A giant-sized concrete gear table inspired by Ayn Rand’s novel, “Atlas Shrugged,” greets all who venture into the lobby of 145 Palisade St. in Dobbs Ferry, New York. Located on the banks of the Hudson River, the repurposed commercial building once housed the circa 1853 Anchor Brewing Co. However, today […]
Author: Stacey Enesey Klemenc
Cogs of the Machine:
Commercial Protection System Helps Deliver Pristine Polished Floors
When Hutton, a large design-build firm based in Wichita, Kansas, outgrew its headquarters, owner Ben Hutton naturally turned to his own resources. He called on Hutton’s in-house architecture and design team to draw up plans for a new facility. In addition, he knew he needed some commercial protection systems in […]
Opportunity Knocks:
Concrete Design Franchise Business
Opens Doors for Entrepreneurs
Rather than demolishing and replacing existing concrete floors, many decorative concrete contractors turn to overlays for solutions. However, says business developer Alexander Lorenz, there’s a better way to remedy the situation and achieve longer-lasting results. Namely, transform and restore the integrity of the concrete that already exists. The founder and […]
Contractor credits Concrete Decor
for showing her the way
Concrete contractor Kimberley Robles credits Concrete Decor back in the early 2000s for developing her interests in decorative concrete. Back then, she was a journeyman cement mason and the magazine was just getting its legs. “That’s how I found out about all these cool products and how people used them,” […]
Kennedy Center Pavilions Outshine Competition for ACI Excellence Award
Featuring architectural concrete of utmost quality, three pavilions exquisitely extend the presence of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Aptly called The Reach, the inviting trio in Washington, D.C., consists of the Welcome, Skylight and River pavilions. “The buildings are strikingly white,” says Yvonne Nelson, then the formwork manager […]
Use Concrete Stencils for Patios to Disguise Cracks
What are homeowners to do when they tire of a cracked concrete patio? Well, the expensive route involves tearing it out and replacing it. But there’s a better, more economical solution that will yield lasting results. Have the patio stenciled. When properly placed, random stone stencils on patios can work […]
Decra-Seal Natural Brings Out the Natural Beauty of Concrete
Ever since W.R. Meadows launched Decra-Seal Natural in 2018, it secured a unique niche in the penetrating concrete sealer category. The sealer, designed especially for decorative concrete applications, both enhances concrete’s color and repels water. “Without putting a wet look on concrete, it pops the color,” says Jim Becker, product […]
Stenciled Concrete Walkways Make Great First Impressions
When people pull up to apartment buildings with stenciled decorative concrete walkways, the added amenity adds a certain panache. Moreover, “Stenciled walkways enhance a property,” says Larry Benforado, owner of Creative Coatings in Fort Myers, Florida. “If someone sees a nice walkway, they’ll likely assume the apartments are nice, too.” […]
New UHPC Introduced in North America
Architects and specifiers seeking a sustainable and resilient ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) for a challenging design should look no further. A new UHPC introduced in North America by Lehigh White Cement Co. is the answer. Aalborg Excel, a new UHPC from Cementir Group headquartered in Italy, is now available in North […]
Stenciling Concrete Driveways
Can Direct Business Your Way
If you’re looking to boost a home’s curb appeal, stenciling a plain-Jane concrete driveway could be your golden ticket. “Herringbone brick is the most popular pattern we do,” says Bob Murphy, owner of Distinctive Concrete Coatings in Leesburg, Florida. “Everyone loves that.” Murphy founded the company some 25 years ago […]