What Concrete Type Is Right for You? A Guide to What Is Most Suitable

There are many reasons why someone may be considering different types and applications of concrete for their home, perhaps they would like/need a new concrete driveway, path for their front or back yard, pool deck, patio, basement or garage. Below is a list of some common concrete types which may aid you in your decision:

 

Exposed Aggregate Concrete

Exposed aggregate concrete is produced by removing the surface fines from the concrete, resulting in the internal aggregates being exposed and creating a unique and textured appearance. This concrete type is perfect for outdoor applications such as patios, driveways and pool surrounds. Exposed aggregate concrete is a great choice as it is durable, slip and fade resistant and requires virtually no maintenance other than periodically resealing and the occasional sweep once installed.

 

 

Honed Concrete

Honed concrete involves grinding the top layer of the concrete to reveal varying degrees of exposed aggregate. Once the grinding is completed, a sealant is applied to protect it from the elements and other contaminants. The finish on this concrete will either be glossy or matte depending on your selection. Honed concrete is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.

 

 

Coloured Concrete

Coloured concrete is simply a mixture of water, aggregates and cement with pigments/oxides added. While traditional grey remains a popular choice, coloured concrete is increasingly being selected by those who want their surfaces to stand out and to gain some curb appeal. When measured, mixed and applied correctly, the pigments/oxides will not compromise the strength of your concrete.

 

 

Liquid Limestone Concrete

Liquid limestone is a mixture that comprises cement and crushed limestone. This mixture is then poured and levelled to create a flat and smooth surface. Liquid limestone concrete is a great choice as it complements many homes (particularly modern and minimalistic ones) and does not absorb heat from sunlight the same way other materials can doesn’t leave holes or gaps for pesky weeds to come through and is easily cleaned and maintained!

 

Liquid Limestone Pool Surrounds

 

How we can help

At Warner Brook Concreting, we have more than 40 years of experience working with all kinds of concrete in Perth, including coloured concrete, exposed aggregate concrete, honed concrete and liquid limestone concrete. Still not sure of which concrete type is best for you? We’d be happy to discuss what options may be suitable for your particular needs! Give us a call on (08) 9246 0888 for a free quote or fill out an enquiry form here.

Cheap Concrete Prices. Should you jump or not?

When shopping, is the lowest price always the best? We all have that garment in the wardrobe that has lasted years and still looks great.

Why? Time, effort and professional design have gone into the manufacture, quality materials used in the mix and put together by highly qualified people that care about the end product, thus creating longevity. Concrete is no different, in fact, more so, as there are many factors that determine an end result that should be achieved and meet an acceptable standard.

Every week I receive calls from people in the Perth WA area who have invested their hard-earned money into new concrete driveways, alfresco areas or pool surrounds and are not happy with the end result. Their concrete is showing signs of hairline cracking, balding, or the finish isn’t quite like they expected and contours aren’t right.

Usually when asked, ‘what was paid?’, most people say ‘the cheapest price’. I acknowledge it’s in our nature to be frugal maximizing our dollar to get the cheapest deal. However, this isn’t always the best policy when it comes to achieving a high level of finish and getting value for money. Basically, if the price is too low, or seems too good to be true, then it isn’t. A cheap price should send alarm bells and you running.
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Meeting Australian Standards.

To achieve a high-level finish in concrete certain protocols, need to be followed, not deviated from and enforced as a standard under the Australian code. This is a definite in achieving a high-quality finish, and in turn, affects the final cost. Any professional who takes pride in what they do will always want the best outcome for the customer, which means tapping all the resources, knowledge and expertise they have and then implementing them. On the other hand, if pressured to only give the best price, unfortunately, corners will be cut and something must give.

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Cheaper in The Long Run.

Get it done right, at the right price by the right people.

Repairs to existing concrete are costly and sometimes not possible. Mostly the only option is to remove and replace.

Avoid bottom end prices as this will only cost you more in the long run. For works to be carried out correctly, everything done right, preparation, ordering product, placement and finish, this incurs real costs and should not be compromised by price. This will guarantee quality work right from the start.

Tips To Avoid Cracking Concrete

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Here are some tips for achieving crack-free concrete. Obviously, preparation is everything. How concrete is placed in its surroundings is crucial to avoiding ugly cracks. Cracking, scaling, crazing and pitting in concrete is very common and mostly very difficult to avoid. Concrete expands and contracts with temperature changes, soil and moisture variations. Cracks can be unsightly but rest assured they do not affect the overall integrity of the concrete.

Continue reading Tips To Avoid Cracking Concrete

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