Vol. 5 No. 2 - April/May 2005

There are as many techniques for layering stains as there are concrete artisans. Here are tips from some of the best in the trade.

Protective coatings may not deter graffiti artists, but they’ll make cleanup a lot easier.

The market for residential curbing is growing by leaps and bounds. It can be a profitable niche for a concrete contractor.

Veteran contractor Rick Smith shares his expertise on how you can grow your business beyond your local area.

Concrete Decor publisher Bent Mikkelsen reports on a training seminar in North Yorkshire

Along with his focus on quality work, Chris Becker makes education a priority — for homeowners, builders, architects and landscape designers.

A commitment to quality, innovation and exemplary customer service make Symons a leader in the industry.

Through snow, rain sleet and hail, this Cleveland contractor still delivered.

The Concrete Countertop Institute (CCI) offers comprehensive education and resources for all aspects of concrete countertops. The Institute has recently added classes on creating cast-in-place countertops, marketing and selling countertops, and advanced sink fabrication.

Steven Ochs and Gerald Taylor, hoping to inspire others to lend a helping hand to tsunami victims, created this concrete composition that shows the power and determination of children everywhere.

If you’re looking to give your concrete countertop a natural edge, look no further than two new texture edge forms from Bon Tool Co. The forms, one stone and one seashell, were introduced in January. Both give a unique, natural-looking texture to the side of a bathroom or kitchen countertop.

Decorative sealers are designed to provide a wide range of benefits. The top two are always protection and color enhancement. Safety, appearance, and performance (SAP) should be considered when determining what decorative sealer system to use.

“Never hand a customer a color chart,” cautions Lee Levig, owner of Concrete Works in the San Francisco area. It not only may overwhelm them with choices but it may take away an advantage you may be unaware of.

Engrave-A-Crete, which manufactures tools and templates to engrave concrete, has come up with a state-of-the-art solution to help contractors help clients envision designs for their decorative concrete projects.

When trying to come up with designs, “Don’t be afraid to look at artwork and transfer that design onto a floor,” suggests Gary Jones of Colormaker Floors. “It can be part of a picture, as little as one square inch.”

Concrete contracting doesn’t usually lend itself to sweeping generalizations, but here’s a good one: If a contractor wants to give a curing concrete slab more slip resistance, the easiest, simplest solution is to drag a broom across it.