This is my guide to concrete. Concrete may not seem like a very sexy subject to write about but I hope that by the time you reach the end of this blog, you will have been inspired to use concrete to improve your home. Concrete isn't just for driveways and walls. You can use concrete in a lot of pretty creative ways around your home. I discovered this when I hired a team of concrete contractors. They were really great guys and while they were completing work around my home they taught me lots of cool things about working with concrete. I hope you enjoy this blog!
Extremely versatile and durable—exposed aggregate is popular for many areas around the home, including pool decks. Read on to find out the advantages of installing this covering.
It's Easy to Create Any Shape
Exposed aggregate surfaces are easy to mould to any shape, allowing you to customise it to your landscape. Your pool might curve in and out to form an organic figure-eight shape, or it might have rectangular lines. Because contractors can pour decorative cement to fill any form, it's ideal for custom decks with windy irregular contours, plus ones with more standard shapes.
It Creates a Safe Surface
The pebble-like finish is ideal for pool decks, providing traction for a safer floor. You select from differently sized and shaped stones to embed within the cement, which gives control over its feel. Polished stones create more comfortable walking surfaces, and different sized rocks affect the comfort level for bare feet. Your contractor can advise on the best size for your installation. Sandblasting finishing treatments roughen the surface further to create an exceptionally non-slip surface.
You Have Vast Design Options
Because you pick which aggregates to add, you can harmonise the surface with your landscape. The colours of stones vary depending on their origin, so no two aggregates will be precisely the same. Insert delicate rose-hued quartz, deep blue granite, iron-grey limestone, or sandy river pebbles. You can blend crushed stones with contrasting colours, or use more similar tones.
You can also seed other decorative elements into the cement, such as coloured glass pieces or seashells. To add interest and contrast, shift the aggregate finishes so that one area uses a specific set of colours, and another section uses other hues. As well, exposed concrete blends well with other decorative treatments, such as stamped or stencilled concrete.
It's a Low-Maintenance, Durable Surface
A pool deck needs to withstand all kinds of weather conditions, plus splashing pool water. Exposed aggregate concrete surfaces are notoriously strong and durable. A sealed surface needs little maintenance bar cleaning now and then. Use a broom or leaf blower before hosing down. Periodic sealing will maintain the resilience of your deck. Cement doesn't rot as timber can, nor will termites nest and feed off it.
As well, decorative concrete forms a solid surface, without joins that allow annoying weeds to sprout up. So you won't have to bother weeding your deck but instead can spend your time relaxing on your beautiful pool deck.
Share29 August 2019
