Houston Concrete Contractors: "Houston Concrete Contractors
Houstons source for info on custom decorative concrete, drivewayS, patios, Stamped/patterned concrete, admixtures for concrete. Also offer links to other related resources"
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Houston Concrete Contractors
Houston Concrete Contractors
Greetings and Welcome to ConcreteForever.com © Houston Texas
Residential Division 281.513.9260
Let Concreteforever.com design/Build your next Exotic patio, driveway, fire pit, stamped patio, stamped concrete patio, stamped driveway, Certified Concrete Contractors, stamped concrete contractors, Patterned concrete, stamped concrete, patterned cement, stamped cement, Residential and Commercial concrete contractors, concrete foundation contractors, stamped concrete contractors, stamped concrete driveways, Give your patio a new image with authentic stamped articulate decorative concrete from affordable concrete contractors, fire-pit, patio extension, driveways extension or masonry project for your dream driveway, exotic hardscapes, Let the our ASI Certified Stamped concrete contractors and technicians perform your next exotic concrete hardsape, patio, pool or watergarden! Stamped concrete contractor in houston texas, stamped cement, stamped concrete contractors, stamped concrete driveway, concrete contractors for your foundation, stamped concrete, decorative stamped concrete, Custom Hardscape in Houston area- We are a full service design and build general contractor designing and constructing innovative residential and commercial structures from the footer to the roof we provide competitive, artistic and elaborate articulate construction from framing to molding, tray ceilings, new home construction and full phase remodeling..let AAA Affordable Contractors work for you! FREE ONLINE CONCRETE CALCULATOR BELOW! - Certified flatwork technicians-DECORATIVE CONCRETE-STUNNING PATIOS, QUARRY TILE, STONES, SLATE ALL TYPES MASONRY, POOLS Patio AND DRIVEWAY SPECIALISTSServing ALL of Houston and surrounding areas: Click the CONTACT button for a fast and FREE in home estimate We Meet or EXCEED all City of Houston Concrete specifications! We Are THE #1 Custom pool and jacuzzi builder in Houston. Turn-key installations - 30k gallon Custom Exotic Swimming pools w/ waterfalls, 8 man jacuzzi, Radically stamped stone concrete, whisper flow pumps, State of the art DE filters and auto cleaners from $29,900.00! Want a custom pool "half indoors" and "half outdoors"?-DONE! Want a custom fountain to compliment your water garden?-DONE! Do you want to transform your backyard into paradise?-DONE! Just call OR Email the folks at ConcreteForever.com for a Fast, courteous and FREE IN HOME CONSULTATION AND DESIGN Houston and surrounding areas specialists in decorative concrete, Covered patios, Custom patio shades, pergola's, scrolled trellis, screen rooms, foundations, Screen rooms, concrete contractors, cement contractors, concrete contractors, concrete contractor, houston concrete contractors, trellis scrolled trellis and pergola, Slate and stone installations, ashlar cut slate, Roman slate fan designs for your portico, cobblestones, exposed aggregate, exposed aggregate patios, exposed aggregate driveways, exposed aggregate designs, granite driveways, concrete patio designs, concrete driveway designs, stamped concrete designs, retainer walls, concrete resurfacing, soil erosion prevention and drain remediation, Custom driveway and patio specialists, concrete repair and replacement, Sunroom and remodeling builders serving all of southeast Texas. Permit, engineering & design services Pool Patios, Custom Pools, jacuzzi's, decorative patios & decks Stamped & colored concrete patios and driveways Free estimates and NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED Bobcat & dumptruck service Best decorative concrete driveway in Houston! Intricate Interlocking paver designs for the upscale home Exceeds all Houston concrete driveway specifications Prompt concrete delivery Affordable Concrete pumping for the hard to reach patio Concrete Driveways in houston must have 2-3"sand base! Concrete driveways in Houston must have #3 steel rebar! reinforcement @ 12-15"o.c. each way encased in 6" concrete! We build asphalt roads, driveways, entrances, parking lots with 2" ashpalt, 4" crushed limestone over 6" gravel base with liquid soil stablizer. All decorative concrete driveways poured with an average compressive strength of 4,000 p.s.i. concrete! 564 lbs of pure portland cement per cubic yard is critical (six sack concrete)Patio concrete = 3,500 psi Pavers, pavestones, interlocking, limestone, granite, houston concrete staining, acid staining acid stain, concrete engraving, cobblestones & more! Custom concrete services since 1986, serving all of Harris county and metro Houston area Post-tension foundations, Pier and Beam concrete foundations, Masonry, brick, block,stone, etc Free estimates, all types masonry; Largest Houston stamped concrete company in town! artisans in brick, block, stone, concrete patio designs, concrete driveway designs, stamped concrete designs, houston redi-mix, houston ready mix concrete, ready mix concrete in houston, houston ready mix concrete, colored concrete delivery, concrete pumping, stucco, stunning water gardens, dream patio designs, flagstone patios, Exotic stonework, all types masonry projects from fire-pits, pattern concrete, pattern cement, patterned colored cement, hardscape architects, hardscape design, patterned concrete, landscape architect, retainer walls, retaining walls, stamped concrete walls, fireplace systems, stucco, stone, marble and more! Exotic faux concrete countertops to match your home decor * Innovative designs, online virtual FREE estimates just click on the links below to estimate in seconds your dream patio, driveway or custom masonry! Concreteforever.com!
This site is updated daily at 7:00 a.m. Central Time.Fast driveway or patio concrete saw cut, break out and haul removal, repair & replacement in Houston and surrounding areas. Driveway replacement, concrete driveway replacement, concrete patio replacement, cement replacement, Brilliant decorative flagstone borders & stunning stamped and patterned concrete, flagstone trim, Custom decorative concrete counter tops, outside grills, fire pits, flagstone walls, flagstone counter tops, Decorative concrete, stucco contractors, decorative stucco and dryvit, decorative cement, pATIO, patios, decorative concrete patios, cement driveways,Stamped concrete, patterned concrete, stamped patio, stamped patios, stamped driveways, decorative driveways, Acrylic flagstone and ledge stone waterfalls and fountains, flagstone, ledgestone fireplaces and more concreteforever.com Google.com Houston Home Builders
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EXOTIC DECORATIVE STAMPED CONCRETE POOLS, PATIOS AND DRIVEWAY SPECIALISTS
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Custom Jacuzzi's, Exotic stamped concrete specialists & decorative Pool decks-EXOTIC water gardens, natural stone work
Flagstone borders, patios & copings with exposed aggregate patios, fire-pits and walks.
Custom Exotic stamped and Custom Swimming pool builders, decorative concrete specialists in Houston and surrounding areas. Custom drainage installations, french drains and waterfalls...
Pools by ConcreteForever © Houston's source for exotic custom pools, jacuzzi's, natural slides, waterfalls and fountains...30,000 gallon Exotic swimming pools from $29,900.00 (LESS THAN $0.99 CENTS PER GALLON!) (includes: Exotic stamped concrete deck (as above), auto cleaner, whisper flow pumps, built-in jacuzzi and waterfall) (SEE OUR GALLERY)
Custom decorative concrete driveways pools or concrete patios for all South east Texas including Houston, Katy, Spring, humble, spring branch, Sugarland, Bellaire, the woodlands, Bunkerhill, katy, Huffman, Atascocita, lake houston, kingwood, friendswood, pearland, fresno, stafford, manvil, alvin, richmond, meyerland, montrose, heights, rosenburg, memorial, clearlake, Webster, Kema, Seabrook, missouri city, bunkerhill village, piney point village, spring valley, jersey village, south houston, north houston, jacinto city, cypress, bellaire and surrounding areas with a wide variety of colors, patterns and textures to choose from!...
For Your Free estimate on your custom concrete driveway, patio or pool! Serving all of Southeast Texas! Call Today! (281) 513-9260
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Custom decorative concrete patios and decks including colored concrete and patterned concrete, textured concrete, faux concrete, decorative concrete all types masonry finishes; brick, stone, block, tile, slate, paverstones, herringbone, pavers, cobble stones, tumbleblock, flagstone, stucco, glass block and more!
Stamped concrete is concrete that is patterned to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile- and even wood. In this section you will see how stamped concrete can be used to beautify pool decks, driveways, entries and courtyards, and patios.
Due to the wide array of patterns and colors available, and the cost of stamped concrete in relation to the materials stamped concrete is a substitute for, the choice of stamped concrete is becoming more popular and frequent.
Colors and patterns for stamped concrete are often chosen to blend with other stone or tile elements at the residence. Complex designs incorporating steps, courtyards, and fountains can be achieved. Stamped concrete can also be blended with other decorative concrete elements such as exposed aggregate finishes and acid-etch staining.
It wasn’t long ago when deciding on a driveway material was easy: asphalt or concrete. Today, the concrete choice has expanded to include a multitude of decorative concrete options.
While plain gray concrete is still the most often installed, but We at Concreteforever.com believe that this ancient art compliments real estate property and enhances the beauty...click on the link below that says:" Houston Custom Masonry Pools, decks and Patios" to read more about this ancient art and painstaking step by step process:
Don’t feel left out if you already have a driveway. The concrete industry has rapidly developed many decorative products that can be applied to existing plain gray driveways and transform them into stunning show piece entry ways for your home. Please click on the below links for an in depth comprehensive review of your upcoming project;
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posted by concreteforever at 1:09 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
Concrete Contractors in Houston Patio %26 Driveway
Concrete Contractors in Houston Patio %26 Driveway
posted by concreteforever at 8:59 AM 0 comments
Houston Concrete Driveways%2C Concrete Patios
Houston Concrete Driveways%2C Concrete Patios
posted by concreteforever at 8:48 AM 0 comments
Sunday, August 15, 2004
Concrete Contractors in Houston Patio & Driveway
Concrete Contractors in Houston Patio & Driveway
posted by concreteforever at 5:38 PM 0 comments
Friday, August 13, 2004
AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston
AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston
posted by concreteforever at 4:16 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
Concrete Houston, Stamped Concrete, Patio Houston
Concrete Houston, Stamped Concrete, Patio Houston
posted by concreteforever at 6:40 PM 0 comments
Sunday, August 01, 2004
AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston
AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston
posted by concreteforever at 9:18 AM 0 comments
Thursday, July 22, 2004
AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston
AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston
posted by concreteforever at 6:41 PM 0 comments
About Me
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Houston Concrete Contractors
Concrete Contractors in Houston Patio %26 Driveway
Houston Concrete Driveways%2C Concrete Patios
Concrete Contractors in Houston Patio & Driveway
AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston
Concrete Houston, Stamped Concrete, Patio Houston
AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston
AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston
Decorative Exotic Pools and Patios Houston TX
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Houstons source for info on custom decorative concrete, drivewayS, patios, Stamped/patterned concrete, admixtures for concrete. Also offer links to other related resources
Saturday, February 20, 1999
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Wednesday, February 03, 1999
AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston
AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston
Keyword Index; Houston concrete,concrete houston texas, flagstone houston, concrete contractors, contractors, concrete contractors, cement contractors, concrete contractor, contractor, houston flagstone, houston flagstone patios, patios of houston, flagstone trim, houston flagstone contractors, The price of concrete or the price of stamped concrete is much less than you may think when compared to laying a brick by brick or stone by stone patio or driveway, stamped concrete, patterned concrete, decorative concrete, residential contractors, building contractors, remodeling contractors, houston stamped concrete, stamped concrete contractors, patterned and colored concrete, are just some of the specialty construction performed by the finishers at concreteForever, decorative concrete houston, houston custom concrete, flagstone and stone masons, concrete houston, houston concrete, concrete houston texas, houston cement, slab, slabs, concrete slab, concrete slabs, cement houston, houston patio, resurface your concrete, resurfacing techniques, patio houston texas
Fast driveway or patio concrete saw cut, break out and haul removal, repair & replacement in Houston and surrounding areas. Driveway replacement, concrete driveway replacement, concrete patio replacement, cement replacement, Brilliant decorative flagstone borders & stunning stamped and patterned concrete, flagstone trim, Custom decorative concrete counter tops, outside grills, fire pits, flagstone walls, flagstone counter tops, Decorative concrete, stucco contractors, decorative stucco and dryvit, decorative cement, pATIO, pATIOS, DECORATIVE PATIOS AND DRIVEWAYS,Stamped concrete, patterned concrete, stamped patio, stamped patios, stamped driveways, decorative driveways, Acrylic flagstone and ledge stone waterfalls and fountains, flagstone, ledgestone fireplaces and more
FREE DO-IT-YOURSELF ESTIMATE CALCULATOR BELOW!What is stamped concrete? Stamped concrete begins with regular concrete. A powdered dye (color) is spread onto the surface and /or an ahmixture mixed all the way through the wet concrete and trowelled in. Then a second color (also known as releasing agent) is cast on the surface. Before the concrete hardens a set of rubber molds (stamps) are used to imprint textures into its hydrating surface. The result will look like slate, cobblestone, brick, marble, or many other materials. Why is the base so important? Concrete is a mirror image of what it is poured over. Without an adequate base (usually 2-4 inches of compacted rock, sand, gravel or road base) flatwork can settle, separate and develop uneven surfaces. Will decorative concrete last as long and as well as regular concrete? Our product is 4-6" thick, (driveways are 6"-7" thick and patios are 4" or more) 4,000-4,500 psi concrete. We match or exceed the normal requirements for a strong finish that withstands years of normal use. Over the years we have experimented with different proportions of tri-calcium silicate and bi-calcium silicate in terms of performance variables, one important property is the compressive strength. Previously, our technicians at concreteforever.com developed a mathematical model relating cement particle-size distribution to strength development. Assuming that the depth of the hydrated layer is independent of particle diameter (which also is assumed tacitly in the NIST cement hydration model) and proportional to the square root of time, he was able to quantitatively predict the effects of particle-size distribution on strength evolution. More recently, David Hunt, Founder of concreteforever.com also showed that cement fineness is an important factor influencing compressive strength, with phase compositions becoming significant at later ages. In this study, we also have attempted to predict the compressive strength development of standard ASTM C 10914 mortar in relation the compressive strength required for residential use in Houston, Texas. Simply put, When our concrete arrives on site we modify the mixture depending on the humidity, tempture and soil conditions to minimize concrete cracking and potential displacement that may occur with an improperly mixed batch of concrete. (these factors are never taken into consideration at the concrete plant) Can stamped concrete (decorative concrete) be found in commercial settings? Absolutely, stamped concrete can be found throughout the world and at many distinguished hotels, casinos, resorts, etc. A famous example would be Disneyland and Disney World. Why is decorative concrete (stamped concrete) more expensive than traditional concrete? Recently, I have received inquiries into the cost of decorative cement work in comparison to traditional cement work. Let me describe the two concepts... Traditional cement (also called concrete) work is what you would find around older homes. Examples would be a plain smooth or brushed finish driveway, curb or sidewalk. Rarely were there any designs unless a creative contractor carved shapes into the concrete while it was still wet. The process for installing this type of concrete is a fairly simple one, perfected by many... Not so perfected by many as well... Under the best circumstances it involves little ground preparation, setting forms and the pour. Finishing would require some tamping, floating, troweling and usually brooming the surface. Although this can be tedious work it is normally a simple process when completed by an experienced concrete driveway contractor or concrete patio contractor. Decorative concrete (Concrete Stamping) work is a relatively new concept but really goes back many years. You may have seen a concrete sidewalk leading into a business or mall that looked like a rustic stone path with one or more colors. This design is becoming very popular because it is so complimentary of landscapes and homes. Many people are even having decorative concrete finishes installed in rooms of their homes. Kitchens are among the most common requests. Properly finished decorative concrete can look very elegant or rustic depending on what look is desired. While decorative concrete is the most desired these days it is also the most difficult finish to perfect and requires much more preparation, finishing, and skill. When the contractor actually gets to the point where the concrete driveway, patio or walkway can be stamped (process to apply the decorative appearance) time is crucial. There are very limited amounts of time for the various applications and any mistakes can leave a finish that the homeowner is not satisfied with. Stamping Concrete is an art and I only know one other stamped concrete artisan (besides my crew and myself) in a 200 mile radious from Houston that have perfected this ancient art. This person I refer to is my mentor..... After the concrete is poured and finished the job is not complete. Clean up for this type of finish is more difficult because of the various colors that are involved. After a day or so the contractor will have to return to the job site to pressure wash the excess color/release for the perfect finish and look, then resin-coat the concrete. Simply put decorative concrete is a much more labor-intensive process but most feel it is worth the cost because of the unique, prestigious and elegant look. How is decorative concrete colored? AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston uses two methods to color decorative concrete. Using the first method, color is spread onto the surface by hand using the “dry shake method,” then worked into the surface using hand tools. After the color is applied and worked into the fresh cement, a release/hardener is applied. The release/hardener serves a duel purpose. It adds a tremendous amount of strength and it highlights and acts as a second color, which gives the stamped pattern and overall color a defining and distinguished look. The second method used is when the color is mixed directly inside the concrete at the concrete plant and mixed inside the truck. The concrete is the colored throughout from the top to the bottom instead of just ¼” into the surface. The release/hardener is applied using this method as well. The second method tends to be slightly more expensive since the cost of the material will increase. Both are good methods and not one is better than the other. Which method is used depends on the conditions and what look the customer is trying to accomplish. "I can't afford to do my entire project all at once. Can I do half now and half later?" Decorative concrete is surprisingly affordable. Best of all, every project can be done in stages. It is not a problem to pick up a pattern from one area and connect up to another area of your project at a later time. When is it necessary to reinforce concrete? It is always an advantage in the long term to add re-bar (reinforcement bar). This guarantees that concrete will settle evenly and avoids uneven surfaces, and cracks that widen over time. The soil here in Houston is comprised of mostly clay...unstable to say the least
posted by concreteforever at 6:00 AM 0 comments
Monday, August 30, 2004
Houston Concrete Contractors
Houston Concrete Contractors
posted by concreteforever at 6:22 PM 0 comments
Houston Concrete - Driveways - Concrete Patios
Houston Concrete - Driveways - Concrete Patios
CLICK HERE TO ENTER SITE!Looking for STAMPED concrete, brick, stone pavers? Patios, driveways or exotic pool decks? WE are the CONCRETE CONNECTION © !
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Let us design your next masonry project for your dream driveway, patio, pool or watergarden!DECORATIVE CONCRETE STUNNING PATIOS, QUARRY TILE, STONES, SLATE ALL TYPES MASONRY, POOLS AND DRIVEWAY SPECIALISTSCLICK LINKS AT BOTTOM OF PAGE FOR AN INSTANT VIRTUAL ESTIMATE FOR YOUR NEW DRIVEWAY, PATIO OR WALKWAYS!- Serving ALL of Houston and surrounding areas:Click the CONTACT button for a fast and FREE in home estimateWe Meet or EXCEED all City of Houston Concrete specifications!We Are THE #1 Custom pool and jacuzzi builder in Houston. Turn-key installations - 20k gallon Custom Exotic Swimming pools w/ waterfalls, jacuzzi and auto cleaners from $19,900.00!Want a custom pool "half in" your home "half out"?-DONE!Want a custom fountain to compliment your water garden?-DONE! Do you want to transform your backyard into paradise?-DONE!Just call OR Email the folks at ConcreteForever.com for a Fast, courteous and FREE IN HOME CONSULTATION AND DESIGNHouston and surrounding areas specialists in decorative concrete foundations, Slate and stone installations, ashlar cut slate, Roman slate fan designs for your portico, cobblestones, granite driveways, retainer walls, soil erosion prevention and drain remediation, Custom driveway and patio specialists, Sunroom and remodeling builders serving all of southeast Texas Fast driveway concrete saw cut, break out and haul removal & replacement in Houston and surrounding areas. Brilliant decorative flagstone borders & flagstone trim, Custom decorative concrete counter tops, outside grills, fire pits, flagstone walls, flagstone counter tops. Acrylic flagstone and ledge stone waterfalls and fountains, flagstone, ledgestone fireplaces and morePermit, engineering & design servicesPool Patios, Custom Pools, jacuzzi's, decorative patios & decksStamped & colored concrete patios and drivewaysFree estimates and NO DEPOSIT REQUIREDBobcat & dumptruck serviceBest decorative concrete driveway in Houston!Intricate Interlocking paver designs for the upscale homeExceeds all Houston concrete driveway specificationsPrompt concrete deliveryConcrete pumping for the hard to reach patioConcrete Driveways in houston must have 2-3"sand base!Concrete driveways in Houston must have #3 steel rebar! reinforcement @ 12-15"o.c. each way encased in 6" concrete!All decorative concrete driveways poured with an average compressive strength of 4,000 p.s.i. concrete! Patio concrete = 3,500 psiPavers, pavestones, interlocking, limestone, granite, cobblestones & more! Custom concrete services since 1986, serving all of Harris county and metro Houston areapost-tension foundations, Masonry, brick, block,stone, etcFree estimates, all types masonry; Largest Houston stamped concrete company in town! artisans in brick, block, stone, stucco, stunning water gardens, dream patio designs,Exotic stonework, all types masonry projects from fire-pits, retainer walls, fireplace systems, stucco, stone, marble and more!Exotic faux concrete countertops to match your home decor * Innovative designs, online virtual FREE estimates just click on the links below to estimate in seconds your dream patio, driveway or custom masonry! Concreteforever.com!
Thissite is updated every Saturday at 7:00 a.m. Central Time.FREE DO-IT-YOURSELF ESTIMATE CALCULATOR BELOW!Fastest Search on Earth! Google.com
Permit, engineering & design servicesPool Patios, Custom Pools, jacuzzi's, patios & decksStamped & colored concrete patios and drivewaysFree estimates and NO DEPOSIT REQUIREDBobcat & dumptruck serviceBest stamped concrete driveway in Houston!Exceeds all Houston concrete driveway specificationsPrompt concrete deliveryPavers, pavestones, interlocking, limestone, granite, cobblestones & more! Custom concrete services since 1986, serving all of Harris county and metro Houston areapost-tension foundations, Masonry, brick, block,stone, etcFree estimates, all types masonry; brick, block, stone, stucco, stunning water gardens, dream patio designs.Exotic stonework, all types masonry projects from fire-pits, retainer walls, fireplace systems, stucco, stone, marble and more!Exotic concrete countertops to match your home decor
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posted by concreteforever at 6:19 PM 0 comments
Sunday, August 29, 2004
Americas source for info on decorative concrete
Americas source for info on decorative concreteWhat is stamped concrete? Stamped concrete begins with regular concrete. A powdered dye (color) is spread onto the surface and /or an ahmixture mixed all the way through the wet concrete and trowelled in. Then a second color (also known as releasing agent) is cast on the surface. Before the concrete hardens a set of rubber molds (stamps) are used to imprint textures into its hydrating surface. The result will look like slate, cobblestone, brick, marble, or many other materials. Why is the base so important? Concrete is a mirror image of what it is poured over. Without an adequate base (usually 2-4 inches of compacted rock, sand, gravel or road base) flatwork can settle, separate and develop uneven surfaces. Will decorative concrete last as long and as well as regular concrete? Our product is 4-6" thick, (driveways are 6"-7" thick and patios are 4" or more) 4,000-4,500 psi concrete. We match or exceed the normal requirements for a strong finish that withstands years of normal use. Over the years we have experimented with different proportions of tri-calcium silicate and bi-calcium silicate in terms of performance variables, one important property is the compressive strength. Previously, our technicians at concreteforever.com developed a mathematical model relating cement particle-size distribution to strength development. Assuming that the depth of the hydrated layer is independent of particle diameter (which also is assumed tacitly in the NIST cement hydration model) and proportional to the square root of time, he was able to quantitatively predict the effects of particle-size distribution on strength evolution. More recently, David Hunt, Founder of concreteforever.com also showed that cement fineness is an important factor influencing compressive strength, with phase compositions becoming significant at later ages. In this study, we also have attempted to predict the compressive strength development of standard ASTM C 10914 mortar in relation the compressive strength required for residential use in Houston, Texas. Simply put, When our concrete arrives on site we modify the mixture depending on the humidity, tempture and soil conditions to minimize concrete cracking and potential displacement that may occur with an improperly mixed batch of concrete. (these factors are never taken into consideration at the concrete plant) Can stamped concrete (decorative concrete) be found in commercial settings? Absolutely, stamped concrete can be found throughout the world and at many distinguished hotels, casinos, resorts, etc. A famous example would be Disneyland and Disney World. Why is decorative concrete (stamped concrete) more expensive than traditional concrete? Recently, I have received inquiries into the cost of decorative cement work in comparison to traditional cement work. Let me describe the two concepts... Traditional cement (also called concrete) work is what you would find around older homes. Examples would be a plain smooth or brushed finish driveway, curb or sidewalk. Rarely were there any designs unless a creative contractor carved shapes into the concrete while it was still wet. The process for installing this type of concrete is a fairly simple one, perfected by many... Not so perfected by many as well... Under the best circumstances it involves little ground preparation, setting forms and the pour. Finishing would require some tamping, floating, troweling and usually brooming the surface. Although this can be tedious work it is normally a simple process when completed by an experienced concrete driveway contractor or concrete patio contractor. Decorative concrete (Concrete Stamping) work is a relatively new concept but really goes back many years. You may have seen a concrete sidewalk leading into a business or mall that looked like a rustic stone path with one or more colors. This design is becoming very popular because it is so complimentary of landscapes and homes. Many people are even having decorative concrete finishes installed in rooms of their homes. Kitchens are among the most common requests. Properly finished decorative concrete can look very elegant or rustic depending on what look is desired. While decorative concrete is the most desired these days it is also the most difficult finish to perfect and requires much more preparation, finishing, and skill. When the contractor actually gets to the point where the concrete driveway, patio or walkway can be stamped (process to apply the decorative appearance) time is crucial. There are very limited amounts of time for the various applications and any mistakes can leave a finish that the homeowner is not satisfied with. Stamping Concrete is an art and I only know one other stamped concrete artisan (besides my crew and myself) in a 200 mile radious from Houston that have perfected this ancient art. This person I refer to is my mentor..... After the concrete is poured and finished the job is not complete. Clean up for this type of finish is more difficult because of the various colors that are involved. After a day or so the contractor will have to return to the job site to pressure wash the excess color/release for the perfect finish and look, then resin-coat the concrete. Simply put decorative concrete is a much more labor-intensive process but most feel it is worth the cost because of the unique, prestigious and elegant look. How is decorative concrete colored? AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston uses two methods to color decorative concrete. Using the first method, color is spread onto the surface by hand using the “dry shake method,” then worked into the surface using hand tools. After the color is applied and worked into the fresh cement, a release/hardener is applied. The release/hardener serves a duel purpose. It adds a tremendous amount of strength and it highlights and acts as a second color, which gives the stamped pattern and overall color a defining and distinguished look. The second method used is when the color is mixed directly inside the concrete at the concrete plant and mixed inside the truck. The concrete is the colored throughout from the top to the bottom instead of just ¼” into the surface. The release/hardener is applied using this method as well. The second method tends to be slightly more expensive since the cost of the material will increase. Both are good methods and not one is better than the other. Which method is used depends on the conditions and what look the customer is trying to accomplish. "I can't afford to do my entire project all at once. Can I do half now and half later?" Decorative concrete is surprisingly affordable. Best of all, every project can be done in stages. It is not a problem to pick up a pattern from one area and connect up to another area of your project at a later time. When is it necessary to reinforce concrete? It is always an advantage in the long term to add re-bar (reinforcement bar). This guarantees that concrete will settle evenly and avoids uneven surfaces, and cracks that widen over time. The soil here in Houston is comprised of mostly clay...unstable to say the least
Keyword Index; Houston concrete,concrete houston texas, flagstone houston, concrete contractors, contractors, concrete contractors, cement contractors, concrete contractor, contractor, houston flagstone, houston flagstone patios, patios of houston, flagstone trim, houston flagstone contractors, The price of concrete or the price of stamped concrete is much less than you may think when compared to laying a brick by brick or stone by stone patio or driveway, stamped concrete, patterned concrete, decorative concrete, residential contractors, building contractors, remodeling contractors, houston stamped concrete, stamped concrete contractors, patterned and colored concrete, are just some of the specialty construction performed by the finishers at concreteForever, decorative concrete houston, houston custom concrete, flagstone and stone masons, concrete houston, houston concrete, concrete houston texas, houston cement, slab, slabs, concrete slab, concrete slabs, cement houston, houston patio, resurface your concrete, resurfacing techniques, patio houston texas
Fast driveway or patio concrete saw cut, break out and haul removal, repair & replacement in Houston and surrounding areas. Driveway replacement, concrete driveway replacement, concrete patio replacement, cement replacement, Brilliant decorative flagstone borders & stunning stamped and patterned concrete, flagstone trim, Custom decorative concrete counter tops, outside grills, fire pits, flagstone walls, flagstone counter tops, Decorative concrete, stucco contractors, decorative stucco and dryvit, decorative cement, pATIO, pATIOS, DECORATIVE PATIOS AND DRIVEWAYS,Stamped concrete, patterned concrete, stamped patio, stamped patios, stamped driveways, decorative driveways, Acrylic flagstone and ledge stone waterfalls and fountains, flagstone, ledgestone fireplaces and more
FREE DO-IT-YOURSELF ESTIMATE CALCULATOR BELOW!What is stamped concrete? Stamped concrete begins with regular concrete. A powdered dye (color) is spread onto the surface and /or an ahmixture mixed all the way through the wet concrete and trowelled in. Then a second color (also known as releasing agent) is cast on the surface. Before the concrete hardens a set of rubber molds (stamps) are used to imprint textures into its hydrating surface. The result will look like slate, cobblestone, brick, marble, or many other materials. Why is the base so important? Concrete is a mirror image of what it is poured over. Without an adequate base (usually 2-4 inches of compacted rock, sand, gravel or road base) flatwork can settle, separate and develop uneven surfaces. Will decorative concrete last as long and as well as regular concrete? Our product is 4-6" thick, (driveways are 6"-7" thick and patios are 4" or more) 4,000-4,500 psi concrete. We match or exceed the normal requirements for a strong finish that withstands years of normal use. Over the years we have experimented with different proportions of tri-calcium silicate and bi-calcium silicate in terms of performance variables, one important property is the compressive strength. Previously, our technicians at concreteforever.com developed a mathematical model relating cement particle-size distribution to strength development. Assuming that the depth of the hydrated layer is independent of particle diameter (which also is assumed tacitly in the NIST cement hydration model) and proportional to the square root of time, he was able to quantitatively predict the effects of particle-size distribution on strength evolution. More recently, David Hunt, Founder of concreteforever.com also showed that cement fineness is an important factor influencing compressive strength, with phase compositions becoming significant at later ages. In this study, we also have attempted to predict the compressive strength development of standard ASTM C 10914 mortar in relation the compressive strength required for residential use in Houston, Texas. Simply put, When our concrete arrives on site we modify the mixture depending on the humidity, tempture and soil conditions to minimize concrete cracking and potential displacement that may occur with an improperly mixed batch of concrete. (these factors are never taken into consideration at the concrete plant) Can stamped concrete (decorative concrete) be found in commercial settings? Absolutely, stamped concrete can be found throughout the world and at many distinguished hotels, casinos, resorts, etc. A famous example would be Disneyland and Disney World. Why is decorative concrete (stamped concrete) more expensive than traditional concrete? Recently, I have received inquiries into the cost of decorative cement work in comparison to traditional cement work. Let me describe the two concepts... Traditional cement (also called concrete) work is what you would find around older homes. Examples would be a plain smooth or brushed finish driveway, curb or sidewalk. Rarely were there any designs unless a creative contractor carved shapes into the concrete while it was still wet. The process for installing this type of concrete is a fairly simple one, perfected by many... Not so perfected by many as well... Under the best circumstances it involves little ground preparation, setting forms and the pour. Finishing would require some tamping, floating, troweling and usually brooming the surface. Although this can be tedious work it is normally a simple process when completed by an experienced concrete driveway contractor or concrete patio contractor. Decorative concrete (Concrete Stamping) work is a relatively new concept but really goes back many years. You may have seen a concrete sidewalk leading into a business or mall that looked like a rustic stone path with one or more colors. This design is becoming very popular because it is so complimentary of landscapes and homes. Many people are even having decorative concrete finishes installed in rooms of their homes. Kitchens are among the most common requests. Properly finished decorative concrete can look very elegant or rustic depending on what look is desired. While decorative concrete is the most desired these days it is also the most difficult finish to perfect and requires much more preparation, finishing, and skill. When the contractor actually gets to the point where the concrete driveway, patio or walkway can be stamped (process to apply the decorative appearance) time is crucial. There are very limited amounts of time for the various applications and any mistakes can leave a finish that the homeowner is not satisfied with. Stamping Concrete is an art and I only know one other stamped concrete artisan (besides my crew and myself) in a 200 mile radious from Houston that have perfected this ancient art. This person I refer to is my mentor..... After the concrete is poured and finished the job is not complete. Clean up for this type of finish is more difficult because of the various colors that are involved. After a day or so the contractor will have to return to the job site to pressure wash the excess color/release for the perfect finish and look, then resin-coat the concrete. Simply put decorative concrete is a much more labor-intensive process but most feel it is worth the cost because of the unique, prestigious and elegant look. How is decorative concrete colored? AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston uses two methods to color decorative concrete. Using the first method, color is spread onto the surface by hand using the “dry shake method,” then worked into the surface using hand tools. After the color is applied and worked into the fresh cement, a release/hardener is applied. The release/hardener serves a duel purpose. It adds a tremendous amount of strength and it highlights and acts as a second color, which gives the stamped pattern and overall color a defining and distinguished look. The second method used is when the color is mixed directly inside the concrete at the concrete plant and mixed inside the truck. The concrete is the colored throughout from the top to the bottom instead of just ¼” into the surface. The release/hardener is applied using this method as well. The second method tends to be slightly more expensive since the cost of the material will increase. Both are good methods and not one is better than the other. Which method is used depends on the conditions and what look the customer is trying to accomplish. "I can't afford to do my entire project all at once. Can I do half now and half later?" Decorative concrete is surprisingly affordable. Best of all, every project can be done in stages. It is not a problem to pick up a pattern from one area and connect up to another area of your project at a later time. When is it necessary to reinforce concrete? It is always an advantage in the long term to add re-bar (reinforcement bar). This guarantees that concrete will settle evenly and avoids uneven surfaces, and cracks that widen over time. The soil here in Houston is comprised of mostly clay...unstable to say the least
posted by concreteforever at 6:00 AM 0 comments
Monday, August 30, 2004
Houston Concrete Contractors
Houston Concrete Contractors
posted by concreteforever at 6:22 PM 0 comments
Houston Concrete - Driveways - Concrete Patios
Houston Concrete - Driveways - Concrete Patios
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Permit, engineering & design servicesPool Patios, Custom Pools, jacuzzi's, patios & decksStamped & colored concrete patios and drivewaysFree estimates and NO DEPOSIT REQUIREDBobcat & dumptruck serviceBest stamped concrete driveway in Houston!Exceeds all Houston concrete driveway specificationsPrompt concrete deliveryPavers, pavestones, interlocking, limestone, granite, cobblestones & more! Custom concrete services since 1986, serving all of Harris county and metro Houston areapost-tension foundations, Masonry, brick, block,stone, etcFree estimates, all types masonry; brick, block, stone, stucco, stunning water gardens, dream patio designs.Exotic stonework, all types masonry projects from fire-pits, retainer walls, fireplace systems, stucco, stone, marble and more!Exotic concrete countertops to match your home decor
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posted by concreteforever at 6:19 PM 0 comments
Sunday, August 29, 2004
Americas source for info on decorative concrete
Americas source for info on decorative concreteWhat is stamped concrete? Stamped concrete begins with regular concrete. A powdered dye (color) is spread onto the surface and /or an ahmixture mixed all the way through the wet concrete and trowelled in. Then a second color (also known as releasing agent) is cast on the surface. Before the concrete hardens a set of rubber molds (stamps) are used to imprint textures into its hydrating surface. The result will look like slate, cobblestone, brick, marble, or many other materials. Why is the base so important? Concrete is a mirror image of what it is poured over. Without an adequate base (usually 2-4 inches of compacted rock, sand, gravel or road base) flatwork can settle, separate and develop uneven surfaces. Will decorative concrete last as long and as well as regular concrete? Our product is 4-6" thick, (driveways are 6"-7" thick and patios are 4" or more) 4,000-4,500 psi concrete. We match or exceed the normal requirements for a strong finish that withstands years of normal use. Over the years we have experimented with different proportions of tri-calcium silicate and bi-calcium silicate in terms of performance variables, one important property is the compressive strength. Previously, our technicians at concreteforever.com developed a mathematical model relating cement particle-size distribution to strength development. Assuming that the depth of the hydrated layer is independent of particle diameter (which also is assumed tacitly in the NIST cement hydration model) and proportional to the square root of time, he was able to quantitatively predict the effects of particle-size distribution on strength evolution. More recently, David Hunt, Founder of concreteforever.com also showed that cement fineness is an important factor influencing compressive strength, with phase compositions becoming significant at later ages. In this study, we also have attempted to predict the compressive strength development of standard ASTM C 10914 mortar in relation the compressive strength required for residential use in Houston, Texas. Simply put, When our concrete arrives on site we modify the mixture depending on the humidity, tempture and soil conditions to minimize concrete cracking and potential displacement that may occur with an improperly mixed batch of concrete. (these factors are never taken into consideration at the concrete plant) Can stamped concrete (decorative concrete) be found in commercial settings? Absolutely, stamped concrete can be found throughout the world and at many distinguished hotels, casinos, resorts, etc. A famous example would be Disneyland and Disney World. Why is decorative concrete (stamped concrete) more expensive than traditional concrete? Recently, I have received inquiries into the cost of decorative cement work in comparison to traditional cement work. Let me describe the two concepts... Traditional cement (also called concrete) work is what you would find around older homes. Examples would be a plain smooth or brushed finish driveway, curb or sidewalk. Rarely were there any designs unless a creative contractor carved shapes into the concrete while it was still wet. The process for installing this type of concrete is a fairly simple one, perfected by many... Not so perfected by many as well... Under the best circumstances it involves little ground preparation, setting forms and the pour. Finishing would require some tamping, floating, troweling and usually brooming the surface. Although this can be tedious work it is normally a simple process when completed by an experienced concrete driveway contractor or concrete patio contractor. Decorative concrete (Concrete Stamping) work is a relatively new concept but really goes back many years. You may have seen a concrete sidewalk leading into a business or mall that looked like a rustic stone path with one or more colors. This design is becoming very popular because it is so complimentary of landscapes and homes. Many people are even having decorative concrete finishes installed in rooms of their homes. Kitchens are among the most common requests. Properly finished decorative concrete can look very elegant or rustic depending on what look is desired. While decorative concrete is the most desired these days it is also the most difficult finish to perfect and requires much more preparation, finishing, and skill. When the contractor actually gets to the point where the concrete driveway, patio or walkway can be stamped (process to apply the decorative appearance) time is crucial. There are very limited amounts of time for the various applications and any mistakes can leave a finish that the homeowner is not satisfied with. Stamping Concrete is an art and I only know one other stamped concrete artisan (besides my crew and myself) in a 200 mile radious from Houston that have perfected this ancient art. This person I refer to is my mentor..... After the concrete is poured and finished the job is not complete. Clean up for this type of finish is more difficult because of the various colors that are involved. After a day or so the contractor will have to return to the job site to pressure wash the excess color/release for the perfect finish and look, then resin-coat the concrete. Simply put decorative concrete is a much more labor-intensive process but most feel it is worth the cost because of the unique, prestigious and elegant look. How is decorative concrete colored? AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston uses two methods to color decorative concrete. Using the first method, color is spread onto the surface by hand using the “dry shake method,” then worked into the surface using hand tools. After the color is applied and worked into the fresh cement, a release/hardener is applied. The release/hardener serves a duel purpose. It adds a tremendous amount of strength and it highlights and acts as a second color, which gives the stamped pattern and overall color a defining and distinguished look. The second method used is when the color is mixed directly inside the concrete at the concrete plant and mixed inside the truck. The concrete is the colored throughout from the top to the bottom instead of just ¼” into the surface. The release/hardener is applied using this method as well. The second method tends to be slightly more expensive since the cost of the material will increase. Both are good methods and not one is better than the other. Which method is used depends on the conditions and what look the customer is trying to accomplish. "I can't afford to do my entire project all at once. Can I do half now and half later?" Decorative concrete is surprisingly affordable. Best of all, every project can be done in stages. It is not a problem to pick up a pattern from one area and connect up to another area of your project at a later time. When is it necessary to reinforce concrete? It is always an advantage in the long term to add re-bar (reinforcement bar). This guarantees that concrete will settle evenly and avoids uneven surfaces, and cracks that widen over time. The soil here in Houston is comprised of mostly clay...unstable to say the least
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