stamped concrete > Stamped Concrete Houston > Patterned Concrete > Decorative Concrete >Texas, tx, Decorative patios and Exotic Concrete patios,

stamped concrete > Stamped Concrete Houston > Patterned Concrete > Decorative Concrete >Texas, tx, Decorative patios and Exotic Concrete patios, a wet concrete. The reaction of water with the cement in concrete is
extremely important to its properties and reactions may continue for many
years.
Stamping Concrete is an art and I only know one other stamped concrete
artisan (besides my crew and myself) in a 200 mile radius from Houston
that have perfected this ancient art. ( We trained at the same institute)

Will decorative concrete or stamped concrete last as long as well as
regular concrete? Our stamped concrete product is 4-6" thick,
(driveways are 6"-7" thick and patios are 4" or more) 4,000-4,500 psi
concrete. We exceed steel rebar reinforcement requirements by over
20%. We match or exceed the normal requirements for a strong finish that
withstands years of normal use. Over the years the technicians at www.
ConcreteForever.com 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. In the fall of 2001, he
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 our
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, The Founder of AAA Affordable
Concrete Contractors also showed that cement fineness is an important
factor influencing compressive strength, with phase compositions
becoming significant at later ages. In his study, he also revolutionized a
mathematical formula for the prediction of the compressive strength
development of standard ASTM C 10914 mortar in relation to 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, temperature, soil conditions and application
type to minimize concrete cracking and potential sedimentary
displacement that may occur with an improperly mixed batch of concrete.
(these factors are never taken into consideration at the concrete plant)

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 and chemically stain 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? The Technicians at Concrete
Forever.com use two methods to color decorative concrete. Using the first
method, color is spread onto the surface 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.

Due to the wide array of patterns and colors available, and the cost of
stamped concrete in relation to the natural materials installation, 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 or patio 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 on the previous page
that says:" What is stamped concrete?" to read more about this ancient art
and painstaking step by step process please click on our :


Don’t feel left out if you already have a driveway or patio. 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 check out or exotic polished
faux concrete floors and engraving link for an in depth comprehensive
review of your upcoming project


This site was updated Tuesday January 04 at 11:34:52 GMT

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Contractors , Landscape contractors, Landscaping Contractors
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. Desire a faux finish? Exotic faux polished
concrete is now at your fingertips if you call us now...

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 houston landscaping 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 landscape option — and
one that costs less than other patio materials. Landscaping Houston Homes can be elegant with a
distinguished decorative driveway or walkway, Houston Landscape companies generally sub out
their concrete work so now homeowners can go to the SOURCE!

“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 for the landscape or landscaping 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 landscaping in houston 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 landscape and hardscape with 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.
This site was updated Monday January 03 at 11:44 GMT

Texas Service Areas:
Katy, Houston, North Houston, South Houston, East Houston, West Houston, Northwest Houston,
Southwest Houston, Bunker hill, Bellaire, Missouri City, Sienna Plantation, Tomball, Lake Houston,
Woodlands, The Woodlands, Kingwood, Cypress, Jersey Village, Beaumont, Spring, Conroe,
Huntsville, Pasadena, Bryan, Humble, College Station, Galveston, Katy, Lufkin, Nacogdoches,
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If your in the market for a new driveway and you live in Houston,Texas or any part of South Texas then you
might want to catch up on the latest engineered specifications criteria for building a reinforced Concrete
Driveway designed specifically for our soil condition parameters in this region of the country.



Pouring a slab?
Use our online
concrete mix
optimization tools

Buy our 30 page step by
step "Do-it-yourself"
stamped concrete manual
by the "Stamp Masters" at
ConcreteForever.com




While your removing your old driveway, dig down 8" deeper and remove the black soil.
Distribute 6" of crushed concrete, granite or gravel and machine pack the sub base to a
minimum 90% compaction of uniform density and thickness.

Once you;ve compacted your sub-base then distribute clean washed sand a minimum 2"
deep. Mist the sand with water as you machine vibra-plate the sand to a minimum 95%
compaction of soil uniform density and thickness.

Set your forms up for your new driveway 12 ft apart for a single car
driveway and 24 ft apart if you want a two car driveway. The Concrete
needs to be 6" thick to meet national building codes requiring that all
steel reinforcement encased with concrete a minimum 3". (to prevent
hydrostatic expansion deterioration. Where the driveway meets the
street you'll need to make the radius a minimum 48". Incert 18" dowels
#5 rebar rods into the street @ 24" on center with epoxy -
maintain an exposure of 9"

Measure 10' ft back from the street and install an expansion joint as per city municipality
building codes. This section of concrete drive needs to have #4 steel Rebar rods spaced
12" apart each way forming a grid that is placed on 3" chairs. All dowels must be a min 9"
(preferably 12" overlap) Tie these grids into you drilled into the street, (3" below
elevation).

If your neighborhood has a sidewalk running through your driveway then you will need to
match the width (48" and incert you form for your sidewalk closest to your residence level
while the form closest to the street needs to have a 1/8" per ft fall.

Your curb and gutter needs to be formed up to continue across uninhibited. The depth
of the curb and gutter should be 12" deep by 16" wide with cont reinforcement.

At this point your ready to install your #3 steel rods in your driveway spaced 15" apart on
center each way and placed on 3" chairs to maintain the 3" encasement.

Now your ready to order concrete. Call a ready mix company (preferably Metro Concrete
if you live in Houston, they don't "cut" the Portland cement with fly ash like many of the
ready mix companies are beginning to do).

You'll need to order 1" gravel aggregate with 7 sacks of pure Portland per cubic yard
concrete with a maximum 4" slump. Once the concrete arrives on site you will need to
measure the concrete temperature. It is well known that the chemical reaction of cement
with water is exothermic and liberates a considerable quantity of heat during the curing
period. When cement, water, stone and sand are mixed together, a chemical reaction
starts. This is between the cement paste and water. In this curing process, the volume of
the slab, and the inner pressure/strain exerted on the rebars will change in a fashion that
depends on the composition of the concrete mixture.

The curing process is affected by the water to cement ratio, the curing
temperature, humidity and the type of cement. Hydration is responsible
for the hardening (strength) of the concrete. For concrete, the gain in
strength continues for a long time, and theoretically for an indefinite
period of time. However, the strength of the concrete reaches a peak
within 7days. During this process something else happens. Water in
the concrete mixture will evaporate, resulting in a decrease in the volume of the
concrete. The volume of concrete also decreases due to re-arrangement of finer particles
within the larger ones. The different proportions of cement, water, air entrainements,
admixtures and sand will bring about different temperatures, pressure and strain
variations within the concrete slab as well. The result of the volume change is strain, also
known as shrinkage strain, and this is responsible for some small cracks that may appear
after the curing process of an improperly optimized concrete mix, also aggrevating the
thermal stresses induced during the curing process may cause cracks within the
structure, thus weakening it.

The maximum optimum temperature of the concrete cannot exceed 40.2 °C. The
temperature change measured within the concrete follows the same trend as the ambient
air and surface temperatures surrounding the slab but with a larger change in the initial
stage and tailing off to the ambient temperature with increasing time. Adjust air
entrainment and tri-calcium silicate admixture proportions according to the absorption
component properties criteria.

The barometric pressure variables and humidity criteria need to be calibrated into the
optimization performance variables table (provided by a www.concreteforever.com on site
project manager) prior to the pour by a qualified engineer or by a one of the qualified
Concreteforever.com technicians, as this will determine the performance criteria and the
optimum amounts of air entrainment and bi-calcium silicates admixtures required to
optimize the mix according to these variables

Now that you've optimized your concrete mix you are ready to pour the cement.
Screeding the cement off must be done with an .o24 min aluminum professional grade
concrete screed 2x4 and NOT a wood 2x4. (wooden 2x4 will flex and bow causing
undesirable surface variations). Plus we will laugh you off the job-site if we catch you!

Float the surface with magnesium floats and texture with a horse hair broom resulting in
a fine textured finish that will be slip free.

If a stamped concrete finish is desired then our SCI certified Stamped Concrete
Technicians should perform all texturing, stamping & concrete mix optimizations.


"If you made it way down here then you must be spinning by now from all the specs.....give
us a call and we'll install your upcoming exotic concrete driveway at an affordable price!"


article written by D. Hunt

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No part of this web site may be reproduced without the express written consent of Affordable Concrete
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To report technical problems when attempting to use this website please contact the webmaster.




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