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Take a Shine to Concrete

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For years, many hotels and convention centers were immersed in thick, overly bright too glitzy patterned carpeting reminiscent of Las Vegas. During the past decade, especially most recently, things have begun to change to a more subtle, minimalist, yet elegant, trend.

This is where many of the new types and styles of flooring come into play. There are numerous types of decorative concrete available both for commercial projects such as hotels, restaurants and office buildings, and they are also available for homes.

One of the most stunning floor treatments is the use of polished concrete. Not only is it beautiful, it is also durable and enhances and envelopes an atmosphere by creating a seamless connection between floor and décor.

One example of polished concrete being used commercially is at the remodeled Hotel San Jose in Austin, TX. The Hotel San Jose is a landmark in Austin. It was bought and remodeled by an ex-attorney turned hotelier, who wanted the look to represent Austin and at the same time be minimalist. She was trying to create a calm atmosphere for guests to soak in by combining unique metals and metal work, vintage furniture and bright splashes of color, exquisitely framed by the polished concrete floors. The custom hand-made furniture created out of reclaimed Texas pine creates a spectacular impact against the polished concrete floors. As a result, each room looks unique, personal and welcoming.

There are increasing numbers and types of venues using decorative concrete flooring – especially polished concrete – to create an ambience and finished look to their décor. The art of creating a specific look with polished concrete is growing. It has become affordable and versatile. With different types of colors, patterns and even wall décor, polished concrete is fast becoming a decorative touch that is in demand.

Concrete Has Brightened Up

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Imagine taking the concrete you have and treating it to change the color. This could create a seamless transition from the inside of your house to the outside depending on the colors you choose. There are various treatments available including liquid surface dyes (also called translucent dyes). These are applied over dried, hardened concrete, and they can be tints,

dyes, stains or acrylics in water based or solvent based dilutions. There are amazing finishes that these treatments can provide to change your concrete to an artistic part of your home.

If you are just getting ready to pour concrete, the color can be mixed into the concrete itself. This will give you color that is disbursed throughout the concrete itself and once the concrete is poured, it can be finished by using a sealer on top of it.

Another decorative concrete idea is to use dry surface hardeners which are put over the poured concrete while it is still wet before it is finished. Once the color is “broadcast” onto the surface and absorbs into it, a second broadcast is applied and can deepen the first color or add a different color resulting in a layered effect.

One other way to make your concrete more decorative is by using a coating system, which is just what it sounds like. They are painted over the surface to coat it either with a clear coat or various colors. These are applied rather equally, however there are additives that can go into the coating to create different more artistic or creative looks.

No matter what your situation is regarding the concrete surrounding – or inside – your home, exploring decorative concrete will offer you unique, artistic and affordable choices that will create a unique look that will last for years.

Decorative Concrete a Stunning Backdrop for Quaint Rosemary Beach

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Decorative concrete is in the news everywhere these days. Varieties of decorative concrete are used everywhere from private homes to public squares. Its use involves many types and styles including overlays, stamped concrete, polished concrete and the use of a variety of colors and textures.

One quaint town along the famous and well-traveled scenic Route 30 along the Gulf coast of Florida, Rosemary Beach, has literally been built around the idea of a Caribbean village with a town square. The atmosphere in this town that reflects and is inspired by the qualities of the town of St. Augustine, the West Indies and other classic Pan-Caribbean areas.

If you have never traveled to the Caribbean or to Rosemary Beach, they are both inspiring. The streets in both places are actually mainly for pedestrians. In Rosemary Beach, they are composed of bricks, cobblestone and stamped concrete, surrounded by the walls of homes and businesses that reflect the hues and the textures of the Caribbean. Each street/pedestrian path leads to the beach at one end and the public square at the other end.

The interior that surrounds the public square, frames it with concrete finished to resemble the stucco textures and colors of the Caribbean. The pillars that help create the atmosphere of an easygoing Caribbean beach town rise up and melt into graceful arches which give one an easygoing, calm feeling.

The public square is the hub of all activity for the town. With its interactive fountain, grassy areas and Dutch West Indian architecture, it is filled with shops and businesses. The square draws you into its ambience and atmosphere with its cool decorative concrete turned cool earth toned stucco shop fronts.

The design and artful West Indian atmosphere of Rosemary Beach could not have been achieved without the use of decorative concrete. By using concrete creatively, the seaside town – especially its public square – is a work of art that is both stunning and durable. What is even better about the way that the concrete was used is that when it is time to spruce things up over the years, there are many finishes that will do the job without having to destroy and rebuild or re-pour.

Rosemary Beach is a tiny, seaside town centered around a public square and built artistically to resemble the Caribbean by using various methods and forms of decorative concrete. Your project might be much larger, such as a hotel/conference center or smaller, such as a private home. Regardless of size and scope, decorative concrete can be poured, shaped, stamped, polished and molded to turn your finished project into whatever your vision is. The ideas are virtually limitless. They can be created as far as your imagination can travel.

Stamped Concrete

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What is stamped concrete and how is it done?

Stamped concrete is a finish that is imprinted or embossed into concrete while it is still in its plastic or moldable state. Patterns often resemble a natural stone texture and look, but any pattern or design can be imprinted or stamped into the soft concrete surface.

This is a simple summary of how Stamped Concrete Contractor would install a typical stamped concrete finish.

1. The first step is to protect all adjacent or adjoining surfaces. Plastic is often used to protect and prevent damage or discoloration caused by concrete splatter, oxide colors and other chemicals used during the process.

2. Once the form work (the wall edging and outer shape of the slab) and reinforcement (often Steel Rebar) is in place the concrete is poured and placed into the form. The concrete is then smoothed and leveled to the desired slope and finish.

3. If the concrete color is not present in the mix, a dry shake surface colorant is now applied, this will add the desired color to the surface of the concrete.

4. The concrete is left to set until it is at the right state for imprinting or stamping. A trained professional will know when it is ready but it is generally when the concrete leaves an impression when pushed with a finger similar to putty.

5. A liquid or powder release agent is applied to the concrete surface and is used to help separate the stamp mats (patterns) from the surface.

6. The stamp mats are then applied to the surface and tapped down with a tamper tool to press them into the plastic concrete. When they are removed they leave behind the desired pattern. Using multiple mats, a ‘leap frog’ system allows the craftsmen the ability to work their way from one end to the other. It is important to know how to adjust the mats and place them randomly as not to obviously duplicate the exact same pattern.

7. Once the patterns have been applied the concrete is left to set and cure.

8. When the concrete is sufficiently cured or hardened, the surface is cleaned of release agents and loose debris. Control joints are cut and stamp seams are cleaned up. It can then be sealed to help bring out the color as well as protect the surface.

9. A clear sealer can be reapplied every two or three years to keep the stamped concrete surface looking its best.

This explains the basics of stamped concrete. There is a lot more than meets the eye though. A professional stamped concrete craftsman must understand concrete, slopes, grading, forming, finishing, coloration, sealers and more to achieve successful results every time. It takes years of practice and most professionals are truly talented craftsmen and artisans.

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Stamped Concrete Photos