Concrete Designs

Concrete has long been used for foundations of buildings, for sidewalks, driveways, playgrounds and a host of other building parts.  However, it has always been the same old thing – gray, drab and boring.

But not any more!  You wouldn’t recognize concrete – literally.  There are stunning colors, textures and so much more.  One of the great things about the “new” concrete is that there are so many innovative ways to apply, pour and install it that you don’t even have to tear out the old concrete that you are upgrading.  In the past you would have to tear out the old concrete which is both costly, time consuming and extremely difficult.  The new concrete has much better options.

There are very durable coatings that can be less than an inch, in fact, down to less than ¼ inch, and can be applied right on top of the original concrete.  Many of the decorative concrete applications will keep the same texture of the original concrete while changing color and sheen.  Some overlays simply add color; others totally change the concrete so that it looks as though it is brand new.

One innovative and beautiful type of decorative concrete is a spray top mixed with polymers and applied with a special paint gun.  This is a product that is not meant to change the existing surface texture; however, it will resurface the concrete so that if it is faded, discolored or stained it will look new.  This type of concrete is also used to spray a thin layer over stamped concrete that has discolored over the years.  Instead of taking the concrete out, the spray – which can be done in any color – brings out the stamps and all their detail, making them look new again.  The stamps are not changed at all, so their unique pattern is preserved, while making the new color look more uniform.

This is just one of the types of decorative cement that are being used today to enhance all areas of homes and other buildings, as well as landscaping, parks, town squares and other areas.

If you are considering or involved in any type of building project that involves the use of concrete, consider using some form of decorative concrete for its durability, cost-effectiveness and long lasting beauty.

It used to be that when we thought of concrete, we thought of just a few things, such as sidewalks, driveways and cement slab house foundations.  Most of the time the concrete used has been a pretty dull gray.  Once in a while, for instance, in some southwestern towns, we could find some sidewalks that were various shades of rust and orange that mimic the beautiful mountains in their midst.

In the past decade, however, concrete has changed from a basic utility to a decorative enhancement, a creative and artistic essential in creating the mood of resorts and homes throughout the world.  Decorative concrete has become an integral part of the planning for many building plans – whether commercial or private.  The colors and textures of decorative concrete have become so important that often they are the centerpiece or focal point of a floor plan.

This phenomenon has changed the way that homes are created and office buildings, malls and other buildings are created.  Imagine your basement floors being the color of your choice, sealed to keep out mold and setting the tone for everything from the color and texture on your walls and the furniture you buy.

Think about your kitchen counters being custom poured and cured right in your home in the color and texture you want – at about the same cost as a pre-made countertop.  Think of the hundreds of ways you could plan your decor around your custom countertop and matching or complementing floors.  Decorative concrete can do all this and more.

If you are planning to build or remodel a home, office, mall or any other type of structure, landscape, patio or pool, take the time to look into decorative concrete.  You will be pleasantly surprised at what you find.

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.

It wasn’t too long ago the most driveways were gray, dull, and pretty much the same. It wasn’t much different with sidewalks, patios, pool decks and basically everything outdoors. You would drive through neighborhoods with beautiful homes in rich earthy hues with lush landscaping and they were surrounded by dull concrete.
All that began to change within the last decade or so, and these days, unique and decorative concrete provides the backdrop and the framing that enriches and completes the beauty of homes and the landscape around them. There is no limit to the creative ways that concrete can be used to enhance a home (or library, office building, boutique, airline terminal, and more).
I have been on a mission to discover some of the unique ways that concrete is being used. A few of these have included:
• In basements of new and old homes to provide durability, color, warmth, longevity and ease of care, plus to created atmosphere;
• In entryways to create a mood and atmosphere from rustic to modern to elegant, which sets the tone for the entire home;
• In kitchens – poured directly into custom framing and built on site – to provide a durable, yet creative and colorful centerpiece to decorate the room around. I have even seen some counters with lights in the concrete!
• Around pools and landscaping, often stamped or stained concrete blends right into the outdoor theme and looks like anything from hand laid Spanish tile to hand carved rocks – which set off a pool, waterfall and lush plants in a stunning, yet economic way;
• In garages – where different colors and styles not only add a different look to a workshop or storage area but also provide durability and a long-term easy clean and upkeep area for cars and everything else that goes inside;
• To color and texture walls creating looks that range from pueblo and southwest styles to stunning Italian terrazzo and inlaid tile, in muted and earthy colors that relax visitors to bright colors that excite and stimulate both he décor and the mind.
These are just a few of the decorative concrete presentations I have seen, but there are many more. Decorative concrete is easily available, extremely versatile and affordable. It will maintain its durability for years and add value to your home or any other property it is used to enhance.
If you are looking for a unique way to create a distinctive look to a home that you are remodeling or to a home, office or other structure you are building or landscaping, explore the variety of ways concrete can be used to create a style and an ambiance that shows your creativity and your personality.

Decorative concrete and cement have become essential elements in building and decorating.  There are many varieties on the market and more becoming available.

One of the contractor’s top product choices is Flex-C-Ment overlays.  These are incredibly beautiful and durable overlays that work vertically to create stunning walls, and horizontally over floors and countertops.

Especially when it comes to walls, there is nothing as stunning as Flex-C-Ment.  With stamped concrete and other types of concrete overlays and restoration becoming popular, Flex-C-Ment is at the top of the field and the top of the line.

Flex-C-Ment’s vertical overlay wall system bonds like no other system available.  Some of the applications the system can be used for fireplace surrounds, interior and exterior walls, foundations, retaining walls and chimneys.  It is exceptional to find a system that is both beautiful and durable enough to be used inside and out to create a seamless décor and ambiance throughout your property.

Flex-C-Ment’s cementicious dry mix is designed for even the most sever indoor or outdoor applications.  In addition, Flex-C-Ment has also developed their own special countertop mix that can be used over existing countertops as an overlay to create a new look or can be poured to create entirely new countertops.

Flex-C-Ment has tested its products for 25 years and requires that you take their training seminar before using their products to give you hands-on experience. However, there are no franchise fees or minimum orders.

My family and I live in a small town in the western United States.  It’s one of those proverbial one-horse towns.  Main Street is five miles long at best.  Traffic stops at our main intersection several times per year when, in the middle of the day, ranchers move their sheep from the highlands to the lowlands and vice-versa, so they can be in the right place as the seasons change.  Because there is no exact time that this is done, we often find ourselves sitting at a stoplight or top sign on Main Street while waiting for the sheep to get where they’re going.  We don’t have a mall, a Costco or a Target, and we just got a Starbucks a few months ago!

Even in a pretty small town like mine, where horses live next door, or down the street and cows graze in the fields around the corner from us, there are modern and beautiful methods of decorative concrete used in a lot of areas.  I hadn’t really noticed before starting to research for articles, but as I became more aware of decorative concrete hot shots free download

fugitive the divx online and all of its uses and applications, I have seen it everywhere.

I have been to the library numerous times on quests for a particular book my son needed for an assignment.  It’s a nice looking library, but I didn’t realize until lately, that the entryway and foyer are done in beautiful jade green color concrete overlay. The walls are a pale grayish-green stamped concrete that are textured to look like oversized bricks.  The general décor is finished off with oak shelves, oak beams from floor to ceiling and areas of carpet.  Without the use of decorative concrete, the library would be nice, but would not be enticing and creative in the way that it does.  It would simply be a large room with bookshelves and carpet. 

Then there is the main bank in town.  The polished concrete used in the entryway and near the teller area, creates an interesting and elegant area that meshes with the carpet quite seamlessly.  The textured concrete

• The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond dvd

walls – inside and out in rich buttery colors – draws people in by the warmth the walls project due to the combination of color and texture.

These are just a couple of examples of the use of decorative concrete in a tiny western town.  As I explored town, stopping by places I visit regularly, I found other stunning examples at two hotels I stopped at, the Visitors Center, my doctor’s office and the building he and other doctors practice in, and more.

If you are thinking of building or renovating, think about decorative concrete, and look into the ideas of how it can be used in beautiful and affordable ways. free lost city the

soma communications

Johnny English release

download 8 Mile

In Nebraska City, Nebraska, the city council just had a very important vote. In addition to a number of improvement items for the area including walking and bike trails and other issues, approval was granted to construct concrete overlaid crosswalks.

Lately, the use of various forms of decorative concrete, such a stamped and polished concrete, have come to the fore and are being used more and more Nebraska City is no exception. Their vote to create the concrete overlaid crosswalks was based on aesthetics and beauty, practicality and durability.
In trying to beautify the area in a creative way, using decorative concrete overlay on top of the old crosswalks.

The new crosswalks, because of the concrete overlay, will be durable, since it will be overlaid, colored and sealed in such a way that it will be easy to maintained. Plus, if need be, it can be easily re-colored or textured if the wear and tear begins to show after a few years.

The fact that a city feels that the beauty and durability of decorative concrete overlay will withstand the elements and the daily wear and tear of people, bicycles and cars, shows that this same treatment or a similar one in your backyard around flowerbeds, a pool or a Jacuzzi, and it will stand up to he elements and wear and tear at your home.

In addition, there are so many versatile ways to use decorative concrete, and versatile colors and textures to enhance your home inside or out. Entryway walls textured with colored concrete and enhanced by polished concrete floors can be both exquisite and welcoming. Stamped concrete surrounding a fireplace creates an elegant yet earthy feel. We could go on and on from herre.

Instead, take a look at information and photos showing what decorative concrete is, how versatile it is, how it can be used to enhance your home, both inside and out.

When most of us think of Hawaii we think of lush landscapes, beautiful beaches and stunning waterfalls.  So, what do you do when you are trying to landscape a home or office building?  You blend.  People try to enhance their home or other structures by using the landscape to blend into the canvas that nature has provided to envelop the structure.

Lokahi Stone located in Honolulu, Hawaii, is a master of decorative concrete, specializing in stained cement, fireplace surrounds, and custom countertops. Lokahi means “coming together in harmony.”  Lokahi Stone employs a unique method of blending the elements of geology, water and stone to bring this atmosphere into your home or business and designs a gathering place for you and your guests.

Because of the advancement of concrete materials they are not only beautiful but also offer competitive prices, ease of use, durability and stunning results.  Lokahi Stone uses these applications and more.  They shape the materials and make them individual and unique to your environment and taste.  Individualized designs can include inlays and semi-precious stone aggregates, not to mention an amazing array of colors and textures. 

Keeping true to their name, Lokahi Stone will create an atmosphere that brings the outside in and the inside out, developing a seamless flow of elements and energy and creating the look, feel and space that is individual and unique to your ideas and taste.  Lokahi will create artistic yet functional and stylish countertops, fountains, architectural design elements or anything and everything you can imagine.

You can contact them at Lokahi Stone.

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.