The world's foremost resource on decorative concrete
To decorative concrete contractors, surface retarders are valuable tools for both pragmatic and aesthetic reasons. They’re easy to work with, relatively inexpensive — especially considering the costly alternatives of sandblasting or acid washing — and can be used to create endless textures and designs.
Getting to know concrete inside and out will help in properly preparing those surfaces for a topping.
An old technique with new applications. Burnishing can open up a whole array of visual opportunities for concrete surfaces.
Kia Ricchi of Centerline Productions takes her love of sculpting to new heights with the use of concrete.
The Sparkle Grain System is an eye-catching, black sparkle concrete finish that can be applied with color hardeners or by itself.It aids with slip resistance and is designed for sidewalks, driveways, ramps, public buildings, wineries, schools, etc., to name a few.
Photo Courtesy of Ralston Concrete
Sometime in the early 1980s, a concrete contractor named Ed Chiuminatta pulled the wheels off a board and attached them to a Skilsaw. The result? A saw blade that could roll across green concrete, slicing a control joint in a fraction of the time it would take to carve the groove by hand.
Concrete countertops have become the rage in areas ranging from Malibu and Beverly Hills in California, to Omaha, Nebraska, and Boston, Massachusetts. From coast-to-coast these fabulous countertops are growing rapidly in popularity.
You’ve created something beautiful. Here’s how to keep it that way. While maintenance of concrete is minimal — that’s the beauty of it — decorative concrete does require regular cleaning and resealing to extend its life and eye appeal for years into the future.
Anti-Growth is a concentrated coating, which is mixed with water, costs pennies per square foot of coverage. It can be brushed, rolled, sprayed, sponged or ragged on, depending on the surface.
With the addition of pigments, flakes and powders, these durable coatings can now add plenty of pizzazz to concrete floors.
