Decorative concrete (Concrete Stamping) work is a relatively new concept when you consider the
latest cutting edge technology that has produced the most exact replica of many hand laid
natural materials such as Royal Ashlar Slate, London Cobble , European fan cobblestone with
chiseled slate decorative concrete borders, herringbone brick and concrete pavers, tile,
Flagstone, Field stone and even granite but really goes back many years. You may have seen a
concrete sidewalk leading into a business with exotic stone impressions or brick patios or
sidewalks that look like a rustic stone path with one or more colors. The designs that we have
come up with over the years transform even the simplest home into a luxurious haven. Stamped
Concrete in Houston and all over the country is becoming very popular because it is a viable
investment and so complimentary of landscapes and homes. Our polished concrete floors in
Houston are stunning and affordable. Many people are even having decorative concrete finishes
installed in rooms of their homes. Kitchens are among the most common requests.
Properly finished decorative concrete can look very elegant or rustic depending on what look is
desired. While decorative concrete is the most desired these days it is also the most difficult
finish to perfect and requires much more preparation, finishing, and skill. Let us look at your
upcoming concrete driveway repair in Houston or concrete patio repair in Houston or just about
anywhere in Texas to evaluate the most cost effective method to enhance the value of your
home, inexpensively.
When the contractor actually gets to the point where the concrete driveway, patio or walkway can
be stamped (process to apply the decorative appearance) time is crucial. There are very limited
amounts of time for the various applications and any mistakes can leave a finish that the
homeowner is not satisfied with. The concrete (or specifically, the cement in it) needs moisture to
hydrate and cure (harden). When concrete dries, it actually stops getting stronger. Concrete with
too little water may be dry but is not fully reacted. The properties of such a concrete would be
less than that of a wet concrete. The reaction of water with the cement in concrete is extremely
important to its properties and reactions may continue for many years.
Stamping Concrete is an art and I only know one other stamped concrete artisan (besides my
crew and myself) in a 200 mile radius from Houston that have perfected this ancient art. ( We
trained at the same institute)
Will decorative concrete or stamped concrete last as long as well as regular concrete? Our
stamped concrete product is 4-6" thick, (driveways are 6"-7" thick and patios are 4" or more)
4,000-4,500 psi concrete. We exceed steel rebar reinforcement requirements by over 20%. We
match or exceed the normal requirements for a strong finish that withstands years of normal use.
Over the years the technicians at www.ConcreteForever.com have experimented with different
proportions of tri-calcium silicate and bi-calcium silicate in terms of performance variables, one
important property is the compressive strength. In the fall of 2001, he developed a mathematical
model relating cement particle-size distribution to strength development. Assuming that the depth
of the hydrated layer is independent of particle diameter (which also is assumed tacitly in our
cement hydration model) and proportional to the square root of time, he was able to
quantitatively predict the effects of particle-size distribution on strength evolution. More recently,
The Founder of AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors also showed that cement fineness is an
important factor influencing compressive strength, with phase compositions becoming significant
at later ages. In his study, he also revolutionized a mathematical formula for the prediction of the
compressive strength development of standard ASTM C 10914 mortar in relation to the
compressive strength required for residential use in Houston, Texas.
Simply put, When our concrete arrives on site we modify the mixture depending on the humidity,
temperature, Textured desired (Cobble, Slate, Granite, Slate, Brick, etc) & soil conditions
variables to optimizing the concrete to minimize potential concrete cracking and potential
sedimentary displacement that may occur with an improperly mixed batch of concrete. (these
factors are never taken into consideration at the concrete plant)
After the concrete is poured and finished the job is not complete. Clean up for this type of finish
is more difficult because of the various colors that are involved. After a day or so the contractor
will have to return to the job site to pressure wash the excess color/release for the perfect finish
and look, then resin-coat and chemically stain the concrete. Simply put decorative concrete is a
much more labor-intensive process but most feel it is worth the cost because of the unique,
prestigious and elegant look.
How is decorative concrete colored? The Technicians at Concrete Forever.com use two
methods to color decorative concrete. Using the first method, color is spread onto the surface
then worked into the surface using hand tools. After the color is applied and worked into the
fresh cement, a release/hardener is applied.
The release/hardener serves a dual purpose. It adds a tremendous amount of strength and it
highlights and acts as a second color, which gives the stamped pattern and overall color a
defining and distinguished look. The second method used is when the color is mixed directly
inside the concrete at the concrete plant and mixed inside the truck. The concrete is the colored
throughout from the top to the bottom instead of just ¼” into the surface.
Due to the wide array of patterns and colors available, and the cost of stamped concrete in
relation to the natural materials installation, the choice of stamped concrete is becoming more
popular and frequent.
Colors and patterns for stamped concrete are often chosen to blend with other stone or tile
elements at the residence. Complex designs incorporating steps, courtyards, and fountains can
be achieved. Stamped concrete can also be blended with other decorative concrete elements
such as exposed aggregate finishes and acid-etch staining.
It wasn’t long ago when deciding on a driveway or patio material was easy: asphalt or concrete.
Today, the concrete choice has expanded to include a multitude of decorative concrete options.
While plain gray concrete is still the most often installed, but We at ConcreteForever.com believe
that this ancient art compliments real estate property and enhances the beauty...click on the link
on the previous page that says:" What is stamped concrete?" to read more about this ancient art
and painstaking step by step process please click on our :
Don’t feel left out if you already have a driveway or patio. The concrete industry has rapidly
developed many decorative products that can be applied to existing plain gray driveways and
transform them into stunning show piece entry ways for your home. Please check out or exotic
polished faux concrete floors and engraving link for an in depth comprehensive review of your
upcoming project
