Decorative flatwork

	Decorative flatwork is a method of applying texture, color, stamping, or other techniques to enhance flat concrete applications.   Decorative flatwork techniques allows the designer and owner to move away from gray concrete into the world of color and texture. It can add distinction indoors and outdoors to: interior floors driveways sidewalks plazas patios Decorative flatwork is an affordable alternative and durable in any climate. Concrete's workability allows it to take on the colors, textures and shapes of materials that cost two to ten times more, such as brick or flagstone, yet provide similar aesthetics and good long term performance. Colored and textured concrete can be used to tie outdoor spaces with the surrounding built and natural environment. Colors and patterns can complement an exterior façade or vegetation. When used as a walkway, patio, pool deck, terrace, or courtyard, decorative flatwork enhances the human experience of the outdoor space. Geometric patterns can be scored, stamped, rolled or inlaid into the concrete. Other interesting patterns can be obtained by using divider strips to form panels of various sizes and shapes - rectangular, square, circular or diamond. Special techniques are available to make concrete slip-resistant and sparkling. While concrete's initial costs can be higher than some other materials used as driveways, its life-cycle costs are much lower than most competing materials due to its lower maintenance costs. Also, enhancing concrete finishes can be done on a tight budget. A simple rock salt finish adds an interesting mottled look, and an easy broom finish turns plain concrete into a design feature. Decorative concrete is just as pleasing indoors as they are outdoors. Colored and imprinted concrete is an excellent flooring material combining the economy, durability, decorative qualities and strength of concrete. These floors also provide the thermal mass for passive solar and other buildings. From a real estate marketing standpoint, special concrete finishing, both indoors and outdoors, enhances the prestige and value of property. Decorative flatwork has many environmental benefits. See associated sustainability solutions and technical briefs (right) for more detail. Resource Efficient. Reduces need for finishes in general including carpet which is associated with indoor air quality problems. Energy Performance and Thermal Mass. Thermal mass improves energy performance when appropriately insulated. When 3 in. or more in thickness, concrete forms an air barrier. May contribute to LEED Credit EA 1. Durable. Concrete stands up to natural disasters, wind-driven rain, moisture damage, and vermin. Less replacement means reduced resource requirements. Cool. Using light- or natural-colored material helps reduce the heat island affect. When used for exposed horizontal surfaces may contribute to LEED Credit SS 7. Low emitting. Concrete has low VOC emission and does not degrade indoor air quality. Recyclable. Concrete is commonly recycled in urban areas into fill and road base material at the end of service life. When existing concrete is recycled during construction, may contribute to LEED Credit M 2. Local. Materials are usually extracted and manufactured locally. May contribute to LEED Credit M 5. Recycled content. Fly ash, slag cement, or silica fume can substitute partially for cement, and recycled aggregates can replace newly mined gravel. Recycled content can contribute to LEED Credit M 4.     Textures (Exposed Aggregate Concrete) An exposed aggregate finish softens the look of traditional concrete. Texture is achieved by brushing and washing away surface mortar as the concrete begins to harden, so the stone or gravel in the concrete becomes visible. Any attractive stone can be imbedded into the surface – marble, granite chips, pebbles, or even shells for beachfront property.   Patterns (Stamped Concrete) Semi-hardened concrete can be pattern-stamped with special tools to create the custom look and feel of slate, cobblestone, brick or tile. The patterns can help scale down large expanses of paving.     Pattern-stamped concrete Patterned-stamped concrete drive Colors (Pigments and Staining) Concrete can be cast in a wide variety of colors. Pastels and earth tones are produced by mixing mineral pigments throughout the concrete. For deeper tones, finishers use the dry-shake method – sprinkling powdered, prepackaged color-hardeners onto a freshly cast concrete slab, then trowelling it into the surface. Precast concrete products, such as pavers and garden stones, are available in the same full palette of colors.   Variations in the color and texture of concrete surfaces are limited only by the imagination of the designer and the skill of the concrete craftsman. Many people have been incorrectly led to believe that in severe freeze/thaw climates, major cracks in concrete are inevitable, and pop-outs, scaling and spalling should be expected. To prevent these problems, choose a contractor carefully who will specify the right concrete mix for the climate and perform skilled installation. Ask to see samples of past work similar to the desired product.