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For such a simple piece of equipment, Fas-Trak Industries Inc.’s Ultra-Trak offers users a lot of flexibility when it comes to applying densifiers and sealers, says Dan Baird, president of Floor Tech Solutions Inc. The automated application system can apply concrete chemicals at a rate of up to 25,000 square […]
In Part 1, we discussed why you should enter decorative concrete award competitions. Now that we’ve established a “why,” let’s look at how we should go about it. First, identify your top awards programs you want to enter. Who is your audience and what types of projects are eligible? Once […]
The decorative concrete industry continues to evolve. Subsequently, it’s exciting to see where it started and imagine where it’s headed. However, contractors often overlook one of our industry’s under-utilized evolutions — an array of gainful awards available when entering decorative concrete competitions. Many decorative concrete manufacturers have specific industry awards […]
To loosely quote Theodore Roosevelt, nothing in the world is worth doing unless it takes effort. Take for example the Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas in San Diego, California, and its exquisitely stenciled polished concrete lobby. “This hotel was challenging, as are many high-end structures,” says Mona Kharouba, superintendent for […]
Architects, designers, customers, owners and most of your staff use the words dye and stain interchangeably. Is there a difference when it comes to choosing a topical colorant? And if so, why does it matter? Turns out the answer is yes and it matters. Stains are ground, insoluble pigment particles […]
Although often said, it always surprises me when contractors say they can’t find good laborers — people who want to work. Or, put another way, people who want to learn a trade, especially one like decorative concrete. I find every aspect of this trade fascinating. On any given construction project, […]
Ben Bass, a second-generation concrete contractor, grew up surrounded by plain-gray concrete. While his dad, who passed away in 2007, was alive he urged his son to get into the decorative side of concrete. But it wasn’t until about two-and-a-half years ago that Bass realized his father knew best. About […]
Maybe some power tool users are tired of getting the third degree about using third-party replacement batteries. But they should consider that they might be headed for third-degree burns—or worse—if they keep it up. Battery safety is paramount for contractors and there is simply no adequate replacement for using the […]
“Virginia is for Lovers,” the iconic state slogan first introduced in 1969, still makes the rounds in the Old Dominion. So when the owners of Comstock Cos. in Northern Virginia reached out to Dylan Myers to make a LOVE sculpture for its Reston location, he jumped at the opportunity. After […]
In our day-to-day work, a lot of what we do is very tactical. We work up a proposal, order new materials or have equipment maintained. Although important to survive and grow in the long term, sometimes we must step back and think more strategically. An easy way to take a […]
