Concrete Decor's Current Articles

Concrete overlays’ strength comes from combining specific amounts of portland cement, sand, water and polymer. Sand type is an important component in decorative concrete and concrete overlays because overlays are typically applied thinner than standard concrete, yet still need to withstand the forces of foot and automobile traffic.

For thousands of years the permanence of concrete has made it an ideal construction and design medium for architects, engineers and builders. Even the word “concrete” is often used as an adjective to describe the reality, longevity and durability of everything from objects to ideas.

Although rocker Huey Lewis made headlines singing how it was “Hip to be Square,” artisan Ben Ashby couldn’t quite jibe with that mantra when it came to concrete countertops. Back in the early ’90s, others in the fledgling decorative concrete business — like FuTung Cheng and Buddy Rhodes, he remembers — were perfectly fine with square-edged countertops but Ashby wanted more for his creations.

Surviving the Slowdown. Keeping your decorative concrete business profitable during periods of economic slowdown.

Stenciling on concrete opens the door to a world of design options that personalize and enhance a decorative concrete project. The results can be simple or complex depending on the design you are seeking.

From Cairo to Seoul, this contractor has taught the basics of concrete around the world. Michael Archambault was more than a casual contender. Back in the '70s, before he was 25 years old, the sassy lad who grew up in San Diego had Houston by its concrete tail. He not only owned a Patterned Concrete Industries franchise but eventually bought out the mother company and served as president.

Polished concrete - how does one quantify it? Well, one direction that some installers, equipment makers and chemical densifier manufacturers have taken is to include gloss testing in their specifications. When used correctly, as an objective tool, gloss testing can help installers provide quantifiable evidence of their work.

The Concrete Promotional Group is out of the gates with the winners of its 2011 Excellence in Concrete Awards. The trade association represents the concrete industry in the greater Kansas City area. Its awards competition recognizes all kinds of concrete construction projects, and several awards are focused on the decorative trades.

This recipe is for those clients who call you complaining about a stamped or textured patio that’s become lifeless and dull. With just a few steps and a freshly mixed batch of tinted liquid release agent, you can bring color and depth to those sad surfaces.

FlexCrete is a form of aerated concrete that contains as much as 60 percent fly ash. Unlike traditional aerated concretes, it is not cured under heat or pressure, so it uses much less energy to produce.

Nailing this balance project after project takes great effort, but the reward is far more than monetary. Concrete hardscapes last decades, and so do the reputation of the concrete artisans who successfully pave their way into decorative history.

Here are three tips from the experts on acid staining and how you can succeed in your next job.

Registration is open for the American Concrete Institute’s Spring 2018 Convention and Exposition March 25-29 at the Grand America and Little America hotels in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. This year’s theme is Concrete Elevated.

Moisture problems in concrete slabs old and new can play havoc with decorative concrete projects and other flooring strata in several ways, including bubbling, blistering and blushing of color. It’s commonly an interior problem because breathable products that reduce the threat are more commonly used in exterior applications.

Is it redwood or is it concrete? A Sacramento contractor creates a Native American health center with reactive-stained walls

Being successful in business, as in life, is knowing when to be right, and when to allow the other person their thoughts and views, especially when the “other” person is a potential or existing customer.

The Concrete Decor Show is pleased to announce Bob Harris of the Decorative Concrete Institute (DCI) as its keynote speaker. Harris will discuss “Going the Distance with Decorative Concrete” at the Welcome Reception and Awards Program.

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.