When it comes to deciding how to choose the right concrete for your project, there are quite a few variables to consider before reaching the end result. The mixture, color, logo or design stamp, as well as the contractor used, for example, will all influence the outcome of a project. This may sound a little overwhelming at first, but with the help of a knowledgeable contractor and by doing a little reading, you’ll be ready to get started in no time.
Different Types of Concrete Mixtures
When many people think of the word “concrete,” a specific image of a smooth, light-gray slab or curb may come to mind. While much of the concrete we see on daily basis may be in this form, this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to concrete. In fact, concrete is available in a wide variety of consistencies, which can vary in terms of strength, set time, composition and other attributes. While lower strength concrete mixes are okay for some personal applications like driveways or sidewalks, much heavier duty mixes must be used for high-traffic applications like industrial or commercial settings. Concrete strength is measured in PSI, and mix strength may be anywhere from 2,500 to 5,000 PSI, or even higher in certain settings. Concrete mixtures can also include aggregates, which can include various types of rock, glass or even pockets of air.
How to Choose Concrete Color
As mentioned above, concrete doesn’t have to be gray in color. Just like white paint is often inadequate at matching the style of a particular space, gray concrete can leave more to be desired if the goal of a building is to be appealing to the eye. And, like paint, concrete is available in a wide range of colors to match any interior, color scheme, or logo. Sometimes, concrete doesn’t just act as flooring, but is in fact the center of attention in the area it occupies. The concrete itself can be colored, or it can be acid stained once it is already finished. Acid-stained concrete floors produce a vibrant display of color and style, adding a novel design element that can enhance customer experiences or foster brand consistency in an office.
Stamped Concrete Floors – Commercial
Concrete floors can also be stamped to create texture or etched with practically any design, image or logo imaginable, further adding to the personalization of concrete; a quality not seen in most other types of flooring. Etching a perfectly-drawn logo or a favorite design creates a lasting signal to anyone who enters the space, and stamping concrete to create raised textures creates an added dimension to an otherwise barren surface.
Choosing a Concrete Contractor
Unless you’re an expert in the field of concrete, it’s going to be difficult to make every concrete decision yourself. Besides questions of aesthetics, there are also technical aspects of concrete projects that are best understood by experts with prior experience. It’s important to choose a contractor that is willing to help you understand the basics of concrete, and will help you reach conclusions about the stylistic and functional qualities of your concrete.
How to Choose the Right Concrete for Your Project
If you’re looking to learn more about concrete or receive an estimate on a concrete project, give us a call at 763-559-1009 or send us a quote request form, and we’ll work with you to help answer your questions. Randahl Construction is a commercial and industrial concrete contractor located just north of Minneapolis, MN – proudly serving the Twin Cities and the surrounding areas.
Our Commercial Concrete Services:
• Installation
• Damaged Concrete Replacement
• Industrial Warehouse Concrete
• Parking Lots
• Concrete Slabs
• Restoration
• Pouring Industrial Concrete
• Decorative Concrete Designs
• Leveling Concrete Floor
• Topping
• Concrete Cutting
• Retail Store Concrete
• Concrete Removal
• Trenches & Drains
• Aprons, Curbs & Gutters
• Showroom Flooring
• Footings
• Poured Foundations
