Concrete Porch Ideas

Concrete porches are prevalent throughout the United States, and, for that matter, across the globe. A concrete porch will outlast a wooden porch by 10 to 20 years and, with proper care and maintenance, will provide a beautiful atmosphere for those porch wanderers who relish their time lounging. Concrete porches can be designed to fit almost any need and desire, and with proper selection, you won't go wrong with whatever design you choose.

Natural

The wonderful natural gray color of concrete can provide an attractive ambiance that will match almost any porch decoration you desire. You can leave the finish rough, smooth or glazed. The rough finish is called a broom finish. The finisher of the concrete will lightly drag a broom across the damp concrete to create a raised sand finish. The smooth finish is considered the most common of the concrete porches. The finisher will use a smoothing float to provide a shiny, smooth surface. Finally, the gloss finish is applied as a clear coating that will cover the cured concrete. This finish will be slick but shiny, and will tower above the other two possibilities with beauty.

Concrete Stain

It is possible to stain concrete, either by adding the stain during the pour or after the concrete is dry. The pre-stain process is just the addition of powdered stain that is thrown into the wet concrete before it is mixed. The post-stain process will require an application with brushes and rollers. There are many colors to choose from across the color spectrum--your paint store will help you decide.

Pea Gravel

The final possibility is called a pea gravel surface. It will need to be completed during the actual process of pouring the concrete. Instead of ordering the concrete with regular gravel, you will order it from the concrete company with decorative pea gravel as an additive. Once the concrete is poured out and smoothed, the finisher will lightly spray the concrete film off of the top to expose the decorative pea gravel.