Designing decorative concrete is no different from any other process that has endless options. The first step is to ask the questions that define the project and guide the design.
Tips & How-Tos
Industry veterans, entrepreneurs and decorative concrete artisans reveal findings, divulge lessons learned and outline methods used to help advance the industry as a whole.
Public Works Projects: Start Your Bidding
To bid or not to bid? That is the question. And it’s one more and more contractors have been asking themselves lately, especially as public works departments are increasingly incorporating decorative concrete into municipal plans. But where does one begin?
Tips and Tricks: Concrete Countertop Maintenance
From "food-safe" to "sacrificial coating," kitchen concrete countertop maintenance will have you upgrading your vocabulary along with your tool kit. Here’s how to speak the language.
Secrets to Special Effects with Concrete Stains
The nation’s best decorative concrete artisans have years of experience laying down color combinations that glow, spark and shimmer. Even better, they’re willing to share their secrets with you.
How to Correctly Apply Concrete Sealer
Applying concrete sealer is not rocket science, but it is a complicated process, says Jim Glessner of GST International LLC in Sparks, Nev.
How to Place Concrete in Cold Climates
Got cold feet about offering decorative work in wintry climates? It’s being done with great success!
Fixing Another Contractor’s Mistake
Fixing Another Contractor’s Mistake Whether it’s your own work or someone else’s, you may be called upon to fix a decorative concrete project gone awry. Trowel & Error is a new column that celebrates the fact that there’s always a solution to every decorative concrete problem.
Making Molds for Precast Concrete Countertops
Wood? Melamine? Formica? Steel? Experienced artisans share their preferences for form materials.
How To Remove Sealers From Concrete
Concrete Sealers can be removed with mechanical means such as sandblasting or grinding. But for many contractors, it’s a last resort.
This is probably not your favorite way to spend a day, but sometimes it’s a necessary evil.
The Value of Color is Important to Concrete Design
So far, I’ve written a lot about math and my love for it as it is truly my favorite part of my decorative concrete work process. Recently, however, I’ve been getting requests to turn my attention to color, which I think would be a nice change of pace. Let me warn you in advance: If you thought talking math with me was complex, wait until you hear my take on color theory. I can go on for days.
