I was recently speaking to a friend about concrete and how you can refinish old concrete floors or walls. I told him that he should look into concrete overlays…and he asked me, “what’s a concrete overlay?”

What’s a concrete overlay? Prepare to be amazed!

Concrete overlays are a fantastic way to improve old looking concrete. Many people think that they should paint their floors or lay tile overtop of concrete flatwork. Let’s reconsider those options for something a little nicer and more durable.

What is a concrete overlay?

An overlay is a finish that is placed overtop of existing concrete surfaces. It can be made to look like any number of other products such as stone, wood, brick, or slate.

If you have walls, floors, or sidewalks that have minor cracks or blemishes overlays can be used to conceal these imperfections. You don’t have to rip out the concrete and replace it. As long as the concrete is solid and has no major defects, an overlay can be applied.

The Ways of Concrete Overlays

There are different ways of refurbishing your concrete with an overlay. I won’t go into the specific types but rather describe what can be done with your concrete surfaces. If you want to know the exact names of different overlays Concrete Decor has a solid article about them: How to Choose an Overlay From the Four Different Types.

You can choose to put a simple overlay overtop of the existing surface and leave it flat. Depending on the product, color can be added to the mix before or after it has set. You can also choose a high shine finish or a matte if you prefer. Remember you don’t have to stick with just one color either.

Some overlays can be stamped after being applied to the old concrete surface. This allows you to turn a patio into a porch made out of stone, wood, or brick. Be creative! Maybe mix and match different stamps on the same surface. Once again you can choose whatever color you want to make the finish perfect.

Sometimes stencil patterns are placed on old concrete and an overlay poured overtop. The stencil is then pulled up removing sections of the overlay and revealing your unique pattern. You or your contractor can be very artistic using this method to create a variety of patterns or drawings in your floors or walls.

Why Choose a Concrete Overlay?

Concrete overlays are the most versatile product available for refinishing your concrete. Paint is paint, tile is tile, brick is brick. Concrete is possibility. Do you want marble floors without the expense? Do you want brick walls without the deterioration? Do you want a wooden deck without the removal and replacement? The answer is concrete overlays.

Whether you have a new home with foundation walls and floors to be finished or an old home in need of remodeling, concrete overlays are a great way to save time and money in achieving a singular look.