Concrete Decor's Current Articles

Diamond tools, and how they’re used, can make the difference between a profitable polishing job and a not-so-profitable job. So how should contractors select tools that are long lasting and deliver what they want? Read on.

In today’s economy, it is even more important to make an investment in the bank. In this case I’m not referring to money in the bank, though that is important. I’m referring to knowledge in your brain bank.

Stamped concrete can be a beautiful addition to any property. However, poorly textured concrete can be an eyesore for the owner and a headache for the contractor.

Do you remember the last time you saw a hashtag? Chances are it was in the last hour but at least sometime today, and it may not have even been on a social network. Hashtags are everywhere these days, from your favorite TV show to highway billboards. As such, they can and should be a part of your social media strategy. The key is using them effectively.

A solid-color concrete stain might be described as a cross between a coating and a stain, with the opaque solid color reminding one of a coating and the penetrating properties being more like a stain.

When blueprinting the process of forming cast-on-site counters, an important detail that's overlooked, is using the right material for the job.

From the look of stone to fanciful murals, these concrete structures are more than just walls.

This recipe is for those clients who call you complaining about a stamped or textured patio that’s become lifeless and dull. With just a few steps and a freshly mixed batch of tinted liquid release agent, you can bring color and depth to those sad surfaces.

During the upcoming Concrete Convention and Exposition, join ACI 124 for a free walking tour of exemplary concrete buildings at 1 p.m. Monday, March 26. It will be led by ACI Intermountain Chapter member Sarah Sutherland, business development director of Forterrra Structural & Specialty Products.

Fabricators' approaches to sealing countertops are as varied as their creative countertop designs. Here are some observations from manufacturers and artisans about how they protect the work.

The Miracote story began in the 1930s, when Jack Crossfield developed a way to create coatings that combine natural latex with hydrating cement. Charles Watt and Howard Patch acquired the rights to Crossfield’s patent and, in 1938, established Crossfield Products Corp.

Although LEED credits aren’t yet available for polished concrete, it’s “green” as can be.

From Cairo to Seoul, this contractor has taught the basics of concrete around the world. Michael Archambault was more than a casual contender. Back in the '70s, before he was 25 years old, the sassy lad who grew up in San Diego had Houston by its concrete tail. He not only owned a Patterned Concrete Industries franchise but eventually bought out the mother company and served as president.

For father-and-son team Marshall Barabasch Sr. and Jr., concrete is not just a job, it’s a vocation. As president and vice president (respectively) of MB Concrete Systems Inc., they power their company with a shared passion for the business, craft and artistry of decorative concrete.

Jeff Kudrick, product manager at J&M Lifestyles LLC, is always looking for innovative illusions to create in concrete. His latest endeavor was coming up with more traditional designs for vanities and countertops, as those make up the bulk of J&M’s sales. One solution? Concrete that looks nearly identical to wood.