Hide Cracks with Scored Concrete in the Tampa Area
How we can use scored concrete to transform concrete surfacesScored concrete is a decorative technique that adds pattern and design to a concrete slab, whether it's indoors or out.
Classic Texture and the Custom Scoreline technique combine to create a beautiful pool deck.What is scored concrete?
Our Custom Scoreline technique can resurface an existing concrete surface while lowering the odds of cracks coming back, or it can serve as a purely decorative touch on a brand-new slab.
We favor scoring patterns that feel organic, echoing the natural joints you'd see between stones. Rather than fighting against cracks, we build with them, folding them right into the design.
Get a free estimateFreehand custom scorelines are one option, but we can also recreate the look of tile or brick. Diamond cut concrete is another popular option, typically oversized for a bold, contemporary look. Unfortunately, these patterns won't disguise existing cracks as well as our organic, stone-inspired scoring.
Stain colors add another layer of customization to scored concrete floors and patios. Scored and stained concrete tends to be a favorite because the natural-looking color variation reads so authentically. Scoring also pairs well with polished concrete from time to time.
How to score concrete
Here's a look at how SUNDEK of Tampa creates a finished scored surface out of existing concrete:
- Open each crack with a grinder wheel.
- Grind scorelines across the rest of the surface to build out the pattern.
- Fill scored cracks with urethane sealant, keeping water and debris out while helping the original crack blend into the new scorelines.
- Finish with a SUNDEK topcoat, available in a range of colors.
Think of existing cracks as nature's own expansion joints, doing exactly the job they're meant to do by managing the concrete's natural expansion and contraction.
Can you use the Custom Scoreline technique on new surfaces?
Absolutely. Scorelines aren't reserved for cracked, existing concrete. Plenty of clients simply love the look and request them on brand-new surfaces too.
An environmentally friendly way to hide cracks
One of the strongest arguments for Custom Scoreline on a surface with hairline cracks is that it refreshes your concrete without tearing anything out, skipping the waste, mess, and hassle that come with demolition. SUNDEK of Tampa preps your existing concrete, applies a coating, and uses scorelines to build a beautiful finished surface, all without the waste a full replacement would generate.
Can the Custom Scoreline Effect be used with other SUNDEK systems?
Yes! This effect works with most SUNDEK coatings, though it's most commonly paired with Classic Texture. Also known as knockdown texture, Classic Texture is a favorite among contractors, homeowners, and commercial property owners for several reasons:
- Slip-resistant
- Non-porous acrylic finish coat that keeps dirt, oils & chemicals from penetrating the surface
- Varying degrees of texture that make the surface comfortable to walk on with bare feet
- Economical and durable
- Customizable
Learn more about Classic Texture.
We can also use scoring to revive cracked pool decks at apartment complexes, community centers and more.Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions we hear most about scored concrete. Don't see yours? Contact us!
What is the difference between stamped & scored concrete coatings?
Both techniques imprint a pattern into the surface, but the process and the resulting look are quite different. Here's the breakdown:
With stamped concrete, a contractor applies the coating, then presses a stamp into the surface to create pattern and texture, often recreating materials like brick, slate, tile, or wood. Learn more about stamped concrete and see pictures.
With scored concrete, the contractor applies the coating, then uses specialized tools to hand-cut linear patterns. Since these lines are drawn by hand, scored patterns tend to be simpler than stamped ones.
Learn more about SunStamp, our stamped concrete overlay.
How much does it cost to get scored concrete?
Scoring is typically one of the more affordable decorative concrete options, since it requires less labor and fewer materials than other techniques. That said, an exact number depends on project-specific details such as:
- Size of your surface
- Desired design
- Location of your project (this impacts cost of materials)
- Condition of existing concrete
Since there's real variability here, your best bet is to contact us directly. We'll assess your surface and provide a free quote.
Can scored concrete be colored?
Yes, any of our coloring systems can be applied to scored concrete. Learn about options for coloring concrete.
Is scored concrete durable?
Just as durable as any other decorative concrete surface. The scoring itself is shallow and doesn't compromise the coating's strength. Properly maintained, a scored surface can last for decades.
How do you maintain scored concrete?
Maintenance looks the same as any other decorative concrete surface: sweep or hose off debris, address stains as they come up, and so on. Sealing is essential, and it should be reapplied every few years depending on how the surface gets used.
Should scored concrete be sealed?
Yes, sealing is just as important here as with any concrete surface, protecting against stains and other damage. It also makes it easier to brush or wash debris out of the scorelines themselves. Learn more about sealers.
Does scoring concrete increase the risk of cracks?
No. Done correctly, scorelines stay shallow and don't compromise the surface's structural integrity. In fact, as covered above, SUNDEK of Tampa uses custom scorelines specifically to disguise existing cracks and reduce the odds of new ones forming.
Is scored concrete slippery?
No more slippery than any other decorative concrete surface. A reputable contractor will texture the surface to reduce slipperiness, or add grit-based additives that keep it from getting slick when wet.
Contact SUNDEK of Tampa to inquire about using the Custom Scoreline Effect on your surface (quotes are free!).
See information about our Solutions By Design.
Contractors Who Do Scored Concrete Near Me
SUNDEK of Tampa serves Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon, Riverview, Wesley Chapel, Land O' Lakes, Lutz, Odessa, Trinity, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, Oldsmar, Apollo Beach, Valrico, FishHawk, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, and Sarasota.
Call us: 833-278-6335
Email us: [email protected]