The world's foremost resource on decorative concrete
Concrete isn’t just for smooth, horizontal applications anymore. More and more consumers are interested in vertical concrete applications that typically involve specially made mixes carved and colored to resemble natural stone and concrete blocks.
The question of architectural concrete’s durability has finally been answered.
When decorative concrete is mentioned, typically we’re referring to the booming market in flat concrete. However, there are additional, more specialized niches in the decorative concrete arena: simulated rock formations, typically found in zoos, theme parks and more. Check out some examples in this article.
Near Lake Tahoe, a 24-foot tall mountain gushing numerous waterfalls, pools, and a meandering stream winding through the grounds. On the side of the mountain you can see an old, abandoned mineshaft with a rusted railcar on the siding. Birds fly from tree branch to streamside as water gently splashes over rocks. It certainly looks and sounds real, but it’s not.
A job that began with a mere 80 square feet of overlay snowballed into a decorative concrete transformation — complete with faux hollow tree — for this restaurant and bar.
While hand-mudding vertical concrete projects is the preferred method for getting a working surface ready to be shaped and carved, for bigger jobs it’s not necessarily efficient.
Enter a spray system.
Unlike God almighty who, according to the Bible, created the world, its heavens and all forms of life in six days, the best Troy Lemon and his mortal crew could do was hand-form and carve a concrete replica of the moon in four.
Looking for a way to expand your business’ offerings or add a little more creativity to your life? Either way, the vertical surfaces market may be for you.
I’ve always been curious why certain decorative systems and finishes take hold only in certain regions of the country, while others are universal in their appeal and demand. The answer lies somewhere between perception, demand and what the market is offering.
Is it redwood or is it concrete? A Sacramento contractor creates a Native American health center with reactive-stained walls
Adrian Gascon has reinvented himself personally and professionally a few times. He sold cars and played and coached baseball and basketball, then through luck and hard work began fabricating top-secret planes for the government, making $20 an hour at 20 years old.
