Landscaping is a great way to improve the appearance of your property, and adding color to concrete flatwork is a creative way to enhance your landscaping project. It’s perhaps one of the most important aspects of any landscaping project. This will form the foundation for your project and needs to be done correctly to ensure a lasting finished product.
There are many different colors that you can choose from, and depending on that, there are several ways to color concrete. It’s essential to select the right color for your landscaping project in Waco, TX.
This blog post by Prime Asphalt discusses a few ways to add color to your concrete flatwork and give your landscaping project a boost!
Concrete flatwork requires pouring concrete on horizontal surfaces to make it smooth and flat. It’s trendy since the material is strong and aesthetic. Property owners usually prefer concrete flatwork.
How to Color Concrete?
There are four different ways to color concrete:
Staining concrete:
The option to stain concrete is available for all types, including old and new concrete. Homeowners prefer natural earth-toned colors for a minimal look colored by staining. This is a permanent way to color concrete, and even in the outdoors, it doesn’t fade away.
Colors included: terra cottas, tans, brownish shades.
Coloring Concrete Integrally
This method of coloring concrete is specific to newly poured concrete. It’s directly added to the concrete mix, so the color settles in before pouring concrete and doesn’t fade or wear off. If you want dark colors, this option may not be viable for you.
Colors included: browns, tans, grays, subtle reds, subtle blues, and subtle greens.
Color hardeners
Color hardeners are used with stamped concrete and are recommended for dark, intense colors. The application process is not as simple as the other two; most contractors will not recommend doing this. The concrete colored with color hardeners becomes resistant and is not affected by moisture and chemicals. It can also damage plants in the surroundings, and the odor is strong.
Colors included: Dark and intense shades like red, blue, etc.
Dyeing Concrete
Concrete dyes produce the most vibrant hues of all the other coloring methods. Because these dyes generate such vibrant colors on concrete, it’s a good idea to have a mock-up done by your contractor to ensure you’ll be happy with the end product because it’s irreversible. Think of your favorite team’s emblem on your basketball court as an example of how dyes are used to create complex designs.
On the other hand, Dyes are not commonly used in outdoor applications since they are prone to fading in the sunshine. Whether you like the appearance of dyes, check with the maker to see if their product is UV stable and a sealer that will keep the color from the elements.
Colors included: Red, orange, yellow, purple, blue, etc. Prime Asphalt offers guaranteed results to clients looking for concrete flatwork services in Waco, TX. Chat with us now or get an estimate to know more about our services!
Choosing a color that works in Texas sun
- Lighter colors stay cooler underfoot, which matters for patios, pool decks and walkways in a Texas summer.
- Tans, browns and grays hide dust, red clay and tire marks better than very dark or very bright colors.
- Dark colors can fade unevenly in strong sun and show white mineral deposits more.
- Match fixed things: pick colors that work with your brick, stone and roof, not just the plants, which change with the seasons.
- Ask for a sample. Color on a chart looks different from color on a finished slab.
Getting the base right on clay soil
Color doesn’t hide cracks, so the slab has to be built to handle the ground under it. Around Waco, Temple and south DFW, that’s often Blackland clay that swells when wet and shrinks in drought.
- A compacted base under the slab
- Reinforcement suited to the use
- Control joints placed so cracks form in straight lines where you expect them
- A slope that sends water away from the house and the flatwork edges
- Proper curing, which matters even more in hot, windy weather
We cover this on every job through our concrete paving service. You can see finished work on our projects page.
Keeping colored concrete looking fresh
- Reseal surface-colored concrete every few years, or as the sealer manufacturer recommends.
- Clean with mild soap and water. Strong chemicals can dull color and damage sealer.
- Avoid using rock salt on a rare icy day. Sand gives traction without the damage.
- Wipe up fertilizer, rust and oil quickly, since they can stain light colors.
Related: The Complete Process for Concrete Pavement Installation · How to Transform Your Driveway into a Work of Art
Frequently asked questions
Which coloring method lasts the longest?
Integral color, because the color runs all the way through the concrete. Stains, dyes and hardeners are on or near the surface and depend on a good sealer.
Can I color existing concrete?
Yes, with stains or dyes, as long as the surface is clean and sound. Integral color only works on new pours.
How long should new concrete cure before staining?
Follow the stain manufacturer’s directions. Many recommend waiting around a month so the surface is fully cured.
Does colored concrete cost more than plain concrete?
Yes, somewhat. The pigment, extra labor and sealer add to the cost, and decorative stamping adds more.
Can colored concrete be repaired to match?
Repairs can be blended, but an exact match is hard because color varies between batches and with age.
Get a free estimate. Planning a patio, walkway or other colored flatwork? Contact us for a free estimate. We serve the communities listed on our areas served page.
