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Installing concrete in often-wet areas such as baths and showers demands more of a concrete contractor. It requires a different type of preparation and construction from counters and even sinks, so contractors would do well to understand the specifics.
There is an increase in complaints about the final color not matching the sample or mock-up. In all cases, a small mock-up was created, finished and cured as specified, and eventually accepted by the client. Fast forward to the actual job placement, and all of a sudden the color no longer matched the mock-up sample.
Delivering the best results possible is what good contractors strive for, but that is very hard if you do not know the factors that can affect final stain appearance. When you simply applied a stain to a project without any proper surface preparation or knowledge it’s not only a quick way for a contractor to be put out of business, but can also give stained concrete a bad reputation.
Until now, contractors have thrown shake-on color hardener onto concrete mainly by hand. It’s tradition, and contractors love tradition. But by its nature, throwing the color can be inefficient, wasteful, and expose workers to possible health risks associated with inhaling airborne silicates.
Celebrating its silver anniversary this year, Texas Bomanite has been performing high-end decorative concrete work across much of Texas since 1987.
In 2008, the California Coastal Commission approved the beautification of Pleasure Point Park, a surfing and ocean-watching spot near Santa Cruz. The project required collaboration between various government and private entities — designers, engineers and consultants.
I have identified six steps that all successful hunks of stamped concrete have in common. Bypassing one of the six steps will leave a stamping professional a rung short of a true level of potential. Perfection starts well before any color broadcasts across a wet concrete’s surface, and even well before a ready-mix truck arrives.
Contractors, subcontractors and suppliers can sometimes be put in adversarial roles. Because of the low-bid mentality that still dominates most construction sectors in the United States, trust is not always what it should be.
When people compliment Colorado Hardscapes Inc.’s marketing department, I tend to smile just a bit. People often mistakenly think our decorative concrete company operates like a large corporation, with multiple staff just waiting for their next task.
It is easy to understand the benefits of polished concrete. The word about polished concrete is out and we have done a great job of promoting the industry. Polished concrete is growing. The marketing has been great and many contractors are jumping on board. And the consumers are seeing a great product.
