Rough or Smooth

• The overall feel of the concrete surface can be rough or smooth. This is accomplished when it is poured, depending on how it is smoothed over and what tools are used. Smooth flooring is nice for indoor use and has a polished look. A rough surface is better for outdoor use because smooth concrete is slippery when wet. One exception to this is around a pool. Sometimes smooth concrete is use around pools so feet aren't damaged.
  
  

Stamping

• Stamping allows you to have a solid concrete surface that looks like it isn't. The stamps are pressed into the surface before it dries and creates shapes in the concrete that look like bricks, stones or some other shape. Stamping can be done on newly poured cement or on an overlay poured over old concrete.
  
  

Carving

• You can carve into the surface of the concrete if you have a surface that is already formed and hard. Carving into the surface with a carbide blade, using a small power saw creates lines similar to grout lines and gives the same appearance as stamping. You can lay down chalk lines to follow to create straight rows to look like pavers or tile, or you can be more random to give the appearance of stone.
  
  

Coloring

• Cement can be tinted before it is poured, creating a concrete that is colored all the way through. This keeps the surface the same even color as the surface wears over time. However, if you already have a concrete floor, or you want a more unique look, concrete stain works well. This is sprayed on the surface. You can spray just one or multiple colors to make all kinds of different surfaces. Other items can also be used to make patterns with the stain. Consider taping down a pattern that keeps the stain off the surface where the tape is or laying down stencils.