Decorative concrete just keeps getting more ... decorative.

Baldridge Designer Concrete understands that concrete designs are one of the hottest new design elements for patios, floors, entryways, garages, pool decks and more. From expansive new homes with elaborate driveways to businesses looking for a great alternative to tile, stained concrete floors are attractive low maintence solutions and their popularity is continues to grow. Concrete is no longer plain, grey and boring, it is now thought of as an additional decorative element.  

Does anyone use gray concrete anymore? Why would they, when concrete dyes can provide just about any color, however subtle or vivid?

By using dyes either alone or in combination with reactive stains, designers and contractors can achieve just about any look imaginable.

Dyes or stains — what's the difference?
Basically, a concrete dye is a coloring agent that is diluted in water or solvent to the desired shade. The dye may be mixed with other colors on site.The final effect is transparent, so the concrete is visible through the color.

Chemical or acid-based reactive stains color concrete by a very different mechanism. The acid catalyzes a chemical reaction with the lime in the concrete, creating a variegated, dappled effect. Pigments in the stain impart color. Colors of reactive stains are similar to colors that occur naturally in stone, so the palette is somewhat limited.

Scoring
Both scoring and sawcutting can be used for both decorative effects. Scoring is done with a "groover" tool when the concrete is fresh.

Sawcutting
Sawcut lines are done after the concrete is hardened and can be straight or diagonal to the edges of the concrete or bands. Diamonds, stars, rectangles, or other shapes can be sawcut into the concrete and then those shapes can be stained to contrast with the abutting concrete.

Engraving
Engraving is another decorative concrete method that achieves a similar result. Concrete Engraving staining the concrete to give it color, then routing out a pattern. The routed area is now uncolored- thus it looks like a grout line.

Both saw-cutting and engraving are great tools for transforming existing concrete surfaces.

Stamped concrete is a finish that is imprinted or embossed into concrete while it is still in its plastic or moldable state. Patterns often resemble a natural stone texture and look, but any pattern or design can be imprinted or stamped into the soft concrete surface.

It is one of the most versatile and colorful design options when creating a patio, walkway or driveway and it allows for the addition of blended colors as well as offering a variety of patterns.

Professional grade concrete stains and coatings are a cost effective way to add color and design to an outdoor patio concrete slab. Similar in color to paint concrete stains absorb into and add color and decor to normally drab surfaces.

Painting concrete with a durable finish will help it last and offer a variety of custom designs.

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