The engraving process is just as it sounds. Most concrete surfaces can be mechanically engraved to fit any design or pattern that you can imagine. These designs can be as unique as you would like. Imagine drawing a design on a sheet of paper and then transferring that design to your concrete. Only with the engraving process can this be accomplished. The engraving process includes scoring the concrete in straight or curved lines with concrete engraving equipment such as saws, mechanical air impactors, sand blasting, and grinding. This process can be accomplished indoors or outdoors. The engraving process can be very simple or very complex depending on how much you would like to accomplish in your design. This process can be accomplished on new or existing concrete. This process is not a stamp or an overlay. There are very few limitations to what can be accomplished through the engraving process. Imagination is the key to designing a decorative surface utilizing this process. We have software that will aid you in determining your design.
Any brick, tile or cobblestones patterns you have engraved in the concrete will stay for the life of the concrete surface.
It is not like an actual brick that may break. It has been engraved into the concrete- so it is part of the concrete itself.
The color change over time with concrete stains is hard to predict and it is not a perfect science (many times a color actually becomes darker). This is not meant to be a negative- instead it is much like worn brick or other paving materials- they age. Often this creates an even more appreciated look.
Regular cleaning and sealing will contribute to the stained surface looking beautiful.
Concrete Engraving in a nutshell is staining the concrete to give it color, then engraving (routing) out a pattern. The routed area is now uncolored- thus it looks like a grout line.
Concrete Engraving involves the following:
• The concrete is cleaned, and acid etched if needed to provide a bond for the stain to the concrete.
• Cracks, if any, are repaired. (Though sometimes cracks are left in the concrete, which produces an aged brick or stone look)
• The concrete is stained.
• The concrete is engraved
• The job is cleaned up, a sealer is applied. New or old concrete can be engraved.
The job can take one or two days, up to weeks and months. This depends on:
• The size of the area to be engraved
• The amount of cleaning required
• Any crack repairs to be made
• How heavy an application of stain is to be made (more than one coat?)
• The weather
• Operator skill
Concrete engraving runs in the $3 – $6 per square foot range. Very large jobs can be less, while small jobs can run considerably more. Complicated patterns and intricate details can contribute significantly to higher costs. The best solution is to contact an engraver in your area and get a quote for the pattern you would like.
Concrete engraving uses special tools and equipment to cut brick, tile, cobblestone, or any imaginable patterns into hardened concrete. Unlike toppings or overlays, engraving is permanent and won’t wear away or lose bond. The cut patterns will remain for the life of the surface. Little routine maintenance is required, other than occasional cleaning.
Special Care Requirements
Often engraved surfaces are stained to add color. Follow the same periodic sealing recommendations given for stained concrete to enhance the color and protect the surface from deicing chemicals and oil and grease stains. To keep exterior or interior stained surfaces protected, apply a new coat of sealer every year or two, or as necessary. When you begin to notice that water no longer beads up on the surface, or a noticeable wear pattern it’s time to reseal.
Both interior and exterior concrete can be engraved. Here are some exterior applications:
• Parking lots
• Pool Decks
Here are some interior applications:
• Fast food establishments
• Shopping malls
• Residential entryways
• Private Residences