Stain remains a popular finish, and while the number of problems or complaints has decreased over the last few decades, the problems remain the same, and they don’t discriminate between professionals and DIY homeowners.
Vol. 14 No. 7 – October 2014
A Guide to Building Concrete Fire Features
Throughout the United States and Canada, even in cold climates, homeowners are clamoring for outdoor kitchens and living spaces, using concrete as the material, to enhance the beauty, comfort and resale value of their homes.
Architectural Concrete Bridge Honors Native Americans
Can a major axis of modern transportation infrastructure in Los Angeles somehow forge a tie to the region’s pre-modern heritage?
The Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute’s 2014 Sidney Freedman Craftsmanship Awards
For many years, the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) has held annual Sidney Freedman Craftsmanship Awards to recognize excellence in craftsmanship using glass-fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC).
How to Build a Concrete Fire Pit Safely
As a contractor with extensive experience with all types of outdoor fire features, and as an expert witness in situations where something’s gone terribly wrong, I’d like to share some of the basic guidelines I use to maximize both safety and enjoyment of buidling concrete fire pits.
How Hundreds of Unique Precast Concrete Panels Transformed this Museum
As graceful as an acrobatic touchdown catch by Danny Abramowicz. As stunning as a Mel Blount goal-line interception. More sweeping than a Vida Blue curveball.
PVC Pipe, Leftover Diamonds, Paint and Chalk Put to Work on Decorative Concrete Jobs
Make line cuts with a Dremel rotary tool Using a Dremel hand-held rotary tool for freehand line cuts in decorative concrete greatly decreases the time it takes and increases the accuracy of the cut. It is a small rotary tool with high rpm, and it’s relatively easy on the budget. […]
Artisans Pushing the Limits of What Can Be Done With Concrete
Bars and countertops are “anticlimactic” to this month’s artisans in concrete, Justin Burd and Nathan Smith. “We’ve been trying to push the limits of what concrete can do as a medium by creating good design and shapes that are not often seen within our industry,” says Smith. Burd, 36, who […]
One of a Kind Concrete Chandeliers & Faux-Bois Furniture
Connecticut-based faux-bois artisan Michael Fogg spent eight years as a journeyman cabinetmaker and architectural woodworker. He then managed his own cabinetmaking business for six years before feeling stifled.
Four Ways to Grow Your Decorative Concrete Business While Staying Solvent
Concrete contractors are inundated with small tips and tricks that hopefully one day will help them out in specific situations. Very rarely does anyone talk about business or industry growth as it relates to your specific company.
Here are four things that will help you and your polishing business today.