Scored Concrete Floors & Patios Disguise Cracks

How SUNDEK’s Custom Scoreline Effect is used to transform old, cracked concrete

Scored concrete is a way to add patterns and designs to concrete slabs. A scored concrete patio will nicely complement your backyard landscaping, while a scored floor can help update your home's interior.

What is scored concrete?

Our scoring technique allows you to resurface your old cracked concrete without having to worry about cracks reoccurring in the new decorative concrete surface. We created our Custom Scoreline Effect in 1990, and we've been perfecting it ever since.

We specialize in concrete scoring patterns that are organic and mimic the look of joints between natural stones. Instead of trying to fight the inevitability of cracks, we work with them, incorporating them into a beautiful design.

If cracks aren't a concern, we can also cut score lines into your concrete to recreate the look of tiles or brick. Scored concrete floors and patios can be further customized with stain colors. Scored and stained concrete is a popular choice because the color variations look quite natural. In addition to staining, sometimes scoring is used in conjunction with polished concrete.

How to Score Concrete

Here’s an overview of how SUNDEK contractors create beautiful concrete finishes with scoring:

1. Open each crack with a grinder wheel.
2. Use a grinder to create scorelines on the rest of the surface, creating a pattern.
3. Fill scored cracks with urethane sealant to prevent water and debris from getting inside. (This also helps blend the original crack in with the new scorelines.)
4. Apply a SUNDEK finishing coat, which are available in a variety of colors.

The idea is to think of the existing cracks as “Mother Nature’s expansion joints”—cracks that are just doing their job in controlling the natural expansion and contraction movement of the concrete.

An Environmentally Friendly Way to Hide Cracks

One of the biggest benefits of using the Custom Scoreline technique on a cracked surface is that you can refresh your concrete without ripping anything out. There’s a lot of waste associated with demolition, so it’s best to avoid it when possible. With the Custom Scoreline technique, SUNDEK can prep your existing concrete, apply a coating, and then use scorelines to create a beautiful surface—getting you what you want and need without all the waste.

Can the Custom Scoreline Effect be used with other SUNDEK systems?

Yes! We can incorporate this effect into most any other SUNDEK coating, but it is most often used with SUNDEK's Classic Texture. Classic Texture, also known as knockdown texture, is appreciated by contractors, homeowners, and commercial property owners due to the following benefits:

• Slip-resistant texture
• 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.

Examples of Decorative Concrete with Scorelines

SUNDEK installers around the country can install decorative surfaces with Custom Scorelines—here are just a few of our projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the questions we get most often about scored concrete. If your question isn't answered here, contact us!

What is the Difference Between Stamped & Scored Concrete Coatings?

Both methods achieve a common goal: create an imprinted pattern on the surface. However, the method used and the type of patterns created are quite different. Here are the main differences:

For stamped concrete, the contractor applies the coating and then uses a stamp to apply a pattern and/or texture by pressing the stamp into the surface. Often, the stamping method is used to mimic the look of materials such as brick, slate, tile, wood, or more. Learn more about stamped concrete and see pictures here.

For scored concrete, as described above, the contractor applies the coating and then uses special tools to create patterns using lines. Scored concrete patterns are often much simpler than stamped concrete because they are created by hand.

Learn more about stamped concrete overlays.

How much does it cost to get scored concrete?

Generally, scored concrete is less expensive than other forms of decorative concrete because it requires less labor and fewer materials. However, finding out exactly how much your project will cost depends on several factors specific to the project including:

• Size of your surface
• Desired design
• Location of your project (this impacts cost of materials)
• Condition of existing concrete

Because there are so many variables, it’s best to contact your local SUNDEK installer. They can give you a free quote after assessing your surface. Find a contractor near you here.

Can scored concrete be colored?

Yes, scored concrete can also be colored using any of our coloring systems. Learn about options for coloring concrete here.

Is scored concrete durable?

Scored concrete is just as durable as any other decorative concrete surface. Scoring is shallow and doesn’t weaken the strength of the coating. A scored concrete surface can last for decades when maintained properly.

How do you maintain scored concrete?

A scored concrete surface should be maintained in the same manner as any other decorative concrete surface. It should be sealed and then resealed every few years, depending on how its used.

Should scored concrete be sealed?

Yes, just like any concrete surface, scored concrete should be sealed to protect it from stains and other damage. Proper sealing will make it easier to brush or wash out dirt or debris from scorelines. Learn more about sealers here.

Does scoring concrete increase the risk of cracks?

No. When done properly, scorelines are shallow and don’t affect the integrity of the surface. In fact, SUNDEK uses custom scorelines to minimize future cracking.

Is scored concrete slippery?

Scored concrete isn’t any more slippery than another type of decorative concrete surface. A reputable contractor will ensure that the surface is textured in a way that reduces the slipperiness or include additives that add a grit to the surface that prevents it from getting slick when wet.

Contact your local SUNDEK dealer to inquire about using the Custom Scoreline Effect on your surface (quotes are free!).

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