Lasting Makeover with Concrete Overlays

Concrete overlays can refresh the appearance as well as provide a solution for several problems with your home's concrete surfaces.


30 year concrete porch before overlay.	Textured, patterned and stained microtopping.

Overlays are extremely versatile and there are a handful of different types for various applications. From basement floors to shower walls, cementitious toppings can provide practical solutions and fulfill the desire for uniqueness.

It wasn't too long ago that cement based overlays had poor reputation for justifiable reasons. Thanks to the development of products containing blended resins along with contractor creativity, overlays have become reliable and versatile in commercial and residential applications.

If there are areas where the surface has scaled and chipped away, then try mixing up some overlay topping and smoothing it over the damaged spots. Perhaps you have a floor with minor humps and valleys that need to be leveled. There are specially designed products that can be poured onto the floor to fill in the low spots with little or no spreading by hand.

How would you like to turn your dull concrete into a decorative surface without having to pay to rip it out and replace with new? Or how about the idea of a seamless floor that's durable and one of kind in its appearance?

Overlays are ideal for high traffic areas where custom or elegant finishes are desirable and for basement floors susceptible to flooding.

Exterior overlays are perhaps the biggest beneficiary of improved product development with the ability to withstand not only heavy traffic, but harsh weather conditions including freeze and thaw cycles, high humidity, and UV radiation.

Most concrete overlays are polymer modified which means they contain polymer resins along with cement and aggregates. The polymer resins increase the strength, performance, and durability of overlays. They can be applied as thin as 1/16 inch up to several inches.

Overlays have become more common and flexible as the products have improved. The availability of different resin blends and aggregate mixes make it possible to apply an overlay as thin as a credit card or up to several inches thick.

For the most part, overlays are not considered do-it-yourself projects. I don't want to discourage anyone from attempting a small project. For those with the lack of experience and limited tools, my biggest recommendation is to keep it simple.

Types of Concrete Overlays

Decorative Interior Overlays... Benefits of overlays versus conventional tile, wood, laminate, and carpet.

Concrete Resurfacing... Restoring and protecting concrete with surface and cosmetic damage such as scaling, pitting, and discoloration.

Self Leveling Concrete Overlays... Sounds like an easy solution to many issues, but it's not what you think.

Stamped Concrete Overlays... Similar to traditional stamped concrete. 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness poured over an existing concrete surface.

Spray on Overlays... Also known as splatter texture and ideal for pool decks, patios, and sidewalks.

Vertical Overlays... Apply to vertical substrates including concrete, wood, and drywall for various purposes.