Official Publication of
Concrete Expressions
Introduction
I
hope you enjoy this collection of works by concrete contractors across the United States and Canada. Several years ago we started to notice there were three major types of work that homeowners and commercial property owners were looking for on The Concrete Network Web site: Concrete countertops and related items such as sinks, tiles, fireplace surrounds, and furniture; interior concrete flooring which includes stains and dyes, overlays, and polishing; and outdoor surfaces such as patios, entries, pool decks, driveways, and all the accompaniments that go with them such as seat benches, fireplaces, and fire pits. So it was decided to organize this “idea book” into these categories for easy reference. As more homeowners, architects, builders, designers, and business owners learn about the benefits of decorative concrete—its ability to add elegance and flair to any project along with its green attributes—innovation in the decorative concrete category will continue to evolve at a strong pace. Our goal is to continue to connect you with this audience.
Stay Connected with The Concrete Network Free Monthly Newsletters • Floors • Countertops • Outdoor Surfaces • Recently Featured Projects ConcreteNetwork.com/connect Become a fan on Facebook facebook.com/concretenetwork Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/concretenetwork New Photos & Stories Each Week Visit our homepage each week to read new articles and see what others are working on
We look forward to bringing you these innovations each week at ConcreteNetwork.com. You can also stay apprised of interesting projects by following us on Twitter or Facebook, or signing up for any or all of our newsletters covering, you guessed it, concrete counters, concrete floors, and outdoor surfaces. Enjoy! Jim Peterson President The Concrete Network Concrete Expressions
Inspiration, ideas, and tools to help you succeed with decorative concrete
Get inspired… · ·
1,700+ inspiring photo gallery images ConcreteNetwork.com/photo-gallery 240+ project profile articles ConcreteNetwork.com/projects
Get more knowledge… · 15 buyer’s guides to help you research concrete products ConcreteNetwork.com/guides · 100+ question & answer articles with expert tips for troubleshooting common issues ConcreteNetwork.com/advice
Free Online Videos
Concrete Design Videos • 115+ videos with tips for designing outdoor living areas and interior spaces, from experts Fu-Tung Cheng, Bob Harris, and Scott Cohen Concrete Tool Videos • 45+ video demonstrations of countertop-making materials, various decorative concrete tools, and concrete repair issues from experts Bob Harris, Fu-Tung Cheng, and Chris Sullivan See them all at ConcreteNetwork.com/video
Concrete Expressions
Table of Contents CONCRETE EXPRESSIONS 2010 Published by
Concrete Floors Gallery . . . . . . . . . 6 President Jim Peterson Managing Editor
Outdoor Living Gallery. . . . . . . . . 22
Khara Dizmon Senior Editor Anne Balogh www.ConcreteExpressionsMag.com Wholly Owned by:
Concrete Countertops Gallery. . . . 38
ConcreteNetwork.com Office: 1090 5th St., STE 109 Calimesa, CA 92320 866-380-7754 • 909-795-7754 Any photographs, artwork or copy prepared by Concrete Expressions magazine may not be reproduced by any means, including electronic, and duplication is strictly prohibited without prior written permission of the publisher. All rights reserved. Copyright 2010.
On the Cover Oil-on-canvas painting is reminiscent of a vintage orange-crate label, depicting the beauty, hope and promise of every couple’s dream—to create a backyard oasis with decorative concrete. Commissioned by Katy Betz Studios. www.katybetz.com
Concrete Expressions
Express Yourself . . . With Decorative Concrete Floors No flooring material can compete with concrete when it comes to design versatility and endless opportunities for creative expression. Not only can you color or stain concrete floors to complement any room decor, you can also give them greater flourish by adding texture, pattern, or unique graphic treatments. Some people prefer to leave concrete in its natural state for a refined, organic look. Others use concrete to replicate high-end flooring materials such as marble or slate, and often at a lower cost.
For more information about the benefits of concrete floors and the many ways to enhance your floor designs, visit these resources on ConcreteNetwork.com/floors: Interior Concrete Floor Overview: Learn about all the benefits of concrete flooring, from unlimited design versatility to easy maintenance. Using Stains to Transform New or Existing Concrete: Get advice on choosing the right product to stain your floors and how-to hints for stain application.
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Unique Design Possibilities with Concrete Stencils: Available in an endless array of standard and custom patterns, concrete stencils make it easy to customize your floor designs. Add Shine with Concrete Polishing: Learn how to give ordinary concrete floors a high-gloss luster that never needs waxing. Rev Up the Color Palette with Concrete Dyes: See how to use dyes to produce vibrant color accents that enhance and customize concrete floors.
CONCRETE-N-COUNTERS
Going Green with Concrete Floors: Find out why concrete is the perfect flooring material for sustainable living. “Floor Me� Video Series: Watch over 60 videos with tips on concrete floor design and installation from expert Bob Harris.
Concrete Floors Photo Gallery: See dozens of additional photos sure to inspire your imagination.
Free Newsletters! Sign up for concrete floor design ideas, how-to tips, and news about the latest decorative trends. www.concretenetwork.com/newsletters Concrete Expressions
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CHICAGO CONCRETE SOLUTIONS INC
CONCRETE TAILORS LLC
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DEMMERT AND ASSOCIATES
RICHARDSON’S CONCRETE COATINGS
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SEMCO MODERN SEAMLESS SURFACE
DECO-POUR
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The Concrete Impressionist
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DECO-POUR
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COLORADO HARDSCAPES
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Concrete Expressions STAINTEC
Max Power Concrete
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SEMCO MODERN SEAMLESS SURFACE
AK4 CONCRETE SOLUTION
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Express Yourself . . . With Outdoor Concrete More homeowners are bringing all the comforts of their indoor rooms to the outside by creating multipurpose outdoor living spaces that function as inviting extensions of their homes. Enhancing the curb appeal of the home has also become a priority and has increased the demand for decorative patios, driveways, and other hardscaping features. Outdoors, concrete is the perfect form of expression, combining unlimited design versatility with the ability to withstand the most extreme weather conditions. Concrete has long been an ideal material for residential driveways, patios, sidewalks, and pool decks, but now concrete is also being used to build outdoor fireplaces, countertops, water features, and even furniture. In other words, it is the one material that can satisfy almost any outdoor function, from creating an inviting entryway to providing weather-resistant surfaces for food preparation and entertaining.
For more information about the creative possibilities with concrete outdoors, visit these resources on ConcreteNetwork.com/outdoor: Outdoor Living, Concrete Style: Get tips for using concrete’s design versatility and durability to enhance the beauty and functionality of backyard patios and outdoor kitchens. Concrete Countertops and Outdoor Kitchens: Learn how to create the perfect outdoor kitchen retreat with concrete, including planning tips and the latest design trends.
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Bringing Warmth to the Outdoors with a Concrete Fireplace: Get design and construction tips for building concrete fireplaces of all types and styles. How to Add Seating to an Outdoor Room: Discover how to use concrete seat walls to help define outdoor rooms, highlight focal points, and provide additional seating for entertaining. Concrete Pool Decks for Any Setting, Budget, and Lifestyle: These guidelines will help you design and lay out your pool deck and introduce you to the most popular surface finishes.
SEMCO MODERN SEAMLESS SURFACE
Ten Ideas for Great Concrete Entryways: Get tips for creating a grand entrance with concrete walkways, steps, and decorative accents. More Outdoor Living Design Ideas: See how other contractors are expressing themselves with concrete outdoors with these profiles of unique projects.
Outdoor Concrete Design Videos: Landscape designer Scott Cohen from The Green Scene shows you how to use decorative concrete to create spectacular outdoor living spaces.
Free Newsletters! Sign up for outdoor concrete design ideas, how-to tips, and news about the latest decorative trends. www.concretenetwork.com/newsletters Concrete Expressions
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ROCKMOLDS
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ROCKMOLDS
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THE GREEN SCENE
BELMAN CONCRETE LANDSCAPE AND PAVERS
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Davis Colors and John Siskin
CAROLINA BOMANITE CORPORATION
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GKRETE INC - STAINED CONCRETE
CAPSTONE CONCRETE
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CONCRETENETWORK.COM
ERNSDORF DESIGN
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BELMAN CONCRETE LANDSCAPE AND PAVERS
GKRETE INC - STAINED CONCRETE
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Concrete Expressions RICHARDSON’S CONCRETE COATINGS
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CAPSTONE CONCRETE
PROGRESSIVE CONCRETE WORKS INC
Express Yourself . . . With Concrete Countertops More homeowners and designers are choosing concrete over alternative countertop materials to express their personalities, aesthetic tastes, and lifestyles. After all, what other countertop material allows you to match any color scheme, choose any size or shape, or add decorative embellishments such as recycled glass, seashells and even personal mementos? Because they are usually installed in kitchens, bathrooms, and entertaining areas – the most frequently used rooms of the home – concrete countertops are also a highly visible form of expression, combining function with artistic flair. They often become the focal point of a room, reflecting the craftsmanship and imagination of the maker.
For more information about the creative possibilities with concrete countertops and details about how they are made, visit these resources on ConcreteNetwork.com/counter: Concrete Countertop Overview: Learn how concrete countertops are made and how they can be tailored to suit any lifestyle or aesthetic taste. 17 Ways to Express Yourself with a Concrete Countertop: See a slideshow of custom concrete countertops that use color, shape, size, embeds, and edge details to make unique design statements.
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Concrete vs. Other Countertop Materials: How well does concrete match up to the competition when it comes to performance and design versatility? See this chart comparing concrete with granite, tile, wood, quartz, and synthetic countertop materials. Going Green with Concrete Countertops: With its low impact on the environment, learn why concrete is one of the greenest countertop materials you can use. Concrete Countertop Photo Gallery: See dozens of additional photos sure to inspire your imagination.
CONCRETE REVOLUTION
Concrete Countertop Videos: Award-winning designer Fu-Tung Cheng shows you how to personalize concrete countertops and integrate them into a functional space. More Concrete Countertop Design Ideas: See how other concrete countertop makers are expressing themselves with these profiles of unique projects.
Concrete Countertop Technical Tips: Get answers to your most frequently asked questions about concrete countertops from expert Jeff Girard of the Concrete Countertop Institute.
Free Newsletters! Sign up for concrete countertop design ideas, how-to tips, and news about the latest decorative trends. www.concretenetwork.com/newsletters Concrete Expressions
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Architect: Gerrard + Tan Architects, New York, NY Photographer: Eric Laignel, New York, NY
GET REAL SURFACES
HARD TOPIX
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HOLLOW ROCK DESIGNS INC
HARD TOPIX
ABSOLUTE CONCRETEWORKS
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J&M LIFESTYLES
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J&M LIFESTYLES
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DC CUSTOM CONCRETE
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ADVANCED CONCRETE ENHANCEMENT
CONCRETE JUNGLE DESIGN
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DC CUSTOM CONCRETE
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Get Ideas from What Others Are Working On Each week, we feature the creative ideas and unique work of contractors from around the world. View photos and details of more than 200 projects, and keep up-to-date on the latest design trends and developing technologies.
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Background image: ABSOLUTE CONCRETEWORKS. Inset left image: VERTICAL ARTISANS. Inset right image: CONCRETE-N-COUNTERS