Over two thousand years ago, the citizens of Rome searched for materials and processes to beautify their homes inexpensively. Throughout the Italian peninsula, workers used exposed aggregate concrete to mimic the look of the pristine marble and granite floors of the empire's wealthiest citizens. Today, considering the economic climate, homeowners in increasing numbers are taking advantage of the versatility of exposed aggregate concrete to add real value and immense beauty to their home without breaking the bank.
The Romans mastered the art of concrete but did not stop at using the material as an efficient way to build things taller and larger. Workers developed a way to pour a cement floor and then sprinkle tiny bits of colored stone or marble chips over the surface to give the substance the appearance of more expensive materials.
Today, contractors are able to use essentially the same techniques - with advanced materials and processes - to allow homeowners wanting to update or expand to achieve high-end look with a smaller budget.
Exposed aggregate concrete has almost limitless potential to be used virtually anywhere on a residential property. Garden pathways and patios are likely the most common outdoor applications, but the variety of finishes, colors, and textures available have expanded the demand for garage floors, garden walls and driveways made from this innovative process. Indoors, experienced artisans can create spectacular floors, stairways and even countertops and fireplaces from exposed aggregate concrete.
The process appears relatively simple, but the work is usually best left to experienced professional installers. Concrete is not an extremely forgiving material and fixing mistakes can be an extremely costly and time-consuming endeavor.
Workers begin by pouring a traditional concrete slab or form mold in virtually any shape imaginable. At this point, surface retarders that prevent the topmost layer of concrete from fully drying can be applied. Once the lower portion dries, the top layer is washed away to reveal the small bits of sand and aggregate. Often however, the concrete is allowed to become almost dry and then - just like the Romans - small bits of stone are spread across the surface and then lightly pressed in evenly. The resulting appearance and texture is guaranteed to be utterly unique due to the individual nature of every piece of concrete and the limitless potential of cheap and diverse aggregate material.
A more expensive but stunning option is to further enhance the exposed aggregate concrete by scouring the raised bits down level with the concrete, and then polishing the entire surface to a brilliant shine. The result has the appearance of exotic cut marble or granite slab.
The Romans mastered the art of concrete but did not stop at using the material as an efficient way to build things taller and larger. Workers developed a way to pour a cement floor and then sprinkle tiny bits of colored stone or marble chips over the surface to give the substance the appearance of more expensive materials.
Today, contractors are able to use essentially the same techniques - with advanced materials and processes - to allow homeowners wanting to update or expand to achieve high-end look with a smaller budget.
Exposed aggregate concrete has almost limitless potential to be used virtually anywhere on a residential property. Garden pathways and patios are likely the most common outdoor applications, but the variety of finishes, colors, and textures available have expanded the demand for garage floors, garden walls and driveways made from this innovative process. Indoors, experienced artisans can create spectacular floors, stairways and even countertops and fireplaces from exposed aggregate concrete.
The process appears relatively simple, but the work is usually best left to experienced professional installers. Concrete is not an extremely forgiving material and fixing mistakes can be an extremely costly and time-consuming endeavor.
Workers begin by pouring a traditional concrete slab or form mold in virtually any shape imaginable. At this point, surface retarders that prevent the topmost layer of concrete from fully drying can be applied. Once the lower portion dries, the top layer is washed away to reveal the small bits of sand and aggregate. Often however, the concrete is allowed to become almost dry and then - just like the Romans - small bits of stone are spread across the surface and then lightly pressed in evenly. The resulting appearance and texture is guaranteed to be utterly unique due to the individual nature of every piece of concrete and the limitless potential of cheap and diverse aggregate material.
A more expensive but stunning option is to further enhance the exposed aggregate concrete by scouring the raised bits down level with the concrete, and then polishing the entire surface to a brilliant shine. The result has the appearance of exotic cut marble or granite slab.
Chuck Morris is a copywriter living in the Roaring Fork Valley of western Colorado. Chuck is an avid sports enthusiast, and enjoys all that the Colorado outdoors offers, including hiking, camping, fishing, skiing and snowboarding, rafting and just generally having fun outdoors regardless of the season.
In the off seasons, Chuck works construction, and finishes concrete for his favorite Aspen concrete contractor. His favorite kind of concrete work is creating backyard art using exposed aggregate concrete.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chuck_Morris In the off seasons, Chuck works construction, and finishes concrete for his favorite Aspen concrete contractor. His favorite kind of concrete work is creating backyard art using exposed aggregate concrete.
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