Exterior decorative concrete projects lend themselves well to areas of the country with warm, dry climates where the client can enjoy their outdoor space year-round. Unfortunately warm temperatures can also impact the workability of concrete.
Topics
Six Issues to Keep in Mind When Working with Decorative Concrete Abroad
The cultural practices and business models from country to country are unique in every way possible: techniques, materials, tools and construction practice regulations.
Materials Made for Concrete Color Restoration
Just about any coloring material or tool can potentially be useful on a restoration job. However, some manufacturers have targeted this growing niche with specially marketed materials. Here are a few of those products, with some descriptions from their suppliers.
Decorative Concrete Contractors Reveal Why They’re Into Metallics
One nice thing about a metallic coating, in contrast to acid stains or dyes, is its ability to fully cover cracks and other defects, regardless of their size. Lemon says he’s also been using metallic pigments as accents in microtoppings to get certain shading and highlighting effects.
Tips and Techniques for Broadcasting Mica Flake
Jimmy McGhee, who handles sales and technical support for Versatile Building Products, here offers his own unique tips and techniques for distributing mica flake on a flooring job.
Epoxy Expert Favors Broadcast Quartz
Back in the ’60s, when epoxies first came along, they were often specified in food-related areas because of their ease of cleaning and resistance to germs, he says. Ramy remembers the old guys didn’t want anything to do with epoxy, so they’d paint the walls and the young guys would handle the floors.
7 Tips to Take Your Concrete Countertops to the Next Level
Turn your little concrete countertop shop into a that big business by getting your projects out the door sooner.
How to Create a Shower Bench out of Concrete
Originally designed for a shower bench installation, this striking river-themed countertop application features a dazzling blue-colored mix with glass aggregate and gorgeous river stone detailing.
Easy to use SpiderLath a Metal Lath Alternative
If you apply vertical concrete, carve concrete walls or create cast pieces, sooner or later you may have to face a painful truth: Traditional metal lath can be troublesome.
Involving Small Contractors is Big Business for Airport Authority
In 2009, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority Board adopted a small-business preference policy. Since then, “The airport has had a strong commitment to maximizing opportunities for small and local businesses to compete for contracts,” says Sonia Cruz, small-business development program manager for the airport authority.
