The smooth, perfectly consistent grey of classic concrete lends it a cool, contemporary appeal that embodies modern luxury. However, current design trends tend to diverge from neutral minimalism towards more tactile, even embellished interiors where textured concrete shines.
Concrete is a mixture of cement, water, aggregates, and additives that hardens into a stone-like material. Once dry, polishing the surface results in a unique shine and smoothness. Compressing objects into slightly wet cement creates an engraved texture called intaglio. This technique can give a simple concrete mantel more design character.
Types of Concrete Textures for Fireplace Mantels
Hand Pressed (Unfilled)
Concrete casters carefully pack small handfuls of concrete into a mould to achieve the hand-pressed finish, which requires a highly specialized concrete formulation. Once dry, delicate fissures will be marbled across the surface. The hand-pressed finish has an artisanal effect, perfect for warm and inviting concrete fireplaces.
Smooth
To create a smooth concrete finish, casters may gently pass over the surface with a steel trowel while it’s curing. Another method is to sand the concrete slightly once dry. Using smooth and textured elements can help you create more visual interest for a striking fireplace design.
Board Form
Board-form concrete is made by casting concrete onto wooden boards to leave patterns on the surface. Once dry, the wood grain remains visible on the concrete. This technique mimics the traditional look of the earliest concrete building elements cast in wooden moulds.
Formply
Most structural concrete is cast in wooden moulds made from plywood called Formply. The formwork leaves some marks and imperfections on the concrete surface, which casters typically polish or rub out before the concrete hardens to give it a smooth finish. We can skip this step if you prefer a slightly textured finish.
Custom Pattern
Thanks to its malleable nature, concrete can be cast in many different shapes and sizes when wet. We can use these geometric forms as tiles for your fireplace mantel. Many of our Calgary clients use custom-pattern concrete to mimic brickwork fireplaces
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips for Textured Concrete
Textured concrete is often more challenging to clean than its smooth counterpart. The ridges, grooves, and gaps attract dust that requires gentle brushing to remove. To keep dust at bay, clean your concrete mantel with a soft-bristled brush once a week. We also recommend washing it with warm water and mild soap as needed. Remember to avoid harsh detergents—they can disintegrate the concrete sealant and damage the finish.
Install a Textured Fireplace Mantel in Your Calgary Home
Sculptural Design casts custom concrete fireplaces that warm the cold Calgary winters. We offer an eclectic collection of finishes to help designers and builders bring texture into their clients’ homes. Contact us for a quote for your custom concrete mantel, or explore our gallery for more inspiration.
