Concrete Decor's Current Articles

How often in the course of your day do you think about breathing? Unless you’re one of those unfortunate people who suffers from a respiratory illness, it’s unlikely you give it any thought at all. The fact that breathing is a somewhat involuntary action is probably why we so easily take it for granted.

In this world, there are two types of concrete: concrete that’s flat, gray and utilitarian, and concrete that’s been shaped, colored and/or textured — and is considered art.

What if I told you that you could get paid over and over again for a project you completed a year or two ago. Would you be interested? No, this isn’t some slick marketing idea or even a take-off of a multilevel marketing or pyramid scheme. Rather, this is working smarter not harder with a fair amount of common sense mixed in.

A commitment to quality, innovation and exemplary customer service make Specialty Concrete Products a leader in the industry.

Does black pigment really affect air entrainment? It all depends on what type you are using.

Black is widely used in the concrete industry. It can be mixed to darken other pigments, and it can be used alone to make light grays, dark grays or straight black.

A surface-preparation product called The Profiler from Surface Gel Tek can be used to create an etched effect with stencils. In these photos, Dane Hantz of Dane Concrete Design in Prescott, Arizona, demonstrates the technique. The surface was a steel-troweled concrete floor in a home. Hantz wanted to create a 60-linear-foot border around the room.

How long is a set of diamonds supposed to last? Or more to the point, what kind of square footage can I expect out of a set of diamonds?

The beginning of a new calendar year marks the time when many reflect on the past 12 months and set goals for the coming year. In the practice of marketing, we often examine what methods worked in promoting our company’s products and services.

The Decorative Concrete Hall of Fame is pleased to honor its inductees for 2014: Gary Jones, Frank Lewis and Jon Nasvik. The Hall of Fame will announce the group at the 2014 Concrete Decor Show.

Technology advances expand the range of options for concrete projects

Whether the objective is keeping water in — like a pond, tank, pool or reservoir — or keeping it out — such as a foundation or entire building — waterproofing looms large in concrete installations.

A carbon-fiber-reinforced, epoxy-resin-based grid design. It can be used in place of, or along with, steel wire mesh and light rebar. Unlike steel, carbon grid can be placed just below the finished surface.

From fiber optics to fire hydrants, this Ohio craftsman is expanding the boundaries of what can be included in a decorative concrete project.

Protective coatings may not deter graffiti artists, but they’ll make cleanup a lot easier.

Contractors are increasingly using shotcrete for making artificial rock. The equipment is expensive, but the results are spectacular.