Decorative concrete and method of installing the same

Abstract

A decorative concrete product and method of making the same is provided. The concrete surface carries a unique textural and visual decorative pattern that is troweled over the uncured surface. The decorative pattern strategically conceals any imperfections in the concrete surface. A decorative finishing tool is utilized to create a unique and consistent pattern throughout the exposed surface of the concrete. Unique visual patterns may include any aesthetic design including wood grain, or lightly finished honed or cut stone. The decorative finishing tool may be configured so that varying textures and contours may consistently be imprinted throughout the concrete. Advantageously, the cured concrete retains the durability of a concrete surface while carrying a visually and texturally appealing appearance.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Not ApplicableSTATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH / DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND[0003]The present invention relates generally to concrete products, and more particularly, to a method of imprinting a visual and textural decorative pattern upon a concrete surface.[0004]As is well known in the building and construction trade, concrete is extensively utilized as a building material for industrial, commercial and residential applications. Due to its durability, water resistance, and cost economy, concrete has gained wide spread use in flooring applications. As a result of wide spread use and popularity, the market is currently demanding concrete surfaces that have an improved aesthetic appeal with limited imperfections and irregularities. Common imperfections include blowholes, or minor lines and cracks that may form while the concrete is cured.[0005]In order to meet this demand, the concrete trade has developed various color...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method of imprinting a visual and textural decorative pattern to an uncured concrete surface is provided. Implementations of the present invention include a concrete product having a surface that models the fine, medium, and / or coarse grain textures of wood, lightly finished cut or honed stone, and the like. Further implementations of the present invention include a concrete product having a surface that incorporates a design pattern featuring any visual or textural pattern in accordance with a pattern imprinted upon a decorative finishing tool. Thus, implementations of the present invention may provide a concrete surface that precisely assimilates the characteristics and colors of wood or stone, including graining, fractures, and / or rock texture properties common in cut or honed stone implemented by utilizing a single finishing tool. Additionally, the unique design pattern serves to shield imperfections and irregularities existing on the concrete surface.

[0015]Upon the implementation of the decorative pattern, the concrete surface is cured. In this regard, it is contemplated that a variety of finishing techniques may be employed specific to the type of concrete being utilized. Resultantly, a concrete surface having an aesthetically appealing visual and textural decorative pattern formed thereupon is provided. It will be appreciated that such a surface may be utilized in high traffic applications and retains the stability and durability features of concrete.

Problems solved by technology

Common imperfections include blowholes, or minor lines and cracks that may form while the concrete is cured.

However, the bristled appearance left by the push brooms is often undesirable as it is not aesthetically pleasing and fails to provide any variations in depth, size, or diameter within the contours of the texture.

Additionally, a push broom is increasingly unwieldly and it being the general experience that a push broom is unable to provide a consistent uniform finish across the surface.

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