Do you want to make a wall in your home look like real concrete? You can achieve the realistic look, color and texture of cement through paint, plaster, joint compound or even a concrete re-surfacer. You can even hang photo-image wallpaper.
Let’s look at 5 different faux concrete wall finishes, including their average costs, application time, limitations and drawbacks…
How to Make a Wall Look Like Concrete:
These materials are extremely versatile – you can transform walls, furniture, tabletops, countertops and all sorts of home decor items.
In addition, you can use them in homes or offices. Plus, most work fine in moist environments like bathrooms (as long as you apply a sealer on top. Furthermore, you can use cement-look plaster paints outside as well as indoors.
And, you don’t have to cover an entire wall. In fact, many people use a faux concrete technique on an accent wall, a backsplash or underneath a kitchen island. (In other words, you don’t have to cover a large area to really transform a space and get that commercial, industrial look.)
1. Lime Plaster Paint:
First of all, a lime plaster paint can provide a luxurious and slightly textured finish that adds depth and sophistication to any room. This option is ideal for residential and commercial spaces seeking an elegant touch.
However, it costs more than regular paint and provides less texture than other faux concrete finishes like drywall compound or re-surfacer.
2. Joint Compound:
Second, you can use plain drywall mud or joint compound to create a concrete effect. Simply add black or grey tint to the desired tone, apply the mud with a drywall knife and then seal.
This method is great for beginners and creative types because the flexible material allows you to create unique texturing and easily fix mistakes as you go. Tip: partially mix the tint to get a multi-tone 3D look.
3. Concrete Re-Surfacer:
Third, a concrete skim coat or refinisher offers the most realistic appearance, but it requires more work and skill. The materials are inexpensive, and you can waterproof the surface to make it durable on counters, tabletops, in bathrooms, etc..
4. Concrete-Look Paint:
For those seeking a quick transformation, a concrete paint provides a simple yet effective solution. With a variety of colors and textures available, you can achieve the appearance of concrete without the need for extensive surface preparation. However, periodic touch-ups may be required to maintain the desired look over time.
5. Faux Concrete Wallpaper:
If you prefer a hassle-free installation process, faux concrete wallpaper is an excellent option. It offers the appearance of concrete in a convenient peel-and-stick format, making it suitable for both residential and retail spaces.
While it provides a range of texture options, it may not offer the same level of depth as other finishes.
Cost to Create a Faux Concrete Wall (100 square feet):
When it comes to considering the cost of faux concrete wall finishes, several factors come into play. On average, the cost for a 100 square foot surface can range from $800 to $1,500, depending on the complexity of the chosen finish.
However, with inexpensive materials (like paint, joint compound or concrete re-surfacer), you can easily complete the job for $50-$200 or less.
How Long Does it Take to Make a Faux Concrete Wall?
Typically, applying faux concrete wall finishes requires meticulous attention to detail and expertise to achieve a seamless and realistic look.
On average, the application time for a 100 square foot surface can range from two to five days.
That said, many DIY homeowners can transform an entire wall in a one day, sometimes even as little as an afternoon.
The key is to have the right materials and tools on hand and understand the application process before you start. (ie read the instructions, watch videos, get tips from other DIY-ers.)
Limitations and Drawbacks to Faux Concrete:
While faux concrete wall finishes offer a plethora of benefits, they also come with some drawbacks. Knowing what you’re getting yourself into before you buy can help you make a wiser purchasing decision.
For instance, many concrete re-surfacers don’t come pre-mixed. This allows you to save some money, but then you need to mix the product yourself. It also dries quickly, so you need to work fast before the mixture sets.
On the other hand, joint compound (or drywall mud) dries much more slowly, giving you more time to be creative, fix mistakes, etc.. That said, the mud can be messy (so can re-surfacer) and require more effort because you use a drywall knife instead of a paint roller.
And concrete paint or wallpaper give you the look of cement, but not the realistic texture. From a distance, they can fool the eye, but up close, they feel smooth to the touch.
Faux Concrete Comparison Chart:
| Faux Concrete Wall Finish | Applications | Average Cost (100 sq ft) | Application Time | Limitations/Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lime Plaster Paint | Interior, Exterior | $150-$200 | Several Hours | Requires multiple applications, several color options |
| Joint Compound | Interior | $50-$70 | Several Hours | Can create multi-tone finish with tint, easy to apply & fix mix mistakes but more time-consuming |
| Concrete Re-surfacer | Interior, Exterior | $50-$80 | Several Hours | More effort & skill required, need to work fast, realistic feel |
| Concrete Paint | Interior, Exterior | $50-$200 | 1-2 hours | Easy to apply, but minimal texture & more plain-looking |
| Concrete Wallpaper | Interior | $80-$100 | 1-2 hours | Realistic-looking, unique images, but no texture |
In conclusion, faux concrete wall finishes open up a world of creative possibilities. They allow you to infuse your space with the captivating allure of concrete while accommodating your specific preferences and budget.
By comparing the cost, application time and drawbacks or each method, you can make an informed decision on the look you want to achieve and the job you want to take on.