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When tackling any historical restoration like the Mazza Castle project, I recommend surveying the structure thoroughly prior to construction, like a doctor would examine an ailing patient before making a diagnosis. Just like every person responds differently to treatment, so does the structure undergoing restoration.
Of the Concrete Decor Show’s top 35 most-attended courses, some topics emerged that were more popular than all the others. First on the list are countertops, followed by polymer overlays and coatings, and polishing concrete.
Cabela’s, a national retailer of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, designs its stores with elaborate dioramas of outdoor scenes teeming with life. Besides taxidermists, artists and landscapers, the chain has come to rely on the talents of decorative concrete professionals to help bring these displays to life.
Concrete Decor asked Bay Area Concrete’s president, Mike Price, a number of questions about the phenomenon of polished concrete in the high-tech area of California’s Silicon Valley. That discussion follows.
What might computer users learn when they google the terms “google” and “polished concrete?”
The difference between a professional contractor and an unprofessional contractor often comes down to communication. Obviously, the quality of your work goes a long way.
Justin Brown, owner of 2Stone Designer Concrete in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, had the idea for Luna Loungers for quite a while. “It’s basically a round take on a square chair,” he says. He finally made the idea into something tangible.
Colored release powder is a blend of pigments and hydrophobic (water-resistant) powders. Release powder’s primary purpose is to allow stamping tools to release cleanly from the concrete surface without sticking.
Repairs are always tricky. The idea is to get them done as quickly as possible with a remedy the customer will buy. By selecting the correct process and products, you can control how long the repairs will take to complete. Customers’ willingness to accept repairs is determined by understanding their expectations and letting them know early on if their goals are achievable.
Glass-fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) lets you explore many aspects of design that are not possible with the more traditional precast methods. While GFRC is often used for countertops, we’ll delve into how it can be used to construct a GFRC base for an outdoor patio table.
