Special Features

Not everything we write or receive ends up in Concrete Decor. We have a section on the website for “Online Exclusives,” things that we don’t have space for in the magazine but are too good not to share.

We took a look at the most-read articles from our archives, and this list gives a unique picture of what information interests our readers the most.

Contractors have relied on acrylic sealers for decades to protect concrete flooring systems, and for good reason. In the right conditions, these sealers offer optimal durability, stain resistance and a desirable “wet look” finish. However, they have their limitations too and aren’t always the ideal option for high-traffic areas and environments with extreme hazards.

After 39 years in business it's still; quality products, quality education, quality support that equate to quality installations every time.

Started in 1992 in Madera, Calif., QC Construction began life as a regional supplier of decorative concrete raw materials — colors, hardeners, release powders — to contractors in central and southern California. The company blossomed in the mid-’90s when contractors and homeowners alike discovered that there was more to concrete than mere shades of gray.

If you’re doing anything with polishing, drilling or sawing concrete these days, you’re likely already using water in your processes. Those hedging on not using wet processes are staring straight at a mandate from OSHA that requires contractors to reduce the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica.

Of all the lists we compiled for this special issue, this one was probably the hardest. It wasn’t because there were so few good jobs to choose from — quite the opposite.

LAVINA by Superabrasive has become a leading name in the concrete grinding and polishing industry. It is well recognized for its reliable and efficient floor machines and high-quality diamond tools. Here is what concrete contractors shared about their experience with LAVINA products and the company that makes them -- Superabrasive.

Here, the Concrete Decor staff shares its top 10 favorite out-of-the-ordinary concrete creations that were featured or almost featured in the past 99 issues. The thin-shell pavilion and fabric-formed planter tied for first place, while the faux bois sconce and slippers tied for second.

Started 25 years ago and specializing in tennis courts construction, Super-Krete went on to develop Liquid Concentrate, a coating product designed to withstand the test of time and last through extreme weather conditions.

Products and training from Colormaker will help you turn an ordinary floor into an artistic creation.

Of the Concrete Decor Show’s top 35 most-attended courses, some topics emerged that were more popular than all the others. First on the list are countertops, followed by polymer overlays and coatings, and polishing concrete.

Education, imagination, and lots of experimentation have given George Lacker the right to say he makes some Great Looking Concrete.

How could we narrow down the numerous influential people in the industry to just 10? It wasn’t easy, that’s for sure. Our list is by no means all-inclusive, but here are brief profiles of 10 people we think continue to influence the decorative concrete industry in a positive way. Who should we have included? Sound off at our Facebook page.

Making concentrated concrete stains in Arkansas, with these stains water makes them better.

One of the largest lighting manufacturers in North America has recently moved its product development to a 132,000-square-foot building in Atlanta, Georgia, and the company chose polished concrete as the most cost-efficient and easy to maintain flooring option.

Versatility is the name of the game with Versatile Building Products' floor and decking products.

From day one, we put a lot of thought into the covers for each issue of Concrete Decor magazine. Because it isn’t available on newsstands, we don’t have to try to appeal to the average grocery shopper standing in line, but we definitely want our cover images to be attention-grabbing.