Concrete Finishes Available with McCluskey Contracting

Concrete is an extremely versatile and durable building material commonly used in construction projects. However, the appearance of raw concrete may not always be aesthetically pleasing. That's where concrete finishes come into play. 

A concrete finish is the final step in creating a smooth, decorative, or textured surface on your concrete.

What is a Concrete Finish?

A concrete finish is a thin layer of material applied to the surface of concrete. It can be used to enhance the appearance or functionality of the concrete, depending on your needs and preferences. Concrete finishes can also protect the underlying concrete from wear and tear, making it more durable and long-lasting.

Benefits of a Concrete Finish

Having a concrete finish done on your concrete can provide numerous benefits. These include:

Improved Appearance: A concrete finish can transform the look of simple, plain concrete into a beautiful and unique surface that complements your home or business.
Increased Durability: With the right type of concrete finish, your concrete can become more resistant to stains, abrasions, and other types of damage.
Reduced Maintenance: Certain finishes, such as polished or sealed concrete, require minimal maintenance and can save you time and money in the long run.
Weather Resistance: A properly applied concrete finish can protect your concrete from harsh weather conditions such as freezing temperatures, UV rays, and heavy rain.
Water Resistance: With proper seal, the concrete becomes resistant to water damage. 
Insect and Pest Resistance: Concrete finishes provide a seal that protects the surface from insect and pest damage. 
Cost-effective: Concrete finishes are a cost-effective way to add value and appeal to your property without breaking the bank. They are also more affordable than other types of flooring materials.

Types of Concrete Finishes

Various types of concrete finishes are available, each with unique characteristics and benefits. Here are some popular options to consider:

Troweled Finish

This type of finish is achieved by using a trowel to smooth out the surface of freshly poured concrete. It creates a level, smooth surface that is perfect for indoor floors. 

Since it has a smooth finish, it is not recommended for outdoor surfaces as it can become slippery when wet. This finish is often used for roof slabs, garages, commercial areas, walls, and utility areas. 
We level, float, and trowel the concrete to perfection to apply this finish. We drag a screed made of metal or wood along the surface of the concrete. To smooth the surface further, we use a trowel, which allows us to remove bumps and lumps. 

Stamped Concrete Finish

Stamped concrete is a great choice for adding texture and design to your concrete. It involves pressing patterns or textures into the surface of wet concrete before it dries, creating a unique and eye-catching finish. This is a great finish for patios, parks, recreational areas, landscape paths, and various outdoor areas. 

This type of finish offers a range of customized options to provide a visually appealing look on your property. One drawback to note is that this type of finish creates weak spots in the concrete surface, making it more prone to cracking and freezing and unable to support vehicle traffic. 
Stamped concrete finishes are created by using stamping mats, which are pressed onto the surface of wet concrete. These mats come in various patterns and textures, such as brick, stone, wood, etc.

Broom Finish

A broom finish is created by dragging a broom across wet concrete, creating a textured surface that provides great traction and helps to reduce the risk of slipping. This finish is commonly used for driveways, walkways, and pool decks because it provides better traction. 

One disadvantage is that the ridges can collect water and dirt as time goes on. This finish is created by pulling a broom across the surface of the concrete when it is still wet. While this is not a decorative finish to most, it does serve as a rough, non-slip surface that makes it great for around the pool or in other areas prone to becoming slippery. 

If you prefer a more decorative approach, we can do a swirl concrete finish here; we swirl the broom to create uniform patterns of swirls, arcs, or similar designs. We can customize the depth and width of your finish by using different bristle sizes. 

Exposed Aggregate Finish

This finish involves exposing the small stones and aggregates within the concrete by washing away the top layer of cement. It creates a rough, non-slip surface ideal for outdoor areas such as swimming pools, walkways, parks, and driveways! 

For this finish, it is crucial to work with an experienced concrete contractor as it is prone to wear if it is not to be sealed properly. 
This textured finish is accomplished by washing away the top layer of cement to expose the stones and aggregates underneath. Typically, the finish will feature granite, quartz, or basalts, but seashells or recycled glass are also great options. 

Salt Finish

A salt finish is achieved by applying rock salt to the surface of wet concrete. The salt creates indentations and texture, creating a beautiful, rustic finish. This finish is recommended for pool decks, large fountains, or other areas where a waste resource is nearby. 

Sealing this finish is key. If done improperly, it can collect water and crack. 

Rock salt crystals are inserted into the wet concrete to achieve this finish. They are then washed off with streams of water once the concrete has set, creating tiny pits that offer decorative and non-slip properties. 

Polished Finish

Polished concrete is a durable, low-maintenance option that involves grinding down the surface of the concrete to create a smooth and shiny finish. It can also be dyed or stained in various colors for a customized look. This finish is mainly used indoors for showrooms, retail stores, and office buildings. 

This is a durable finish, but it is not intended for heavy vehicle traffic or outdoor areas. 

Stenciled Finish

A stenciled finish is the perfect choice for those who want to add patterns or designs to their concrete. It involves using stencils and specialized tools to create intricate designs on the surface of the concrete.

This is a great choice if you're looking for a more affordable alternative to stamped concrete. Like stamped concrete, the stenciled finish can be prone to cracking and is less durable than other finishes. 
A stenciled finish is applied by laying the desired stencil on top of the wet concrete and then using specialized tools such as rollers or brushes to create the design. The stencil is removed once the concrete is partially cured, leaving a unique pattern behind.

Epoxy Resin Finish

Epoxy resin is a durable and versatile finish that creates a glossy, seamless surface on your concrete. It is resistant to chemicals, stains, and moisture, making it an excellent choice for garage floors or commercial spaces.

This is the right choice if you want a durable finish that offers a high-end look. To achieve this finish, we mix epoxy resin with a hardener before applying it to the surface of your concrete. It can also be customized with different colors and patterns.

Colored Finish

To add a pop of color to your concrete, consider a colored finish. Pigments are added to the concrete mix before pouring to create vibrant, long-lasting colors that won't fade or chip over time.

You can choose from a wide range of pigments to create a concrete finish that matches your style. This finish can fade over time, peel in high-traffic areas, and require a longer application process. 

To create a colored finish, we use colored hardeners, integral colors, or stains to achieve a consistent and vibrant color on the concrete surface. 

Concrete Finishes by McCluskey Contracting

With many options available, a concrete finish suits every style and need. Whether you want to enhance the appearance of your concrete or make it more durable, McCluskey Contracting has the expertise and experience to help you choose and apply the perfect finish for your project. 

Contact us today to learn more about our concrete finishing services. So, don't settle for plain concrete - give it the perfect finish with McCluskey Contracting. Contact us today to learn more!