Unlike carpet or vinyl, concrete is not subject to damage from tears, stains, wear, or flooding. There are no fibers or crevices that can trap dirt or allergens. Concrete can easily be swept or washed and requires little other maintenance.
A wide range of effects is possible. Decorative concrete surfaces are usually installed by skilled applicators or artisans. Most will offer samples, or the opportunity to view previous jobs. Certain contractors may specialize in a particular process like exterior pattern stamping, while others might do only interior staining. Methods and procedures vary greatly with different products, for instance some chemical stains may only be applied to slabs that have been fully cured for sixty days, while others work best if applied within a few days of casting.
Courtesy of PATH
www.pathnet.org/homeowners