrete is in its wet state. The colour thru is already in the concrete before pattern texture application. A wide variety of patterns and colours to choose from to match your colour scheme or environment.
Stencil
A pattern finish. Paper stencil is applied when wet then colour powder is spread over the wet concrete and stencil. The paper stencil is removed on the same day to reveal the pattern design. A wide variety of Paper stencils and colours to choose from.
Finished Concrete Textures
Although it is not critical, choosing the right texture depends more on the use of the concrete area rather than the look.
A footpath or driveway generally has a cove or broom finish because of the high grit factor especially when wet. A house slab or granny flat generally has a smooth surface finish but a rough finish in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens because it allows for a stronger bond of the tile bed.
The Surface Grit rate is about how resistant the surface is to slipping underfoot. The Durability rate talks about how long the surface can withstand wear and tear and when maintenance is high it is usually when used in decorative concrete like driveways and footpaths.
The strength of the Grit and Durability is dependent on the preparation of the concrete before the final finish. Finishing concrete too early can weaken the surface because water has not fully evaporated from the surface and finishing the concrete too late can affect the look of the finish.
Other ways of increasing the grit of the surface finish can be with additives such as non-slip sealers, powders and fine aggregates.