9 Types of Concrete Finishes for Indoors & Out

Stamped concrete commonly referred to as textured or imprinted concrete, is a type of concrete finish designed to resemble brick, natural stone such as slate or flagstone, tile and even wood. Color hardener is a popular way of coloring concrete that accentuates the stamped pattern. 

 A broom finish can be light or coarse depending on the bristles of the broom you choose. This is not a fancy finish but provides a non-slip surface which is important for safety around swimming pools. This finish is commonly seen on most sidewalks.

Patterns can be made on the concrete, such as swirls, or different size arcs. The texture created can be coarse, medium, or smooth depending on the tool used to impart the pattern. Wood floats create coarser textures. Aluminum floats or steel trowels create medium or smooth finishes. 

 Concrete can be colored in a variety of ways, but integral color and color hardener are two popular options, especially outdoors. Integral color is added to the concrete mix before pouring, while color hardener is broadcast onto freshly placed concrete and finished into the surface. Both of these colored finishes can be used alone or combined with various texturing methods such as stamping, exposed aggregate, brooming and more. 

 An exposed aggregate surface is obtained by placing concrete and then removing the top layer of cement paste to uncover coarse decorative aggregate. The most popular decorative aggregates are richly colored natural stones such as basalts, granite, quartz, or limestone. But you can also use materials such as recycled colored glass or seashells and other interesting objects seeded into the surface of the concrete. 

 In some projects stenciled concrete can be a great alternative to decorative stamping while permitting similar design flexibility. Stencils are typically used in conjunction with staining concrete or resurfacing. 

Salt crystals 1/8" to 3/8" in size are broadcast onto the fresh concrete. A roller is then used to press the salt crystals into the concrete. The surface is later washed, dissolving the salt and leaving small holes. 

 Polished Concrete is the ultimate modern flooring material, where the surface of the concrete is ground to a high-gloss finish. Homeowners, retailers, big-box stores, educational and medical facilities are choosing polished concrete for their floor finish because of the competitive advantage it offers over other types of floor coverings. 

  Staining is the most popular method for enhancing both commercial and residential concrete floors. Stained concrete is a good finish for both new or existing floors and works equally well with concrete overlays. Colors can mimic marble, leather, natural stone or even wood.