Transforming Concrete Surfaces with Texture Skins

When it comes to flooring and walkways, one of the cheapest surfaces to lay is concrete. Not only is it affordable, concrete is reliable and sturdy, making it one of the most popular choices among homeowners for garages, basements, back porches, walkways, and surfaces surrounding swimming pools. However, the one drawback of a concrete surface is its drab gray appearance. Luckily, this look can be transformed dramatically with a little professional texturing.

When many people think about concrete texturing, they think about a few boring wavy lines or circular swirls embedded into the face of the surface. However, there''s a lot more to concrete texturing than that. For instance, did you know there are texturing treatments that can make a simple slab of concrete look like an amazing near-work of art? These treatments, called texture skins, can turn ordinary gray concrete into a beautiful and expensive-looking surface when combined with color release chemicals.

What Are Concrete Texturing Skins

Put simply: concrete texturing skins are large stamps that hold certain patterns. When pressed against wet concrete, the patterns become embedded. Combined with a chemical stain, the finished product usually looks nothing like concrete at all.

Styles of Concrete Texturing

Arizona Sandstone

This type of concrete texture skin can actually transform basic concrete into an amazing light tan surface that actually resembles beautiful natural rock. Applied correctly, this texture skin can make a cement walkway look like it cost a fortune.

Blue Stone

This amazing concrete texture skin casts an ocean blue hue over the concrete. The actual texture of the finished product appears sandy and layered. This is a great skin for homeowners looking for a marble-like appearance.

Caesar Stone

This popular texture skin looks great on indoor surfaces. Its rich, ruddy coloring makes the finished surface look more like granite than concrete. The veiny texture helps prevent slipping, making this surface a great fit for the areas around swimming pools.

Monster Slate

One of the most popular looks, this stylish texture skin can transform the interior of a home from ordinary to elegant. The dark veiny patterns look amazing running through the overall light-colored look of the texture.

Rock Salt

This texture style is great for homeowners looking to save a few dollars. The simple texturing style gives the concrete a bleached look. The tiny bumps and holes create an end result that looks very similar to ocean coral.

Shawnee Slate

This amazing concrete texture skin provides a dark, shiny look. The finished product is relatively flat making the concrete surface appear as though it was washed smooth by water, very similar to stones found in a river.

Wave Crete

This texture style provides a dark base with light creamy waves running throughout. The finished product looks embossed, giving the appearance of three-dimensional marble.

Who Needs Concrete Texture Skins?

Texture skins are not for everyone. Many people are comfortable with a basic concrete texture that simple turns their surface from gray to tan or red. However, for those who have an original idea in mind when it comes to their home remodeling plan, concrete texture skins may be the way to go.

Benefits of Concrete Texture Skins

Not only are they a cheaper alternative to ceramic, granite and marble flooring, concrete texture skins come in a variety of different colors and styles. There just really is no way to explain the beauty of concrete that has been stained and textured with a skin.


Risks and Negatives of Concrete Texture Skins

Although, concrete texture skins offer a reasonably priced alternative to more expensive surfaces, they aren''t dirt cheap. The added materials and labor can often increase the overall cost of the concrete surface by 50 to 100 percent. Also, once a texture skin is applied, the impression left by it will be permanent. Short of tearing up the old concrete and laying more, there won''t be much you can do about the design if you aren''t satisfied with the end result. It may be a good idea to ask if the installing contractor is willing to provide you with a sample to take home so you can get a better idea of how the pattern will look at your house.

If you are planning on having a concrete surface installed, you might want to look into concrete texturing skins as a possible way to enhance the beauty in and around your home. Although, they will certainly increase the price of the surface installation, they may also increase the overall value of your home ? and make it a more beautiful place to live.

Ryan Lawrence is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a contractor or more home care articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Transforming Concrete Surfaces With Texture Skins