There are many materials used for countertops, laminate, ceramic and porcelain tile, marble, granite, stainless steel, synthetic epoxy compounds and hardwoods. One of the newest materials to be used for countertops in the residential market is concrete.
What advantages does a concrete countertop provide to the homeowner - primarily the ability to create a unique aspect of your room. Unlike most countertop materials concrete has the advantage that you can embed objects in such as a piece of ceramic or porcelain tile to act as a trivet or a cutting board which is level with the surface. Concrete can be cast into almost any shape imaginable and it can be textured or polished.
It is possible to have sinks cast directly in the concrete countertop or you can choose to have a surface or undermount sink made of another material.
Concrete generally compares in price per square foot with marble and granite. The price is based on the complexity of the form, any embedded objects and the surface finish rather than the actual size of the countertop. When shopping for a concrete countertop it is important to visit the manufacturer and discuss the details.
Edges of a concrete countertop can be finished with traditional styling and shapes, but with concrete, it is also possible to provide decorative inlays such as brass or stainless steel strips.
Depending on the manufacture and the shape of the required countertop it can be formed directly in place or at the manufacture’s facility. Having it manufactured in a controlled environment production facility, generally provides a better product.
The coloring of concrete is accomplished by blending color pigments into the concrete mix. Hence, the color is not on the surface but is throughout the countertop.
It is important to point out that a concrete countertop is not created with general purpose concrete available in 60 pound bags at your local home improvement center. Depending on the manufacturer the concrete will have epoxies and materials such as fiberglass added to the blend to provide strength.
Surprisingly, concrete countertops are generally not recommended for outdoor use. Freezing problems in cold climates and UV problems in very sunny climates can cause problems with the finish.
A concrete countertop is not made to be a cutting surface. Besides the fact that you can scratch the finish with a knife blade, it will destroy the knife blade edge as well. As a cutting surface, concrete is no different than natural stones such as marble or granite. Concrete also reacts in the same manner as granite to excessive heat. Areas that experience excessive heat may flake.
It is important to apply a good finished sealer to concrete to avoid possible staining by acid based products such as red wine, vinegar, tomato and lemon juice. Some manufacturers use an epoxy finish that is actually harder than the concrete itself. Other’s use a penetrating sealer and wax combination.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Decorative Concrete Resurfacing
Using decorative concrete resurfacing is a wonderful way to make your house more attractive and sophisticated looking, without incurring much expense at all. In fact, decorative concrete resurfacing is an extremely affordable way to spruce up your home, and many of the decorative concrete resurfacing options available today are so nice that most people can't even tell the design was done with concrete.
Some decorative concrete resurfacing is designed to specifically mimic some other natural stone form. You can use decorative concrete resurfacing on your driveway for instance, to make it appear as if it's made of a pretty brick design. Decorative concrete resurfacing is also used to create designs which look like old castle stone, or cobble stones too.
Decorative concrete resurfacing is also used indoors quite often, because it can be used to create the look of marble for instance. Decorative concrete resurfacing can even be used as a way to create expensive looking tile designs too, all made out of concrete.
Another type of decorative concrete resurfacing is done just by using colored tints in the concrete. If for instance, you want to resurface the concrete of the walkway to your home, but you don't want the drab gray color that's usually seen with concrete, you could use a colored tint in your concrete such as blue, white, green, mauve, or whatever you'd like.
The decorative concrete resurfacing could match your primary house color if you'd like, or it could match the grass yard, or match the decorative paint trim color on your house instead. Using tinted decorative concrete resurfacing is a versatile, easy, and affordable decorating option for almost any concrete surface need.
Some people like decorative concrete surfacing that's simply a texture instead of a specific color or design. Around your swimming pool for instance, you might decide to have a decorative textured concrete resurface done to both beautify the pool and make it safer too. Since the decorative concrete resurfacing will be rough in texture, it will make the area much less slippery when wet.
Some people love to use decorative concrete resurfacing inside the kitchen particularly, because it allows them to create extremely strong, sturdy kitchen counter tops which are very beautiful looking. Decorative concrete surfacing in the kitchen can end up looking like you have solid wood block counters, solid marble counters, or almost anything else you'd like.
Another way to use decorative concrete surfacing is on the floor inside your home too. Since the decorative concrete surfacing techniques can make the surface look like almost anything you desire, such as cobblestone, expensive tiles, mosaics and even murals, you can end up with a beautiful and unique floor inside your home that will stand the wear of time.
Surfaces created with decorative concrete resurfacing techniques can be treated in various ways too. If you had decorative concrete resurfacing done on the floors of your home in a mosaic tile design for instance, you should have a nice glossy finish coat put on the design to both help the floor stay looking new longer, and to help the floor look even more decorative too.
Some decorative concrete resurfacing is designed to specifically mimic some other natural stone form. You can use decorative concrete resurfacing on your driveway for instance, to make it appear as if it's made of a pretty brick design. Decorative concrete resurfacing is also used to create designs which look like old castle stone, or cobble stones too.
Decorative concrete resurfacing is also used indoors quite often, because it can be used to create the look of marble for instance. Decorative concrete resurfacing can even be used as a way to create expensive looking tile designs too, all made out of concrete.
Another type of decorative concrete resurfacing is done just by using colored tints in the concrete. If for instance, you want to resurface the concrete of the walkway to your home, but you don't want the drab gray color that's usually seen with concrete, you could use a colored tint in your concrete such as blue, white, green, mauve, or whatever you'd like.
The decorative concrete resurfacing could match your primary house color if you'd like, or it could match the grass yard, or match the decorative paint trim color on your house instead. Using tinted decorative concrete resurfacing is a versatile, easy, and affordable decorating option for almost any concrete surface need.
Some people like decorative concrete surfacing that's simply a texture instead of a specific color or design. Around your swimming pool for instance, you might decide to have a decorative textured concrete resurface done to both beautify the pool and make it safer too. Since the decorative concrete resurfacing will be rough in texture, it will make the area much less slippery when wet.
Some people love to use decorative concrete resurfacing inside the kitchen particularly, because it allows them to create extremely strong, sturdy kitchen counter tops which are very beautiful looking. Decorative concrete surfacing in the kitchen can end up looking like you have solid wood block counters, solid marble counters, or almost anything else you'd like.
Another way to use decorative concrete surfacing is on the floor inside your home too. Since the decorative concrete surfacing techniques can make the surface look like almost anything you desire, such as cobblestone, expensive tiles, mosaics and even murals, you can end up with a beautiful and unique floor inside your home that will stand the wear of time.
Surfaces created with decorative concrete resurfacing techniques can be treated in various ways too. If you had decorative concrete resurfacing done on the floors of your home in a mosaic tile design for instance, you should have a nice glossy finish coat put on the design to both help the floor stay looking new longer, and to help the floor look even more decorative too.
Concrete Driveways - Face-Lift Your Driveways
It is said that the first impression is the last impression, and that's why people pay so much importance to the exterior of their homes and offices. If you thought your driveways is merely, the way to your garage, then you probably are mistaken. Driveways have become a style statement, the reflection of your aesthetic brilliance and that's why new innovations and inventions have been giving a new face-lift to driveways, year after year. But one such thing that will always remain the favorite is the Concrete driveway.
Although, with time and technology the new concrete driveway has changed drastically. Concrete Driveways have evolved over the time. There were times when concrete was considered prominent due to its durability, quality, endurance and versatility. Now it is even considered finest due its appearance and inspiration translating into a style statement. Concrete is available in wide variety of textures and colors to give your driveway a unique look. Further, Concrete can be put into various styles and could be designed in multitudes, to provide your home and office an artistic appeal. Let's discuss briefly, how Concrete can provide your driveway a brand new Avatar.
Concrete with Pattern stamping have become very exotic way to provide a new design to your driveways. Some of the concrete patterns which are in rage are:
Concrete engraving: concrete engraving can provide your driveway a brand new look of brickwork but it is actually done by first pouring the plain concrete mixture then staining and engraving it, to provide the brick-work look.
Color concrete: colors are either mixed with the concrete mix or dusted over it, once the plain concrete is laid.
Exposed aggregate finish: colorful pebbles are planted at the time of plain concrete finishing; after the top layer of cement paste is washed the pebbles become exposed, providing a colorful pebbled concrete driveway. One can match the pebbles and the colorful concrete with the home veneer or can contrast it also.
Other then the Pattern stamping, you have the option of Texture Concrete Finish.
Float and Trowel finish: patterns made on Concrete with the help of wood, aluminum or steel floats look elegant.
Broom finishes: if you want to provide a non-slip texture to your driveway then broom finish is best suited.
Rock Salt Finish: Here, the hard pieces of rock salt is engraved with Concrete and later washed thus providing small holes on the driveways ,a course surface just apt for your driveway.
Hence, to provide your home a new look, Concrete Driveways in distinct styles have become order of the day, which are durable and thus costs less in the long run.
Flex-c-ment Decorative concrete products are based on a cementitious dry mix designed specifically for deep wall textures, creating the appearance of various Stone and brick patterns.
Although, with time and technology the new concrete driveway has changed drastically. Concrete Driveways have evolved over the time. There were times when concrete was considered prominent due to its durability, quality, endurance and versatility. Now it is even considered finest due its appearance and inspiration translating into a style statement. Concrete is available in wide variety of textures and colors to give your driveway a unique look. Further, Concrete can be put into various styles and could be designed in multitudes, to provide your home and office an artistic appeal. Let's discuss briefly, how Concrete can provide your driveway a brand new Avatar.
Concrete with Pattern stamping have become very exotic way to provide a new design to your driveways. Some of the concrete patterns which are in rage are:
Concrete engraving: concrete engraving can provide your driveway a brand new look of brickwork but it is actually done by first pouring the plain concrete mixture then staining and engraving it, to provide the brick-work look.
Color concrete: colors are either mixed with the concrete mix or dusted over it, once the plain concrete is laid.
Exposed aggregate finish: colorful pebbles are planted at the time of plain concrete finishing; after the top layer of cement paste is washed the pebbles become exposed, providing a colorful pebbled concrete driveway. One can match the pebbles and the colorful concrete with the home veneer or can contrast it also.
Other then the Pattern stamping, you have the option of Texture Concrete Finish.
Float and Trowel finish: patterns made on Concrete with the help of wood, aluminum or steel floats look elegant.
Broom finishes: if you want to provide a non-slip texture to your driveway then broom finish is best suited.
Rock Salt Finish: Here, the hard pieces of rock salt is engraved with Concrete and later washed thus providing small holes on the driveways ,a course surface just apt for your driveway.
Hence, to provide your home a new look, Concrete Driveways in distinct styles have become order of the day, which are durable and thus costs less in the long run.
Flex-c-ment Decorative concrete products are based on a cementitious dry mix designed specifically for deep wall textures, creating the appearance of various Stone and brick patterns.
Concrete Resurfacing Made Simple - 11 Things You Need To Know
The process of resurfacing a concrete floor with a decorative finish is relatively easy with proper analysis, information, products and tools. All the resources are readily available.
There are 3 components to concrete resurfacing
1. Surface preparation
2. Decorative Options
3. Floor Maintenance
The best place to start is to ask yourself why you want a decorative concrete floor, what are the options, how much does it cost, how do I maintain it.
1.Existing surface - Start by assessing the existing concrete floor. The most common issues are removal of tile adhesives, carpet glue, paint, crack repair and moisture.
2.Carpet Glue removal- This is a common issue. Fortunately there are highly effective solutions. There are a few products on the market that are non toxic and highly effective. The process is to spray on with typical garden style pump sprayer. Then scrape it off. Whatever doesn't come off is likely on for good. Once dry the floor can resurfaced with a skim coat usually 2 coats.
3.Paint Removal - Paint chips off concrete unless properly etched before application. Etching gives the surface "tooth" so paint has something to bite onto. Typically paint chips off because of salts in concrete, like painting sand. To remove the chipping paint use a high quality heavy duty paint remover. Unless grinding off the paint it's almost impossible to completely remove paint from concrete. What doesn't come off just leave.
4.Cleaning concrete - Acid etching concrete is highly effective for removing rust, dirt, grime and salts from the concrete surface. Always wear a mask, the fumes are strong. After about 15 minutes the acids can be washed off. Rinse, squeegee and wet vac off until water is clear. The easiest and most effective is a gelled acid. Gelled acid can be rolled on the floor and agitated with a stiff bristle broom. Then use a scraper to remove and wash with water. The acid releases dirt and grime, algae and the gel works as a carrier. A highl;y effectively cleaning and and etching process.
5.Cracks - There are a few advanced methods for fixing cracks. One of the best solutions is to grind out the crack with an angle grinder and vacuum out loose pieces and dust. A waterproof epoxy is a great crack filler and flexable. If you don't have a grinder, chip out and remove all the loose pieces.
6.Moisture - Concrete is porous. There is air in concrete, little holes and capillaries. Moisture pressure called "hydrostatic pressure" can push moisture through a concrete slab. There are a few basic remedies. A good roof gutter system is critical to keeping water from traveling along a foundation wall and under a slab. French drains around a foundation are highly effective. Coating a concrete floor and foundation wall with Epoxy waterproofers work extremely well. They prevent tons of moisture from coming through a slab.
7.Decorative concrete stains - Concrete acid stains and dyes are a great solution only if you have a clean concrete floor. The problem is its hard to find a concrete floor without blemishes. Especially right after construction. Like with hardwood stains bring out the beauty, but also the imperfections. The best results are from acid stains and various dyes. There are acetone based dyes that bite hard into concrete and waterbased dyes which are softer and tint the floor. Only use quality products. Pricing about 40 - 60 cents per square foot including sealers
8.Concrete Overlays(skim coats) - Concrete overlays are a highly effective function and design solution. There are a few on the market that are user friendly, strong as iron and stick to concrete without issue. They can be integrally colored, stained and dyed. You can create patterns of tile or stone. Flattooing, a stencil system can be used turning concrete into a canvas for artwork. The process of Flattooing, tattoing a floor turns a basic floor into a unique one of a kind floor. Overlays are thin, about 1/16th of an inch thick. They are thin and solve a height issue and doorways and steps. Overlays are the best flooring solution for basements. They're being applied everywhere, restaurants, retail stores, office buildings, grocery stores, casinos. Pricing is approximately $1.25 - $2.00 per square foot including tools and sealers
9.Epoxy floor coatings - Epoxy floors have been typically used in industrial buildings for years. During the past 5 years they have become a staple in residential garages. Floors need to be etched before application.There are a few basic epoxies.
Epoxy paint - Basic high quality floor paint. Many colors available.
Epoxy Urethane system - First coat is an epoxy primer or paint with a Urethane Top Coat. Great system for residential garages and light industrial use.
100% solids High Build Epoxy - This is the heaviest duty epoxy system. System starts with an epoxy primer or paint, then a high build epoxy topped with a Urethane. Colored quartz and chips can be added. Basic applications are about 50 cents per square foot to $2.00 per square foot for a colored quartz system.
10.Modular Flooring - This has become a popular product for use over concrete thanks to the visibility on TV shows like Monster Garage, Russo and Steel Car Auctions, Dream Car Garage. The beauty of a modular system is ease of installation, durability and custom design options. Pricing is about $3.50 per square foot. Installation is a few hours
11.Floor Cleaning Strategy - Cleaning concrete floors is the most overlooked aspect of the entire process. The thought process seems to be put a cleaner in a bucket with water. When you start to see soap subs it's ready. Slop on a floor with a mop, maybe use a buffer. Many floors have been ruined or worn prematurely by use of improper cleaning products and methods. Fortunately there are a few high quality products that have been designed for specific cleaning use. Residential homes, hair salons, restaurants, retail stores, schools, hospitals all have different cleaning needs and different products. How to choose cleaning products is not always an easy process. Its just as important to know how much to use and the types of tools required as choosing the correct products.
Do your research. Find the right resources and follow the steps. Concrete resurfacing is a value added solution and simple with the correct products and information.
There are 3 components to concrete resurfacing
1. Surface preparation
2. Decorative Options
3. Floor Maintenance
The best place to start is to ask yourself why you want a decorative concrete floor, what are the options, how much does it cost, how do I maintain it.
1.Existing surface - Start by assessing the existing concrete floor. The most common issues are removal of tile adhesives, carpet glue, paint, crack repair and moisture.
2.Carpet Glue removal- This is a common issue. Fortunately there are highly effective solutions. There are a few products on the market that are non toxic and highly effective. The process is to spray on with typical garden style pump sprayer. Then scrape it off. Whatever doesn't come off is likely on for good. Once dry the floor can resurfaced with a skim coat usually 2 coats.
3.Paint Removal - Paint chips off concrete unless properly etched before application. Etching gives the surface "tooth" so paint has something to bite onto. Typically paint chips off because of salts in concrete, like painting sand. To remove the chipping paint use a high quality heavy duty paint remover. Unless grinding off the paint it's almost impossible to completely remove paint from concrete. What doesn't come off just leave.
4.Cleaning concrete - Acid etching concrete is highly effective for removing rust, dirt, grime and salts from the concrete surface. Always wear a mask, the fumes are strong. After about 15 minutes the acids can be washed off. Rinse, squeegee and wet vac off until water is clear. The easiest and most effective is a gelled acid. Gelled acid can be rolled on the floor and agitated with a stiff bristle broom. Then use a scraper to remove and wash with water. The acid releases dirt and grime, algae and the gel works as a carrier. A highl;y effectively cleaning and and etching process.
5.Cracks - There are a few advanced methods for fixing cracks. One of the best solutions is to grind out the crack with an angle grinder and vacuum out loose pieces and dust. A waterproof epoxy is a great crack filler and flexable. If you don't have a grinder, chip out and remove all the loose pieces.
6.Moisture - Concrete is porous. There is air in concrete, little holes and capillaries. Moisture pressure called "hydrostatic pressure" can push moisture through a concrete slab. There are a few basic remedies. A good roof gutter system is critical to keeping water from traveling along a foundation wall and under a slab. French drains around a foundation are highly effective. Coating a concrete floor and foundation wall with Epoxy waterproofers work extremely well. They prevent tons of moisture from coming through a slab.
7.Decorative concrete stains - Concrete acid stains and dyes are a great solution only if you have a clean concrete floor. The problem is its hard to find a concrete floor without blemishes. Especially right after construction. Like with hardwood stains bring out the beauty, but also the imperfections. The best results are from acid stains and various dyes. There are acetone based dyes that bite hard into concrete and waterbased dyes which are softer and tint the floor. Only use quality products. Pricing about 40 - 60 cents per square foot including sealers
8.Concrete Overlays(skim coats) - Concrete overlays are a highly effective function and design solution. There are a few on the market that are user friendly, strong as iron and stick to concrete without issue. They can be integrally colored, stained and dyed. You can create patterns of tile or stone. Flattooing, a stencil system can be used turning concrete into a canvas for artwork. The process of Flattooing, tattoing a floor turns a basic floor into a unique one of a kind floor. Overlays are thin, about 1/16th of an inch thick. They are thin and solve a height issue and doorways and steps. Overlays are the best flooring solution for basements. They're being applied everywhere, restaurants, retail stores, office buildings, grocery stores, casinos. Pricing is approximately $1.25 - $2.00 per square foot including tools and sealers
9.Epoxy floor coatings - Epoxy floors have been typically used in industrial buildings for years. During the past 5 years they have become a staple in residential garages. Floors need to be etched before application.There are a few basic epoxies.
Epoxy paint - Basic high quality floor paint. Many colors available.
Epoxy Urethane system - First coat is an epoxy primer or paint with a Urethane Top Coat. Great system for residential garages and light industrial use.
100% solids High Build Epoxy - This is the heaviest duty epoxy system. System starts with an epoxy primer or paint, then a high build epoxy topped with a Urethane. Colored quartz and chips can be added. Basic applications are about 50 cents per square foot to $2.00 per square foot for a colored quartz system.
10.Modular Flooring - This has become a popular product for use over concrete thanks to the visibility on TV shows like Monster Garage, Russo and Steel Car Auctions, Dream Car Garage. The beauty of a modular system is ease of installation, durability and custom design options. Pricing is about $3.50 per square foot. Installation is a few hours
11.Floor Cleaning Strategy - Cleaning concrete floors is the most overlooked aspect of the entire process. The thought process seems to be put a cleaner in a bucket with water. When you start to see soap subs it's ready. Slop on a floor with a mop, maybe use a buffer. Many floors have been ruined or worn prematurely by use of improper cleaning products and methods. Fortunately there are a few high quality products that have been designed for specific cleaning use. Residential homes, hair salons, restaurants, retail stores, schools, hospitals all have different cleaning needs and different products. How to choose cleaning products is not always an easy process. Its just as important to know how much to use and the types of tools required as choosing the correct products.
Do your research. Find the right resources and follow the steps. Concrete resurfacing is a value added solution and simple with the correct products and information.
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