1. What decorative concrete choice do I have?

Decorative concrete choices are virtually unlimited today. Let's review the most popular systems.

(A) Acid and Water-based Polymer staining- can be used on interior or exterior concrete. Many people today are removing carpet and tile and opting for stained concrete in their houses and businesses. You can see stained concrete floors in malls, restaurants, office buildings, and homes everywhere today.

Stained Concrete Floors are:

• Cost effective
• Fast
• Durable
• Unique
• Very low maintenance
• A great alternative to replacing carpet and concrete floors.
• Hypoallergenic

(B) Overlay and Resurfacing- An overlay is a layer of special cement that is applied to the surface of your existing concrete. This layer can be as thin as 1/16" to as thick as 4" depending on what needs to be done to the floor. It is specially formulated to adhere tightly to your floor.

The application of a hand applied or self-leveling overlay to an existing concrete surface opens up entirely new possibilities. Suitable for both interior and exterior areas, overlays can be used for covering up defects in an existing floor. Through the use of specialized polymer modified cements, floors can be stained with acid or water based materials to simulate organic stone like surfaces.

(C) Stamped or Patterned concrete- Stamping is the process of creating an extraordinarily authentic stone like appearance on your existing concrete. After applying a ¼" to ½" thick overlay on to your floor, the stone texture is generated by pressing a stone patterned matt directly into the overlay material while it is still wet and soft. Textures such as granite, sandstone, and roman slate can be created. Once the material has hardened, the final coloring is done through an acid or water based stain.

2. What kind of floors do you stain?

We stain any existing concrete flooring, interior or exterior, new or old. Our process is a great dressing for interior concrete floors, retail store, offices, showrooms, garages, patios, driveways, pool decks, or walkways.

3. Should I replace my old cracked discolored concrete?

Worn driveways, pool decks, patios, porches, garages, walk-ways, and interior floors can be made to look new when resurfaced with a polymer blend of concrete. This versatile product goes down as thin as 1/8", and is harder than traditional 3500 PSI concrete. This surface system allows you to install patterns with unlimited color choices. You can select numerous stone, brick, tile, or abstract shapes which look and feel like tile, terrazzo, stone, and marble at a more competitive, budget minded price.

4. Will my old concrete look like new?

Using a variety of techniques we can restore, repair, or restyle old and ugly concrete into a beautiful, fresh new look. With proper care, a refinished surface can look fabulous for many years to come.

5. Is it less expensive to refinish than to replace existing concrete?

Yes. Refinishing saves money and time instead of replacing concrete. We can restore your cracked, stained concrete into a beautiful, durable surface that will increase the value of your home or business.

6. Can a new texture be applied to my existing concrete?

We can create remarkable texture or pattern surface over existing concrete using specialized texture mats that are designed to create the look and feel of natural materials. Together, with engineered, decorative coloring systems, we can produce beautiful concrete surfaces that transform old or new installations into works of art.

7. Can a new color be applied to my existing concrete?

By using a variety of stains, we can transform previously colored concrete into an exciting new look.

CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS

1. Why concrete countertops?

• Concrete is a durable yet beautiful material, which can be cast or molded into many shapes, colors, and designs. Concrete will evolve, attaining more character over time, allowing itself to simply age to perfection.
• It is an eco-friendly alternative to granite and natural stone, because it does not require the excavation of hillsides and the creation of quarries in order to be found. It is created and crafted to your specification, which is impossible to achieve with a natural stone surface.
• Concrete is very natural in appearance and does not tend to date itself like granite and other countertop materials.

2. What colors are available for concrete countertops?

We can construct countertops in just about any color. We mix each batch of concrete ourselves, adding just the right amount of color to achieve the desired hue. We can also apply acid and water based stains to our countertops to create mottling and special faux designs, similar to those we place on our floors.

3. How much do concrete countertops cost?

Concrete countertops are a custom material, which can be made to your own style, taste, and specification. We quote each countertop on a per job basis, but have found that our prices are close to that of medium grade granite.

4. Will concrete countertops stain?

We seal all of our countertops to ensure water and stain resistance. This does not mean that they are totally stain proof. Acidic substances such as lemon juice, vinegar, or red wine should not be left on the countertop for more than several hours if spilled to avoid staining. Cutting directly on the countertops or placing extremely hot pots on countertops may compromise the sealer allowing liquids to seep in and stain the concrete.

5. How should I clean concrete countertops?

We suggest using some mild, non-abrasive, non-ammoniated soap, and warm water for daily cleaning. Avoid abrasive soaps, cleansers, and abrasive pads.

CONCRETE SURFACE MAINTENANCE:

How do I maintain my floors and countertops?

Do not place a rubber-backed throw rug over a sealed floor as over time it may trap moisture and leave a white residue on the sealed floor. Generally, this stain will come out after time once the rug is removed but occasionally, it may require resealing to restore the original appearance. Other types of throw rugs are perfectly fine.

The sealer that is applied to both floors and countertops greatly improves their stain resistance; however, it doesn't make them stain proof. Do not allow liquids, chemicals, or other materials to puddle for an extended period of time on the surface. The application of a wax coat to the surface greatly improves its resistance to wear and staining. When cleaning, use water and a mild soap solution with either a sponge or mop. Avoid abrasive cleaning compounds or scrubs that can scratch the sealer coat.

We always recommend using a cutting board to protect the sealed finished countertop from knife cuts and use trivets for hot pans that could leave marks in the finish. Usually, resealing can always restore the surface, however it's better to maintain your current countertop than to repair.

When should I replace my concrete?

Concrete should always be replaced if more than an inch spalled from the surface or, if the concrete is cracked in more than fifty percent of the slab. If your concrete has subsided at a crack point, it is also important to reconsider replacement due to compromised structural integrity.