| By :
Stewart Wrighter
You are thinking of using concrete to lay out your driveway and garage floors, but are a little put off by the idea of the long flat surface. If that's the case, you might want to consider resorting to stamped concrete. San Diego is full of residential properties that have used it. Floors are not the only place that concrete can enhance the look of your home. You can also achieve a different look by having colored retaining walls. San Diego has examples of these in its communities as well. Stamped concrete has been around for a while, but only recently did it improve enough to become a hot remodeling trend. It is a technique that consists of pouring slab concrete for driveways, walkways, patios, etc., and then using textured mats to leave patterns on the still wet cement. The newer types have textures on their surface that make them look like other materials, such as cobblestones, brick, pavers, wood, and seashells. It is not only the pattern on the concrete that replicates these materials. Color is added to enhance the likeness. By using cement instead of brick, pavers, or cobbles your floor is less susceptible to frost-heave and other changes in the underlying surface. You will also avoid having weeds grow up through the cracks of the interlocking pieces. Keep in mind though you and most people will notice the difference between the patterned concrete and the real bricks, pavers, etc. If you were looking to fool the untrained eye with your stamped concrete, do not rule the option out yet. You can still have an attractive finish without trying to make it look like something it is not. There are a lot of colors, patterns, and textures to choose from and a good concrete contractor will walk you through your options. This is not something you should attempt doing on your own. The whole process requires special tools and experienced workers. A crew of up to four people are might be needed to finish a job. The job can be summarized as follows: * Place a layer, no less than four inches thick, of concrete on the chosen area. * Add color to the concrete either in the mixer (integral coloring) or after it's been placed (surface coloring). * Apply a release agent to the surface. The release agent will prevent the textured mats from taking off concrete. * Lay textured mats on the concrete surface. These are laid one after the other. * Let the concrete dry for 24 hours. * Pressure-wash the surface to remove the release agent. * Clear seal the surface. You are always on the look-out for ways to make your home look its best. Concrete is not only a reliable, practical material to have in mind, it can also be a visually appealing one. Different colors, different textures, different patterns, bring what could be a dull surface to life. Not only that, it makes your home stand out among the others in your neighborhood. It is different and fun.
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