Learning Center
Standard Concrete a construction material composed of cement, as well as other cementitious materials such as fly ash and slag cement, aggregate (generally a coarse aggregate such as gravel, limestone, or granite, plus a fine aggregate such as sand), water, and chemical admixtures. Concrete solidifies and hardens after mixing with water and placement due to a chemical process known as hydration. The water reacts with the cement, which bonds the other components together, eventually creating a stone-like material.
Stamped Concrete Stamped concrete is patterned to look like bricks, flagstones, tile – even wood. Stamped concrete can be used to beautify any outdoor area where traditional concrete may have been used in the past, including driveways, courtyards and patios, and is becoming a popular option for indoor flooring, as well. Stamped conrete is cost-efficient in comparison to other materials, and is available in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
Concrete Countertops Discriminating homeowners are discovering that this versatile, moldable medium can be handcrafted into a distinctive surface that expresses their individuality, design preferences and even their cooking style. Most concrete countertops are precast in molds built to the customer’s specifications so they can be formed, cured and finished under controlled conditions. However, some fabricators prefer to cast the countertop onsite, setting the mold on top of the base kitchen cabinets and then filling it with concrete. Regardless of the casting method used, these are not cookie-cutter creations. Every casting is custom-made and thus inherently unique. Concrete can be earthy and natural, with a tactile quality not found in synthetic or stainless steel surfaces. Because each concrete countertop is hand-cast, it exhibits subtle variations in color and texture. Concrete countertops can also be adorned with botanical imprints from real leaves or embedded with colorful stones, seashells and even fossils.
Overlays and Resurfacing One of the easiest ways of jazzing up an existing concrete floor is through the use of polymer coatings or overlays. This technique involves pouring a layer of tinted polymer over the existing floor to add color and design. This process should only be used on concrete flooring that is structurally sound and in good condition.
Stains Concrete Stain can be referred to as Acid Stain, Chemical Stain, Stained Concrete and many other terms. Basically, concrete stain is any process of adding a penetrating color into or onto a concrete or cement surface leaving both a beautiful and functional finish behind.
Re-Sealing Sealing and Resealing concrete brings back the beauty of your stamped concrete, colored concrete or concrete paver job. It also protects the surface from being stained by oil, dirt, grass cuttings, mold, rust and harmful ultra-violet rays that can fade the color.