Troweled concrete is the standard finish used commonly in driveways, sidewalks, patios, or garage flooring. While less expensive than stamped concrete, a troweled finish can still provide a beautiful and traditional appearance. Troweled concrete can also be colored, polished to a gloss (popular for interior flooring), or coated with surface treatments to further enhance the design.

Brushed concrete is a basic troweled finish over which a broom is “brushed” to create a striated surface finish. Brushing is an inexpensive alternative to stamping and other surface treatments and provides a high-grip, no-slip surface for high-traffic areas like walkways, driveways, or pool decks. In addition, brushed concrete is easier to repair and match than stamped concrete slabs when it comes time for replacement or repairing cracks.

Sealing your concrete can help ensure longevity by keeping out moisture, preventing cracks, and preserving the surface finish. In addition to basic clear or gloss sealers, finish coats like Sparta-Flex® provide an additional level of protection. Spart-Flex is a high quality, extremely durable floor coating that withstands impacts, chemicals, abrasion, and temperature better than other finishes. 

Stamped concrete is truly an art form. Not only are there a wide variety of stamping patterns to choose from, but the color combinations and highlighting effects are infinite. After years of stamping and countless jobs completed, we feel confident that we can provide you with exactly the customized design you create.

Colored concrete can provide a decorative twist on the traditional grey finish and, with techniques such as highlighting or antiquing, can replicate the appearance of materials like granite, stone, or wood. While colored concrete can be more difficult to match when it comes to crack repair or replacement, it’s a popular option for high visibility areas like patios, porches, and pool decks.

See our pages on concrete stamping and exposed aggregate for additional details and examples. Or check out the color options available through our supplier. 

Exposed aggregate is a alternative to stamping for decorative concrete which involves washing away the surface layer of the concrete to expose the decorative rock underneath. Exposed aggregate is a popular option over other “decorative” concrete styles as it’s universal for matching landscapes and gardens.

For homeowners and businesses looking to retain the authentic appearance of traditional pavers, a concrete base to your walkway is a great option to consider. Concrete can improve weed control, reduce shifting over time, and enhance the durability of your design.

However, before installing pavers over existing or new concrete, it’s important to ensure proper drainage and a stable foundation. Once pavers are laid down, the concrete underlayer can be difficult to access for repair or maintenence. Our experts at Rivard Concrete can work with you to repair or install new base slabs and ensure a stable, well-drained, and long-lasting surface for your design.