Concrete Finishes: Finding The Best One

September 13, 2024

Are you looking at the different concrete finishes for your Bellingham project? Whether it’s a driveway, patio, or high-traffic floor, the right finish adds durability and style. 


Concrete is a versatile, long-lasting material that meets practical design needs, and the finish you choose will extend the surface's life and make maintenance easier. 


Let’s explore different concrete finishes to find the perfect balance of durability and aesthetics for your space. Keep reading to discover the best fit for your project.


Common Types of Concrete Finishes

There are many concrete finishes for every project. Here are the common ones to help you choose the right one for your needs


Sand finish

Sand finish concrete creates a fine, textured surface resembling sandpaper, achieved by troweling sand onto freshly poured concrete. It offers excellent slip resistance and is ideal for pool decks, pavement, and other outdoor spaces. 


Popular for residential and commercial projects, this finish provides a smooth, uniform look while highlighting the natural beauty of stone and gravel beneath the surface. Sand finish concrete offers a budget-friendly solution, providing a subtle texture that improves the safety and traction of your yard.


Stamped finish

A stamped finish mimics the appearance of brick, stone, or wood by imprinting patterns onto freshly poured concrete. It's popular for patios, pool decks, and walkways due to its customizable designs and affordability compared to real stone or wood. However, stamped concrete can crack and isn’t suited for heavy loads. 


Professional work, using color hardeners and release agents, is essential. Regular maintenance ensures durability, and working with experts guarantees high-quality, lasting results for decorative outdoor spaces.


Stained finish

Applying pigments or dyes on concrete surfaces, regardless of the color, is what stained concrete finishes are all about. They can create a variety of effects, from subtle hues to bold designs, and are ideal for enhancing patios, floors, or pathways. 


There are two main types, water-based stains for softer colors and acid-based stains for more vibrant, long-lasting results. Stained concrete is a durable, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly option that allows for custom patterns while reducing the need for replacement or additional materials.


Broom finish

A broom finish is created by dragging a broom over freshly poured concrete, producing a textured surface that offers increased traction and slip resistance. This makes it ideal for outdoor areas like driveways, sidewalks, patios, and pool decks. 


While not the most decorative option, it helps hide imperfections and minor cracks over time. A broom finish is durable and practical but can collect water and dirt in the ridges. For added style, swirl finishes can create more intricate patterns with increased texture.

A close up of a concrete sidewalk with a brick pattern.

Exposed Aggregate finish

An exposed aggregate finish is created by removing the top layer of concrete and uncovering the decorative stones, gravel, or sand beneath the surface. This textured finish adds visual appeal and is commonly used for outdoor spaces like driveways, sidewalks, patios, and pool decks. 


It provides a durable, slip-resistant surface with a unique look. While more expensive than other finishes, sealing it properly ensures longevity. We can customize exposed aggregate finishes using natural stones or recycled materials, offering a stylish yet practical choice for outdoor areas.


Smooth finish

A smooth concrete finish is created by troweling the surface to achieve a flat, polished look, hence its other name troweled finish. Hand trowels or ride-on machines can be used to create a smooth concrete finish. 


This finish is ideal for indoor areas like floors, garages, and commercial spaces due to its easy maintenance and clean appearance. It's a budget-friendly option, quick to create, and versatile for various applications. However, it’s not recommended for outdoor spaces, as it can become slippery when wet.


Polished finish

Grinding and refining concrete with diamond abrasives creates a smooth, reflective surface known as polished concrete. This durable and low-maintenance finish is popular in indoor spaces like warehouses, offices, retail stores, and residential areas. 


It offers a modern, sleek look but is unsuitable for outdoor use or heavy traffic areas. Chemical hardeners and coatings are often applied for added protection. Polished concrete's aesthetic appeal and versatility make it a favorite for both industrial and residential interiors.


Concrete Finishes Honorable Mentions


Stenciled finish

A stenciled finish is a decorative technique that uses paper stencils to create patterns on concrete surfaces. It is an affordable alternative to stamped finishes and is commonly used for patios, walkways, and landscaping. 


Stencils are placed on freshly poured concrete to imprint designs like brick, tile, or stone. 


While less expensive and easier to install than stamped finishes, stenciled concrete is less durable and prone to cracking. Despite this, it adds an attractive decorative touch to concrete surfaces.


Salt finish

A salt finish is about pressing coarse rock salt into freshly poured concrete and washing it off once the surface sets. This method adds a unique, slip-resistant texture, making it ideal for pool decks and areas near water. 


It’s visually appealing, budget-friendly, and can be customized with color for an elegant touch. While the finish enhances traction, small pits can collect water and lead to cracking if not properly sealed, so regular maintenance is required for long-term durability.


Epoxy resin finish

If protecting and updating concrete floors is your goal, then epoxy resin finishes are your best pick. Applied in layers, they create a seamless, high-gloss, and durable surface resistant to moisture, grease, scuffing, and chemicals. 


Commonly used indoors, epoxy coatings come in various colors and styles, offering a high-end look. They are also ideal for high-traffic areas and provide long-lasting protection with a polished, professional appearance.


While stunning and durable, epoxy finishes come with a higher price due to how labor-intensive the work is.


Colored finish

Integrally colored concrete infuses pigments into the cement mix before pouring, creating long-lasting, fade-resistant colors that blend well with natural surroundings. 


Available in liquid, granular, or powdered forms, earth tones are often used to achieve a more natural look compared to standard gray concrete. 


This method ensures the color runs through the whole slab, preventing chipping or fading. Colored concrete can be as it is or styled with stamping or broom finishing.

Choosing the Right Concrete Finish


Concrete finishes add both strength and style. Whether it's a basic trowel finish or a fancy epoxy, there are many choices. Indoors, smooth finishes give a sleek appearance, while outside, broom finishes prevent slipping. 


Decorative touches like exposed aggregate or stamped designs allow for custom looks. Your project’s specific needs and goals will greatly determine the best type of concrete finish to use.


Overwhelmed? Puget Sound Concrete, LLC is here for you! As one of the top concrete experts in Bellingham, we can provide guidance on what finish is the best match for your project. Dial 360-927-1860 today and experience our unbeatable concrete finishes.


A row of concrete blocks for concrete foundation sitting on top of a dirt ground
March 15, 2025
Learn how to prevent common concrete foundation issues with proper site prep, moisture control, and soil testing to avoid cracks and settlement.
A concrete driveway is being built in front of a house.
February 17, 2025
Learn how to integrate a concrete finish with landscaping for a cohesive look. Puget Sound Concrete shares tips on patterns, textures, and natural transitions.
A building under construction with only the concrete foundations.
January 11, 2025
Explore the key steps for a strong concrete foundation, including site assessment, reinforcement, and curing. Build a solid base for your home or business.
A construction site with a lot of dirt and trees in the background.
December 16, 2024
Reinforcement strengthens your concrete foundation, preventing cracks and ensuring stability. Explore its role in creating durable, long-lasting structures.
A concrete walkway leading to a house with a house in the background.
November 22, 2024
Learn how to maintain your concrete surfaces with expert tips on cleaning, sealing, and repairs. Keep your driveways and patios durable and beautiful.
A close up of a gray marble stamped concrete floor.
October 18, 2024
Discover how stamped concrete adds value to your property by enhancing curb appeal, durability, and style in outdoor spaces. Transform your home today!
A concrete driveway leading to a house surrounded by trees.
By No author August 15, 2024
Explore the benefits of concrete sidewalks for safety, durability and aesthetics. Enhance your property with durable, stylish, and cost-effective solutions.
A white house with a large concrete driveway and palm trees in Bellingham WA
July 11, 2024
Here are 10 things to remember when caring for your driveway! Understanding Concrete Driveway Maintenance Keeping your concrete driveway in top-notch condition is like giving your car regular oil changes – it keeps things running smoothly for years to come. While concrete driveways are inherently durable, they require periodic maintenance to avoid issues such as cracks and stains that can detract from their appearance. Effective driveway maintenance revolves around two key practices: regular cleaning and periodic sealing. Think of this as a rejuvenating spa treatment for your driveway. Regular sweeping and washing can preserve its cleanliness and structural integrity. Additionally, applying a quality sealer every few years forms a protective barrier against environmental factors, ensuring your driveway remains resilient and visually appealing throughout the seasons. Cleaning Your Concrete Driveway: Essential Steps Transforming your driveway from sooty to spotless can be surprisingly satisfying! You can start by sweeping away leaves and dirt to expose your beautiful concrete. A sturdy broom works wonders, but if you've got a leaf blower handy, it can speed up the process and make your job easier. Once you've cleared the surface, it's time for a refreshing wash. Mix a little dish soap with water, and use a stiff brush to scrub away stains and spots. If you really want to go the extra mile, a power washer can provide a deep clean, but remember to use it cautiously to avoid damaging the surface with excessive pressure. With these steps, your driveway will be looking fresh and inviting in no time!
A concrete driveway with a broom finish
June 19, 2024
Concrete is a durable and one of the most versatile building materials. Its robust nature makes it a favored material for driveways, sidewalks, patios, indoor flooring, and other concrete surfaces. While it is admired for its strength, concrete can still succumb to normal wear and tear.
A close up of a brick floor with a black border.
May 17, 2024
Are you a new homeowner or a seasoned property owner undergoing building renovation? One of the biggest decisions you will make is choosing the right concrete finish for your property. With so many types of concrete finishes available, it can be overwhelming to pick the right one that will meet your needs and preferences.
More Posts
Share by: