I recently came across an add for stained concrete installed for .95 cents a square foot. Wow! I almost fell off my chair. How can someone advertise this when you can’t even buy the right products for that price; let alone labor, insurance, phones and business expenses? I understand that we all should try to find the best deal, but does that mean the cheapest? How on earth can you expect a proper installation for 2$ less that the average going rate?

When companies decide to secure jobs solely based on price, than it is the end user that should be aware that you get what you pay for! When the system flakes, delaminates, looses its color in a year and looks bad, don’t blame the products or system - blame the installation company who didn’t use the right amount, proper surface preparation or type of material for the job.

Everyone knows that you can dilute and thin out a paint and it will still color a wall. The problem comes when you decide to wipe or clean the wall. The paint will come off and the same goes for decorative concrete.

When decorative concrete is installed properly and done right it will often outlast many other types of decorative finishes.

Lets remember though, low bidders who cannot afford to do the job correctly cannot install a system that will last. So perhaps when you’re selecting a company for your next project, you may consider throwing out the low bidder and going with #2. In fact, many experienced general contractors do exactly that. We can learn from their experience.

Also let’s keep in mind, companies that make a profit will also be around a year or two from now to help with any issue or problems that may arise. ‘Fly by nighters’ are gone in the wind! Support the companies that choose to do things right and you will be glad you did when years from now you are still enjoying your Decorative Concrete Finish.