Concrete Resurfacing vs Replacing

It is surprising that there are so many people who still believe that a worn and cracked concrete surface needs to be replaced. Nowadays there are several different options for resurfacing the concrete. Most often you do not need to replace any of the concrete. You can bring that old driveway, pathway or patio back to life.

How do you know if the concrete is suitable to be resurfaced?

In some instances your concrete surface may not be suitable for concrete resurfacing. It s a very simple process to inspect the surface yourself. Inspect the concrete area you are wnating to resurface and check whether there are large cracks or if there are areas where the concrete has lifted or dropped due to the soil beginning to settle. In most cases when you encounter this it is not really feasible to resurface the concrete. Contact a concrete professional and ask them to inspect the area for you if you are still not sure.

These decorative concrete resurfacing options are very popular:

Overlays - You are able to produce a wide array of patterns with this option. Some of them include micorotoppings which you can achieve a smooth troweled finish; stamped overlays which can look just like natural stone or tile; Spray down overlays ,which are often used with cardboard stencil patterns, give a highly durable, textured and very slip resistant finish which is perfect for pool surrounds, driveways or pathways; and self leveling overlays which can be laid thicker than most and result in a smooth finish. Self leveling overlays are usually used indoors.

Acid Staining - this option is different by the way that the stain actually seeps into the surface of the concrete. This can produce translucent rich coloring which looks like polished marble or stained wood. The properties of each slab of concrete are different and the stain reacts differently to each. Therefore each project has it's own look providing a unique finish for each project. This is part of the attraction to acid staining.

Decorative Stencils - Creative patterns can be on a concrete area using cardboard stencils. This is done by placing the stencil on an existing slab of concrete and then a thin concrete overlay is applied over it. The overlay can be applied either by troweling it on, spraying it on using a hopper gun. When the stencil is lifted the areas underneath the stencil are left unaffected leaving a pattern that may look like brick tile or stone depending on the stencil chosen.

Saw Cutting - Geometric grids and shapes can be saw cut into your existing concrete even really fancy shapes like logos. The concrete is saw cut using diamond saws. The concrete can then be stained or colored using one of your other resurfacing options to give more contrasting effects.

Engraving or etching - Special tools are used to etch designs into concrete. This is a permanent surface treatment unlike overlays because the surface is carved with the pattern. It can be followed by staining for even more striking results.

There are many different options today for concrete resurfacing, as you can see. By applying any of these finishes or a number of them you really can bring slab an old slab of concrete to life and with a little bit of inspiration you can turn it into a work of art.

Learn more about Concrete Resurfacing DIY. Stop by Cory John Grant's site where you can find out all about Concrete Resurfacing DIY pick up a free guide to removing existing stains from your concrete. .