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Concrete Countertops for Any Kitchen
Concrete is one of the most popular building materials in the world today. Once just seen as utilitarian, concrete was only used for outdoor construction and unseen foundations, but now concrete is recognized and respected for its beauty and versatility. One of the most common places the design potential of concrete is utilized is in concrete countertops.
Perfect for modern, traditional, industrial, or rustic kitchens.Stained Concrete Patios– Enhance Your Outdoor Space
If you’re looking for a way to liven up or revitalize your outdoor living spaces, consider concrete stains. Stained concrete patios can update the whole look and feel of your home in a cost-effective way. You can add subtle hints of color or saturated color, design accents, and lots of other patterns and effects to achieve the look you want. The concrete stain deeply penetrates the concrete surface for color that is permanent, fade-resistant, and won’t flake or peel like regular paint.
What is the best stain for stained concrete patios?
The concrete stain that’s best for your project depends greatly on the desired look you want to achieve, that said you can choose from either acid-based chemical stains or water-based stains, but what’s the difference?Acid Stains for Concrete
Acid stains work by penetrating the surface of the concrete and producing a chemical reaction with the concrete. The acid stain lightly etches the concrete’s surface allowing it to penetrate more easily. After this chemical reaction occurs, the resulting color becomes a permanent part of the concrete slab, and won’t fade or chip off. Also, acid stains generally produce earthy tones like tan, brown, terra cotta, and sometimes soft blues and greens.Water-Based Stains for Concrete
Water-based stains for concrete are available in a wider range of hues, including even black and white, and metallic options. Much like acid stains, these water-based options penetrate the concrete surface to create permanent color ranging from translucent and subtle to opaque and dramatic.Prepping Your Patio for Concrete Stain
The great thing about stained concrete patios is that they are a quick way to give your outdoor living space a cost-friendly makeover. That said, if you want to have great results, you’ll need to make sure you adequately prep the patio surface to best receive the concrete stain. Because concrete stains are somewhat translucent, they don’t hide imperfections or unwanted marks left behind by dirt, oil, grease, or weathering.
You can often remove oil and other stains from concrete surfaces by using a strong detergent and a scrub brush. For more intense stains, you can try a concrete cleanser to break down the oil. One your surface has been cleaned and prepped, you can add the concrete stain.
Stained Concrete Patio Colors
One of the best things about stained concrete is the endless options for color and style that come with it. Spice up the look of your outdoor patio with a stain color that will complement your home exterior and decor preferences. Find a simple hue to go with, or mix colors for a bolder, more unique look. If your patio is stamped concrete, a natural colored stain can help enhance the patterns to make them look more realistic.Finding the Right Supplies for Your Stained Concrete Patio Project
If you’re taking on a stained concrete patio project, find concrete stains, tools, and everything else you could possibly need at Power Rental & Sales. We stock the best products in concrete to ensure you or your contractors get the best results every time.How To Stamp Concrete
If you’re looking to add the versatile appeal of stamped concrete to your home or property, you might be in need of a little information about where to start. This introductory guide on how to stamp concrete may come in handy for you as you research and plan your stamped concrete project! If you need any materials, tools, or equipment, you can find everything you need at Power Rental & Sales to complete your project like a pro.
How To Tackle Your Stamped Concrete Project
Installation of stamped concrete is a challenging task to say the least. If you’re a novice at it, you’ll probably want to work with a contractor who has plenty of experience. It’s imperative for stamps to align properly, the texture to be just right, and, of course, timing is everything. The following steps are what goes into stamped concrete projects, and will give you an overview of the process.1– Preparing the Subgrade
Subgrade plays an important role in the overall performance and structural integrity of concrete slabs. It’s important for it to be well compacted to prevent drainage and soil erosion beneath the concrete.2– Placement of the Forms
The next step involves placing wooden, metal, or plastic forms attached to stakes to keep poured concrete contained within a desired area. Forms need to be in good condition and set to provide the appropriate slope for drainage.3– Reinforcements
Next reinforcements must be installed to provide support and structural function of the slab. This will help to reduce cracking, provide structural capacity, and increase impact resistance while reducing necessary joint maintenance.4– Concrete Placement
The next step is placing the actual concrete itself. The most common method used for this is to have a ready-mix truck pull up to the area and deposit the wet concrete mix from its chute. You’ll want to place it as close to its final destination as possible to avoid moving it around too much, which can cause segregation. You’ll also want to use plastic sheeting to protect nearby structures and landscaping from concrete splatter. The proper slump, mix, and design will be critical to success, so be sure to discuss with your contractor the type of concrete being used to ensure proper and successful placement.5– Finishing the Concrete
Working quickly and efficiently after placing the concrete is critical, as the mixture will begin to harden. The perfect concrete canvas for decorative stamping is freshly poured concrete mixture. Ensure the surface is leveled with no low or high spots, and that cement paste is brought to the surface to ensure a well-defined print from the concrete stamps.
6– Add Color
There are many options and methods used for applying color and stain to concrete mixtures, and our team at Power Rental & Sales can help point you and/or your contractor in the right direction of all the items you’ll need to make the step a success. The sky’s the limit, as there are infinite possibilities for adding color and stain to your stamped concrete project.
7– Stamping the Concrete
The window for successful concrete stamping is generally short, especially when the weather is warm. For this reason, it’s imperative to outline and diagram the stamp layout ahead of time so you have a developed plan of action. You’ll also need to make sure there are enough hands on deck to cover the area in the amount of time you’ll have to make the stamping happen. Then you’ll stamp the concrete in the same pattern in which it was placed. Stamping alignment should be checked regularly to ensure a uniform look.8– Curing and Sealing the Concrete
Next the concrete should be cured to ensure it retains sufficient moisture content, which is necessary for the concrete to develop properties that make it denser and less permeable for strength and durability. Of course, no stamped concrete project is complete without a proper sealer application. This final step adds a sheen to the surface of your stamped concrete, enhances the colors used, and blocks stains that can occur from dirt, leaves, chemicals, and more. If you’re looking for direction, inspiration, materials, or tools needed for your next concrete project, check out one of our Power Rental & Sales stores in Nashville, Chattanooga, and Huntsville, or find what you need on our website. When it comes to how to stamp concrete, and having an outcome you’ll love, we’ve got everything you could need!5 Outdoor Decorative Concrete Projects Chattanooga for Spring
Spring is in the air, and everyone is itching to spend time outdoors. Maybe you’re planning a little spring cleaning or even some home renovation efforts to improve your space just in time for the upcoming season. If you’re looking to enhance your property out of doors, we’ve got several ideas to inspire you. Check out these six outdoor decorative concrete projects Chattanooga for spring, and get everything you need to complete them to plan at Power Rental & Sales.
1– Patio Project
Maybe you have an old patio that needs a facelift or you’re looking to add a new patio space to your outdoor living area. Either way, there are lots of ways to make your patio both unique and functional with decorative concrete. From stained concrete to stamped concrete options, you can get really creative with the layout, look, and feel of your patio project. Decorative concrete is a great option as it’s both cost effective and versatile. Add value and aesthetic appeal to your home with a patio project this spring.2– Decorative Concrete Stepping Stones
Create a beautiful and unique path from your home to your patio or through the yard to your pool! This is such an open-ended project with endless possibilities. Build a pathway anywhere on your property with beautifully molded or stamped concrete stepping stones that will add style and function to your yard. Get creative with it, and make your yard an oasis that’s custom crafted to your personal style preferences with the help of versatile concrete.
3– Decorative Concrete Planters
Every plant enthusiast knows that concrete planters can be very pricey, but who’s to say you can’t DIY them? You absolutely can. Create your own DIY decorative concrete planters for your yard that vary in size, shape, and style. Create small accents or large pieces that serve as focal points for your favorite yard plants.4– Concrete Fire Pit
Another great decorative concrete project is a custom fire pit. You’ll love the ambiance created within your outdoor space when you add a functional and attractive custom concrete fire pit to gather around with family and friends. Add value to your home, and extend the use of your yard or patio further into the year with an addition like this, and get creative with its custom concrete construction.5– Decorative Concrete Furniture
Decorative concrete is a great option for outdoor furniture. It’s weather resistant, durable, and cost effective, plus you can get creative with custom pieces that suit your needs and personal style. Tables, chairs, benches, and more– you can create your own patio set with unique style and incredible function. Your guests will ask where you got it, and you can tell them you made it yourself! Find all the supplies and tools you need for your decorative concrete projects this spring season at Power Rental & Sales. We’ve got tools, equipment, stains, and more ready to make your DIY projects a success!Benefits of Decorative Concrete Floors
Decorative concrete floors have become increasingly popular in recent years, and it isn’t hard to understand why. Completely customizable, decorative concrete floors offer a great alternative to other flooring materials such as linoleum, hardwood, stone, marble, carpet, or tile. The benefits are incredible, and the design possibilities are endless. If your home or business space has concrete subfloors, exposing them and applying a decorative treatment of your choice offers an option that is both economical and environmentally friendly.
Benefits of Decorative Concrete Floors
If you’re considering decorative concrete floor options for your space, there are a lot of advantages that come along with this flooring type.- They can be tailored to suit nearly any budget.
- There are unlimited creative options for the aesthetic of the flooring.
- They are low maintenance.
- If properly cared for, they will last for decades.
- Concrete is moisture resistant when properly sealed.
- They reduce allergens in the home.
- They are pet friendly.
- They can be heated with a radiant system.
- They have low VOCs.
Other Factors to Note
Though there are many benefits that come along with concrete flooring choices, there are some other things to be aware of such as the fact that concrete flooring does require resealing occasionally to keep it in good condition. It can also come off as cold in some rooms or circumstances, needing area rugs for warmth and coziness. Decorative concrete flooring can also become slippery when wet–more so than other flooring types– so it’s important to be careful about slipping.Decorative Concrete Floor Maintenance
Decorative concrete floors do require some upkeep, particularly when used in areas that get heavy foot traffic or wear and tear– like in commercial or retail settings in particular. Of course as mentioned, there are a lot of options for finishing your concrete floor, and the style of flooring will dictate the type of care required. Generally speaking, concrete floors should be swept regularly to free them of dust and debris. Exterior surfaces should also be scrubbed or pressure washed about once per year, using a mild detergent. If you notice your decorative concrete floors are starting to lose their shine, a reapplication of sealer should restore the sheen. Some concrete flooring can also benefit from waxes and polishes to act as a buffer between their surfaces and generally wear and tear. If you have any questions about proper maintenance for your specific decorative concrete flooring, talk with our team at Power Rental & Sales, and our staff can help address your concerns.
Popular Finishing Options for Concrete Floors
As discussed, part of the beauty of decorative concrete floors is the limitless design options that come along with them. Some popular finishing options include:- Acid stain for a bold look and a mottled, variegated finish
- Water-based stain offers a subtle palette of colors in a full spectrum.
- Fast stain is a fast-drying, eco-friendly option that offers a flecked and highly variegated finish.
- Acrylic sealer provides a thin, protective film on the surface of the flooring for uniform color and a matte finish.
- Standard epoxy is great for highly-trafficked areas indoors if you want a high-shine, glossy look.
- Metallic epoxy, much like the standard epoxy option, but with a brilliant metallic effect and unique coloring.
- Terrazzo or granite epoxy is a good option if you want a textured finish, and it’s available in a range of pattern options.