It wasn't long ago when deciding on a driveway or sidewalk material was easy - either asphalt or concrete. Today, the concrete choices have expanded to include many decorative concrete options. While plain gray concrete is still the most popular, affordable and most often installed, we can still help you achieve a distinctive look for you concrete project. Consider options like a "jazz" swirl finish or a re-tooled method leaving the joints and edges exceptionally smooth for a more formal finished look. Another popular alternative includes adding patterns with custom relief joints for a unique impression.

The decorative process of exposing aggregate has been around since the early 1900s, well before pattern stamping and stenciling became popular. Exposed aggregate is a process where colored or decorative stones are incorporated into the top layer of concrete. As the concrete sets up, the top layer is slowly washed off exposing the top surface of the stones. The concrete is then acid washed, sawcut and sealed with a clear acrylic sealer for a colorful "wet" look. Customers have a choice in the color and type of decorative stone used for the projects. Exposed aggregate is a popular choice for patios and sidewalks. Customers may view in person over a dozen samples of exposed aggregate and stamped walkways simply by calling our office at 517.694-9381 for more information.

Stamped concrete is designed to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, stones, tile, and wood planks. IN this process, the color is first added to the concrete mix and a second contrasting color release is dusted on the surface to keep the concrete from sticking to the rubber stamps. This method gives the surface the two toned dimensional look of real stone, brick, wood, etc. To view samples of stamped sidewalks in person, call our office at 517/694-9381 for more information.

A wide variety of colors are available to add to concrete. Colors are often chosen to complement the color of the home or other elements surrounding the home.

Acid staining is one of the most popular applications for transforming the look of existing concrete slabs. Using acid-based chemical stains applied directly to the surface can give a custom look to cement floors, concrete sidewalks, patios, driveways, etc.

Most acid stains are a mixture of water, hydrochloric acid and acid-soluble metallic salts. They work by penetrating the surface and reacting chemically with the hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) in the concrete. The acid lightly etches the surface allowing the metallic salts to penetrate more easily. Once the stain reacts, it becomes a permanent part of the concrete and resists fading, chipping and peeling. Like wood stains, acid-based stains are translucent and the color they produce will vary depending on the color and condition of the substrate to which they are applied. Each concrete slab will accept the stain in varying degrees of intensity, creating natural color variations that bring a distinctive and unique character to each project. What acid stains don't offer is a broad color selection. Current colors are limited to subtle earth tones such as tans, browns, terra cottas and soft blue-greens. Newer products are coming to market in the future which will expand the color palette to include pastels, reds, oranges, yellows and purples.