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Top 5 Popular Concrete Patio Finishes in Dallas

When you’re building a new concrete patio, an important final step to consider is how the concrete work should be finished. The introduction of decorative concrete products, tools, and techniques gave way to an endless option of concrete colors and finishes. To help simplify the decision-making process, we’re going to outline the top 5 most popular concrete patio finishes in the Dallas area in this article.

Broom-Finish Concrete

The most common of all the finishes, broom-finish concrete, is exactly that. Once the concrete has been poured and floated, the installer will run a wide broom over the top. This finish has a slightly ridged texture to it from the soft plastic bristles. The end result creates a non-slip surface, making concrete an excellent patio paving material.

Rock Salt Finish Concrete

Another very popular finish for patios and small concrete pads, rock salt finish concrete creates small pitted holes in the finished work, creating a natural look. The rock salt finish is achieved using natural rock salt, which is applied during the concrete finishing process. The rock salt is scattered over the concrete prior to drying and tapped or rolled lightly into the top layer of concrete. The next day, the rock salt is washed away, leaving small voids in the concrete. Applying rock salt can sometimes cause efflorescence in the concrete, resulting in a lighter color than a standard gray.

Trowel-Finish Concrete

Concrete patios are poured first and then finished with a trowel. However, the type of trowel used to finish concrete will dictate the type of concrete finish. If you desire a smooth finish to your concrete, the installer will likely use a steel trowel to finish it. If you would like a coarse concrete patio finish with a more natural look, the installer will likely use a wooden trowel to achieve this effect.

Stained-Finish Concrete

You can enhance the overall design of your concrete patio by giving it a color referred to as stain-finished concrete. Your concrete can be stained in a variety of colors and styles. Some stains can be added directly to the concrete just after it’s poured and floated. Other stains can be applied after the concrete has cured. If you’re building a new wood pergola, adding stain color to the concrete will give your backyard patio the wow factor.

Stamped-Finish Concrete

Stamp-finished concrete, or stamped concrete, is the art of creating a pattern appearance directly on the concrete surface using commercial-grade rubber stamps. Once the concrete is poured and floated, the stamps are applied and impressed with a hand tamper throughout the concrete patio surface. Once the stamps are removed, there will be new impressions left on the concrete surface like those you may see with stone and paver patios. Some of the most common stamping patterns used are brick, wood, flagstone, and tile.

Frequently Asked Questions Concrete Patio Finish Types

How long does a decorative concrete patio finish last?

A decorative concrete patio finish should last between 20 and 25 years. This may vary depending on the quality of materials, installation techniques, general maintenance, and use.

What is the most common type of concrete patio finish?

The most commonly installed concrete patio finish is a broom concrete finish.

What is the most popular type of concrete patio finish?

The most popular finish for a concrete patio is a stamped concrete finish.