How to Use Rock Salt to Creatively Finish Concrete

Concrete is a widely-used paving choice due to its versatility and durability. It can be formed into virtually any shape or design, and it can be finished in a nearly endless variety of colors and textures to match any theme or decorating style. One easy texture to apply to fresh concrete is a rock salt finish. This process leaves a pitted surface with the look of weathered rock, and it requires few additional tools or materials, keeping costs low.

Freshly-poured and finished concrete
Rock salt
Concrete trowel or roller
Broom

Instructions

- 1
  Press a finger into the concrete to test its readiness for salting. Your finger should depress the concrete about 1/4 inch, and no concrete paste should stick to your finger. A broom or float finish should already be complete, and the bleedwater should have evaporated from the surface.
- 2
  Scatter the rock salt onto the concrete surface, taking care to get even distribution. Use more salt for a highly pitted surface. Typical application rates range from 3 to 12 pounds per 100 square feet.
- 3
  Press the salt into the concrete using a trowel or roller. The salt crystals should have half their diameter remaining above the surface.
- 4
  Sweep off the rock salt after the concrete has completely hardened, and remove it from landscape areas. Embedded particles that remain will dissolve with rainfall, or they can be removed by hosing down or pressure washing.

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