Different Types of Aggregate Concrete Finishes
When you're ready to start pouring concrete, you'll want to know about the four types of aggregate finishes: Salt and pepper, No-exposure, and Seeded.
Which one is right for your home? There are many advantages to each, and we'll discuss them below. For more information, check out the links at this article's end.
We hope this article has helped you make the right choice! Here's some advice:
Salt and pepper
Two aggregate finishes are available for concrete floors: coarse and fine. Coarse aggregate is eighty percent of a concrete mix, and fine aggregate is five percent or less. Both types of aggregates are exposed.
A fine aggregate finish will be the most noticeable, but a coarse aggregate will give a more antique look. Fine aggregate is often the preferred finish for polished or architectural floors, allowing for greater exposure to the aggregates within the concrete mix.
Unlike polished concrete, a salt and pepper finish is not flat; you can see aggregate particles at different depths throughout the floor. This can be problematic, as the aggregate may not be uniform throughout the floor, and the concrete can appear uneven.
Luckily, there are ways to get a uniform appearance without grinding the concrete. First, you can grind the concrete to a depth of one-sixteenth inch to reveal the aggregate.
Knowing your floor's current state is essential when choosing a salt and pepper aggregate concrete finish.
The CPA defines the various types of aggregate used for concrete, which helps guide you in choosing the best option.
You can begin by removing any coatings and adhesives that may have accumulated on the floor. Once you finish this, you can decide if you want a cream or salt-and-pepper look.
Salt and pepper finishes, on the other hand, require a surface cut depth of about one-sixteenth of an inch to expose the aggregate.
Salt and pepper aggregate concrete finishes are the most popular. These finishes are slightly expensive and require installation. However, they may need to match the aesthetics of your home.
An exposed aggregate finish has a rough surface and is suitable for non-slip applications. A salt and pepper finish requires a small aggregate and sand to make the finished surface.
The surface of the salt and pepper concrete floor is typically speckled with sand, resulting in a unique, speckled appearance.
Honed aggregate
Consider honing aggregate if you're looking for a decorative and aesthetically pleasing concrete finish. This type of concrete surface is similar to exposed aggregate, but it is ground down to produce a smoother finish.
This finish is more expensive-looking and exudes an elegant, expensive appearance. It is a versatile finish and will complement any landscape. Here are some of the benefits of honed aggregate:
Honed concrete is an attractive and durable material. It also has low maintenance and is easy to clean. This finish can be added to an existing slab or a new house. It is also easy to match an existing design, making it an excellent choice for interior and exterior applications.
You can choose a matte or shiny finish or a combination of both. Honed aggregate is more expensive, so consider the concrete type that suits your aesthetic.
Honed concrete is a modern look that can be used internally and externally. Due to its contemporary aesthetics, honed concrete is becoming increasingly popular, particularly for outdoor spaces.
It can also create a seamless pool edge, eliminating the need for bullnose pavers around the pool. And the color choices are endless. There are no boundaries in the creative possibilities regarding honed concrete.
Honed concrete finishes are an excellent choice for outdoor areas because they produce a matte, even finish. Polished Concrete Floors Australia grinds to the degree that reveals the aggregate surface and applies a penetrative sealer.
However, this type of finish is more expensive regarding material and labor. If you are interested in this type of concrete finish, contact Polished Concrete Floors Australia to learn more about this popular finish.
Once the honed aggregate has been applied, it may need to dry for several hours before walking on the surface. You may also need to wait two or three days before walking on the surface.
The surface will become a matte, satin, or gloss finish during drying. After the sealer has dried, the concrete can be cleaned with mild soap and water. Pressure washing can also help remove dirt that has settled in the crevices of the concrete.
No exposure
The most obvious difference between an exposed and a no-exposure aggregate concrete finish is the amount of decorative aggregate exposed.
Only a tiny amount of the decorative aggregate is exposed in an exposed aggregate finish. The rest of the aggregate remains are buried in the concrete.
In most cases, contractors will expose roughly one-third of the aggregate material. There are a few different ways contractors expose aggregate material.
Brushing and washing are the oldest methods and do not require any special tools. Brushing and washing is a simple process in which a contractor removes a small surface mortar layer.
When pouring exposed aggregate concrete, use bull floats or tamping tools. Bull floats help smooth the concrete's surface. A bull float is an excellent tool for this purpose because it ensures complete paste coverage of the embedded aggregate.
Before we begin, ensure you have the right tools and safety gear. Remember to have your water hose ready. Proper pouring and placement will help the exposed aggregate concrete finish look consistent.
One of the benefits of exposed aggregate is that it is very durable and can last for years without being painted or repaired. Other types of concrete can become challenging to maintain and require professional help to keep looking beautiful.
This finish is for you if you want a modern, stylish look. Its primary advantage is that it costs less than other types of concrete. Remove the fine aggregate layer within the concrete batch and remove it to create the look you want.
Another significant advantage of exposed aggregate is that it is less slippery than other materials, such as polished marble and waxed linoleum. However, this finish is unsuitable for high-traffic areas such as spas and pools. It may scratch easily.
Despite its many benefits, it could be better for high-traffic areas. It also cannot be used where water is present because it can enter the concrete surface.
Seeded aggregate
There are a couple different types of exposed aggregate finishes. These include integrally exposed aggregates and surface-seeded aggregates. Integrally exposed aggregate involves washing the surface of the concrete, removing the surface cement and fines, and leaving the aggregate on the surface.
This finish is more expensive than surface-seeded aggregate because it requires a higher volume of decorative aggregate. Seeding is not recommended for new construction, as the result can be uneven and look unprofessional.
The basic process of exposed aggregate surface seeding is shown in FIGS. 1 through 3. It requires compaction of the aggregate surface and a sand mixture that has been adequately hydrated before being broadcast.
Using a sponging tool, a small rounded aggregate is broadcast over the surface of the concrete and then raked into the concrete mix. The concrete surface is then cured by fogging or by a soaker hose.
The residues are removed by a steam/acid wash. The result is an extremely flat and highly wear-resistant surface.
A seeded aggregate finish is achieved by removing the top layer of concrete and exposing the natural aggregate in the concrete mix. The finish is durable and provides texture to the concrete. In addition to the exposed aggregate,
Integral colors can be added to the concrete mix for additional design interest. Hand-seeded aggregate is a similar technique, but the process involves the addition of hand-seeded aggregate to create various looks.
Seeded aggregate concrete is also very economical and can last many years without maintenance. This type of concrete finish can be used in any outdoor area, including driveways, patios, and pool surrounds.
Seeded aggregates are easy to apply, and the results are often more beautiful than bare concrete. So, before deciding which concrete finish to use for your project, read through the pros and cons before making your decision.
The seeded aggregate type will depend on where you live in the country. The Southeast has stunning river rocks, and the Northeast has striking dark gray granite.
Crushed shells can be used in coastal areas. Spreading the aggregate may be done by hand or mechanically. Hand broadcasting is the most common way.
However, you can hire a concrete contractor to seed your patio or pool. Just be sure to talk to the experts before making your final choice.