Decorative Concrete in Tigard, OR

Decorative concrete covers any finish beyond plain gray broom: exposed aggregate that shows the stone in the mix, stamped patterns that look like slate, flagstone or brick, color mixed through the slab, and saw-cut or border designs. In Tigard the choice is not only about looks. With a wet season that WeatherSpark puts at roughly mid-October to early May, a decorative surface also has to keep its grip and resist moss, so we help you pick a finish that suits where the concrete is and how it will be used.

Exposed aggregate

After the concrete is placed, the thin layer of cement paste on top is washed or brushed away to reveal the rounded or crushed stone beneath. The result is textured, hides dirt, tire marks and fallen needles, and gives good footing in rain. It is a popular choice for driveways, walks and pool surrounds in western Oregon for exactly that reason. HomeGuide lists exposed-aggregate patios at $7 to $18 a square foot. A sealer brings out the color of the stone and slows down moss.

Stamped concrete

Stamped work starts as a regular slab. While it is still workable, we spread a color release on the surface and press texture mats into it, so the finished slab reads as cut stone, flagstone, cobble, brick or wood plank. Base color is usually integral, mixed in at the plant, and the release settles into the low spots for a two-tone look. Stamped concrete gives a stone look in one continuous slab, with no sand joints for weeds and no individual pavers to settle.

The trade-off is traction. A sealed stamped surface is slicker when wet than broom or aggregate. In a climate this rainy we steer stamped patterns toward covered patios, entries and borders, choose textures with more relief, and add anti-slip grit to the sealer on anything people walk on in the rain.

Color and saw-cut designs

Integral color tints the whole slab, so it wears evenly and chips do not show gray. Saw-cut patterns, such as a large tile grid or diamond, dress up a plain slab at lower cost and double as control joints. A smooth border around a broom or aggregate field frames a patio or driveway without changing the surface where people walk and drive.

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Where each finish fits

• Driveways and sloped walks: exposed aggregate or broom, with decorative borders if you want them.
• Covered patios and front entries: stamped patterns work well where the surface stays drier.
• Open back patios: aggregate, color or saw-cut designs; stamped with a textured pattern and grit in the sealer.
• Pool decks and hot tub areas: textured finishes with traction as the first priority.

Overlays on existing concrete

A sound, level slab can sometimes take a decorative overlay instead of being torn out. HomeGuide's resurfacing guide lists stamped overlays at $7 to $15 a square foot for a single pattern and $15 to $20 for complex designs, and says resurfacing generally lasts 8 to 15 years. An overlay will not fix a slab that has sunk or cracked through; HomeGuide flags cracks wider than a quarter inch as a sign replacement is needed.

Keeping decorative concrete looking good

Sealer is what protects color and pattern, and in a damp climate it also slows moss and algae. Reseal every few years, sooner on walking paths, or when water stops beading. Clean organic growth early with a product made for concrete. Keep rock salt off decorative surfaces during the occasional ice storm; sand gives traction without the damage.