AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston
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;
houston hardscapes
hardscape
concrete slab
concrete houston
american concrete
concrete hardscape
concrete patio
hardscape designs
concrete counter
cement mixers
concrete design
prestressed concrete
concrete mixer
cement association
concrete molds
fiber cement
ready mix concrete
pouring concrete
concrete association
concrete steps
concrete form
cement plant
concrete slabs
cement companies
cement contractors
concrete contractors
stamped concrete patios
concrete pumps
concrete flooring
cement companies
concrete cutting
concrete pump
aggregate function
pre cast concrete
polished concrete
concrete stamping
concrete pumping
cement concrete
concrete patios
patterned cement
concrete home
patterned concrete
concrete garden
bomanite
concrete stains
concrete garages
ready mixed concrete
cement and concrete
houston cement
paint concrete
cement factory
concrete coatings
concrete street
concrete prices
cement paving
cement patio
painting cement
concrete stamps
concrete acid
cement manufacturing
mixing concrete
concrete beam
self compacting concrete
concrete paver
concrete finishes
concrete tile
cement kiln
concrete houses
insulating concrete
how to pour concrete
fibre cement
fiber reinforced concrete
stamped cement
concrete siding
concrete sealers
concrete strength
cement mix
concrete tools
concrete surfer
concrete companies
stamped concrete pricing
stamped concrete costs
houston concrete
high strength concrete
concrete structure
concrete coating
cement molds
repair concrete
concrete weight
mix cement
concrete deck
concrete mold
pool houston
pool builder houston
houston pool
houston custom pool
pool builder in texas
texas swimming pool
inground pools houston
houston custom pool builder
soil cement
concrete uk
reinforced concrete design
concrete reinforcement
concrete cement
foam concrete
leveling concrete
concrete edging
concrete sky
cement rendering
the cement garden
painted concrete
concrete bridges
concrete footing
concrete price
hanson concrete
readymix concrete
lay concrete
houston texas
houston
houston
houston concrete
houston patios
houston patio
houston driveway
houston
driveway houston
flagstone houston
houston cement
cement prices
dental cement
reinforced concrete pipe
concrete anchor
cutting concrete
concrete retaining wall
concrete patch
steel concrete
roller compacted concrete
concrete fence posts
concrete mixes
yard of concrete
concrete statues
www concrete
concrete masonry association
autoclaved aerated concrete
insulated concrete form
us concrete
concrete network
sand cement
concrete block wall
concrete tiles
finish concrete
concrete pouring
cement mortar
concrete pond
repairing concrete
cement wall
how to make cement
concrete roof tiles
making cement
creative concrete
concrete washington
concrete systems
cement manufacture
cement steps
concrete casting
cellular concrete
concrete brick
concrete epoxy
concrete overlay
properties of concrete
concrete step
concrete texture
self leveling concrete
concrete aggregate
concrete walkway
lyrics for concrete angel
concrete masonry unit
concrete porch
cement walls
concrete colors
concrete solutions
concrete waterproofing
concrete lintels
concrete panel
refractory cement
what is concrete
prefabricated concrete
cement price
plastic cement
concrete dye
concrete removal
concrete stepping stones
residential concrete
concrete precast
cut concrete
concrete crack repair
patio concrete
prestress concrete
aggregate supply curve
concrete roofing
driveway concrete
ash grove cement
aggregate expenditure
concrete properties
cement tile
concrete additives
mass concrete
lehman brothers us aggregate
cement manufacturers association
concrete frame
associated cement companies
cement roof
painting cement floors
cement counter tops
concrete core
concreteforever.com
Interlocking Patio Pavers - Custom Driveways - Walkways
Looking for concrete, brick, stone pavers? Patios, driveways or patio deck designs
Thursday, March 28, 2002
Tuesday, January 01, 2002
AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston
AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
