3 Things To Consider When Planning A Domestic Concrete Project
Posted on: 28 March 2016
Concrete is a mainstay of the domestic building industry because it's strong, durable, and versatile. It's most commonly used as a material for constructing foundations, walls, and support structures such as posts. In recent times, concrete has been utilised for other purposes when houses are being constructed, and it can look surprisingly attractive if it's used cleverly in a contemporary home design.
Because concrete can effectively be used to create any shape that you desire with the right mould, it's possible to create kitchen benches and worktops, bathroom vanities, and dining tables out of cast concrete. Using concrete instead of traditional materials will provide you with a customized, eye-catching, and extremely sturdy feature which is also very cost effective. If you're considering using concrete to enhance the look of your home, then here are three things you should consider.
1. Form-work
Form-work is the name used for the mould which the concrete will be poured into to achieve the desired shape. This shape can be as simple as a square shape, such as those used to form concrete foundations, and may be suitable for a dining table top. The form-work can also be quite elaborate and encompass many different angles, such as a mould for an entire kitchen bench which incorporates a sink, shelving, and drainage areas.
If you're only planning a simple project, then your concrete contractor may be able to build the form-work for you. For a more detailed project, you may need to employ a carpenter to build the form-work as it will need a skilled hand with experience in woodwork to do the project justice.
2. Aggregate
Aggregate is the small pieces of rock and gravel that is used in concrete to bulk it out and help bind everything together. In general building applications, plain grey gravel or even recycled, crushed concrete is commonly used. When you're using concrete in creative domestic projects, you may like to use aggregate that will add some colour and pizzazz to the finished product.
Some beautiful ideas for colourful aggregate are coloured glass stones, polished river stones, or sparkling chips of white quartz. You may also like to include pieces of shells, coral, and beach glass, which looks particularly effective when used in the bathroom. On the surface of the concrete, the places where the aggregate is exposed will look bright and decorative.
3. Sealant
Concrete is a solid but porous material and will need to be sealed to make it water-proof, particularly for use in the kitchen or bathroom. Sealant also protects the concrete from staining and enhances the colours of the concrete and the exposed aggregate.
The most commonly used concrete sealant is an epoxy based one, which sets into a very hard, impermeable surface. If your domestic concrete project is in your kitchen, it's a good idea to check with your concrete contractor to ensure that the sealant you use is safe and suitable for food preparation and exposure to heat.
If you're considering a concrete project for the interior of your home, then you may have some further questions that you would like answers to. You can contact your local concrete contractor who will be able to provide you with further professional and experienced advice.
Share