Concrete isn’t just the thing under your shoes—it’s a design statement waiting to happen. At Jenco Companies, we specialize in turning plain slabs into polished works of art, whether you want something modern, industrial, or surprisingly colorful. If you still think concrete only belongs in basements and parking garages, buckle up.
The Rise of Decorative Concrete
Let’s get one thing straight: polished concrete doesn’t have to be gray. Thanks to advances in coloring, overlays, and polishing techniques, your concrete floor can be just as jaw-dropping as hardwood or tile (sometimes even more).
Decorative concrete is especially popular in:
- Retail showrooms
- Modern office spaces
- Restaurants and cafes
- Upscale garages
- Residential homes that want a little edge
And unlike trendy flooring that goes out of style in five years, concrete is timeless with just the right amount of edge.
Overlay: A Fresh Canvas
Overlay is like giving your concrete a facelift. It’s a thin layer (usually under 3mm) of polymer-modified cement applied directly over the existing surface. It smooths out imperfections and gives you a brand-new surface to color, texture, and finish.
It’s ideal for older floors that have too many battle scars to polish but are structurally sound. It also works great for clients who want a very specific texture or color effect that’s not possible with the raw slab.
Stains and Dyes: Color Without the Paint
We’re not talking about buckets of paint here. Stains and dyes penetrate the surface of the concrete and react with its minerals to create rich, translucent tones.
- Stains: Produce variegated, earthy looks
- Dyes: Offer more vibrant, consistent color
Both allow the natural character of the concrete to show through, giving floors a sense of depth and complexity. Think of it as a patina for your floor.
Engraving and Stenciling: Patterns with Precision
Want a custom logo in your lobby floor? Or maybe a large-scale geometric pattern in your living room? We can engrave or stencil your concrete before sealing it, turning it into a truly unique surface.
Whether you’re branding your business or just showing off your design chops, this is a surefire way to impress.
Zones of Color: Subtle (or Not) Transitions
In open floor plans, we often use color blocking or finish changes to define zones. Want your dining area to feel distinct from your kitchen even though it shares the same floor? We can polish one zone to a high gloss and keep another matte. Or use contrasting stains to divide the space visually without building walls.
It’s a technique that’s especially useful in commercial design but is catching on fast in residential homes with open concepts.
Why Decorative Concrete Works
- Durability: It’s not just pretty. It holds up to pets, parties, and power tools.
- Sustainability: You’re enhancing what’s already there, not tearing it out.
- Customization: The design options are nearly endless.
- Low Maintenance: A sealed or polished decorative floor is easy to clean and never needs waxing.
See what’s possible on our Instagram at @jenco_companies.
What to Watch Out For
Decorative concrete takes skill. Don’t trust your dream floor to a contractor who learned the process on YouTube.
- Poor prep leads to peeling overlays
- Bad color choices can turn bold into blotchy
- Inconsistent polishing ruins the effect
At Jenco, we know how to prep, polish, and protect your concrete masterpiece.
Let’s Get Creative
Ready to make your floor the most complimented feature in the building?
Schedule a free estimate with Jenco Companies and let’s turn your concrete into something unforgettable.
Until next time,
Brian Smith
