Diversified Concrete Services is a Calgary Concrete contractor specializing in decorative concrete for over 20 years in Calgary with over 1000 decorative Concrete projects under our belt. We specialize in but are not limited to: stamped concrete, exposed aggregate concrete, concrete dyes and acid stain as well as float finish concrete with decorative saw cutting, custom concrete stairs with nosing custom, decorative concrete walls with rustifications and chamfer edges, concrete borders, concrete window wells and much more.
Acid staining concrete, acid etching concrete, or dying concrete is a process in which the top surface of the concrete is coloured. Acid stains react with concrete, while dyes depend on a mechanical bond.
Acid stain colours are mostly in the dark brown, rust, turquoise family of colours, while the range of dyes includes more vibrant shades of red, blue, green and pure blacks.
We have found with our experience dyes are more suited for interior work due to our harsh winters. Acid staining and dyes work well together to get some unique colour combinations. When decorative saw cutting is added to Concrete slabs, the cuts can act as borders to separate different colours, truly opening up a world of creative ways to finish a decorative concrete project with few limits
There is saw cutting concrete, and there is decorative concrete saw cutting. Saw cutting is done to either cut through concrete before it is removed or saw cut expansion cuts in freshly poured concrete, about 25% of the thickness, which weakens the cement so that hopefully, when the concrete cracks, it will crack within the saw cut line.
Decorative saw cuts in concrete are shallow, a ¼ inch on average, these cuts have no structural value, and are used to create patterns, borders and other designs. Decorative concrete saw cuts work well with all types of decorative concrete; we most often saw cut contemporary and architectural concrete when clean, sharp lines are desired. Saw cutting stamped concrete is also very popular, the saw cuts can be used to create any square or ashlar pattern, and the lines can be grouted for an added authentic look
One of the main ingredients for having a successful decorative concrete project is the colour. For example, for a stamped concrete brick pattern adding a red colour to the concrete is the first step for being able to replicate a brick successfully. The next is, of course, the correct concrete stamping mat to give the exact imprint. Concrete colours are added to the concrete before it arrives on site, the type of intensity we use for our decorative concrete projects is integral.
Exposed aggregate concrete can be coloured, even with the surface being removed. The colour added to the matrix is evident amongst the aggregate and is an excellent way to have your exposed concrete colour tone adjusted to your tastes, rather than being only limited to the colour of aggregate and grey concrete
A Typical Broom finish driveway or patio and easily become decorative just by adding borders. It is one the most cost effective ways to have decorative concrete. See this project by clicking the link below.
Float finished concrete is our choosen texture to apply acid stains on. The float finish has a great random texture with lots of texture to make it almost none slip in the winter months. Acid reacts well to the surface texture because it is rough and the acid stain is excepted nicely creating a great reaction.
The prices of a broom finish, exposed aggregate, acid stained, and stamped concrete finish, to name a few, vary greatly. Other usual cost concerns include whether concrete borders are required, how much border is required, and, of course, how much concrete is poured. With that said Expect to spend at least $15ft2 for Decorative concrete. Contact us for a precise task price, and we’ll be pleased to provide you with a free estimate.
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