Commercial and Residential Concrete Difference

Did you know that commercial and residential concrete is different? Many people don't realize this and assume that they are the same. However, there are a few key differences between the two types of concrete. In this article, we will discuss the difference between commercial and residential concrete.


If you're considering a concrete project for your home or business, it's important to understand the difference between commercial and residential concrete. With the help of a qualified professional, you can ensure that your project is completed with the right type of concrete.


Concrete for Residential Use

To understand the different types of concrete, it is important to know what each type is used for. Residential concrete is typically used for driveways, sidewalks, patios, and other small projects. Residential concrete is not as strong as commercial concrete because of the low foot traffic and the fact that the greatest weights the floor must support are almost certainly pieces of furniture or appliances. Residential concrete floors have minimal demands.


For residential projects, you'll usually want to choose a simple concrete overlay. You might cover the living room and bedroom floors with hardwood, vinyl, or carpeting. In other areas like the garage, you can just use a basic protective coating or polish. If you have a more modern home, you could go for a stain or polished look that's minimalistic and clean.


Concrete for Commercial Construction Projects

Commercial concrete is used for parking garages, office buildings, warehouses, and other structures that see a lot of foot traffic and need to be able to support a great deal of weight. The floors in commercial buildings are often subject to heavy loads from furniture, equipment, and people, so commercial concrete must be much stronger than residential concrete. For further strength and sturdiness, you may either use fiber reinforcement or a steel grid reinforcement.


The mix design for commercial concrete is different from the mix design for residential concrete, and commercial concrete is usually placed by a pump instead of a bucket. Commercial concrete also needs to cure for a longer period of time than residential concrete before it can support heavy loads.


Additional Concrete Facts

Your commercial concrete floor needs to be tough enough to take spills, foot traffic, and abrasion happens. You can make sure your floor can handle it by choosing a high-quality finish or coating. The right finish will also provide good traction so that people don't slip when they're walking around your business. Plus, a durable finish means you won't have to spend as much time and money on maintenance down the road.


Commercially, concrete floors often require decorative finishes for a number of reasons. Whether it’s to complement a design scheme or display information in an eye-catching way, these sorts of finishes are par for the course in many businesses.


If you’re not sure what commercial concrete flooring option is right for your business, give us a call. We’d be happy to discuss the pros and cons of each type of finish so that you can make an informed decision. Residential concrete is not as heavily used as commercial concrete, so it doesn't require as much durability. However, it's still important to choose a concrete sealer that will protect your investment. We offer a variety of sealers, each with its own unique benefits, so you can choose the one that's right for you. To learn more about our residential and commercial concrete services, call us today!


Stamped Concrete Co Frederick

When it comes to commercial and residential concrete, we are the experts. With over 20 years of commercial and residential experience, we’ve seen it all. We have a team of highly trained and experienced professionals who can help you choose the right type of finish for your needs. We also offer a variety of sealers to protect your investment. Learn more about our services by calling us at (240) 608-6699 and get a FREE quote!


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