Polished and Punched Concrete: Options for Decorative Concrete Workers

By Sunil Kumar Jha, Content Writer for Global Market Insights

  • The global decorative concrete market is projected to reach more than $ 23.8 billion by 2026 (annual valuation).
  • The concrete decking market is projected to grow by around 7% CAGR through 2026
  • Decorative concrete market participants have shown an attraction to polished concrete

The main selling points for decorative concrete with contractors tend to be related to durability, customization, strength, environmental friendliness and aesthetic properties. Contractors have shown a propensity to reduce costs when using concrete or products made from such materials. The market participants for decorative concrete are being carried by the trend towards architectural expressiveness in the construction industry.

With the use of stamps, dyes, stains, white cement, colored pigments, ornate saw cuts, textured patterns, and epoxy coatings, decorative concrete becomes the linchpin and lucrative business portfolio that facilities and homeowners can use to add value to their properties. In addition, several contractors are not afraid to use the concrete in their construction projects. Decorative concrete has expanded its consumer base to convert the simple cement panels into designer flooring.

The global decorative concrete market size was expected to reach an annual valuation of more than $ 23.8 billion by 2026. Stamped concrete has established itself as an innovative product on the horizon, which is mainly used for the floor in terraces to increase strength and achieve a convincing appearance.

Contractors see this as affordable landscaping that requires less maintenance compared to other materials. Stamped concrete, also known as “printed concrete,” offers a variety of color and pattern options, and mimics stone, including tile, slate, and flagstone. This makes it trendier in entrances, courtyards and pool decks of residential buildings.

From patios and countertops to specialty gardens and shopping malls to stone walls and driveways, stamped concrete has become a versatile and natural solution for adding value. As well as adding a decorative touch, the concrete also offers other real benefits such as sustainability and longer lifespan in terms of aesthetics, cost savings and performance.

Global Market Insights Inc. has forecast that the share of the decorative concrete market through application in patios will grow at a healthy annual growth rate of around 7% through 2026, largely due to the versatility of stamped concrete.Adobe Stock Photos | From Bobcat Beasley

Concrete Patios is there to stay

Embossed concrete is not detrimental to cons as harsh chemicals, oil spills, sharp objects, and hot tires can affect product quality. However, stamped concrete has become one of the most sought-after concretes to maximize return on investment through customization, performance, quick installation, easy maintenance and durability. Global Market Insights Inc. has forecast that the share of the decorative concrete market through application in patios will grow at a healthy annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 7% through 2026, largely due to the versatility of stamped concrete.

Embossed concrete is not detrimental to cons as harsh chemicals, oil spills, sharp objects, and hot tires can affect product quality. However, stamped concrete has become one of the most sought-after concretes to maximize return on investment through customization, performance, quick installation, easy maintenance and durability.

Patios are making advances in residential and commercial spaces thanks to the increasing presence of die cutting tools and paint techniques. Why?

In short, money. Concrete patios are becoming increasingly popular as a versatile and inexpensive material that can withstand adverse weather conditions to increase durability. Concrete contractors have shown a trend towards decorative concrete patios, following the trend for outdoor dining and entertainment areas. Customers are demanding non-slip and hypoallergenic areas. Concrete patios can be an excellent fit here: durability, safety and low maintenance have made the material a strong added value in the ecosystem.

Decorative concrete walls provide contractors with revenue-increasing opportunities with creative design, attractive colors, appealing texture options, and maximum durability. In stark contrast to wood or acrylic walls, decorative concrete walls are naturally designed to withstand hostile environments.

The building process for the decorative walls involves installing form liners within the forms, setting the forms, and coloring the concrete to look like brickwork or stone.

Contractors are lively

With a variety of options, decorative concrete has proven to be a viable solution for concrete floors as polished concrete floors become increasingly popular in office buildings, retail stores, and LEED certified buildings.

As surfaces such as colored concrete, honed concrete, and exposed concrete are used in an aesthetic way, decorative concrete manufacturers are likely to rely on growing construction activity. According to Global Construction Perspectives and Oxford Economics, the global construction industry will be tied to $ 17.5 trillion by 2030 – around 57% of growth in China, the US and India.

Gradual yet optimistic growth in infrastructure, housing and jobs will bring benefits to contractors beyond economic growth. An increase in investment in the construction industry will have a positive impact on sales growth in the decorative concrete market. The possibilities with stamped and polished concrete underscore the central role that concrete contractors will play in ensuring that the best possible customer interests are preserved.

Polished Concrete, Inexpensive Flooring Option?

Conventional flooring systems suffer from numerous disadvantages, including hydrostatic pressure, dust formation, coating defects, downtime during installation, delamination and high maintenance. Decorative concrete market players have shown a bias towards polished concrete in order to gain a competitive advantage in the landscape.

Polished concrete floor has hit the sweet spot in terms of longevity, durability, and abrasion resistance. Stakeholders, including project managers and concrete contractors, benefit from the fact that polished concrete is LEED-friendly and can use the concrete to keep the indoor temperature longer. This type of concrete protects against additional materials such as coatings and does not contain pronounced VOCs. This makes it a lucrative material for sustainable buildings under the LEED Green Building Rating System certification process.

Dry mechanically polished concrete can be put into operation immediately after the process has been completed. In addition, the benefits of mechanical grinding promote the coefficient of friction and increase slip resistance while converting a porous concrete floor to repel oil, water and other contaminants. Because polished concrete requires minimal maintenance compared to other flooring systems, concrete builders see the material as an inexpensive flooring option.

It’s worth noting that buffing promotes the rejuvenation of old concrete and recognizes sustainable design features. In existing buildings, this concrete minimizes the impact of construction work by recycling an old floor. Meanwhile, polished concrete uses non-toxic components, including water-based hardeners for new or old buildings.

Polishing is widely used for refurbishing old concrete floors and introducing a low-maintenance, long-lasting, high-gloss installation. The decorative concrete market outlook will remain robust after the impressive demand for polished concrete showing in industrial buildings, warehouses, public buildings, and retail stores.

About the author

Sunil Jha has been part of the content industry for almost 2 years. Having previously worked as a speaker and sports journalist, he now focuses on writing articles on a wide range of topics, from business and technology to commerce and finance. With a business-oriented educational background, Sunil brings the know-how of intensive research and a strategic approach to its work.

Further analysis on the global Decorative Concrete Market can be found on the GM Insights website.

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