Decorative Flatwork
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Building Systems > Decorative Flatwork
Homescaping with Concrete
With technological advances that allows it to take on virtually
any color, texture or shape, concrete is redefining its role
on the residential landscape. Concrete’s new flexibility
has made it a leading player in a design process that puts increasing
emphasis on outdoor space.
The only material with the ability to give a coordinated look to all
of the home’s exterior elements, concrete has become a powerful
design tool for "homescaping." That, combined with its affordability,
durability, and top-level performance in any climate, makes it the best
choice for today’s homeowner.
Exterior Impact
With the exciting new coloring and texturing technologies now
at work, concrete can create a cohesive look that begins with driveways
and walks that coordinate with the home’s exterior, and carries
through into patios and retaining walls that blend naturally with their
surroundings.
If you think concrete looks like a gray slab...you’re right. But
more and more often, it also looks like a brick driveway. Or a flagstone
pool deck. Because the incredible flexibility of concrete allows it to
take on the colors, textures and shapes of other materials. Typically,
it’s done at a fraction of the cost, and it offers superior long-term
performance.
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Colors
Concrete can be cast in a wide variety of colors. Pastels
and earth tones are produced by mixing mineral pigments throughout
the concrete. For deeper tones, finishers use the dry-shake method – sprinkling
powdered, prepackaged color-hardeners onto a freshly cast concrete
slab, then trowelling it into the surface. Precast concrete products,
such as pavers and garden stones, are available in the same full
palette of colors. |
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Patterns
Semi-hardened concrete can be pattern-stamped with special
tools to create the custom look and feel of slate, cobblestone,
brick or tile. The patterns can help scale down large expanses of
paving. |
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Textures
An exposed aggregate finish gives traditional concrete a
more natural look. It’s done by brushing and washing away
surface mortar as the concrete begins to harden, so the stone or
gravel in the concrete becomes visible. Any attractive stone can
be imbedded into the surface – marble, granite chips, pebbles,
or even shells for beachfront property. |
Built To Last
Homebuyers prefer concrete driveways by a hefty two-to-one margin,
according to a recent National Family Opinion study of prospective house-hunters.
It’s no secret as to why. Asphalt sentences homeowners to yearly
surface sealing and a lifetime of filling cracks and potholes. But low
maintenance is only part of the concrete advantage. It’s also an
aesthetic upgrade, with options ranging from the clean, traditional look
to elaborate custom pattern-stamping.
Many people have been led to believe that in severe freeze/thaw climates,
major cracks in concrete are inevitable and pop-outs, scaling and spalling
should be expected. That’s simply not the case. When building in
freeze-thaw climates there are two secrets: specifying the right mix for
the climate, and skilled installation. Choosing contractors carefully – and
asking to see examples of their past work – pays off significantly.
Outdoor Living
Whether it’s a patio, pool deck, terrace, or courtyard, homeowners
are planning on spending time outdoors. Colored and textured concrete
can be used to tie outdoor rooms into the rest of the home. By coordinating
a patio’s color with the home’s interior, it becomes a valuable
extension of the home, rather than an afterthought. Concrete garden walkways
and retaining walls further enhance the scene.
Affordability
While concrete’s initial costs can be higher than other materials,
its life-cycle costs are much lower. Homeowners are well acquainted with
concrete’s durability, fire safety, and proven low-maintenance.
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Custom Look At a Lower Cost
It’s true that decorative concrete is more expensive than plain
concrete. Coloring and texturing concrete so that it looks like brick
or flagstone generally doubles the cost. But using actual brick or
flagstone is two to ten times as expensive as using decorative concrete.
Concrete creates the same custom look, and gives a better performance,
for a fraction of the cost.
Inexpensive Alternatives
There are plenty of concrete finishes that are ideal for
homeowners on a budget. A simple rock salt finish adds an interesting
mottled look, and an easy broom finish turns plain concrete into
a design feature. |
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| Related Publications on Decorative
Concrete |
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Bob Harris' Guide to Stained Concrete Floors
His new Guide to Stained Concrete Floors is a 100-page, full-color
resource with detailed information and practical tips on
staining concrete interior floors.
BUY
IT! LT283 100 pages 2004 $35 |
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Homescaping with Concrete
This video will convince any audience that concrete is beautiful.
Experience the magic of homescaping as it turns outdoor space into
stunning patios, walkways, driveways, terraces, pool decks, and
more. The video shows how concrete can add lasting beauty and value
to any home.
BUY
IT! VC401 19 min. 1992 $9 |
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Finishing Concrete Slabs with Color and Texture
This book describes how to create decorative surfaces on cast-in-place
concrete slabs including: exposed-aggregate finishes; textured
finishes; stamped impressions; colored finishes, including integral
colors, dry shakes, and stains; proper jointing and curing practices;
and combinations of color and texture to create attractive surfaces.
BUY
IT! PA124 72 pages 2004 $30 |
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Building Quality Concrete Driveways
This instructional video discusses the preferred method for
building concrete driveways including planning, site preparation,
concrete specifications, placing and finishing, curing, jointing
and maintenance. Options such as colors and patterns are also shown.
BUY
IT! VC329 10 min. 1990 $6.95 |
If you prefer to order by phone, you can order these
books and videos from the Portland Cement Association toll-free at
(800) 868-6733.
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Stained/Stamped Concrete
Pleasing decorative finishes can be built into concrete during construction.
Variations in the color and texture of concrete surfaces are limited only
by the imagination of the designer and the skill of the concrete craftsman.
Color may be added to the concrete through the use of white cement and
pigments, and by the exposure of colorful aggregates. Textured
finishes can be varied as desired, from a smooth polish to the roughness
of gravel.
Geometric patterns can be scored, stamped, rolled or inlaid into
the concrete to resemble stone, brick or tile paving. Other interesting
patterns are
obtained by using divider strips to form panels of various sizes
and shapes - rectangular, square, circular or diamond. Special techniques
are available
to make concrete slip-resistant and sparkling. The possibilities are
unlimited.
These surface treatments are just as pleasing in the interior as they are
on the exterior of a home. Colored and imprinted concrete is an excellent
flooring material combining the economy, durability, decorative qualities
and strength of concrete and the thermal mass needed for passive solar buildings.
From a real estate marketing standpoint, these special concrete finishing
- interior or exterior - enhance the prestige and value of any property.
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| Exposed Aggregate Finish |
Textured Finishes |
Geometric Patterns |
Colored Finished |
* Photos courtesy of Bomanite, Fabcrete, Increte and Kemiko.
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American Society of Concrete Contractors
2205 S. Brentwood Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63144
(314) 962-0210 / Fax: (314) 968-4367
www.ascconline.org
Decorative Concrete Institute
251 Villa Rosa Road
Temple, GA 30179
(877) 324-8080 or (770) 562-1441
/ Fax: (770) 562-1471
www.decorativeconcreteinstitute.com
Partial List of Producer/Suppliers of Decorative Concrete Flatwork
Absolute ConcreteWorks LLC
5795 NE Minder Rd.
Poulsbo, WA 98370
(360) 297-5055 / Fax: (360) 297-5057
www.absoluteconcreteworks.com
Allcrete
P.O. Box 42001
Memphis, TN 38174
(901) 818-3886
www.allcrete.com
Basement Masters, Inc.
510 4th Ave.
Fargo, ND 58102
(800) 280-7735 or (701) 280-7050
Bomanite
232 S. Schnoor Ave.
Madera, CA 93637
(559) 673-2411 / Fax: (559) 673-8246
www.bomanite.com
Brickform
11061 Jersey Blvd.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
(800) 483-9628
www.brickform.com
Buddy Rhodes Studio, Inc.
2130 Oakdale Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94124
(877) 706-5303 / Fax: (415) 641-1575
www.buddyrhodes.com Carter Concrete, Inc.
204 W. Powell Ln.
Suite 300
Austin, TX 78753
(512) 833-6544 /
Fax: (512) 833-6548
www.carterconcrete.com
Cheng Design
2808 San Pablo Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 849-3272 / Fax: (510) 849-3274
www.chengdesign.com Classic Concrete Design
Raleigh, NC
(919) 272-2072
www.ccd-nc.com
Classic Concrete Designs
9500 Foster St.
Overland Park, KS 66212
(913) 341-0979 / Fax: (913) 341-2223
www.classicconcretedesigns.com Colorado Hardscapes
8085 E. Harvard Ave.
Denver, CO 80231
(800) 447-1888 or (303) 750-8200 / Fax: (303) 750-8886
www.coloradohardscapes.com
Colormaker Floors
6420 Beresford St.
Unit 5
Burnaby, BC V5E 1B6
(604) 433-8763 / Fax: (604) 433-8763
www.colormakerfloors.com Concrete Professionals
143-B Butler Lane
Searcy, AR 72143
(866) 368-8003 or (501) 368-8003 / Fax: (501) 368-8004
www.concreteprofessionals.com
Creative Concrete
New Mexico
(505) 764-8780
Creative Surfaces
4829 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78229
(210) 342-7933
www.creativesurfaces.net
Decorative Concrete Supply
8329 Monticello Rd.
Shawnee Mission, KS 66227
(913) 422-4443 / Fax: (913) 422-8882
www.murraydecorative.com
Decorative Concrete Finishes, Inc.
118 Pearl Industrial Ave.
Hoschton, GA 30548
(888) 379-3779
http://dcf-usa.com
Degussa Admixtures
23700 Chagrin Blvd.
Cleveland, OH 44122
(800) MBT-9990
www.concretelifestyles.com
Elements of Time
P.O. Box 1721
Redmond, OR 97756
(541) 504-9189 / Fax: (541) 504-9189
www.elementsoftime.com
Everlast Concrete
3235 Union Ave.
Steger, IL 60475
(708) 755-0160 / Fax: (708) 755-0140
www.everlastconcrete.com
Fabcrete
1229 Malone St.
Gadsden, AL 35901
(888) 547-7950 / Fax: (256) 547-0640
www.fabcrete.com
Get Real Surfaces
121 Washington St.
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
(845) 452-3988
www.getrealsurfaces.com
Grace Construction Products
Cambridge, MA
(877) 423-6491 / Fax: (877) 423-6492
www.gracedecorativeconcrete.com
Heritage Concrete Construction
P.O. Box 28
Dayton, OR 97114
(503) 201-1623 / Fax: (503) 864-3877
www.heritageconcrete.net
Increte Systems, Inc.
8509 Sunstate St.
Tampa, FL 33634
(800) 752-4626
www.increte.com
Kemiko
6663 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy.
Suite 242
Portland, OR 97225
(503) 296-7756
www.kemikostain.com L. M. Scofield Company
4155 Scofield Rd.
Douglasville GA 30134
(800) 800-9900 / Fax: (323) 720-3033
www.scofield.com
Lee Decorative Concrete Inc.
10410 I-30
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 565-5505 / Fax: (501) 565-5559
www.leeconcrete.com
Miracote
3000 E. Harcourt St.
Rancho Dominguez, CA 90221
(310) 886-9100 / Fax: (310) 886-9119
www.miracote.com
Modello Designs
2504 Transportation Ave.
Suite H
National City, CA 91950
(619) 477-5607 /
Fax: (619) 477-0373
www.modelloconcrete.com
Patterned Concrete Industries, Inc.
12135 E. 11th St.
Suite F
Tulsa, OK 74128
(918) 437-6499
PermaCrete
1101 Menzler Rd.
Nashville, TN 37210-4720
(615) 331-9200 / Fax: (615) 834-1622
www.permacrete.com
Progressive Concrete Works Inc.
1102 W. Hatcher
Phoenix, AZ 85021
(602) 943-7241 / Fax: (602) 944-2033
www.progressiveconcrete.com
Riverside Builders and Developers
1306 Davis St.
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 491-0770
Rudd Company, Inc.
1141 NW 50th St.
Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 789-1000 / Fax: (206) 789-1001
www.skimstone.com
Skookum Floors Concepts
800 5th Ave.
Suite 101-411
Seattle, WA 98104-3102
(866) 756-6586 / Fax: (206) 405-3701
www.concrete-design.com
Soupcan, Inc.
1500 S. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 243-6928 / Fax: (312) 243-6958
www.soupcan.com
Specialty Concrete Finishes
203 Second Ave.
Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
(321) 733-4567 / Fax: (321) 733-4567
SuperStone, Inc.
1251 Burlington St.
Opa-Locka, FL 33054
(800) 432-5037 or (800) 456-3561 / Fax: (305) 681-5106
www.superstone.com
SureCrete Design Products
37826 Skyridge Circle
Dade City, FL 33525
(800) 544-8488 / Fax: (813) 715-6564
www.surecretedesign.com Surface Effects, Inc.
418 Laurel St.
Lake Charles, LA 70605
(337) 477-9939
www.surfaceeffects.com
Syndesis, Inc.
2908 Colorado Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90404-3616
(310) 829-9932 / Fax: (310) 829-5641
www.syndesisinc.com
T.J. Daly's Concrete
2465 Hollywood NE
Salem, OR 97305
(503) 932-3777 / Fax: (503) 581-7691
www.tjdaly.com
Verlennich Masonry & Concrete
1406 Prairie Ave.
Suite D
Staples, MN 56479
(218) 894-0074
www.stampedinstone.com
Versatile Deck Coatings, Inc.
2460 Lemon Ave.
Signal Hill, CA 90806
(800) 535-3325
www.deckcoatings.com
Yoder & Sons
1810 E. Poinsett St.
Greer, SC 29651
(864) 877-3111
www.flex-c-ment.com
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Concrete Pattern Stamping Tool and Equipment Producer/Suppliers
For a state by state listing of tool and equipment producer/suppliers, click
here.
Concrete Pavers
Potential homebuyers see the outside of the home long before they make
it to the kitchen. The exterior appearance can set the tone for the remainder
of the visit. By using interlocking concrete pavers, you can increase the
attractiveness of your home.
Interlocking concrete pavers can be installed in a variety of patterns
- curves, straight lines, intricate designs - to add vitality to any environment.
They create style, color and eye-catching patterns while providing a durable
and long-lasting surface for driveways, patios, walks, pool decks and entrances.
Interlocking concrete pavers tell potential homebuyers that you deliver a
quality product.
Pavers are available from local manufacturers in a variety of shapes and
a wide range of colors. They can be installed in a multitude of
patterns. Typical paver thickness are either 2 3/8 in. (60 mm)
or 3 1/8 in. (80 mm).
The thinner pavers are for pedestrian areas and those that receive
occasional vehicular traffic, such as driveways. The 3 1/8 in.
pavers are for used
in streets and other vehicular applications. All units are small
enough to be hand-laid by one installer.
Pavers typically exceed 8000 psi (55MPa) compressive strength,
less than 5% water absorption and must pass rigorous freeze-thaw
structures. ASTM-C396 is the standard specification for interlocking
concrete pavers.
Pavers can be used as a new pavement or overlay an existing
pavement. Once the pavers have been placed and are fully compacted,
they are ready for traffic.
Concrete pavers interlock without the use of
mortar. This allows the pavement
to be "unzipped" for repairs to sub-surface utilities and then "zipped" back
using the same paving materials. The original appearance of the
paved surface is restored without leaving unsightly patches. For a successful paver design specification and installation, it
is recommended that the specifier consult a local paver producer,
a qualified and experienced installation contractor and a soils
or pavement engineer,
if necessary.
*Photos courtesy of: E.P. Henry, Interlock
Paving Systems and Lehi
Block.
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Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute
The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) is a self-governed,
self-funded, autonomous association representing the interlocking
concrete pavement industry in North America.
Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute
13921 Park Center Rd.
Suite 270
Herndon, VA 20171
(703) 657-6900 /
Fax: (703) 657-6901
www.icpi.org
National Concrete Masonry Association
The National Concrete Masonry Association is an organization
dedicated to expanding the use of concrete masonry through
research, education, promotion,
and public affairs work. Contact NCMA to get a complete listing
of members.
National Concrete Masonry Association
13750 Sunrise Valley Dr.
Herndon, VA 20171
(703) 713-1900 /
Fax: (703) 713-1910
www.ncma.org
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Partial List of Producers/Suppliers of Concrete Pavers
Abbotsford Concrete Products, Ltd.
Abbotsford, BC Canada
(800) 663-4091 / Fax: (604) 852-4819
www.pavingstones.com
Architectural Ornamental Castings
2770 E. Ponce De Leon Ave.
Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 378-6458 / Fax: (404) 371-9414
www.aocinc.com
Barkman Concrete Limited
Winnipeg Office
900 Gateway Rd.
Winnipeg, MB R2K 3L1 Canada
(800) 342-2879 / Fax: (204) 663-4854
www.barkmanconcrete.com
Basalite
11888 W. Linne Rd.
Tracy, CA 95377
(209) 833-3670 / Fax: (209) 833-6039
www.basalitepavers.com
Belgard
375 Northridge Rd.
Suite 250
Atlanta, GA 30350
(800) 899-8455 or (770) 804-3363 / Fax: (770) 804-3369
www.belgardhardscapes.com
Bomanite Corp.
P.O. Box 599
Madera, CA 93639-0599
(559) 673-2411 / Fax: (559) 673-8246
www.bomanite.com
E.P. Henry Corporation
201 Park Ave.
P.O. Box 615
Woodbury, NJ 08096
(800) 44-HENRY / Fax: (856) 845-0023
www.ephenry.com
Gordon Shaw Concrete Products Limited
RR #3
Windsor, NS B0N 2T0 Canada
(800) 565-7000 / Fax: (888) 767-7001
www.gordonshaw.com
Interlock Paving Systems, Inc.
802 West Pembroke Ave.
Hampton, VA 23699
(757) 723-0774 / Fax: (757) 723-8895
www.interlockonline.com
Lafarge Construction Materials - Pavers & Walls Division
51744 Pontiac Trail
Wixom, MI 48393
(248) 684-5004 / Fax: (248) 684-2726
www.lafargepavers.com
Lehi Block Company
2200 N. 1200 West
P.O. Box 7
Lehi, UT 84043
(801) 768-8401 / Fax: (801) 768-8403
www.lehiblock.com
LondonPavers
17550 Highway 23 NE
New London, MN 56273
(800) 450-2311 or (320) 354-2311 / Fax: (320) 354-2477
www.londonstone.net
Nitterhouse Masonry Products, LLC
859 Cleveland Ave.
Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 267-4500 / Fax:
(717) 267-4527
www.nitterhouse.com
Paveloc Industries, Inc.
8302 South Route 23
Marengo, IL 60152
(800) 590-2772 / Fax: (815) 568-1210
www.paveloc.com
Pavers by Ideal
232 Lexington St.
Waltham, MA 02452
(800) 444-7287 / Fax: (978) 692-0817
www.idealconcreteblock.com
Pavestone
4835 LBJ Freeway
Suite 700
Dallas, TX 75244
(972) 404-0400
www.pavestone.com
Pave Tech
P.O. Box 576
Prior Lake, MN 55372
(800) 728-3832
www.pavetech.com
Putnam Stone & Mason Supply
301 Route 52
Carmel, NY 10512
(845) 225-3214 / Fax: (845) 225-0823
www.putnamstone.com
SF Concrete
2155 Dunwinn Dr.
Suite 25
Mississauga, ON L5L 4M1 Canada
(888) 347-7873 or (905) 828-2868 / Fax: (905) 828-0696
www.sfconcrete.com
Stone Legends
301 Pleasant Dr.
Dallas, TX 75217
(800) 398-1199 / Fax:(214) 398-1293
www.stonelegends.com
Substiwood, Inc.
816 W. National Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53204
(414) 688-7581 or (414) 304-1510 / Fax: (414) 304-1505
www.substiwood.com
Unilock
287 Armstrong Ave.
Georgetown, ON L7G 4X6 Canada
(800) UNI-LOCK
www.unilock.com
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Disclaimer
Listing constitutes neither an endorsement nor recommendation by the Portland
Cement Association (PCA). PCA disclaims any and all responsibility
for the selection of firms listed, products they supply, and/or
work performed by
their products. This list is titled a "Partial List" because although PCA
has made reasonable efforts to include all known producer/suppliers,
we are not certain this list includes all producer/suppliers.
This list is in alphabetical order and is not in order of industry
rank or rating. PCA also assumes no responsibility for
errors and omissions
in this list.
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