Concrete Designs

When a new building is built, there are a number of considerations to kept in mind:  1) The project must be planned with a set budget.  2) The building should incorporate as many green building materials and techniques as possible.  3) The finished project should be as durable and as long-lasting as possible without the need for time-consuming maintenance.  Many commercial buildings designers turn to concrete for their choice of flooring for these and many other reasons.

Polished concrete for your building is an option that is well worth some exploration.  Many of the floors that you walk on while shopping or conducting business are actually polished concrete, rather than tile or other flooring options; it is simply made to look like the more expensive floor systems.  Grocery stores, hospitals and professional office buildings use polished concrete since it is durable, economical and easy to care for. Another advantage in the commercial setting is the ability to quickly and easily change its appearance without having to tear up an entire floor to do so, meaning far less disruption to business. Natural Wonder Floors by Perfect Polish can be added while the building is in use and fully occupied, meaning less cost through disruptions and time lost from work.

Using polished concrete flooring in your new building project simply makes sense.  The materials will cost less, it looks great for far longer than other flooring systems, and it will qualify as a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) choice as well.

For more information contact Perfect Polish at (877) 91-SHINE.

There are many new uses of concrete that have come to the fore lately.  Some of these uses simply copy methods that used to be very costly, painstaking and had to use a lot of concrete, manpower and time to get the job done.

These days there are many concrete treatments available that add color, shine, texture and more to floors, walls, counter tops, pool and patio décor and many other places in and around homes and other structures.

One technique that is used a great deal is polished concrete.  The appearance of the concrete is a great sheen once it is finished, and the concrete itself can be created in many colors.  There are many benefits to using polished concrete including:

•Hardeners are put in the mix so that the durability and longevity factor is actually cured with the concrete;
•The finish resists shoe scuffs and stains;
•Easy to clean – only needs mopping and stays shiny;
•Because of polished concrete’s reflective nature, if you choose a light color, less electric lighting in the area is needed;
•Polished concrete outlasts almost any other normal surface, such as carpeting or vinyl.

Another exciting quality about polished concrete is that it is extremely versatile.  It is often used in schools, libraries and other public buildings because of the qualities listed above.  Many stores are beginning to refinish their older floors and give them an updated look.  Not only will polished concrete do that, it is also considered a “green” product – which is environmentally friendly.  Since the environment is such an important issue, to have a product that will stand the test of time, clean easily, look beautiful and be good for the environment, this is a win-win situation for all involved.

There are many different types of decorative concrete, and polished concrete is one of the most versatile and beautiful.  If you are thinking of remodeling, redecorating or renovating – or building something new – try looking into polished concrete as a great way to create flooring that will not only be durable and easy to take care of, but will also enhance any area of your home.  To be straightforward, polished concrete can be simply stunning.

For years, many hotels and convention centers were immersed in thick, overly bright too glitzy patterned carpeting reminiscent of Las Vegas. During the past decade, especially most recently, things have begun to change to a more subtle, minimalist, yet elegant, trend.

This is where many of the new types and styles of flooring come into play. There are numerous types of decorative concrete available both for commercial projects such as hotels, restaurants and office buildings, and they are also available for homes.

One of the most stunning floor treatments is the use of polished concrete. Not only is it beautiful, it is also durable and enhances and envelopes an atmosphere by creating a seamless connection between floor and décor.

One example of polished concrete being used commercially is at the remodeled Hotel San Jose in Austin, TX. The Hotel San Jose is a landmark in Austin. It was bought and remodeled by an ex-attorney turned hotelier, who wanted the look to represent Austin and at the same time be minimalist. She was trying to create a calm atmosphere for guests to soak in by combining unique metals and metal work, vintage furniture and bright splashes of color, exquisitely framed by the polished concrete floors. The custom hand-made furniture created out of reclaimed Texas pine creates a spectacular impact against the polished concrete floors. As a result, each room looks unique, personal and welcoming.

There are increasing numbers and types of venues using decorative concrete flooring – especially polished concrete – to create an ambience and finished look to their décor. The art of creating a specific look with polished concrete is growing. It has become affordable and versatile. With different types of colors, patterns and even wall décor, polished concrete is fast becoming a decorative touch that is in demand.

Lately there have been several new schools built in my neighborhood and a couple of older schools remodeled.  I must say, they are not like schools in the old days with either faded linoleum and pale green or gray walls or with stained carpeting and the same faded, pale green or gray walls.

Schools are being built better, smarter, more eco-friendly and more durable.  I visited the newer schools and the remodeled schools to see what they looked like and get an idea of how well the jobs were done.

I was absolutely stunned.  Some of these schools look like Marriott hotels!  One of the things that jumped out at me immediately was the liberal use of decorative concrete on walls in hallways, on floors – especially in the auditorium and lunch room, and on the exterior of the buildings.  Not only did this look state of the art and very attractive, it was obviously easy to maintain and very durable.

In browsing through various special rooms, such as the art rooms and computer rooms, it was as if I was walking through a university.  It certainly was not anything like what I used to call school.

That gave me an idea.  I went to look at the local university which had expanded and been renovated recently.  I was struck by the ingenious use of decorative concrete and polished concrete on floors, walls, stairs and pillars.  This was truly a university whose décor and structure had been well thought out and planned.  The use of stamped concrete on many of the interior and exterior walls, as well as the rotunda in the student center created an atmosphere that was conducive to learning.  The polished concrete floors added a sturdy yet artistic framework to the design and played well off the buttery-yellow walls.

Schools have come a long way and so has concrete.  Schools are no longer plain wood, brick and linoleum buildings with pale walls.  Concrete is no longer dull gray cement poured into a framework.  Both have stepped forward into the 21st century with bright colors, patterns, creativity and durability.