The thickness of a cement or concrete overlay might range from 1/4 inch to 2 inches or more. Thicknesses greater than 1/4 inch are used when additional protection is needed for areas such as bridges, highways, and parking structures. Concrete overlay thins can be made with a variety of materials including wood, plastic, metal and rubber. The type of thin used will depend on the application and what kind of surface is remaining under the new layer. Overlays are useful in protecting existing concrete from further deterioration due to weathering and traffic loading. They also serve as an aesthetic finish product that can be colored to match any building exterior or interior design scheme. An overlay is a protective coating used to preserve and restore the appearance of concrete surfaces. Overlays are easy to apply and remove, making them suitable for use on large projects as well as residential property. There are two types of overlays: pigmented and non-pigmented. Non-pigmented overlays are available in single color choices only. Pigmented overlays offer several color options so they can be used on different parts of the project or by the builder to create a custom look.