In 2015, homeowners who had traveled throughout Italy contacted Darryl Bates of Excalibur Surfaces in Simi Valley, California, about wanting Old World-style concrete countertops that looked like the Italian granite they had admired on their trip.
Vol. 16 No. 5 – July 2016
Dealing with Delaminations in a Concrete Surface
Concrete placement is never easy, with many variables such as wind, sun, ambient temperature and humidity to consider as they all affect each pour. The mix design and consideration of the actual makeup of the concrete and possible additives are just as important.
How to Make Maintenance Work for You to Increase Profitability
Consumers, often blown away with the low prices of desktop inkjet printers, forget to consider the additional cost of ink cartridges which put many of them on a first name basis with the folks at the office supply store.
Trade Shows: What’s in Them for You?
The decorative concrete industry is a niche market with a lot of players competing for work. An internet search for “decorative concrete contractor” will bring up nearly 3 million entries, and “concrete artisan” generates nearly 1 million. In local phone books, however, there are typically no such entries.
Construction Firm Creates a Tranquil Backyard with Full Outdoor Kitchen
In Los Angeles, and in particular the Beverly Hills area of the city, there are many OMG backyards. This one, though, created by Scott Cohen’s company, Green Scene Landscaping & Swimming Pools, was over-the-top enough to have been featured last summer on the television show “OMG Backyards.”
Making Safety a Priority on the Job Site
For years I’ve enjoyed learning from the pages of Concrete Decor. The pictures of amazing design and craftsmanship, detailed techniques, new products and sound advice on how to improve business have all helped me stay connected to the decorative concrete industry.
Earth-Centered Projects Pavilion Links to Natural History
At Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences in Santa Monica, California, learning sometimes takes the form of a hands-on experience. And there’s no more powerful example of this approach to education than the school’s special projects pavilion, part of the recently completed Science Education and Research Facility.
What Considerations To Make When Purchasing A Vacuum
The philosophy behind purchasing industrial vacuums for controlling airborne dust is changing in the concrete industry, especially with new federal rules now in place concerning worker exposure to these particles.
The Drive and Motivation Behind a Concrete Countertop Fabricator
Ben Ashby got an early education in concrete from a father who he says was “stubborn as a mule and tough as nails,” but who also provided the young Ashby with the drive and motivation to succeed.
Concrete Artisan Reflects on Series Focused On Design Elements
The first thing designers should consider is the shape of the given work space and how to divide the space to create a striking and balanced composition.
