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levelling concrete with trowels

One of the major benefits of concrete is its versatility. It can be moulded into pretty much any shape or size, and finished in a whole range of different styles. This means that concrete products can be finished to suit a variety of different applications, ensuring the visual appeal is equally as strong as the qualities of the concrete itself. These are the most common types of concrete finishes that you’ll find:

Float/Trowel Finish

This is one of the most popular finishes that’s used for the vast majority of applications, but what is trowel/float concrete finish? Put simply, it is what it says on the tin – Once the concrete has been laid and levelled, a trowel is used to smooth the surface and impart a pattern if required. The texture created can be coarse, medium or smooth depending on the tool used. For example, wood floats create coarse texture, whilst steel trowels create a smoother and lighter textured finish. 

Broom Finish

Broom concrete finishes are very simple but they’re also very practical. Brushed finish concrete is primarily used to create an anti-slip surface to increase safety in public spaces such as swimming pools. Broom finishes can be light or coarse depending on the material and size of the bristles on the broom that you’re using, providing a variety of options for various applications. 

Stencilled Finish

Stencil concrete finishes provide a range of different design options from simple modern patterns to more intricate designs that can be custom-made using computer technology. This may include herringbone, basketweave or diamond tile, to name just a few options. One of the main benefits of stencil finishes is that the surface remains relatively smooth after the pattern has been added. A stencil is used to stain or resurface the concrete to provide it with the desired texture.

Stamped Finish

You may sometimes hear of stamped concrete finishes being referred to as textured or imprinted concrete. The concrete is stamped to resemble brick, natural stone, tile or wood. Colour can also be added to accentuate the stamp pattern using colour hardener. Stamped concrete finishes can be used indoors to enhance the appearance of walls and fireplaces, as well as in a range of outdoor applications. 

Exposed Aggregate Finish

Exposed concrete finish involves pouring the concrete and then removing the top layer of cement paste to reveal the coarse decorative aggregate that sits beneath. This creates a beautifully textured finish. Natural stones like basalts, granite, quartz and limestone are the most common decorative aggregates, however a range of other materials can be used, such as recycled glass. 

Rock Salt Finish

Rock salt concrete finishes provide a speckled pattern that creates a naturally looking statement. This look is achieved by putting water softener salt crystals onto the fresh concrete surface before using a roller to push the salt crystals down into the concrete. This creates a timeless finish, that adds a point of interest in both traditional and modern decor schemes.

Polished Concrete

This is one of the most popular concrete finishes for floors, providing a smooth, high-gloss finish that’s durable and easy to maintain. The polished finish is achieved by a mechanical process of grinding and polishing using chemical hardeners. The smoothness of the surface is determined by the grade of the abrasives that are used in the process.  

For information on the concrete products we have available at Al Manaratain, including our ready-mix concrete, pavers, blocks and artificial stone, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.