KELOWNA CONCRETE CONTRACTORS

CONCRETE FINISHING SERVICES

OFFERING ALL TYPES OF CONCRETE FINISHES

From traditional trowel finishes to decorative options like stamped or polished concrete, we offer a wide range of finishing styles to match your vision and enhance the aesthetic value of your project. Our commitment to quality extends to the materials we use, ensuring that every project benefits from superior durability and long-lasting results.

We also pay close attention to detail in every stage of the finishing process, from curing the concrete properly to applying any desired coatings or sealants that protect and beautify the surface.

At Big Dog Concrete, our goal is to provide a flawless finish that complements the overall design of your space and meets the highest standards of quality.

Contact us today to learn more about our concrete finishing services and how we can help bring your project to life with a professional touch.

WHAT IS CONCRETE FINISHING?

Concrete finishing is the process of treating the surface of freshly poured concrete to achieve the desired texture, smoothness, and appearance. It involves several steps to ensure that the concrete surface is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and durable.

Here’s a brief overview of the process:

Leveling: The first step is to ensure that the poured concrete is level. This is often done with a screed, a long, straight edge that helps distribute and smooth out the concrete.

Floating: After leveling, a tool called a float is used to further smooth the surface. Floating helps to compact the concrete, bringing up the fine cement paste to the surface and pushing down any larger aggregates.

Troweling: Troweling is a more refined step that follows floating. It can be done by hand or with a power trowel. This step provides a smooth finish and can be repeated multiple times to achieve the desired level of smoothness and hardness.

Edging and Jointing: Edging tools are used to create smooth, rounded edges on the concrete slab, which helps prevent chipping and improves durability. Jointing tools are used to cut control joints in the concrete to help prevent cracking as the concrete dries and contracts.

Broom Finishing: If a non-slip surface is required, a broom finish can be applied by dragging a broom across the surface of the concrete before it fully sets. This creates a textured surface that provides better traction.

Curing: Proper curing is essential for the concrete to reach its full strength and durability. This involves keeping the concrete moist and at the right temperature for several days to prevent it from drying too quickly, which can cause cracks and weaken the finished product.

Concrete finishing requires skill and experience to achieve a high-quality result, and the exact techniques and tools used can vary depending on the specific requirements of the project.

TYPES OF CONCRETE FINISHING

Concrete finishing can be done in various ways to achieve different textures, appearances, and functionalities.

Here are some common types of concrete finishes:

Smooth Finish

• Hand Troweled Finish: Achieved by using a hand trowel to create a smooth, hard surface.
• Power Troweled Finish: Uses a power trowel for a smoother and more uniform finish, often seen in commercial and industrial floors.

Smooth concrete finishes are used in various applications where a sleek, clean, and aesthetically pleasing surface is desired.

Here are some common situations where a smooth concrete finish is ideal:

• Indoor floors
• Warehouse and Industrial Floors
• Garage Floors
• Countertops

Smooth finishes are slippery and are not typically used in high-traffic areas where water will cause the smooth finish to become slippery.

Broom Finish

• Achieved by dragging a broom across the surface of wet concrete to create a rough, textured finish that provides better traction and is often used for outdoor walkways and driveways.

A broom finish concrete is used in various applications where a non-slip surface is desired. The broom finish creates a rough texture by dragging a broom across the surface of wet concrete, making it ideal for areas that need additional traction.

Here are some common uses for broom finish concrete:

• Driveways
• Sidewalks
• Patios
• Pool Decks
• Ramps & Stairs
• Industrial & Commercial Areas
• Outdoor Recreational Areas

Exposed Aggregate Finish

• The top layer of cement is washed away to reveal the underlying aggregates (such as pebbles or stones), creating a decorative and slip-resistant surface.

Exposed aggregate concrete is used in various applications where a decorative, durable, and slip-resistant surface is desired.

The process involves removing the top layer of cement paste to reveal the underlying aggregates, such as stones or pebbles, creating a textured and visually appealing finish.

Here are some common uses for exposed aggregate concrete:

• Driveways
• Steps
• Sidewalks
• Patios
• Pool Decks
• Plazas & Courtyards
• Retaining Walls
• Interior Floors
• Borders & Accents

Stamped Concrete

• Concrete is stamped with patterns or textures to mimic the appearance of brick, stone, slate, or other materials. This finish is popular for patios, walkways, and pool decks.

Stamped concrete is used in various applications where a decorative and visually appealing surface is desired.

It involves pressing patterns and textures into freshly poured concrete to mimic the appearance of other materials, such as stone, brick, slate, or wood.

Here are some common uses for stamped concrete:

• Patios
• Driveways
• Sidewalks
• Pool Decks
• Interior Floors
• Steps
• Entryways
• Outdoor Kitchens
• Accents
• Fire Pit Areas

Polished Concrete

• Concrete is ground and polished with progressively finer diamond pads to create a high-gloss, smooth finish. This is popular in modern interiors and commercial spaces.

Polished concrete is used in various applications where a sleek, durable, and low-maintenance surface is desired.

The process involves grinding the concrete surface with progressively finer diamond pads to achieve a smooth and shiny finish.

Here are some common uses for polished concrete:

• Residential Floors
• Commercial Spaces
• Industrial Floors
• Public Buildings
• Restaurants & Cafes
• Art Galleries & Museums
• Auto Dealerships
• Event Venues
• Retail Malls

Brushed or Swirl Finish

• Brushes or trowels are used to create unique patterns or swirls on the surface of the concrete. This finish can add visual interest and texture.

Swirl concrete, also known as swirl finish concrete, is used in various applications where a unique, decorative, and slip-resistant surface is desired.

The swirl finish is created by troweling the surface of the wet concrete in a circular or swirling motion, which produces a distinctive pattern and texture.

Here are some common uses for swirl concrete:

• Pool Decks
• Driveways
• Public Sidewalks near water
• Courtyards & Plaza
• Near Fountains and Water Features

Concrete Staining

• Stains (acid or water-based) are applied to cured concrete to add color and create various effects. Stains penetrate the surface and create a more natural, variegated look.

Concrete Staining

• Stains (acid or water-based) are applied to cured concrete to add color and create various effects. Stains penetrate the surface and create a more natural, variegated look.

Combination Concrete Finishing

• Can’t decide which concrete finish you like? We can mix concrete finishes. The sample here is a stamped concrete finish with an exposed aggregate border.

Combining concrete finishes can take a project to the next level. It is more expensive as it requires more planning and curing time to allow one finish to cure before another can be completed.

However, the results are stunning and can add that special look.

Paw Prints 

• Not a concrete finish we offer, but we will smooth them out if it happens. 😉