Concrete Decor's Current Articles

What is the most important test when it comes to evaluating decorative concrete overlays? A case can be made that any test result can help better define how a product will perform, but when it comes to decorative overlays some tests are more meaningful than others.

When it comes to safety in the construction industry, technological advances will make the workplace of the future more connected.

To commemorate a colony that contributed much to Texas, the Texas Historical Commission had a museum built that uses decorative concrete to capture history.

Experts share their knowledge on everything from preparation to application — including how to achieve the most natural-looking colors.

Although a good grinder/polisher will take other types of pads besides diamonds, the industrial version of the gemstone is a must for a wide range of tasks. And, there’s the rub: just as with jewelry, these diamonds are seen as being expensive.

Whether you are a paleo-pencil-pusher or digital native, in today’s market you have to ask, what are the best digital tools for my business?

Step-by-step instructions and useful tips from people in the industry who have experimented enough to know what works.

Many of history’s most beautiful works of art were created for places of worship. These days, decorative concrete is doing its part to beautify churches across the country.

Stamping concrete in hot weather requires advanced planning and close attention. Here, industry pro George Lee shares his secrets for a successful outcome.

Thanks to a new roller system from Kraft Tool Co., contractors no longer have to rock around the clock to get texturing projects done in half the time.

Most cracks in a substrate will telegraph through overlays if not prepared properly, so spend the extra time and dollars to prep the area correctly. If you repair problem areas prior to installing an overlay you will minimize the chances of cracks in your overlay.

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.

Polishing concrete, not unlike other new industries, begged, borrowed and stole from others in its infancy. Equipment came from the surface prep, stone restoration and cleaning industries, and as one can imagine, nothing was a perfect fit. It is still evolving today, but here is a look at where it came from.

Decorative concrete is more than an occupation or a career for Cory Hanneman. It gave him direction at a time when he needed a compass.

With today’s ever-changing technology, it’s critical to stay on top of your options to achieve the concrete surface profile (CSP) recommended by coating manufacturers and to choose the right equipment for surface preparation.

Ever notice the broad range of opinions that exist regarding concrete overlays and how they work? Take color hardener, for example — not everyone uses the product, but most agree that it is good and provides excellent results. Why then with overlays does such a spectrum of opinion and emotion exist?

There is something that could be said about the connection between wine and the invention of a great idea.

This certainly holds true for Bob Harris, president of the Decorative Concrete Institute.

Over the last few months I’ve had multiple projects with issues related to color. I feel it will benefit Concrete Decorreaders to understand the process for corrections as well as some simple tips and tricks for achieving desired results.