6 Types of Concrete Finish

Concrete can be made with various types of finishes, each with its own range of benefits and applications. Whether you need a slip-resistant surface for a walkway or a polished, decorative finish for a showroom, there’s a concrete finishing technique that’s perfect for your needs. In this article, we’ll explore six types of concrete finishes to help you decide on the best concrete finish for your project.

What is a concrete finish?

A concrete finish is all about the texture, appearance, and durability of a hardened concrete surface. There are various concrete finishing techniques that create specific looks or textures while also enhancing the performance and longevity of the material. From broom finishes to polished concrete floors, there’s a whole range of options to suit different commercial applications.

What are the benefits of concrete finishes?

Concrete finishes offer several benefits to commercial users, including:

• Enhanced durability 

Finishing techniques can improve the lifespan of the concrete surface, making it more resistant to wear, abrasion, and weathering.

• Aesthetic appeal

Different concrete finishing techniques can add visual interest, complementing the design of commercial spaces.

• Safety

Some concrete finishes, like broom finishes, improve slip resistance, making them ideal for walkways and other high-traffic areas.

• Low maintenance

Many concrete finishes are easy to clean and maintain, saving time and resources in the long run.

What are the types of concrete finishing?

Here are six popular types of concrete finishing techniques to consider for your commercial project:

Broom finish

A broom finish is made by dragging a concrete finishing brush across the wet concrete surface. This creates a slip-resistant texture that’s perfect for walkways, driveways, and other outdoor surfaces. It’s a practical and cost-effective option for areas that need extra traction and safety.

Trowel/float finish

Trowel or float finishes are created by using a hand trowel or power trowel to smooth and compress the surface of the concrete. This technique results in a smooth, even surface that is suitable for interior floors and exterior surfaces where a refined appearance is desired. You can also enhance trowel finishes by applying decorative coatings or stains.

Stamped concrete

Stamped concrete is all about imprinting patterns or textures into the concrete surface, often to mimic the appearance of natural stone, brick, or other materials. With a variety of stamped concrete patterns available, you can add visual interest to your commercial space. This technique is popular for patios, pool decks, and other decorative applications.

Exposed aggregate finish

With an exposed aggregate finish, you’ll reveal the natural texture of the aggregates within the concrete mix. This is done by removing the top layer of cement paste, either through a chemical retarder or by washing and brushing the surface. The result is a durable, slip-resistant, and visually appealing finish that showcases the unique colours and textures of the aggregates. It’s a popular choice for walkways, driveways, and outdoor plazas.

Salt finish

A salt finish is created by applying rock salt to the surface of wet concrete and then pressing it into the material. Once the concrete has hardened, the surface is washed to dissolve the salt, leaving behind small pits and an attractive, textured finish. This technique is particularly popular for outdoor surfaces like pool decks and walkways, where a slip-resistant yet visually appealing finish is desired.

Polished concrete

Polished concrete floors are achieved by grinding the surface of the concrete using specialised equipment and diamond abrasives. The process removes any imperfections and creates a smooth, reflective surface. Polished concrete is a popular choice for commercial spaces like showrooms, retail stores, and office buildings due to its sleek, modern appearance and low-maintenance qualities.

For the best finishing results, always use a high-quality concrete mix. At Total Concrete, we have a range of high-grade concrete mixes for all applications. Whether for domestic or commercial use, we can create the perfect mix and volume for your needs. Choose from on-site mixed concrete, pre-mix concrete, ready mix concrete and more. Collection and delivery are available across Woking, Guildford and Surrey.

Don’t wait — contact us to find the perfect mix for your project.