Exploring the World of Colored Concrete in Orlando

A Closer Look at Portland-Limestone Cement
and the Questions It Raises

In the race toward reducing carbon emissions and building a more sustainable future, the construction industry has placed significant emphasis on material innovation. One of the most talked-about shifts in recent years is the rise of 1L concrete, also known as Type 1L Portland-limestone cement (PLC). While its environmental intentions are clear, the execution and field performance of this material have sparked deep concerns among contractors, finishers, and construction professionals across the country.

What Is 1L Concrete?

1L concrete is a blended cement product made by intergrinding Portland cement clinker with up to 15% finely ground limestone. It falls under ASTM C595 and was promoted as a more sustainable option than traditional Type I or Type II cement, with a claimed reduction in embodied carbon of about 10%.
This transition is part of a broader movement toward lowering the construction industry’s carbon footprint. However, for many professionals working in the field every day, the reality of 1L’s performance has not aligned with its promise.

Why the Push—And Why the Pushback?

Advocates of 1L cement cite decades of successful use in Europe and a growing need for climate-conscious practices. Major producers in the U.S. began shifting almost entirely to Type 1L in 2022 and 2023, often with little consultation or consideration for the practical realities faced by contractors and specialty finishers.
This sudden change, often framed as a “drop-in replacement,” has led to a number of serious challenges:
Surface Defects & Finish Failures
Many contractors have reported inconsistent finish quality, scaling, dusting, and difficulty achieving color uniformity in decorative and exposed applications. In some cases, these issues have led to litigation over failed installations.

Lack of Field Testing & Support

Although some densifiers and admixtures are being promoted as compatible with 1L, most have not undergone sufficient independent testing to ensure reliable long-term performance. Contractors are left to troubleshoot on their own, often at their own expense.

Distrust from the Field

For many in the construction world, especially those working on architectural concrete, decorative finishes, or high-performance surfaces, the lack of transparency and technical support has created a deep sense of frustration and mistrust.

What Industry Experts Are Saying

While many material producers remain committed to 1L cement, an increasing number of contractors, specifiers, and consultants are raising red flags. Some are now avoiding 1L altogether in high-exposure projects or are specifying additional treatments, sealers, or surface hardeners to compensate for performance issues.
Yet even these remedies come with asterisks: most haven’t been thoroughly tested alongside 1L, and results vary based on climate, substrate, and finishing practices. While some contractors are beginning to find combinations that work, there is no universally endorsed solution at this time.

Proceeding with Caution

There’s no question that sustainability is an urgent priority—but true sustainability must also account for durability, performance, and constructability. When cement fails in the field, the environmental impact of replacement materials and labor far outweighs any initial carbon savings.
As the industry continues to explore lower-carbon alternatives, many experts are calling for a more thoughtful, transparent, and inclusive approach—one that includes rigorous testing, real-world data, and support for the contractors on the front lines of implementation.

The Bottom Line

1L concrete may represent a step toward sustainability, but for now, it’s a step that should be taken with full awareness of its limitations. The current landscape demands caution, continued evaluation, and an honest dialogue between producers and practitioners.
Until field data improves and manufacturers take stronger accountability for performance, the use of 1L cement should be considered on a case-by-case basis, especially in projects where finish quality, color uniformity, or long-term durability are critical.

Colored concrete is one of the hottest construction trends for indoor and outdoor projects in Orlando. If you are interested in something new and exciting that involves color, texture, shapes, and incredible designs, turn to the professionals at Select Surface Solutions for ideas and hot products!

Beautiful Color

Colored concrete products are among the most in-demand products offered by Select Surface Solutions. For any vertical or horizontal surface, color breathes new life into concrete. However, it is important to choose the right method based on the look and concrete you are working with.

  • Integral Color – Integrally colored concrete involves blending liquid or powdered iron oxide pigments and then adding it to a mixed or pre-bagged cement product. The color is blended into the entire batch of concrete and a natural coloration appears on the surface of the concrete after curing.
  • Acid Staining – Colored concrete is also achieved with acid staining. Select Surface Solutions carries acid stain, which allows for elaborate designs. This amazing liquid chemical product permanently adds color and etches into the concrete. Rather than covering the concrete with an opaque coating, an acid stain is translucent and is a unique solution consisting of acid, water, and metallic salts; when applied to concrete, it combines and interacts with minerals. The result is a beautiful marbled/mottled aesthetic.
  • Dry Shake – Dry shake floor color hardeners are also used to color concrete. Because this method is the most uniform and toughest on new concrete slabs being poured, it has become a top choice for Orlando flooring. For stunning customized results, this method of creating colored concrete should only be performed by a trained professional. The experts at Select Surface Solutions can offer recommendations; you can also benefit from the “How To” information and videos section on our website or ask to be referred to one of our many local concrete contractors we recommend.
  • Dyed Concrete – For versatility, ease of use, and outstanding results, concrete can also be surface dyed. Since dye is translucent as it penetrates the concrete it leaves the natural mottling and tones on the concrete apparent.  Dyes are available in both water and solvent bases and come in virtually any color you can imagine.
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