Resurface, Not Replace

Decorative overlays

A high-strength bonded resurfacing system, worked over sound existing concrete to bring fresh colour, texture and detail without the upheaval of tearing out the old slab. The same hand-finished decorative work, built onto what is already there.

A New Surface On The Old One

Give tired concrete a second life

An overlay is a high-strength resurfacing system bonded onto an existing slab. Where the concrete underneath is structurally sound but worn, plain or dated, we can resurface it with the full creative range of our decorative work, from textured stone patterns and hand-laid tile layouts to stains, washes and custom medallions, rather than removing and repouring.

It is the difference between living with a surface and loving it. Once the system is down, it is textured or laid out, coloured, detailed and sealed exactly as a fresh decorative pour would be, so the result reads as one considered surface, not a patch over an old one. Project conditions vary, so the extent of any saving depends on the assessment of your particular slab.

Texture & pattern

The overlay takes texture beautifully. Cobble, flagstone, crazy paving and ashlar slate effects, along with bespoke hand-trowelled finishes, can all be worked into the fresh system, turning a flat slab into a surface with real depth and character.

Colour, depth & character

Stains, translucent colour washes and antiquing are layered across the texture by hand to create tonal variation and natural-looking depth. The final sealer then enriches that colour while helping protect the finished surface.

Hand-laid layouts

Taped tile layouts and custom geometric patterns are set out by hand. The joint tape is laid carefully, then removed to reveal crisp, contrasting grout lines, with every layout considered against thresholds, edges and the sightlines of the space around it.

Medallions & centrepieces

Compass roses, star rosettes, borders, initials, emblems and one-off patterns can all be integrated into an overlay, designed for the particular home, courtyard, pool area or entrance they anchor, rather than applied as decoration for its own sake.

Where Overlays Work Best

Well suited to

Tired Driveways Patios & Courtyards Pool Surrounds Entranceways Interior Floors Plain Existing Slabs

Before The Colour Goes Down

Built on the preparation

A decorative finish can only perform as well as the surface beneath it. We take the time to mechanically grind and thoroughly clean the existing concrete, removing contamination and creating the profile required for a reliable bond.

Cracks and joints are assessed and repaired where appropriate before the surface is primed and the overlay system is installed. This preparation is not the most visible part of the finished work, but it is what gives a high-wear decorative surface the best foundation for lasting performance.

Assess

Check the slab, falls, drainage, movement, cracks, contamination and overall suitability.

Prepare

Mechanically grind and clean the surface to remove weak material and establish the correct bonding profile.

Repair & prime

Treat appropriate cracks and joints, then apply the specified primer or bonding system.

Lay out & finish

Install the overlay, establish taped or stencilled patterns, work in texture and colour, then seal the finished surface.

Joint tape peeled by hand to reveal a precise, contrasting grout line.

Graham Lowe invited me to refresh his existing patio after taking interest in my work. Rather than recommending a full demolition, I suggested a Permacolour decorative concrete overlay system to transform the worn and cracked concrete.

We started with an assessment of the patio, then diamond ground and thoroughly cleaned the surface before carrying out epoxy crack and joint repairs and priming for the bond. A bespoke overlay in Misty Grey was installed with a hand-laid, large-format tile pattern and crisp 9mm charcoal grout lines, then professionally sealed to enhance the colour and provide long-term protection.

By working with the existing structure, we avoided the disruption of replacement while delivering a fast turnaround and a durable finish. The result is an outdoor space that feels completely transformed, with a clean, timeless appearance.

This project was enjoyable and rewarding from start to finish. Great people, great conversations, and a result I'm proud to have delivered.

"A pleasing experience, just a fantastic job well done"

Sir Graham Lowe

Watch the testimonial

Worth A Look First

Not sure if your slab suits an overlay

Send us a few photos of the existing surface, its approximate dimensions and location, and a note on any cracks, coatings or previous repairs, along with the finish or pattern you're considering. We'll tell you honestly whether an overlay is the right call, or whether a fresh pour will serve you better.

Start A Project

Our Signature

Medallions, carried into the overlay

Compass roses, rosettes and custom centrepieces can be integrated into an overlay just as they would a fresh pour, proportioned to the driveway, courtyard or entrance they anchor and designed around the architecture and landscape around them.

Compass rose

Laid out true to the site, with cardinal points, banding and a hand-cut centre. The anchor a driveway or courtyard turns around.

View the work

Coming Soon

Star rosettes

A radiating star pattern laid out to suit the scale and geometry of the space, with colour and detailing worked by hand.

Discover the rosette

Aerial view of a stamped concrete compass medallion centring a formal topiary courtyard

Custom centrepieces

Initials, an emblem or a one-off design, cut and coloured by hand for a single property.

Explore custom design

What We Do

Specialised services,
exceptional results

From first pour to final polish, every service is delivered with the same obsessive attention to craft and detail.

Medallions & compass roses

Explore Medallions

Decorative Concrete

Compass roses, stamped and coloured surface artistry designed to last

Authentic Design

Considered layouts and finishes designed for their place, never copied

Architectural Concrete & Foundations

Engineered slabs and architectural floors built from the ground up

Bespoke Trowel

Movement and texture worked into the surface entirely by hand

Hardscape & Outdoor Living

Driveways, steps, retaining and pool surrounds shaped with intention

Conventional Concrete

Driveways, slabs and floors poured with showpiece care

Grinding & Polishing

Polished floors, grind and seal finishes prepared from the ground up

Decorative Overlay

Resurface tired concrete with a new bonded decorative finish

Decorative Concrete

Bespoke surface artistry. Compass rose medallions, thoughtful layouts, borders, stamped and coloured concrete. Every pour is designed to be as enduring as it is beautiful, with no limit to scale or complexity

Explore Decorative Concrete

Concrete Grinding & Polishing

Mechanical grinding, polished concrete floors and grind & seal finishes. We understand concrete from the ground up. Surface preparation, exposure and sealing for architectural, residential and commercial floors

Explore Grinding & Polishing

Bespoke Trowel Finish

One of our signature finishes. Movement, texture and character worked into the surface entirely by hand. Simple yet high impact, especially paired with colour and sealed to bring out real depth

View the Trowel Gallery

Medallions & Compass Roses

Our calling card. Compass roses, star rosettes and custom centrepieces, hand-detailed into the surface as the heart every layout turns around

Explore Medallions

Hardscape & Outdoor Living

Outdoor entertaining areas, driveways, earthworks, retaining walls, steps, patios, pool surrounds, decking and natural stone. We shape the land with intention, creating beautiful spaces to live

Explore Hardscape

Conventional Concrete

Driveways, slabs, footpaths and floors in broom, trowel, exposed and natural finishes. The everyday work, poured with the same care, clean joint layout and proper falls behind every showpiece we build

Explore Conventional Concrete

Architectural Concrete & Foundations

Engineered slabs and architectural floors built from the ground up. Brought in early, we plan the construction methodology, finish design and material selection with the builder so structure and surface are one

Explore Architectural Concrete

Authentic Design

Considered layouts, materials and finishes developed with the owner and builder, so every surface belongs to its place and is never lifted from the last job

Explore Authentic Design