NOTE: Concrete Overlays have to adhere to a stable substrate…if your concrete is too far gone or completely disintegrating, then an overlay cannot fix bad concrete and replacing it may be the only viable option.
This blog post is about opening your eyes to the possibilities of being able to change, beautify and upgrade from old, ugly, plain, tired and cracked concrete, to a whole new look…without spending a fortune in removing all the perfectly good existing concrete!
I’m talking about the new wave of incredible Professional Grade concrete overlays, which are not standard driveway concrete like you can buy at the hardware store.
This is the new era of polymer enhanced concrete overlays and decorative concrete mixes that have been scientifically formulated and engineered for strength and durability. These new concrete overlay mixes have special polymers, fibers, and other proprietary ingredients, that are designed to have long working times so they can be stamped or carved, retain custom colors, handle heavy traffic, and permanently physically and chemically bond to the concrete surface underneath them.
Today’s concrete overlays, at least the ones formulated and bagged in factories and not a thrown together set of ingredients on the job site, can give you a whole new beautiful and custom look that is as functional and strong as the original concrete surface.
I’ve seen a lot of mixes out there and have found that If you want a stunning realistic look, don’t gamble…go with one of the big manufacturers that also warranty their mixes.
The concrete pad in this set of pictures had 1 big crack, but otherwise looked ok. The owners wanted to fix the crack,,,and also change the overall look of their driveway. Using Stone Edge Surfaces Pro Stamp Mix and a couple of texture stamps and colors that fit the homeowners theme…and you now have an incredible driveway showpiece.
A really good professional concrete overlay mix can easily and affordably add new life to plain looking or cracked concrete, and bring that high end enviable look you’ve always wanted.
Why settle for ordinary when you can have a functional masterpiece of a simple color and broom finish to the dramatic looks of brick, pavers, slate…and on this commercial pool deck…they wanted the look of flagstone without the inconsistent height variances you get with real flagstone. This pool deck only added 3/8″ in height to the deck and changed the look at this high end resort from boring off white to stunning grays and golds that matched the color scheme of the pool house and deck chairs.
Why replace it and have the same thing you have now…when you can have infinite customizable looks.
This is why I like Stone Edge surfaces products…they just look more realistic…which is what most people are looking for if they are going to use an overlay.
Just as important…you will be amazed at how affordable a concrete overlay or decorative concrete overlay can be, and far less mess, hassle, and time than replacing the concrete. ESPECIALLY in the case of a commercial pool or project…downtime costs them money. This particular job was started and completed in 2 days and didn’t require closing the pool at all.
Don’t replace your Swimming Pool Decks, Patios, Steps, Landings, and even Wood Decks, now that you know they can become awe inspiring showpieces that brighten your spirit and stun your guests…for the same or less than putting in a whole new boring gray slab of concrete.
Why settle when you have infinite creative options of classic and varied brick patterns, cobblestone, slate and other Stone Edge stamps, or the alluring look you get with custom freehand designs.
Then, enhance that new custom look with a wide array of our color choices that truly make your fun and relaxation spaces…works of art
Infinite design possibilities bring professional, beautiful, and personally unique results…every time! Finding a contractor that is an expert in every type of stone, brick, tile, wood, etc. is a daunting task, but a Stone Edge Surfaces contractor is an expert in all of the above and more when using our products! In their professional hands, Stone Edge Surfaces all-in-one mixes, stamps and colors combine to create an infinite number of realistic and enviable looks to fit your design, environment and needs.
There are just so many things you can enhance with a professional concrete overlays. From Driveways, patios, walkways, floors, basements, pool decks, BBQ’s, outdoor kitchens, cabinet bases, fences, pillars, interior/exterior walls, retaining walls and shower enclosures, to realistic cliff faces and even trees & boulders. So don’t tear out your existing concrete…use a professional overlay to make it more beautiful and look like new!
