Decorative Concrete Finishes: Flake, Metallic, Marble-Look, Wood-Look and Polished
Repairing your concrete doesn’t mean settling for plain gray. Once a slab is fixed and prepared, it can be finished in a way that changes the whole feel of the room or yard, from a durable speckled garage floor to a glossy, one-of-a-kind metallic.
Here are the decorative finishes we offer, what each one looks like, and where each one tends to work best, so you walk into your estimate with a good idea of what you want.
It starts with sound concrete
Every decorative finish depends on the slab underneath. Cracks, flaking and pits are repaired first, and the surface is properly prepared so the finish bonds. If you’re not sure your concrete is a candidate, start with our guide to repairing instead of replacing.
Flake systems
Flake is the workhorse of decorative coatings and one of the most popular finishes for homes. Colored chips are broadcast into a base coat and sealed under a clear topcoat, which gives a speckled, stone-like look.
Where it works: garages, patios, porches, front stoops, basements and pool decks. For outdoor areas we use a UV-stable system.
Why people pick it: it hides small imperfections and everyday dust, it comes in many color blends, and its texture can be adjusted for traction.
Around a pool, the priority is footing. We repair the deck first, then finish it with a slip-resistant surface for safer footing on wet concrete. You can see examples in our pool deck gallery.
Metallic epoxy
Metallic finishes use pigments that catch the light and move as the coating is worked, creating swirls, depth and a pearl-like shimmer. No two floors come out exactly the same, which is a big part of the appeal.
Where it works: indoor spaces like basements, bathrooms, bars, showrooms and offices.
Good to know: it’s a high-gloss look, so we talk through color, sheen and traction for how the room is used.
Marble-look epoxy
Marble-look finishes mimic the veining and polish of natural stone on an existing concrete slab. White and gray with soft veins is the classic choice, but darker, dramatic looks are possible too.
Where it works: entryways, showrooms, lobbies, kitchens and other indoor spaces where you want a high-end, bright look.
Wood-look finishes
A wood-look finish gives concrete the plank pattern, grain and grout lines of a wood floor, without wood’s problems with moisture on a concrete slab.
Where it works: basements, home theaters, covered porches and other spaces where you want warmth on a concrete floor.
Polished concrete
Polished concrete works with the slab itself: the surface is ground and polished to a smooth, reflective shine, and depending on the floor, the aggregate in the concrete can show through as speckles.
Where it works: retail spaces, offices, warehouses and modern homes that want a clean, minimal look.
Good to know: it suits sound interior slabs, and older polished floors like terrazzo can often be restored.
“Tim and his team did a tremendous job bringing back to life our 70 year old terrazzo floor. These guys made our house feel new, completed on schedule, and competitively priced!”
How to choose
A few questions narrow it down quickly:
Indoors or outdoors? Outdoor concrete needs a UV-stable system, which is why flake is the usual pick for patios, pool decks and driveways. Metallic and marble-look finishes are typically used indoors.
How will it be used? Cars, pets, bare feet by the pool and commercial traffic all point to different finishes and textures.
How much shine do you want? Flake can be satin or glossy. Metallic, marble-look and polished concrete are about the gloss.
What’s the style of the space? A speckled flake fits a garage or patio. A metallic or marble look makes a statement in a basement bar or showroom.
See all of these in our finishes gallery, including designer finishes and commercial floors. Thinking about the front of the house? Read our driveway guide.
What happens at the estimate
We look at the concrete in person, point out anything that needs repair, and talk through how you use the space. If you have a finish in mind, bring photos you like. If you don’t, we’ll show you options that suit the room or yard, and you can take your time deciding.
Get a free estimate
Not sure which finish fits? That’s exactly what the estimate is for. Send us a few photos through the estimate form or call 937-789-3983. We’re based in Kettering and work across the Dayton area, Cincinnati and Columbus. We’ll look at your concrete, talk through how you use the space, and help you pick a finish you’ll love.