Sand Finish Concrete Pros & Cons

What Is Sand Finish Concrete?

Sand finish concrete is similar to traditional concrete, but it is giving smoother and classy finish. Sand finish concrete is made using 1 part of cement, 2 parts of sand, and 3 parts of gravel by volume. These all dry ingredients are mixed well and then gradually add water.

Sand finish concrete gives sand textured concrete and it has look like hard sand on beaches and seashores, so that is also called sand-washed finish concrete.

It has a porous surface, non-slippery, and washed sand grits on the top of its concrete.  Generally, it is used for passageways, driveways, pool decks, patios, etc.

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Types Of Sand Concrete Finishes

The following types of sand concretes are included in sand finish concrete,

• Smooth Trowel Concrete Finish
• Normal Concrete Finish
• Stamped Concrete Finish
• Broom Concrete Finish or Scratched Concrete Finish
• Terrazzo Concrete Finish
• Aggregate Appearance Concrete Finish
• Salt Finish Concrete
• Sandblasted Concrete Finish
• Rosette Concrete Finish or Swirl Concrete Finish
• Color Finish Concrete

1. Smooth Trowel Concrete Finish

The concrete surface is either poured with cement dust or cement paste slurry and then spread with pressure by repetitive push and pull action and maintains a smooth appearance around it.

They are commonly used for easy runoff of water and decrease the permeability of water like pathways, verandas, Bathrooms, etc. also this type of concrete is very smooth and glossy in texture.

2. Normal Concrete

This type of Concrete is generally tamped by wooden tampers and vibrated when they are laid over the formwork and on the ground Surface. It gives a natural concrete finish; neither a very smooth finish nor a very rough finishing.

3. Stamped Concrete Finish

In this stamped concrete finish, the upper layer of the concrete is gently pressed with the different types of plates and rubber pads, so that after a few hours these plates leave the stamp on them, and look like tiles, blocks, and pavement stone.

4. Scratched or Broom Concrete Finish

In this type of finish concrete, the initial setting of the stage of concrete is scratched with the help of a broom, wire brush, and trowel.

Thus, they make the surface very harsh and rough in texture. The broom is made up of finely chopped bamboo wood and it is mostly used in pathways of roads and houses for avoiding slip-on walkway surfaces. Also, it creates a good bond with the base surface and tiles for applying mortar.

5. Terrazzo Concrete Finish

In this type of concrete, the concrete surface is made of grey or white cement along with marble chips of different colors instead of the coarse aggregate in proportion 1:1.25 or 1:2.

After placing and hardening of concrete, the chips are exposed by grinding operation and then polished with chemical treatment or paint which is more suitable to make the surface shiny and glossy.

Such type of concrete is laid only a few centimeters thick over the structural concrete and it works as a topping and also gives a very attractive surface look and wearing resistance properties.

6. Aggregate Appearance Concrete Finish

This type of concrete is similar to the terrazzo concrete finish but in this concrete, aggregates are used instead of marble chips. The aggregate is embedded and tamped over the concrete surface and then well-embedded using a power float.

Generally, aesthetically good textures kinds of stones are used such as granite, basalt, quartz, etc, and also other options are left for finishing the concrete surface using chemical treatment or paint to give a shiny and glossy appearance.

7. Salt Finish Concrete

In this type of concrete finish, firstly wet and fresh concrete is spread all over the surface, and crystals of the slats and big lumps are embedded inside of the concrete surface.

These embedded salts are washed with the help of water jetting and then leave the concrete for hardening. Thus the salts leave depression over the embedded place and give a more natural rough finish to the concrete.

The main thing is to look an irregular appearance but it is not rough in nature. So that it is preferred for swimming pools area.

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8. Sandblasted Concrete Finish

This method is used after hardening the concrete, the sandblasting technique is done by using a pressurized blow of mix and air. So that it makes a rough texture of concrete.

9. Rosette Concrete Finish or Swirl Concrete Finish

In any type of concrete finish, the surface is well leveled and finished but in this type of concrete made a surface is undulating by the intersection of any semi-circular arcs.

This concrete surface is made undulating by applying a suitable method using a trowel over the fresh slump concrete and pressure.

The semi-circular arcs give the look like rose petals are arranged on the ground surface. So that it is also known as Rosette Concrete finishes also gives a very unique appearance to the floor or ground surface.

10. Color Concrete Finish

In this type of concrete, pigmentation of colors is used either in the stage of fresh concrete or sprayed over the top surface of the concrete and then smoothen the surface using by trowel. All pigment colors are available in powder form.

For making it more attractive use concrete stains and concrete dyes to create a vibrant artistic look and shades over the concrete surface. It is normal concrete but additionally adds colors.

sand finish concrete pros and cons

Pros:

1. Aesthetic Appeal:
   • Sand finish concrete offers a visually appealing and natural look. The fine texture of the sand creates a smooth and even surface, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the concrete.
2. Slip Resistance:
   • The texture provided by the sand enhances slip resistance, making it a suitable choice for areas exposed to water or where slip hazards are a concern, such as pool decks or walkways.
3. Customization:
   • Sand finishes can be customized in terms of color and aggregate selection, allowing for a range of design possibilities. This flexibility makes it adaptable to various architectural styles.
4. Cost-Effective:
   • Compared to more intricate finishes, sand finish concrete is generally more cost-effective. It provides a sophisticated appearance without the higher price tag associated with certain decorative concrete options.
5. Low Maintenance:
   • Sand finish concrete is relatively low-maintenance. Regular cleaning and occasional resealing contribute to its longevity and preserve its aesthetic qualities.

Cons:

1. Limited Texture Variation:
   • While the sand finish provides a smooth surface, it may lack the depth and texture variety found in more elaborate concrete finishes. This limitation may be a drawback for those seeking a more textured or intricate appearance.
2. Vulnerability to Stains:
   • Sand finish concrete, like many other concrete surfaces, is susceptible to staining. Spills, especially those of acidic substances, can leave permanent marks if not addressed promptly.
3. Potential for Efflorescence:
   • Efflorescence, the white, powdery residue that sometimes appears on concrete surfaces, can occur with sand finish concrete. Proper sealing and preventive measures are necessary to minimize this risk.
4. Weathering Over Time:
   • Outdoor sand finish concrete surfaces may undergo weathering over time, particularly in areas with harsh weather conditions. This can lead to a gradual change in appearance and may require periodic maintenance.
5. Application Challenges:
   • Achieving a consistent and aesthetically pleasing sand finish requires skill during the application process. Inexperienced or rushed application may result in an uneven appearance or other imperfections.

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Cost of Sand Finish Concrete

The cost of sand finish concrete depends upon various factors such as the intensity of sand, the color of sand, labor charge, surface area, transportation charge, etc.

Generally, the thumb rule of sand finish concrete is that more types of sand finish concrete are used than directly it will be more expensive.

For example, two-tone sand finish or multi-tone sand finish concrete is more expensive as compared to single-tone sand-washed concrete.

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