Decorative Concrete Education and Training

As most concrete contractors are aware, the market for decorative concrete has grown exponentially over the past 25 years, and especially during the past 8-10 years. What was once a highly specialized application limited to theme parks, resorts and casinos has become an established niche market with thousands of installations in a broad range of commercial, residential, corporate and hospitality environments.

Not surprisingly, the money-making opportunities inherent in decorative concrete installation have not gone unnoticed. Experienced concrete contractors are taking advantage of this "sexy" niche in order to improve their bottom line. In addition, artistically inclined newcomers with limited background in concrete are also trying their hand at designing and installing decorative concrete.

Therein lies a big problem, both real and potential, according to knowledgeable industry insiders. While there are without question some very highly skilled practitioners out there doing outstanding work with decorative concrete, there are, regrettably, too many people with little or no training or education in proper installation techniques. Their efforts are often unsuccessful or inferior, resulting in unhappy customers and a black eye on the industry's overall public image.

"One bad job by an inexperienced contractor can poison the well for the people who do a good job," asserts Ward Malisch, senior managing director of the American Concrete Institute (ACI). "There are people who say, ‘Wow, this is great, it's a booming market, I want to jump right in and get some of that business.' But it's more difficult than it looks. Concrete is a unique material with many variables involved, and you have to know how to deal with them. Proper training from someone with significant field experience is crucial."