Houstons source for info on custom decorative concrete, drivewayS, patios, Stamped/patterned concrete, admixtures for concrete. Also offer links to other related resources

Monday, December 13, 2004

Stamped Concrete Patios, Decorative patios and Exotic Concrete patios,

Stamped Concrete Patios, Decorative patios and Exotic Concrete patios,: "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 and engraved stained flooring.

Many homeowners don�t realize that a stamped concrete patio is a viable option � and one that
costs less than other patio materials.

�People don�t know anything about it. Then they see stamped concrete in a magazine and they
have to have it.�

�Juan Torres, AAA Affordable Contractors

A form of today�s stamped concrete was originated on the West coast back in the 1960s. The
stamp concrete tools back then were made of metal and resembled cookie cutters. They
produced a pattern, but did not provide any texture.

Today�s tools are rigid mats made of polyurethane that produce authentic textured patterns of
stone, brick and even wood planking and fossilized sea-life. When stamped concrete is installed
by experienced craftsmen, brick masons with 30 years of experience can�t tell the difference
between "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 and engraved stained flooring.

Many homeowners don’t realize that a stamped concrete patio is a viable option — and one that
costs less than other patio materials.

“People don’t know anything about it. Then they see stamped concrete in a magazine and they
have to have it.”

—Juan Torres, AAA Affordable Contractors

A form of today’s stamped concrete was originated on the West coast back in the 1960s. The
stamp concrete tools back then were made of metal and resembled cookie cutters. They
produced a pattern, but did not provide any texture.

Today’s tools are rigid mats made of polyurethane that produce authentic textured patterns of
stone, brick and even wood planking and fossilized sea-life. When stamped concrete is installed
by experienced craftsmen, brick masons with 30 years of experience can’t tell the difference
between stamped concrete and real brick or stone.

Homeowners in the Clear lake and Sienna Plantation areas tend to favor ashlar slate, grand
ashlar slate, royal slate, European fan, and London cobblestone.

The Woodlands area residents tend to gravitate toward the flagstone and Roman ashlar slate
patterns, while the Bellaire residents seem to prefer a seamless granite texture look, as well as
flagstone textures — stone that is more natural to the area.

Ashlar slate is also a favorite in the Houston, Texas area.

Another benefit of a stamped concrete patio is that outdoor tables don’t rock on concrete like
they do on stone and tile surfaces.

amped concrete is concrete that is patterned to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile — and
even wood.

Stamped concrete is becoming increasingly popular and a more frequent material of choice for
homeowners across the country because of the wide array of patterns and colors available,
particularly compared to other potential patio materials.

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. Many offer dozens of patterns.


Americans everywhere from California to New England and from Texas to Minnesota — are
spending more time at home and more time outdoors. An exotic stamped concrete patio (by
ConcreteForever.com no doubt) can be a great place to spend time.

Back yards are being transformed into luxurious extensions of the house. They’re the new
favorite room to relax, entertain, and cook. And the heart and soul of the backyard resort area is
the stamped concrete patio.

The Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association, which recently held its annual tradeshow and
exposition, says the growth of the outdoor living phenomena is the result of North America’s
interest in ‘cocooning,’ the trend toward a more casual lifestyle, an aging population and the
popularity of porches, decks, and concrete patios in homes.

The swimming pool and patio industry sees that trend, too. In fact, pools are getting smaller
and Patios are geting bigger, pools are playing a less dominant role in the back yard.

The pool is just one amenity — an increasing number of homeowners are going all out with
outdoor kitchens, furnished seating areas, fireplaces, decorative concrete patios, pizza ovens,
elaborate water features, and more.

Houstonians want to enjoy their homes, but they also see upgrading their back yards as an
investment.








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