How To Flagstone » Concrete

About Concrete Paving And Sealing

admin — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 01:49:34 +0000

About Concrete Paving

Concrete Pavers are made by pouring a mixture of concrete and some type of coloring agent into a mold of some shape and allowing it to set. Concrete pavers are a popular outdoor flooring surface. With modern technology, rough grey concrete pavers are a thing of the past, and many are p......roduced with a sophisticated look similar to come types of natural stone.

Sealing Concrete Paving

Concrete paving is very porous, and stains easily. It's high porosity makes it particularly prone to salt efflorescence. All concrete paving should be sealed to keep it looking good for a long period of time.

To maintain the look, breathe-ability and slip resistance of the surface, it is important to use a high quality, invisible impregnating sealer. Dry-Treat impregnating sealers are safe and suitable for outdoor and indoor surfaces, and for residential or high traffic commercial surfaces

About Brick

Brick is a man-made building material made from baked clay that has been used for over 5000 years. Bricks are also made from a mixture of lime and very fine sand that are hardened in stream at a high pressure.

Sealing Brick

Brick is hard and dense, but quite porous and easily penetrated by water oil, although the amount of porosity varies depending on the particular type of clay, baking methods etc.
To maintain the look and protect brick paving from oil staining, water ingress and salt attack, it is important to use a high quality, invisible impregnating sealer. This is especially so for brick paving in entertaining areas or where there is a problem with salt efflorescence.
Dry-Treat impregnating sealers are safe and suitable for outdoor and indoor surfaces, and for residential or high traffic commercial surfaces.

About Bluestone

American bluestone is a high quality, dense sandstone, quarried around New York and Pennsylvania, and commercially known as Pennsylvania bluestone. It is very popular as a building and architectural stone.

Australian bluestone or basalt is a dense, hard wearing stone, generally a deep blue grey, and is a grand and popular paving stone. Bluestone was used in the interior of the new Melbourne Cricket Ground, and sealed with Dry-Treat's ENHANCE-PLUS and STAIN PROOF.

British dolerite is mainly used to make jewelry and small knickknacks. About 80 of the stones at Stonehenge are dolerite.

Sealing Bluestone

Bluestone may be a dense stone, but it is still porous - you only need to leave a tablespoon of water on a floor tile for 30 minutes or so to find a deep stain. It is important to seal bluestone if you want it to continue to look good for a long period of time.

To maintain the look and slip resistance of the bluestone, it is important to use a high quality, invisible impregnating sealer. Dry-Treat impregnating sealers are safe and suitable to seal bluestone surfaces of all types - from wall cladding to floors, outdoors and in, residential and high traffic commercial.

About Granite

Granite is an igneous rock formed by the slow cooling of molten liquid rock. It is made up of crystals of quartz and feldspar, and sometimes mica and hornblende. Granite is a tough, hard wearing and versatile stone, available in a wide array of mottled colors, from whites to blacks and just about every other color.

Finished to a high polish it is the most popular stone for kitchen bench tops, and with a honed or even rough hewn finish is popular for wall cladding and flooring - both residential and commercial.

Sealing Granite

Granite is dense, but quite porous - you only need to leave a tablespoon of water on a floor tile for 30 minutes or so to find a deep stain. It is important to seal granite to keep it looking good for a long period of time.

To maintain the look and slip resistance of the granite, it is important to use a high quality, invisible impregnating sealer. Dry-Treat impregnating sealers are safe and suitable to seal granite surfaces of all types - from wall cladding to floors, outdoors and in, residential and high traffic commercial.

About Limestone

Limestone is a sedimentary soft rock that consists of mainly calcium carbonate. In its pure state it is white but it may be colored by other materials. Limestone is formed either from accumulation of animal shells in a calcium carbonate cementing matrix or by crystallization from solution.

Sealing Limestone

All limestone is highly porous - a tablespoon of water on a limestone surface will be absorbed in seconds, although it does vary in porosity from piece to piece. Porosity is also affected by its finish - highly polished limestone is a little harder to penetrate than limestone with a honed (matt) finish.
Due to its high porosity it is particularly important for limestone to be sealed with a high quality impregnating sealer which will not affect its slip resistance or look. Limestone is used both outdoors and indoors, and Dry-Treat's premium impregnating sealers will seal limestone equally well in either.

About Marble

Marble is a limestone that has been changed under intense heat and pressure and is composed of calcium carbonate. The most common mineral of this composition is calcite.

Sealing Marble

Although marble is a dense stone, water and oil will penetrate marble given sufficient time. Porosity is also affected by its finish - highly polished marble is a little harder to penetrate than marble with a honed (matt) finish.
To preserve its looks, breathe-ability and slip resistance, it is important for marble to be sealed with a high quality, high penetration, invisible impregnating sealer. Dry-Treat impregnating sealers are suitable for all marble surfaces, indoors and out, from kitchen counter tops to marble floor tiles or wall cladding.

About Sandstone

Sandstone is a sedimentary rock formed from debris deposited of silica granules by wind or water and consolidated with amorphous silica or calcium carbonate cementing matrix, often in conjunction with aluminum or iron oxide, which contributes yellow, orange or brown coloration.

Sealing Sandstone

Sandstone is very porous and one of the softest types of stone. Water and oil absorb into sandstone within seconds and, over a longer period, water and especially water with salt can do severe damage to the surface. All sandstone must be sealed to help keep it intact, free of salt efflorescence and looking good.

To maintain the look, breathe-ability and slip resistance of the sandstone, it is important to use a high quality, invisible impregnating sealer. Topical sealers will trap moisture in the stone which can damage it in time. Dry-Treat impregnating sealers are safe and suitable to seal sandstone surfaces of all types - from wall cladding to floors, outdoors and in, residential and high traffic commercial.

About Slate

Slate is a fine-grained, homogeneous, metamorphic rock derived from an original shale-type sedimentary rock composed of clay or volcanic ash through low grade regional metamorphism. Slate is mainly composed of quartz and muscovite or illite, often along with biotite, chlorite, hematite, and pyrite along with, less frequently, apatite, graphite, kaolin, magnetite, tourmaline, or zircon.

Sealing Slate

Slate is quite dense, but it is still highly porous - a tablespoon of water left on the slate for about 30 minutes will leave a deep mark. Slate should be sealed to keep it looking good for a long period of time.

Topical sealers (glossy plastic coating over the top of the slate) are still used on slate, but these older style sealers can trap moisture in the stone and make the surface very slippery when wet. Plus, when a topical sealer wears in higher traffic areas, the entire surface has to be stripped and re-sealed,

To provide premium protection from oil and water-based stains, maintain the look and slip resistance of the slate and prevent damaging moisture from being trapped within the stone, it is important to seal slate with a high quality, invisible, fully breathe-able impregnating sealer.

About Terracotta / Saltillo

From the Italian for 'baked earth", refined clay is partially dried and cast, molded, or hand worked into a desired shape, then fired for hardness. When unglazed, the material is very porous. Glazed terracotta can vary from relatively water proof to partially porous. Terracotta / Saltillo is a good value surface material and quite hard wearing though not as dense or tough as most types of stone.
The unglazed color after firing can vary widely depending on the amount of and type of mineral/metal particles in the clay, from orange, orangish red, to brownish orange color and even yellows, grays and pinks.

Sealing Terracotta / Saltillo

Terracotta is usually quite porous and very prone to staining and to water ingress. All terracotta should be sealed for protection.
To maintain the look, breath ability and slip resistance of terracotta, it is important to use a high quality, invisible impregnating sealer. Dry-Treat impregnating sealers are safe and suitable for outdoor and indoor surfaces, and for residential or high traffic commercial surfaces.

About Travertine

Travertine is a sedimentary rock. When pure, travertine is quite white, but usually it at least partially patterned and colored in shades from light yellows to browns, from impurities in the stone. Travertine is also full of pits. These can be left or filled with a suitable color-matched putty.

Travertine is typically formed from mineral deposits (usually calcite) in mineral springs or hot springs, or streams saturated with calcium carbonate. When it is very porous, Travertine is known as calcareous 'tuff'.

Sealing Travertine

All travertine is highly porous - a tablespoon of water on a travertine surface will be absorbed in seconds, although it does vary in porosity from piece to piece. Porosity is also affected by its finish - highly polished travertine with all the holes filled is less porous than travertine with a honed (matt) finish.

Due to its high porosity it is particularly important for travertine to be sealed with a high quality impregnating sealer which will not affect its slip resistance or look. It is very difficult to seal travertine against acid attack. Travertine is used both outdoors and indoors, and Dry-Treat's premium impregnating sealers will seal travertine equally well in either.

About Polished Porcelain

Porcelain is pressed dust i.e. the raw materials are ground, mixed and moistened and literally pressed into the desired shape using tremendous force, creating a ceramic tile with a very low absorption level and high mechanical strength and chemical resistance. Vitrified / vitreous tiles are usually very hard for liquids to penetrate, but polished porcelain usually stains and absorbs water quite easily.

Even with dense vitrified tiles, it is always a good idea to seal tile grout, as this is usually the easiest pathway for water to get in and cause damage - in the shower for example. Once water gets underneath tiles, it is often free to move through concrete floors, brick and mortar walls and to rot wooden structures.

Sealing Polished Porcelain

Polished Porcelain is usually prone to staining and to water ingress. All polished porcelain should be sealed for protection. Polished porcelain tiles usually arrive with some type of wax coating (which protects it during shipping) - this wax coating must be thoroughly cleaned off prior to sealing.

To maintain the look, breath ability and slip resistance of polished porcelain, it is important to use a high quality, invisible impregnating sealer. Dry-Treat impregnating sealers are safe and suitable for outdoor and indoor surfaces, and for residential or high traffic commercial surfaces.

The Dry-Treat Difference

Dry-Treat's impregnating sealers are technologically different from commonly available silicone, teflon and siloxane impregnators. Our specially engineered molecules penetrate deeper into porous materials and bond permanently inside the pores, without blocking them.

Dry-Treat impregnating sealers stand up to cleaning chemicals, traffic, sunlight, and even commercial cleaning techniques such as high pressure hosing. We back our technology with written performance warranties of up to 20 years, when the sealers are applied by a Dry-Treat Accredited Applicator.

Stone Works Canada is a well established Canadian company which offers a variety of professional services to home owners in the Greater Metropolitan Toronto area. We have developed a specialized system to assist homeowners with all landscaping, outdoor maintenance and construction needs.

http://www.stoneworkscanada.com

With our own network of Landscape, Construction Specialists, Tile Setters and Masons who are skilled and well trained, and ready to work side-by-side with you, to ensure that you receive a high level of personalized service and expert advice, to assure your complete satisfaction.

Related Blogs

Decorative Concrete Design

admin — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 01:51:00 +0000

Custom Decorative Concrete is one of the most used concrete technologies today. Weather it’s for residential or commercial, custom decorative concrete has grown immensely in popularity for new construction and remodeling. Different types of uses have grown in popularity as well. The most common uses today are fo......r counters, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, bathrooms, walls, garage, sidewalks, driveways, decks, pool area, and patios. Just like any other project, it starts with an idea. There are hardly any limits with what can be done with custom decorative concrete. Concrete on it’s own is very durable and strong. By employing certain key additives and finishes, used in the latest technology today, enhances strength and longevity significantly.

Colored Decorative Concrete comes in many different colors. There are also several different ways to color concrete. Concrete staining is the most cost effective and easiest way to rejuvenate existing concrete. Applied like staining wood, concrete stain dries and hardens to give you a flake proof surface. Concrete stain colors can vary from black stain, English red stain, green lawn stain and even aqua blue stain. Integral colors are primarily earth tone base that employ additives in a ready-mix fashion. Some of these colors include canyon, dune, green slate and flagstone brown. Not quite as cost friendly as stain, but is still budget savvy and easy to install as well. Concrete dyes are a great alternative to achieve colored concrete. Dyes are mixed at the job site. After the drying process the brilliance and luster of the finish product will last for many years to come. By adding a Lithochrome hardener, you will notice right away the exquisite shine and durability Lithochrome hardener provides.

Stamped Concrete Designs are generally pre-stamped in blocks by a manufacturer. The stamped texture can give you a wide variety of looks such as cobblestone, slate, fieldstone, fan stone, Spanish tile and many, many more. Stamped concrete can be arranged to make a particular pattern or you can choose to have it laid out in a traditional inter-locking fashion. Stamped surfaces come in a nice array of finishes too, such as, smooth, aggregate, brick and stucco just to name a few.

When it comes to a decorative concrete design project, it is a good idea to hire a reputable contractor to assist you. Visit this Raleigh decorative concrete design web site and see your concrete design ideas become reality.

Related Blogs

A Los Angeles Ready Mix Concrete Company Can Turn A Nondescript Slab Into A Work Of Art

admin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 01:52:48 +0000

Consider your typical California driveway – a slab of boring, grey-white cement. Not much to write home about, eh? Oh – wait – you are home! How about calling up the concrete artists at your locally-owned Los Angeles ready-mix concrete company? Nothing like a little native Los Angels decorative concrete stamping or staining ......(or both) to spruce up that dull old driveway and turn it into a piece of unique Southern California art!

Not only that, but the concrete artists at your nearby Los Angeles decorative concrete supply can spruce up your patio, sidewalk, swimming pool – even those drab basement walls (if yours is one of those rare homes that have one). In fact there is not a whole lot that Los Angeles decorative concrete finishing can't improve!

How It Works

Los Angeles decorative concrete stamping and staining starts with the usual mix of sand, gravel, Portland cement and water. Staining is accomplished with a number of different chemicals that include
metallic salts, diluted hydrochloric acid, dyes and hydrated lime – and while these produce some marvelous hues, they can be tricky to handle. This is why it's best not to attempt this sort of work on your own and leave it to the professionals from a Los Angeles ready mis concrete company. These concrete artists are thoroughly trained in the ins and outs of dealing with these substances.

The same is true about Los Angeles decorative concrete stamping. This is a precision process that uses some rather heavy equipment, so it takes a combination of brute strength and finesse – a pretty rare combination no matter where you go. This type of Los Angeles concrete stamping uses special molds that are quite expensive. Using these, the concrete artists from your local Los Angeles decorative concrete supply company are able to make boring concrete slabs into exotic cobblestones, brick, flagstone and even hardwood if you like.

"Sumer is Acumin In"

Geoffrey Chaucer said it best some 650 years ago – summer's on its way, and so is the barbecue and outdoor entertaining season. What better way to impress your guests than with some Los Angeles decorative concrete finishing on the patio or pool? The right kind of Los Angeles decorative concrete stamping and staining can be a great way to set off your landscaping and gardening efforts. Needless to say, demand for the services of Los Angeles decorative concrete supply companies is going to be high as summer nears, so it's best to make arrangements soon – you you may miss out.

Los Angeles ready mix concrete company representatives are waiting to hear from you even as they are making appointments with other homeowners, so avoid disappointment – make your arrangements with a Los Angeles ready mix concrete company today!

Wayne Hemrick writes about--Los Angeles ready mix concrete company.

Related Blogs

You And Your Concrete Contractor

admin — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 01:49:25 +0000

If you live in Southern California and are building a home or facing a remodel of a house or garden, you will very often need concrete work done. In order for the work to be done properly, concrete applications should be performed by a professional concrete contractor. Concrete is very heavy to work with, not to mention can ha......ve dangerous additives included in its mix, and thus you do not want to try this type of work on your own. Instead, you will want to work with concrete contractors who are expert in mixing and then crafting the concrete into the surfaces that you need around your home. Concrete contractors in Los Angeles can take the trouble out of your next concrete project.

Southern California concrete contractors are artisans who create stunning works of art out of concrete for use in and outside the home. Concrete is relatively inexpensive when compared to more costly brick and flagstone, and this is one reason why it is a popular choice with homeowners, and the concrete contractors in Los Angeles are called in. Another is the diverse looks that, in the hands of professional concrete contractors in the San Fernando Valley, can be created from concrete. Concrete contractors in the San Fernando Valley can add stains to give the substance a beautiful hue, or molds and other techniques can be used to create stamped concrete that can realistically resembles flagstone, cobblestone, brick and even hardwood flooring. Southern California concrete contractors can offer Green concrete options, including the use of pervious concrete, which allows water to drain right through it rather than running off into the storm drains.

If you are a homeowner, unless you are a contractor yourself, chances are you would not have the experience or the training needed for elaborate home concrete applications. It is for this reason that people turn to concrete contractors in Los Angeles. Southern California concrete contractors can take the work out of putting in a new patio, driveway, pool or other major addition to the home or garden.

Another reason why homeowners seek experienced concrete contractors in the San Fernando Valley is the sheer amount of heavy labor needed to work with concrete. Remember that ready mix concrete consists of sand, gravel, Portland cement, water and other additives, and none of these ingredients is lightweight. Trying to mix and then move and place large amounts of concrete on your own is physically beyond what many of us are capable, so to avoid injury it is always wise to consult concrete contractors in Los Angeles. These concrete contractors will have all of the special equipment, along with the expertise, to be able to handle your concrete project quickly and stylishly.

Wayne Hemrick writes about-- concrete contractors

Related Blogs

Chose Your Concrete Floor Contractor With Care

admin — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 02:01:48 +0000

If you live in Florida, and have decided that epoxy floor coating is the route you want to go for your new floor, you will need the epoxy floor contractor having a great deal of experience and training in doing this job correctly. Concrete involves heavy work to move and shape, and this type of work you can't do by your own. Inste......ad, you will want to work with expert concrete floor contractor who can take care of each step ensuring that your project is finished well and on time with sheer gratification. Expert concrete floor contractors in Florida can create eye-catching works of art out of concrete for use in and outside the place. Concrete is relatively inexpensive when it comes to costly wood, brick and flagstone, and this is one of the strong reasons why concrete floor contractors are called in.

Another advantage is the attractive looks that, such as adding stains to give the substance a beautiful hue, or molds and other techniques in the hands of professional epoxy floor contractors. Concrete floor contractors can realistically resembles concrete to flagstone, cobblestone, brick and even hardwood flooring. It is for this reason that people turn to concrete floor contractors. Concrete contractors can take the work out of putting in a new patio, driveway, pool or other major addition to your place.

Another good reason why you should have the experience or seek experienced concrete contractors for concrete applications is the sheer amount of heavy labor needed to work with concrete. Don't forgot to ask general questions to your polished concrete contractor such as what's the contractor's level of experience, and how long the company been in business? Where did the contractor learn his techniques? Does he have photos or a portfolio of his work? Will he provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to care for and maintain your new polished concrete floor? If a polished concrete contractor can answer all the above questions to your satisfaction, it is easy for you to understand, epoxy flooring contractor is ready to start your concrete flooring project.

These concrete contractors will have all the special equipment, along with the expertise, to be able to handle your concrete project quickly and stylishly. To avoid injury it is always recommended to consult epoxy flooring contractors. Concrete floor contractors have experience with putting in concrete stained floors, and they have equipments to create a level patio that will be a pleasure to use.

Xtreme Polishing provides high-quality concrete finishing services for residential and commercial properties and specializes in Polished Concrete, Concrete Polishing and other commercial concrete solutions. To see our work please visit Polished Concrete Pictures gallery.

Related Blogs

Decorative Concrete ? Artistic, Available, Affordable

admin — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 01:51:07 +0000

Not so long ago, if you had a garage or driveway that was weathered, worn and/or stained, or if you had a fireplace that you wanted enhanced by a rock wall, or you had walk ways or outdoor areas you wanted to beautify, your choices were limited to bricks, blocks, rock, cement and a few other items. Not that there is anything wron......g with those items.

More recently, however, decorative elements for a home – indoors or out – have become more readily available. Many of these decorative concrete ideas used to be reserved for the more expensive homes or exclusive estates. Today, the use of decorative concrete to duplicate these types of artistic decorations is cropping up everywhere.

For instance, 30 years ago, if you wanted a fireplace set into a wall of flagstone rock, the rock had to be brought in and set. If the wall was 12 feet high by 6 feet wide, it involved a lot of flagstone. Today, decorative concrete can be used in conjunction with hand carving to create a wall that looks the same, but at a better price, custom look and feel and a fast and long-lasting process.

You might have a patio area that has basic concrete on the ground, but you want something more warm and inviting. You could bring in various types of tile or other materials and have them set, or you could use decorative concrete in various colors and textures, and even stamps. This patio resurface could then be sealed so that it would last for a long time. Instead of purchasing tiles – especially expensive stamped tiles – decorative concrete could be used to create the same effects with much less work and time and a beautiful, custom finish.

You can also learn to do this yourself from professionals who present various workshops through a number of decorative concrete suppliers throughout the country, or you can hire an experienced professional to do some or all of the job for you.

If you are thinking about making changes to enhance any part of your home – indoors, outdoors, walls, floors, patios, decks or more, now is a great time to contact a decorative concrete company in your area.

AnaLise is a professional writer and blogger. Currently, AnaLise is blogging for multiple sites including www.concreteideas.com. To view the entire list of sites and gather more information please visit Majestic Help on the web at www.majestichelp.com.

Related Blogs

Your Unique Los Angeles Stamped Concrete Pool

admin — Mon, 24 May 2010 01:52:37 +0000

California homes generally don’t have basements, but a lot of them have swimming pools. A genuine Los Angeles Stamped Concrete Pool is more than a pool, however – it’s a work of art. The same techniques used to create Los Angeles stamped concrete patios that look like expensive flagstone and the famous Los Angeles stamped ......concrete driveway with the appearance of cobblestones can also be used to create a unique Los Angeles stamped concrete pool that will definitely set your property apart from the others in your neighborhood.

It’s Not a Do-It-Yourself Project

Of course, you would never undertake the construction of a built-in, permanent pool on your own; nor should you attempt the construction of a Los Angeles stamped concrete pool. Like Los Angeles stamped concrete patios, they are complex and difficult projects that are best left to professionals who have training and experience.

The creation of a Los Angeles stamped concrete patio requires the use of heavy and costly molds that must be placed in very specific ways in order to achieve the desired effect. If this is a difficult process in the construction of Los Angeles stamped concrete patios, it is even more difficult when it comes to making a proper Los Angeles stamped concrete pool, since there are vertical surfaces to deal with.

As is the case with a Los Angeles stamped concrete patio or driveway, the process leaves no room for mistakes.

Once The Pattern Is In Place

Once the actual concrete has been placed and properly stamped, it’s time to apply colors and dyes to the surface of your Los Angeles stamped concrete pool. The cement must then dry and cure for no less than 24 hours.

Decisions, Decisions

Once you’ve made the decision to have a Los Angeles stamped concrete patio or driveway made, you’ll have many design options from which to choose. Your local concrete contractor can show you many designs that can be used for a Los Angeles stamped concrete driveway or other surface that can a real artistic touch to an otherwise bland piece of cement.

Naturally, the construction of a Los Angeles stamped concrete pool will cost more than creating Los Angeles stamped concrete patios, given the extra difficulty involved. However, a pool that is made to look like it was made from tiles or has the appearance of an ocean tide pool is likely to be much less expensive than the real thing – so contact a local concrete contractor today and find out how little the pool of your dreams might really cost!

Wayne Hemrick writes about--Los Angeles stamped concrete pools.

Related Blogs

All About Decorative Concrete – Stamped Concrete, Stained Concrete, Scored Concrete And Polished Concrete

admin — Fri, 21 May 2010 01:52:38 +0000

Introduction to Decorative Concrete

Decorative concrete, also commonly referred to as architectural concrete, can most easily be described as any technique that alters what would be plain, grey concrete to be more aesthetically pleasing. Decorative concrete can encompass many different looks and techniques. It can inclu......de simple coloring techniques such as acid stains, acrylic stains, concrete dyes, and integral colors (also called integrated colors; mixed into the concrete before it is poured). It can also include special treatments including stamping, scoring, chiseling, and polishing that can change the texture of the surface. Many times, decorative concrete integrates multiple techniques to truly customize the slab.

Stained Concrete

Probably one of the most well-known techniques for transforming plain concrete to be more design-friendly is staining, especially for interior applications. This technique involves taking a cured concrete slab and literally staining it to be a different color (or colors). There are two main types of concrete stain. The most common type of concrete stain is an acid stain. It is known for producing rich color. The acid reacts to the concrete and takes on its own life. The result is a marbleized coloring, much like grainy leather. It is probably one of the most difficult stains to work with; it requires much caution while applying because you are working with acid, after all. This stain does not cover defects in the concrete. On the contrary, it will likely show defects, even those you didn’t see when the concrete was in its natural state. However, this character that the acid stain reveals is part of the allure of the finished product of an acid stain job. Water-based concrete stains and acrylic concrete stains create a much more uniform look than do acid stains. These stains have a thin, milky consistency, allowing them to seep into the concrete’s pores, which differentiates them from any concrete paint, which can flake off because paints simply coat the surface. Because there is no chemical reaction between the stain and the concrete, it applies more like a dye.

It is a better alternative than acid stain for concrete pads that have cosmetic defects because coverage is fairly consistent. However, it is still a semi-translucent stain, so it will not completely disguise soils and other defects in the concrete. Water-based stains are also commonly called concrete dyes. It is often used to accent the work of an acid stain job by giving certain areas of the concrete a different color. Acrylic stains offer a wide variety of deep and bright colors with a much broader selection than acid stain offers. Also, whereas acid stains rely on a reaction with the concrete to produce color, the acrylic stain colors are usually the same in the bottle as they are on the concrete. This makes predicting the outcome much easier. It also allows for easier mixing at the jobsite to match other colors around. After the stain job is complete, it is recommended to put some sort of protective coating on the surface. This will prevent fading and wear. For outdoor applications, a concrete sealer is recommended. A solvent sealer or xylene-based sealer will leave a durable, semi-gloss coat, whereas a water-based sealer will leave a matte finish. For indoor applications, it is generally recommended to apply a wax, much like that which is used on a gym floor. In summary, staining is usually a good option if you have a concrete slab currently that you would like to add color to. Stains do not hide defects in the concrete, nor do they change the texture of the concrete. They simply add a semi-transparent, semi-permanent color. There are many tools and techniques that expand design options when using concrete stain. For example, there are stencils on the market that allow for a color design. Also, scored lines are also commonly used to add a pattern or design into the concrete.

Stain can also be used in conjunction with stamped concrete to add accent coloring. Plus, there are many different ways to apply stain to achieve different looks. advantages of stained concrete. Of course, the greatest advantage of stained concrete is the visual appeal. Staining concrete allows you to turn a functional element into a design element. Plus, with the wide array of colors and designs, staining can be used to compliment almost any design theme. Another advantage of stained concrete is that it is a semi-permanent, durable option. Because you are simply altering the color of concrete without altering its physical strength, your stained concrete will have the life of a boring, white slab (which some concrete is engineered to last more than fifty years!). Also, because the color is actually seeped into the concrete versus a layer on top like paint, it will not flake off like paint tends to. Stain can also be described as a "green" renovation project because you can simply transform what you already have, which means less waste in our landfills caused by starting over. In addition, staining requires no extra material aside from sealer or wax to make the flooring surface ready for use. Stained concrete is just as easy to maintain as a regular concrete slab if not easier because the sealer prevents stains and rinses easily. It may require a new coat of sealer or wax occasionally to maintain the finish. A simple broom or hose will often clean the surface adequately. Finally, another advantage of stained concrete is that it is relatively inexpensive compared to other options while yielding a custom, unique product.

Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete is another common technique of decorative concrete. It literally involves stamping a pattern and/or texture into freshly laid concrete. That being said, stamped concrete requires that new concrete is poured. This isn’t to say that you can’t add a stamped pattern or texture to your existing patio, it just requires a few intermediate steps. If you have an existing concrete pad that you want to add a stamped pattern or texture to, it requires adding a layer of concrete or overlay mixture. Of course, concrete is preferable, as it is one of world’s most durable materials; however, concrete will require a minimum of two inch height increase. There is another product available, often called an overlay mix, that can be applied as little as three-eighths inches thick. However, this plastic-cement polymer does have a shorter life-span than does concrete. There are limitations to capping your patio with concrete or overlaying it. If your patio is cracked or structurally unsound, it is risky to put any coating on it because that coating will likely crack and shift as well. Capping or overlaying your concrete will effectively hide any stains and minor defects in the concrete, though. The process involves pouring concrete much like you would do for ordinary flatwork. The area is framed up, reinforced with rebar, and smoothed out. In order to stamp, the concrete must be dry enough to not be mushy but wet enough to still hold an impression. The timing is perhaps one of the most difficult aspects of stamping. At this point, large rubber stamps are pounded into the concrete, many times with a tool called a tamper. Some sort of release product is used to keep the stamps from sticking. Other special tools, including "flippie" stamps, grout rollers, etc are used to perfect the area. The coloring of stamped concrete can be achieved in many different ways. Some of the coloring materials available for use with stamped concrete include integral/integrated colors, antiquing release colors, color hardeners, and tinted sealers. Integral colors, also called integrated colors, is color that is mixed into the concrete before it is poured. Integral colors come in both liquid and powder form.

The advantage of integral color is that the color is all the way through the concrete, so if the concrete is ever chipped or scarred, the color will be consistent throughout the slab. Antiquing release colors are usually a powder color applied to the surface before stamping occurs. Its functional aspect is that it keeps the stamps from sticking to the concrete. Its aesthetic aspect is that when the excess powder is scrubbed off, it leave behind great accent coloring in the grooves and crevices. Some release colors also come in a liquid form. Color hardeners are applied to the surface of the concrete. They are used to add color to freshly poured concrete. Because they have a cement content and high PSI, we do not recommend their use in climates that change rapidly because color hardeners can cause what we have coined as a "popcorn" effect, where small circles actually pop out of the surface of the concrete. Color hardeners are usually a powder and come in a wide variety of colors. Tinted sealers are just as you would think; they are sealers that have a transparent color tint added in. Some manufacturers make tinted sealers, or you can simply make them yourself, which is usually a good way to go if you are wanting to mix colors or play with transparency. Before you do this though, you need to know what kind of sealer you have and what kind of color product would mix with it. Tinted sealers also come in a wide variety of color options, especially if you will be making it yourself.

Most of the time, contractors will use a variety of coloring techniques to achieve your look. Contractors may also use the technique that is most familiar to them, leaving the others behind. One thing is for sure: make sure that you quiz your contractor about the coloring techniques they use to make sure you are given the information you need to properly pick your colors. Also, make sure he/she isn’t selling you on coloring techniques that may not be suitable for your climate area. advantages of stamped concrete. For the sake of accuracy, this paragraph does not take into account any overlay products because these products do not carry all of the same advantages that concrete does. Stamped concrete, if it is true concrete, often carries with it many advantages. First, it is known for its durability and longevity; after all, it is concrete! Because it is so durable, it can also be described as an environmentally-friendly option because it won’t have to be replaced in the near future, meaning more materials won’t need to be manufactured and less materials will end up in landfills. Also, it is easy to maintain. The sealer allows cleaning to be as easy as rinsing or sweeping. Occasionally, you will need to recoat the surface with sealer, which is an easy spray or roll on process. Finally, stamped concrete is aesthetically pleasing. It is completely customizable with a wide variety of color combinations and stamp patterns. And, considering how long it will last and how easy it is to maintain, it is a low cost in the long run for a beautiful finish.

Scored Concrete

Scored concrete is a great way to give both new pours and existing pour a new look. Scoring concrete is essentially cutting a shallow cut into the concrete. These cuts can be used to create the illusion of tile or stone or to "draw" a custom pattern or logo into the concrete. Because these lines are actually cut into the concrete, they are as permanent as the slab itself unless covered. Scoring is often combined with colored or stained concrete to accentuate the surface pattern. It can also be applied to plain concrete to just add a touch of decorative design to an otherwise humdrum slab. Concrete can be scored with many different tools, but the most common tools are concrete saws and grinders. Many times a diamond blade is used. For a more rustic or rough look, chiseling the lines is a great method, although it can be more labor intensive and tedious. advantages of scored concrete. Because scoring can be a way to add decorative touches to a slab without tearing out the slab and starting over or covering the slab with other products, it is a very economical and eco-friendly approach to decorative concrete. Also, it is as permanent as the slab is, which means there will be little to no upkeep. Maintenance will involve simple cleaning, which is as easy as sweeping or rinsing. If the scored concrete is sealed, it may require resealing periodically. Finally, the biggest advantage of scored concrete is that it is completely custom.

Polished Concrete

Polished concrete is, just as it sounds, a concrete slab that is polished down until a shiny finish is achieved. These smooth, high-luster floors, if done correctly, do not require any wax or sealer, making it a great option for warehouses, retail locations, etc. But, homeowners are quickly learning that this technique can be utilized for a low maintenance interior flooring. The process is similar in theory to sanding wood. You start with a rough pad and grind into the concrete. Then you move to smoother and smoother pads, step by step, until your finished product is a shiny, smooth floor. Usually, there will be exposed aggregate, making it a neat look. Polished concrete can be stained for some extra color. Or, integral color can be used before the pour to add color throughout. Special, and expensive, tools and materials are often necessary to get a polished finish. advantages of polished concrete. Polished concrete is very durable because it is concrete, one of the most durable materials known to man. It is also very low maintenance because wax or sealer may not be necessary. Sometimes, if the floor loses its luster, it may be necessary to re-polish the floor, repeating the last steps of the polishing process. Polished concrete can also be a great design feature because it is unique and customizable. Colors can be added for a different look, and even special aggregates can be added, aggregates that are only exposed because of the polishing process.

Sealing Concrete

All architectural concrete, except polished concrete and interior stained concrete, should be sealed regularly to maintain its beauty and durability. This process can be outsourced to a concrete company, or it can be a great do-it-yourself project. The process is usually very easy, requiring a spray-on or roll-on application. Some sealers are even mop-on. The most important aspect of resealing a patio is knowing what the original coat of sealer is. If you choose the wrong sealer, you can end up with a huge mess that will be time and money demanding to repair. It is best to contact whoever sealed your patio the first time to know what kind of sealer you should use to recoat your decorative concrete. Sealing concrete makes it stain and fade resistant. It is a protective coating that usually gives a bit of a sheen to the surface, bringing out the richness of the colors used in the decorative concrete, no matter which technique. Many times, freshly sealed concrete can be described as making the concrete look wet. Many times an older patio can be resealed to make it look like new again. Plain concrete can also be sealed for a more modern look that is easy to maintain and resistant to being stained. Sealing concrete will not cover any existing flaws in the slab. Stains will likely be accentuated by the sealant, and scratches or cracks will only be covered with a clear coat. Tinted sealers, as discussed above, can be used to add some color to a slab, whether it is plain or decorative.

concrete vs. other flooring options

Tile. Tiles can come in a variety of colors and patterns, but you are limited to what options are presented to you. Concrete offers the flexibility to choose your look, much like mixing paint. Tile requires a stable pad on which to be laid, which means often times you will need concrete anyway. Plus, the concrete, tile, and grout expands and contracts at different rates, making it susceptible to cracking, especially in outdoor conditions. Also, with tile comes grout lines, which means you have to scrub grout lines. Enough said? natural stone/flagtone. Much like tile, flagstone and natural stone usually requires a concrete base and grout for a semi-permanent slab, which means it comes with the same disadvantages as tile. Plus, you are limited to what mother nature makes, versus picking your own colors with concrete. If the concrete base or grout/mortar are not used, you will end up with an uneven nightmare with weeds growing between the stones. That doesn’t sound like fun! brick. Brick carries with it the same issues as natural stone, flagstone, and tile. >linoleum/vinyl. Although cheap and easy to care for, linoleum and vinyl are not as durable as concrete, nor do they have the aesthetic and "rich" look that concrete offers. Wood. Although beautiful, wood is not the easiest to maintain. It can easily scratch or nick, and it often requires revamp after a few years, especially if not maintained properly. Plus, unless it is taken from sustainable forests, can have negative effects on the forest and wildlife therein. Carpet. Carpet’s main disadvantage is that it easily stains. Even stain resistant carpet is much more likely to stain than sealed , waxed, or polished concrete. Plus, the manufacturing process is not always best for the environment, the chemicals it emits into the home can be harmful, and it retains allergens and pollutants, causing issues for those with breathing problems and allergies.

Tasha Lucas
Monster Constructors - http://www.monsterconstructors.com
Decorative Concrete - http://www.monsterconstructors.com/dfw-decorative-concrete.htm

Related Blogs

Concrete

admin — Tue, 18 May 2010 01:49:34 +0000

Concrete Driveways can be customized to fit the décor of your landscape. By utilizing tools such as colored concrete, stencils or stamped concrete, the only limitation to your design, is your imagination. Colored concrete is a cost-effective way to make your driveway match the color of your house or landscape. Co......lored concrete can also be clear coated to ensure longevity and brilliance of appearance. Concrete stencils are one of the most fail safe ways to see the driveway of your dreams come to life. By utilizing stencils, the design potentials are practically endless.

Patios are the most common for customized design. Colored or stamped concrete are one of the most popular tools used to create custom patios. Stamped concrete can be colored or stamped to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, tile or wood. Your patio can reflect your taste and elegance and become a common area for relaxing and entertaining. Colored concrete is a perfect way to match your patio with your landscape. By choosing stamped concrete, you can give yourself a multitude of designs such as seashells, flowers, and fish. You may also choose a customized stamp. A customized stamp could resemble another popular landscaping material such as flagstone or brick. Patio blocks can also be clear coated for optimal life span and appearance.

Pool Decks can really accent the decoration of your pool and backyard. There are certain aspects you should take into consideration before deciding how big your pool deck should be such as: is the area for private use only or will you be entertaining guests frequently. After deciding how large of a pool deck you want, you will need to figure out the color and design for the deck. By utilizing colored or stamped concrete, you can customize the look to fit your personality, landscape and overall purpose. For safety purposes you may want to look into exposed aggregate to create a slip resistant service to prevent slip and fall accidents while the pool deck is wet. Clear coating is ideal to preserve look and shine as well as protect the concrete from water damage. If you plan to use this area for grilling, it would be a good idea to select a type of grill you will be adding before beginning the project, such as a stationary grill that could be mounted to the pool deck. Most contractors can assist in the assembly and placement of your new grill.

If you are planning to have a contractor to construct a custom driveway, patio or pool deck, visit the Raleigh Concrete website.

Related Blogs

Let Los Angeles Decorative Concrete Contractors Make Your Patio Into Art!

admin — Mon, 03 May 2010 01:51:53 +0000

Concrete is possibly the most durable and least expensive building material available; a concrete foundation is likely to be around for several thousand years after the rest of a house has crumbled into dust.

It's not particularly exciting or interesting though (except possibly to some future Indiana Jones working in th......e year 3510 AD). Los Angeles decorative concrete contractors can change that, however. With Los Angeles decorative concrete flooring, your dull, lifeless concrete surface can be transformed into cobblestone, brick, flagstones, hardwood – virtually anything you can imagine! Furthermore, the artistry of these concrete workers goes far beyond Los Angeles decorative concrete floors. Los Angeles decorative concrete contractors can transform your driveway, your patio, walkways – even the backyard swimming pool!

Not For the Do-It-Yourselfer

A Los Angeles decorative concrete floor is created primarily using two techniques: stamping and staining. This may seem simple, but as you will learn, it's a lot of work – and it requires a great deal of skill.

When you first contact a local Los Angeles decorative concrete supply company, they will have you come to their offices or mail you some brochures showing you all your options in creating a unique, one-of-a-kind Los Angeles decorative concrete flooring. Once you have chosen the options that appeal to you, the Los Angeles decorative concrete contractors will come to your home with the appropriate molds. Once the concrete is poured, these men must work quickly and accurately; the molds, or "stamps," are heavy and fit together in certain ways. Mistakes are not an option. The molds are then left in place while the concrete that makes your Los Angeles decorative concrete floors hardens, or "cures."

Adding Color

Adding color to your Los Angeles decorative concrete floor is another challenging job that is best left to trained professionals. After etching the surface with acid, colors are created with a large number of different exotic – but highly toxic – chemicals. Once they have dried and the surface has been sealed, there is nothing to worry about, but during the process of creating Los Angeles decorative concrete flooring, handling these chemicals and applying them safely requires great skill and caution.

A Bargain!

One of the best things about Los Angeles decorative concrete floors is that they can be done for as little as $12-18 per square foot – far less than the real thing (whether its flagstones or hardwood). The only thing you need to worry about is how soon you can have it done, because Los Angeles decorative concrete contractors are in high demand. Make an appointment with your nearby Los Angeles decorative concrete supply company today!

Wayne Hemrick writes about--Los Angeles decorative concrete contractors and Los Angeles decorative concrete flooring