Decorative Concrete Design Calgary
Concrete has come a long way since the age-old square slab for your driveway. Decorative concrete is seen in pools or, curved sidewalks or outside stairs. Even driveways, out and patios have not escaped the decorative touch.
Calgary’s Patriarch Construction – Your Decorative Design Concrete Experts
You will be in good hands for our decorative design expertise, as we’ve been trained well by owner, Leonardo Aiello. We have not taken this training lightly, and it has served to sustain a reputation in Calgary that has been solid for many decades. Our work in decorative design has turned many heads in the industry, setting us up as a model for the industry that every concrete contractor should follow. If you’re looking for the kind of expertise on your project, give us a call today.
Expert Decorative Design Concrete by Patriarch Construction Calgary
Patterned concrete is a fresh way to get a fresh look on your concrete. It has been used on driveways, walkways, and patios.
With one popular method, a driveway can be poured and at some point, before the concrete dries, grout lines can be “drawn” into the concrete. This gives the appearance that tile was laid in the driveway. Or, gaps can also be slightly drawn into the cement to make it look like the driveway was laid with bricks.
Some of these patterns can be created with stamped concrete patterns. A special template is used to force the pattern into the concrete before it dries. To add variety, the concrete can be stained with the color of your choice, whether red brick, brownstone or a host of other colors.
If you’re interested in doing doing patterned concrete for your project, be sure and contact us to discuss it in detail.
Exposed Aggregate, A Decorative Design Concrete Option Done Right by Patriarch Construction in Calgary
Another popular look that we enjoy doing for our customers is exposed aggregate. This product involves taking natural stones and embedding them into the cement by hand, leaving them slightly exposed at the surface. This gives the surface an attractive texture and a fresh look for your project.
A similar alternative is to go with micro exposed concrete, where the stones are smaller, like pebbles. These are also pushed into the cement by hand in similar fashion. In fact, sand is also used as a much finer texture element for “micro exposure”.
If you’re interested in finding out if exposed aggregate will be a good option for you, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Consult Patriarch Construction Calgary for Decorative Design Concrete
Exposed aggregate vs. stamped concrete – which is better?The choice between these two options depends much on a person’s preference and style.
Exposed aggregate is a combination of pebbles and slightly larger stones. People who prefer a rustic style may be inclined to choose this one. It’s complementary to several landscapes and is more budget-friendly.
Stamped concrete is where patterns are stamped into the concrete to bring a sense of uniformity to your overall look. The geometric patterns give the cement a more refined look.
Decorative Concrete FAQ
Everything you need to know about stamped, exposed, and custom concrete finishes.
Both are premium decorative finishes, but they serve different aesthetic and functional roles:
| Feature | Stamped Concrete | Exposed Aggregate |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Mimics slate, stone, brick, or wood plank. | Rugged, natural stone texture. |
| Texture | Smoother (sealed); can be slippery. | Rougher; excellent non-slip traction. |
| Best Use | Patios, borders, walkways. | Driveways, steep slopes, high-traffic. |
Exposed aggregate is currently the most popular choice for Calgary driveways due to its durability against salt and grit, while stamped concrete allows for incredible customization on backyard patios.
Stamped concrete is sealed to enhance color, which can make it slippery when wet or icy compared to a standard broom finish. However, we have solutions to mitigate this:
- Anti-Slip Additives: We can mix a gripping agent (often called “Shark Grip”) into the final sealer coat to provide texture.
- Pattern Selection: Choosing deeply textured stamps (like heavy slate) improves traction over smooth patterns.
For areas requiring maximum safety, such as steep concrete steps or sloped driveways, we often recommend an exposed aggregate finish or a “sand-matrix” finish for superior natural grip.
Yes, custom concrete design is our specialty. We use a combination of techniques to ensure your new hardscape complements your home:
- Integral Color: Dye is mixed directly into the concrete truck, ensuring the color runs through the entire slab.
- Release Agents: A secondary color powder is applied during stamping to add antique accents and depth.
- Custom Borders: We can frame an exposed aggregate patio with a smooth, stamped brick border to tie in with existing masonry.
Whether you want a “wood plank” stamp for a rustic look or a “cut slate” pattern for a modern aesthetic, we can design a solution that integrates seamlessly.
Decorative concrete is a premium product compared to standard broom-finish concrete. Costs are higher due to specialized materials (color hardeners, stamps, sealers) and the skilled labor required for timing and finishing.
General Price Hierarchy
- $$$ Stamped Concrete: Highest cost due to labor intensity and hand-finishing.
- $$ Exposed Aggregate: Mid-range premium; requires surface retarding and washing.
- $ Standard Broom Finish: Most economical option.
Despite the higher initial investment, decorative concrete is often more cost-effective than laying individual natural stones or pavers, as it requires less long-term maintenance (no weeding or re-leveling).
Get a Free QuoteTo protect the color and prevent water intrusion (which leads to freeze-thaw damage), decorative concrete should be resealed every 2 to 3 years.
Why is sealing crucial?
- Color Enhancement: Sealer makes the colors “pop” and prevents UV fading. Without it, stamped concrete can look dull and chalky.
- Protection: It locks in the aggregate pebbles and prevents surface scaling (flaking) caused by moisture freezing inside the pores.
We offer professional concrete sealing and restoration services to clean, prep, and reseal your driveway or patio, keeping it looking brand new.
Yes, we transform outdoor living spaces with custom designs. From **stamped concrete patios** that serve as the focal point of your backyard to winding **concrete walkways** that connect your side yard to the front, we handle the entire process.
We can incorporate complex elements such as:
- Integrated fire pit zones.
- Contrasting borders (e.g., exposed aggregate center with a stamped brick edge).
- Steps and retaining walls to match the flatwork.
Contact us to discuss your vision for a beautiful, low-maintenance outdoor space.