Integrally Colored Concrete
Integrally Colored Concrete Overview
Integrally Colored Concrete is a highly versatile and durable material, able to meet the challenges of heavy traffic and to provide both strength and beauty in a surface that is non-fading and UV-resistant. Featuring permanent, non-fading, uniform color, concrete can be produced in a wide range of colors: warm earth tones, variegated shadings, vivid hues and any shade of gray.
Subtle harmonizing shades can blend pathways, planters, curbs and drains with the natural greenery. Slopes, curves and changes in the grade can be readily accommodated by cast-in-place concrete. Indoors, in entryways, hallways, utility areas, kitchens, recreation areas, sunrooms and splash rooms, colorful concrete beautifully compliments any decor.
Integrally Colored Concrete Applications
Concrete Stamped Patios
Concrete patios are quickly becoming more and more popular with the availability of custom design options to create a perfect outdoor living space. Using a variety of stained concrete colors and stamp options, your patio can reflect your style and strike a great balance between the indoors and outdoors.
Concrete Steps and Stairs
From home entrances to industrial settings, building concrete steps and stairs is a durable way to improve the look and safety of your home or business. Build your concrete steps and stairs to custom specifications and apply your own design to get exactly the look you want.
Concrete Driveways
Installing a concrete driveway is one of the best ways to improve curb appeal while making a solid investment for your home. When properly installed and maintained, a concrete driveway can last over 30 years with low maintenance costs. Plus, with the option to color and stamp your concrete, you can have a concrete driveway with a look that’s uniquely you.
Integrally Colored Concrete vs. Topical Color
In order to color your concrete, you have two options: integrally colored concrete and topical color. Both of these will add the right aesthetics to your concrete, but they’re not created equal. If you really want the best color, you’re better off with integrally colored concrete vs topical color, and here’s why.
Consistent Look
Integrally colored concrete is mixed in with the concrete before it’s poured. Because of this, you will have the same color throughout the concrete. If you were to experience a chip, the same color would still show below. If you used a topical color, this color would only be found on the top layer of concrete. If you experienced a chip or crack, the gray concrete would show, and this would create an eyesore.
Since topical color needs to be applied after, there is also no way to guarantee that the color will be spread evenly over the entire slab. Because of this, it’s possible that you will end up with uneven color, and this can be very unattractive after the concrete has cured.
Less Mess
Since integrally colored concrete is mixed in with the concrete before being poured, it’s less messy. Nothing has to be done on site in order to achieve the desired color. Instead, it’s all done ahead of time at the plant. Topical color needs to be applied after the concrete is poured. This creates more dust and more of a mess at the jobsite, which makes for more cleanup.
Easy
Mixing the color in with the concrete first is much easier to do than applying a topical color after the concrete has been poured. After all, this is something that is done when the concrete is being mixed at the plant, so it’s not the responsibility of the contractor or homeowner. Topical color is applied manually once the concrete has been placed. This just adds another responsibility to the homeowner’s or contractor’s plate.
Available Concrete Colors
Spring Beige
Winter Beige
Cool Gray
Desert Sand
Antique Cork
Coachella Sand
Coral Red
French Gray
Summer Beige
Porcelain Gray
Sunbaked Clay
Limestone
Mesa Beige
Westwood Brown
Quarry Red
Charcoal
Autumn Beige
Sorrento Red
Brownstone
Sombrero Buff
Adobe Tan
Tawny Pink
Shadow Slate
Dark Gray
How to Maintain Concrete
Whether you have a large concrete driveway or a small concrete patio, you want to extend the life of the flatwork and keep it looking great for a long time. Knowing how to maintain concrete can be the difference between concrete that grabs attention versus concrete that people are scared to walk on. Thankfully, maintaining
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