The world's foremost resource on decorative concrete
Although concrete is a basic building material that has been in use since early civilization, it’s a constantly evolving product that continues to amaze people with its unending uses and technical advances. From concrete that cleans or mends itself to mixtures that create a translucent material or bendable segments, concrete and technology have joined forces to constantly improve construction methods and materials.
With concrete countertops becoming more popular by the day, mastering the art has become a priority for many contractors. But finding the perfect mix of concrete and additives to mold into the tight corners and custom shapes of many countertop projects is a complicated, not to mention expensive, process.
As Bob Chatterton, co-owner of Surface 519, puts it, "Countertops are just a sealing nightmare. It’s asked that they be resistant to everything under the sun."
So it seems a natural correlation to make a stain- and scratch-resistant coating that uses the sun – or at least the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Excess moisture doesn’t just evaporate … it sometimes takes your design with it.
Fiber reinforcement protects concrete in two ways. Mainly, it minimizes cracking from plastic shrinkage that occurs as the concrete dries during the first 24 hours after placement. Also, it helps hold the concrete together if cracks develop after the concrete has hardened. Several types of fibers are available for decorative concrete applications.
University of British Columbia researchers have found a more reliable way to make concrete from discarded glass.
Take the pressure off with air-entraining agents with a pressure release.
Brad Obbink went all-in as a polished concrete contractor a few years ago, discarding the paint pot and brush and hitching his fortunes to the concrete grinder/polisher, for better or worse. Now, after a few years and miles of polished concrete behind him, he’s ready to take a ride on […]
