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Spring 2011 Official Publication
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From the Editor’s Desk
O
ne thing our industry can be proud of is that there is no shortage of creative ideas using concrete as the medium. In my role, I’ve seen hundreds of photos of
concrete being used in outrageous new ways. From creative coloring to life-like statues, our field is ripe for anyone with a creative spirit. Over the years, many contractors have mentioned to me that they are eager to keep the pipe full of new ideas. Many use our site weekly to keep up with what other skilled artisans across the country are doing. So to help fill you up with ideas, we’ve devoted more than half of the pages in this issue to presenting creative uses of decorative concrete. You may also have noticed that our original magazine name, Concrete Expressions, has changed. We’ve rebranded it to showcase more of what we’re about—ideas and insights. We’ve been busy on a lot of new things (see page 4), from a new mobile website to eight new research sites. We’re doing our best to get the word out about concrete. In August 2010, we reached a milestone of 3 million views of our more than 300 videos on YouTube.com. And in 2010, more than 12 million visitors came to ConcreteNetwork.com. Feel free to share any of your creative ideas with me at khara@concretenetwork.com Enjoy this issue! Khara Dizmon Concrete Network Magazine, Managing Editor
On the Cover
Ninth in a series of decorative concrete artwork by artist Katy Betz, www.KatyBetz.com Commissioned by The Concrete Network The Unveiling A concrete floor, in all of its decorative concrete glory, is a masterpiece that has drawn the attention of a large crowd of onlookers. The owners of the floor are unveiling it to the people. The hardworking contractors that installed the floor stand proudly nearby with their tools that created the masterpiece. Concrete Network Magazine • Spring 2011
What’s New at Concrete Network 1) Eight New Research Sites — People who are looking for concrete information will now find eight new sites loaded with in-depth information about specific concrete topics. These new sites, all designed and maintained by The Concrete Network team, provide visitors with deeper information than what they can find on ConcreteNetwork.com. Check them out: StampedConcrete.org; PolishedConcrete.org; ConcretePatio.org; ConcreteDriveway.org; Concrete-Floors.org; Concrete-Countertops.org; ConcretePoolDecks.org; ConcreteStained.com.
2) Online Video Gallery Grows — Last year, we produced our 300th video and now offer a huge online gallery of videos about designing with concrete, and using concrete tools. Visit: YouTube.com/concretenetwork
3) Uncommon Concrete — In our travels across the web and world, we’ve come across some extraordinary things made out of concrete. A concrete espresso machine (that actually works!) to a concrete Porsche are just two of the many amazing things being created with concrete. Take a look at: ConcreteNetwork.com/ugc/extraordinary.html
4) Concrete Around the World — Our world traveling correspondent, Brian Farnsworth, has contributed numerous articles about the trends and ideas in concrete from around the globe. His perspectives on pervious concrete in China, ready-mix in Malaysia, and exposed aggregate in the Philippines are awe-inspiring and informative. Check out some of the amazing work he has shared: ConcreteNetwork.com/internationalprojects/
5) Testing Concrete Technical Tips — Complete with a quiz to test your knowledge about testing concrete, our technical expert, George Seegebrecht, provides the details of what you need to know about typical fresh concrete tests, slump tests, hardened concrete tests, how to examine defects in concrete, and more. Read all his articles at: ConcreteNetwork.com/george/
Always at ConcreteNetwork.com Join the Network Start advertising your company on The Concrete Network and get job leads in your local area.
Concrete Network Magazine • Spring 2011
Submit Your Work Send us info about a project you’re working on, or photos of a unique job, and we’ll consider featuring it.
New Photos and Stories Each Week Visit our homepage every week to read new articles and see what others are working on.
Contents
SPRING 2011
Insights What People Like Most about Concrete Floors
6
Tips for Choosing the Right Size and Scale for an Outdoor Fireplace
44
No-Nonsense Neutrals: The Appeal of Brown and Gray Concrete Floors
46
Ideas for Imprinted Concrete
48
IDEA Gallery
20
Outdoor Surfaces
22
Concrete Floors
26
Concrete Countertops & Fireplaces
34
Unique Projects Circle of Life
8
Concrete Sidewalks Get the Star Treatment
10
Concrete Overlay Is a Kaleidoscope of Color
12
Concrete Bartop Doubles as Abstract Art
14
Concrete Spa Sink Gets an Organic Touch
16
Urban Chic: A Concrete Floor in a Contemporary Furniture Store
18
Concrete Trees Grow In a New Orleans-Themed Basement
40
Concrete Car Sculpture Reinvents the Wheel
42
Concrete Network Magazine 2011 Published by
President — Jim Peterson
Design by: SabreDesign.com
Managing Editor — Khara Dizmon
Any photographs, artwork or copy prepared by Concrete Network Magazine may not be reproduced by any means, including electronic, and duplication is strictly prohibited without prior written permission of the publisher.
Senior Editor — Anne Balogh Contact: (866) 380-7754 (909) 795-7754
All rights reserved. © Copyright 2011.
Concrete Network Magazine • Spring 2011
What People Like Most about Concrete Floors A new survey provides insights into consumer perceptions about concrete floor design and performance One of the most common places you see decorative concrete these days is underfoot. Once regarded as a utilitarian, plain-gray substrate, concrete floors now play an important role in interior design – personalizing homes, offices, retail stores, and trendy restaurants everywhere. With acid stains, dyes, paints, and overlays, concrete floors can be designed to blend seamlessly with other elements in a room, or even serve as the focal point. In a recent survey, The Concrete Network collected quantifiable data from consumer responses that reveal what they like and don’t like about concrete floors, their current perceptions, where they find design ideas, preferred color choices, and other flooring materials they regard as comparable. Here are some of the survey highlights.
Concrete Network Magazine • Spring 2011
Color Selection People love the myriad ways that concrete floors can be colored. This unlimited design versatility appeals to many different tastes. Out of those surveyed, 36.7% prefer a combination of colors to enhance a concrete floor. For solid color choices, 31.7% prefer brown for their concrete floor. “We’ve seen repeatedly in our analytics that people prefer brown floors,” says Khara Dizmon, director of communications for ConcreteNetwork.com. “There’s something about the warm, natural look that concrete imparts that draws a lot of people to it,” she says.
Aesthetics The distinctive beauty of concrete flooring was the favorite feature for most consumers, getting a big thumbs-up from 74% of survey respondents. People say they love the “endless possibilities” with concrete and the “fantastic look” of stains.
Ability to Be Customized Many respondents (79%) love that
Long-Term Cost Savings Many consumers (47%) value
Ease of Maintenance More than half of the survey
you can personalize your concrete
the low cost of concrete flooring
respondents (58%) appreciate
floors by adding your own special
over its life span. Unlike most floor
concrete’s ease of maintenance.
touches. Every concrete floor can
coverings, concrete floors rarely, if
Concrete floors don’t trap dust or
be customized to make it unique.
ever, require replacement. When
allergens, they resist stains and they
Some popular ways to personalize
you amortize the cost of a concrete
are virtually waterproof. These are all
a floor include adding a border,
floor over a lifetime, the price can
important benefits for people with
sawcutting a decorative pattern, or
be comparable or lower than other
allergies or who simply want their floors
getting more complex by installing a
high-end flooring materials.
to look gorgeous with little effort. In fact, nearly 30% of survey respondents
stenciled logo or other graphic.
cite the health benefits of concrete floors as an advantage.
They Are Not a Fad
Likely to Customize a Floor 79%
The use of concrete floors as a design element is not a fleeting trend. They are a viable flooring solution that is continuing to grow in popularity.
Not Likely 21%
Thanks to advances in coloring, texturing and imprinting techniques, the perception of concrete flooring is evolving from plain and structural to colored and decorative. Consumers are now gravitating to concrete for both its decorative appeal and performance benefits. Over 34% of survey respondents say they have
Compares Well to Other Flooring Materials Concrete is in the ballpark with other heavy-hitter flooring materials. Over 33% of respondents compare concrete to natural stone, and 24.1% compare it to ceramic tile. Concrete offers many benefits that are similar to stone and tile—it can be colored or textured to mimic these natural materials, and it can be sawcut into similar patterns available with tile. Some people (21.6%) don’t think concrete floors are comparable to any other flooring option, indicating that they consider concrete to be a completely unique surface.
known about concrete as a finished flooring surface for over five years. “When you talk to someone about decorative concrete floors, almost everyone has encountered them in either a restaurant, or a retail store. They are familiar with what they look like,” says Jim Peterson, president of ConcreteNetwork.com.
Concrete Network Magazine • Spring 2011
Circle of Life A cement-based overlay with over 200 hand-cut and stained circles gives new life to a basement floor Project submitted by Bob Harris, Decorative Concrete Institute, Temple, Ga.
The challenge Homeowners Chad and Angie planned to completely redo their downstairs décor and wanted to transform their existing basement floor. Initially, a contractor had been hired to stain the floor with several coats of black acid stain. Although the contractor did a respectable job, he neglected the final piece of the puzzle, which was to coat the floor with a polyurethane sealer and several coats of sacrificial floor finish. The result was severe scratching.
Design goals The main decorative elements the homeowners were after were texture, uniqueness and neutral colors consisting of black, white and various shades of gray. Angie created her own hand-drawn rendering of the design she was after.
Concrete Network Magazine • Spring 2011
A unique element of the floor was a graphic of the Florida Gators logo, incorporating the actual team colors. A three-part stencil was used to keep the colors separate.
“Although initially I thought her design was pretty cool, I didn’t consider the challenges involved to execute it,” says Bob Harris of the Decorative Concrete Institute. “The project would consist of cutting, free-hand, 240 circles into a 3/8inch-thick stamped overlay. The circles would then need to be colored with various colors of water-based stain.” Another unique element of this floor was to reproduce a 6-foot Florida Gator logo with the actual team colors. “Chad is an avid sports fan and insisted that the logo of his favorite college football team and alma mater become a permanent feature of their new floor,” says Harris.
Secrets to success • To produce the Florida Gator graphic, DCI used a stencil with a colored skim coat. “We decided
to create a blockout outline of the gator graphic, so that everything on the outside of the graphic would be textured, stamped overlay with the inside being a smooth selfleveling overlay that would allow the stencil to stick down flat to the surface,” says Harris.
• The overlay was placed in three separate pours to allow for a more controlled installation. “Considering that the overall design of the floor had hundreds of circles, we laid out a circle to terminate one day’s pour and form the next one by sticking down foam that followed the circumference of the circle,” Harris explains. “The next day after this section was poured, we removed the foam tape and poured the
remaining portion of the floor, making sure to carefully apply the stamped overlay up against the previous day’s pour. Once the entire floor was installed and dry, we came back and sawcut the cold joint between pours. Since there were no straight lines, you couldn’t tell that we had poured the floor in sections.”
• For the daunting task of drawing and cutting the 240 circles, DCI used a tool called a pivot point with a soap stone attached to it to draw the circles and then cut each one with a 4-inch hand-held grinder, followed with a vacuum to control airborne dust. “As we learned, free-hand cutting of so many circles requires a tremendous amount of concentration and plenty of Advil at the end of the day,” says Harris. • Once the circles were complete and the floor was cleaned, the gator logo was filled with a white self leveling overlay as the base. “Because of the multiple colors of the gator logo, the stencil had three pieces to it. We installed the first stencil and then applied a blue-tinted skim coat. Roughly three hours later, we lightly sanded the skim coat and applied the second stencil followed by application of the orange color. One more stencil along with a green skim coat completed the design,” says Harris.
The work in progress. On the left, a portion of the gator logo is being filled in with a green skim coat. On the right, one of the many hand-cut circles is being colored with stain.
The new decorative floor overlay in this basement family room features an unusual geometric design with over 200 circles. The existing concrete floor was covered with a stampable overlay, and the circles, all cut by hand, feature various colors of water-based stain.
The results Although the DCI team was dizzy by the end of this project, the most important thing was that the clients loved the end result. “As a funny side note, after cutting all of these circles, I thought it would be fun to put one little 2-inch square in the floor, hidden under the pool table. Our clients chuckled at the idea and gave us the go ahead,” says Harris. To protect the new floor and give it a high gloss, it was sealed with 100%-solids clear epoxy followed by a coat of polyurethane. See a video of this project at http:// www.concretenetwork.com/concrete_ overlays_cement/design-ideas/circles. html
The finished project, after application of a high-gloss epoxy.
Concrete Network Magazine • Spring 2011
Concrete Sidewalks Get the Star Treatment at the Beverly Hills Hotel
Previously hidden under outdoor carpeting, newly stained concrete sidewalks now play a supporting role in hotel’s elegant décor Project submitted by Jon Adler, Coolstone Concrete Design, Encino, Calif. By Anne Balogh, ConcreteNetwork.com
The concrete sidewalks at the prestigious Beverly Hills Hotel are restored with a water-based stain as a low-cost, low-maintenance solution to replacing the outdoor carpeting.
The challenge The luxurious Beverly Hills Hotel, located on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, decided to remove the outdoor carpeting from the sidewalks and stairways that run between the bungalows alongside the main building and stain the underlying concrete. They wanted a surface that was easy to maintain and lower in cost than replacing the carpet. Another concern was preventing slip-and-fall accidents, so a nonskid surface treatment was also a priority.
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Concrete Network Magazine • Spring 2011
The logistics of the project were a handful, since the walkways receive a lot of foot traffic, and hotel guests and staff needed to use the areas while they were under renovation. “We had to coordinate around guests, room service, maid service, groundskeeping, laundry carts, bellman carts, and the list goes on,” says Jon Adler of Coolstone Concrete Design, a company that specializes in restoring existing concrete. The project entailed nearly 20,000 square feet of renovation work.
Design goals The Beverly Hills Hotel has long been a popular retreat for entertainers, politicians, foreign officials, and business leaders from around the world. The five-star resort sits amid 12 acres of lush gardens, and has 204 guest rooms, a palm tree-lined pool with cabanas, and public areas reminiscent of timeless Hollywood glamour. “The goal of the hotel owners was to reflect the theme of the hotel, that of a rustic, exclusive European feel,” says
A concrete entryway leading to one of the hotel’s luxurious guest bungalows. Adler. “They wanted to complement the terracotta roof tiles but not overwhelm the famous pink, white, and green color scheme of the hotel. The final results give an antiqued, natural-stone feel to the concrete walkways and enhance the hotel’s European ambience.”
Secrets to success • Surface prep involved removal of all the carpet and the glue underneath. “We found that if we heavily soaked the carpet with water first, it would tear off much easier, but we still needed a small ride-on floor scraper for all the square footage we had to cover,” says Adler. After the carpet was removed, the glue was ground off with a pair of 25-inch planetary grinders. “We did two passes, the first for glue removal and the next to remove swirl marks. Then we followed with hand grinders for the edges.”
• To avoid disturbing the guests, the crew was not permitted to start work before 9 a.m. “We worked in sections while the hotel was open for business,” Adler explains. “On some days, work that was scheduled for the morning would change by noon, so we tried to stay flexible and ready to move around. I advised my guys to smile and focus on customer service, just like the hotel does.” • Coolstone used a water-based stain from Proline Concrete Systems in a coral pink shade and applied it by sprayer in two coats for more even coverage. Then crews applied three coats of a solvent-based acrylic sealer, broadcasting anti-slip polymer beads into the first coat of sealer, and using the next two coats to lock them down. “We found that with the heavy foot traffic and carts for the
These concrete steps and landings, leading from a bungalow down to a garden area, were also rejuvenated with stain. Anti-skid beads were added to the sealer to prevent slip-and-fall accidents.
bell service, this seemed to hold up the best,” says Adler.
Riding the ‘green’ wave Coolstone Concrete Design started out 5 years ago as a concrete overlay contractor and has grown to include many other services, including concrete staining, polishing, and epoxy coating application. “In our area, concrete staining has always been popular, and polishing is really getting big. People see it as a great low-maintenance solution compared to other types of flooring,” says Adler. “Staining and polishing are riding the green wave because they have a low environmental impact, which in California is a big concern. We always tell people resurfacing is a great way to repurpose a floor without having to manufacture anything new.”
Concrete Network Magazine • Spring 2011
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Concrete Overlay Is a Kaleidoscope of Color A hair salon floor takes color to the max with an epoxy overlay enhanced by swirls of vibrant metallic pigments Project submitted by Don Pinger, Custom Concrete Solutions, West Hartford, Conn. By Anne Balogh, ConcreteNetwork.com
Secrets to success
Blending all the colors to achieve just the right effect was a combination of science, art, skill, experience, and luck. Small wallpaper brushes were used to swirl the colors around. The base color, a dark silvery black, brings the other colors to life.
• To prepare the floors, Pinger eliminated the grunt work of grinding off the carpet glue and filling nail holes by coating them with Seams Perfect primer from Specialty Solutions Mfg. “It’s a special primer membrane used in lieu of grinding. It can be applied right over glue or mastic, providing that the glue is fairly even and thin,” says Pinger. The floors were then covered with one coat of Elite Crete’s ThinFinish polymer-modified overly, pigmented in black to bring out the semi-transparent Reflector colors that would be applied later. • With so many colors involved and a short window of time in which to apply them, being well-prepared was crucial. “To do a floor like this, I had to take myself back to my days as an executive chef and employ the centuries old concept of mise en place, a French cooking term that basically means to have everything in its place,” says Pinger. “We had two guys doing the mixing and cleaning containers, and two guys on the floor putting the material down.” • Blending and swirling all the colors to achieve just the right effect was a combination of science, art, skill, experience and a lot of luck, according to Pinger. “The colors smear together somewhat, but we want that. When blending two colors, you end up with three—the two you’re using and the third that gets blended.”
This floor pops! The challenge
Design goals
The owner of the Image Company Hair Salon in Rocky Hill, Conn., wanted to completely transform the existing concrete floor and make it the salon’s main attraction. “The customer wanted the floor to be somewhat shocking, and would then design the rest of the décor around it,” says Don Pinger of Custom Concrete Solutions. “He wanted color, and lots of it!” Adding to the challenge was the poor condition of the existing 1,500-square-foot floor. Previously covered by carpeting, it was marred by globs of carpet glue, poorly installed self-leveling patch work, and nail holes galore.
“The owner saw a tanning salon floor we did recently and wanted something that would be similarly colorful and unusual,” says Pinger. He achieved the desired look by applying an epoxy overlay with Reflector Enhancer metallic pigments from Elite Crete, using a palette of eight different colors, along with a bit of blue dye. The base color was Gunmetal, a dark silvery-black metallic additive. This was applied in a thick coat with a small magic trowel. “We added the other colors working on our hands and knees, using small wallpaper brushes to swirl the colors around,” Pinger explains.
What did the owner of the salon think about his newly transformed floor? Here’s an excerpt from a review he wrote and posted on Google Local:
“This floor pops, and is the focal point of my salon. The vision I had in the beginning was quite ambiguous and I was thinking to myself, how is this going to be possible? When I walked into the salon for the unveiling, I was shocked to see that the floor exceeded my expectations. I can almost always find something wrong, but not this time.”
Concrete Network Magazine • Spring 2011
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Concrete Bartop Doubles as Abstract Art Homeowners with a love for modern art get a custom concrete bartop that serves as an artistic showpiece Project submitted by Curtis Cloos, Cloos Effects LLC, Rock Creek, Ohio By Anne Balogh, ConcreteNetwork.com
A concrete bartop, with curves formed by custom-cut foam, looks like a large, L-shaped puzzle piece. A glass top, supported by angle iron, permits full view of the base while contrasting beautifully with the concrete.
The challenge The owners of an older, outdated house wanted to transform it into a modern, customized home. They enjoyed art, and had many abstract pieces on display throughout the house. For the bartop, they wanted something that would go with their artwork, but be functional as well.
in cast concrete moldings, countertops, water features, synthetic stonework and other custom products. “For the base of the countertop, we came up with a design that looks like a large, smooth puzzle piece, but in an L-shape. We finished off the top with an abstractshaped piece of custom-cut glass, so you would be able to admire the smooth shapes of the concrete base.”
Design goals “The homeowners wanted something modern, but with a strong feel to it. At the same time they didn’t want it overpowering the limited area that we had for the project,” says Curtis Cloos of Cloos Effects LLC, which specializes
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Concrete Network Magazine • Spring 2011
Secrets to success • By making the bar in an L shape, Cloos was able to securely anchor the piece to two walls as well as the floor. The long leg of the L is about 11 feet and the shorter leg is 4 ½ feet.
The height is 36 inches. • Expanded-polystyrene foam, cut using a CNC machine, was used to form all the edges and lower curves of the concrete base. Then drywall was used to shape the form. “This allowed us to fine-tune the top shape much easier than just using plywood,” says Cloos. “We backed up the drywall with plywood, but only to give the form strength while curing. Foam and rebar were then added to the core for support.” Anchors set in the top of the form were later used to secure the glass.
A Venetian-plaster-like mixture accented with metallic and pearlescent additives was applied to the base to add depth, richness, and a reflective sheen.
• After pouring the concrete and allowing it to cure, Cloos ground and sanded the entire surface and then applied a custom mix of cement, integral pigment and acrylic to give the base the appearance of Venetian plaster. “We used a metallic, pearlescent, and clear acrylic cream mixture,” he says. “It was trowel applied to add visual
depth and later burnished with a stainless steel trowel that gives it a very reflective and rich look.”
Making decorative concrete easy on the budget Cloos has noticed that the poor economy has made homeowners more frugal with their money, and he is doing what he can to make decorative
concrete easier on the pocketbook. “Because of the economy, it really pushes us to be more creative with the budget allowed for each project. We are able to make pieces that homeowners and designers just love, and within a smart budget. The pieces become the focal point of any area where they are installed.”
Concrete Network Magazine • Spring 2011
15
Concrete Spa Sink Gets an Organic Touch Aged-looking design replicates the effects of natural erosion Submitted by Chris Frazer, DC Custom Concrete, San Diego, Calif. By khara dizmon, ConcreteNetwork.com
The sink appears to be floating in air, supported below by heavy-duty angle irons bolted to the walls.
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Concrete Network Magazine • Spring 2011
A plaster-coated mold and a natural Khaki color give this cast concrete sink the aged patina of natural erosion.
The challenge At the Bergamot, a unique spa/ boutique in Encinitas, Calif., customers enjoy a very natural, organic experience. The owners of the spa wanted to duplicate this experience in a custom sink with an aged, organic aesthetic.
Design goals The owner hired design company Conscious Nest, a specialist in sustainable interior design, and contractor DC Custom Concrete to create the desired effect. “We collaborated together on the shape
and overall look and feel of the sink,” says Chris Frazer, co-owner of DC Custom Concrete. “The idea was to incorporate a very natural, almost erosion-like look to the sink bowl.”
Secrets to success • To create the sink, DC Custom Concrete hand-formed the bowl negative with several coats of plaster. Then they used a natural Khaki color for the wet-cast concrete, which was then sealed with several coats of penetrating sealer.
• The sink size is approximately 6 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 8 inches deep. “The most challenging part, as usual, was the installation,” says Frazer. To give the sink the appearance of floating in air, he bolted it to the walls with heavy duty angle irons hidden from view. It was secured with ½-inch bolts embedded in the bottom of the sink.
Concrete Network Magazine • Spring 2011
17
Urban Chic: A Concrete Floor in a Contemporary Furniture Store Gets a Modern Makeover Project submitted by Gil Koury, Life Deck, San Diego By Anne Balogh, ConcreteNetwork.com
Left in its natural state, and simply coated with a neutral epoxy, this concrete floor is the perfect backdrop for this store’s modern furnishings.
Use of a fast-drying water-based epoxy allowed the store to reopen for business soon after coating application.
Existing joints and lines were left in the floor to create additional decorative interest.
The challenge As a retailer of modern home furnishings, the Hold It store in San Diego wanted the floor to have an urban look to complement the store’s modern, contemporary designs. The existing floor was a disparate blend of sealed concrete, a colored overlay, and carpeting – a look that clashed with the upscale, uniform image the store was trying to convey.
Design goals “The client wanted a floor that was going to be neutral in color so when he moved different displays around, they would not clash. He wanted a cohesive look, with no carpet,” says project manager Gil Koury of Life Deck, a company that specializes in concrete coating design and installation. His solution was to expose the existing concrete and to enhance the
natural color with an epoxy coating that would provide a durable, uniform finish with a touch of gloss.
Secrets to success • To restore the existing floor and prep it for coating application, Life Deck used diamond grinding to remove the overlay and residual carpet glue. • The character of the existing concrete was retained as much as possible. “The concrete had some seams and lines that we used as decorative enhancement. No tint or stain was used; we simply enhanced the color of the existing concrete,” says Koury. • To coat the floor, Life Deck used
Westcoat EC-11, a water-based epoxy that Koury says is very easy to use and apply. “It enables the installer to apply multiple coats in a short period of time, and it dries to a very even sheen.”
Quick turnaround is key Koury says that many of his clients want a durable, low-maintenance, economical flooring option that takes less time to install, especially in hightraffic facilities such as retail stores and restaurants. “Those venues have a limited time to do the work because they want to stay open for business,” he says. For this project, which involved 4,000 square feet of concrete flooring, Life Deck completed the job in three days – including the prep work – by working through the night in shifts. Concrete Network Magazine • Spring 2011
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IDEA GALLERY
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Concrete Network Magazine • Spring 2011
Joe Fletcher Photography
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Outdoor Surfaces
Progressive Hardscapes 22
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Joe Fletcher Photography
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Joe Fletcher Photography 24
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Joe Fletcher Photography
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Concrete Floors
Progressive Hardscapes 26
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Progressive Hardscapes Concrete Network Magazine • Spring 2011
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The Concrete Studio
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Alternative Floors Concrete Network Magazine • Spring 2011
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Concrete Arts
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Tom Ralston Concrete
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Grace Designs Dallas Modello Design
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Concrete Arts
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countertops & fireplaces
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Joe Fletcher Photography
Oso Industries Concrete Network Magazine • Spring 2011
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Joe Fletcher Photography
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Joe Fletcher Photography Concrete Network Magazine • Spring 2011
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Tom Ralston Concrete
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Concrete Revolution Concrete Network Magazine • Spring 2011
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Rebar welded to the poles and extending to the I-beams in the ceiling serve as the support armature for the concrete branches. The vertical concrete mix was applied to the smaller branches by hand.
Concrete Trees Grow In a New Orleans-Themed Basement Support poles encased in concrete are transformed into life-like trees, with bark, branches and all Project submitted by Scott Miller, Millercrete, Sewel, N.J. • By Anne Balogh, ConcreteNetwork.com
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Concrete Network Magazine • Spring 2011
Bark-patterned texturing mats and combinations of brown and charcoal-gray dye were used to achieve the realistic texture and color of tree bark. trees in place,” Miller explains. A hot knife
by hand for the branches. Another coat
was used to cut and shape the Styrofoam
of bonding agent was applied before
Pennsylvania from New Orleans, wanted to
base, and small blocks of foam were
application of a second coat of concrete.
recreate the atmosphere of the Big Easy in
attached to bump out knots in the trees.
The challenge The homeowners, who had moved to
their basement. “They wanted it to look like
Although Miller’s company also installs
• The realistic wood-grain texture of the trees was created with bark-
the streets of New Orleans, with wrought-
decorative concrete patios, driveways,
patterned stamping mats, supplied by
iron steps leading into shops that have only
sidewalks and pool decks, he has
Concrete Texturing Tool & Supply, Throop,
the façade of the building built into the
established a niche with his faux concrete
Pa. To ensure a clean release and to
walls, and street lights, patios with tables
trees, stumps and boulders, “I make stumps
keep the mats from sticking to the fresh
and chairs, benches, and a park where you
the same way I make the trees, but they
concrete, Miller used a bubblegum-type
can sit. The homeowners were concerned
are free-standing. They work well to cover
liquid release agent.
about how they were going to cover the
the electric boxes at the back of pools, to
support poles, so this is where I came in,”
cover well heads, or just to use for towel
trees with a mix of dye and water-based
says Scott Miller of Millercrete, Sewel, N.J.
racks around pools.” Miler’s trees can also
sealer. “For most of the trees I do, I blend
double as beam supports. “I have a friend
a little brown dye with a water-based
who bought a local bar, and he wanted
sealer, and then I spray it on,” he explains.
The decorative concrete solution
• On the final day, Miller colored the
some of my trees in his bar. So we put in
“After waiting a bit, I then rub 50% of the
contractor on the project, Frank Sedar
vertical beams and supported them with
color off to give it more of a gray-brown
Construction, Bedford, N.J., came up
trees made out of Flex-C-Ment, along with
tone. When the first color is dry, I mix up
with was to encase the poles with faux-
concrete countertops.”
charcoal dye and water-based sealer.
The solution Miller and the building
The same process is used to apply it, but
concrete trees, created by applying Flex-C-Ment vertical concrete mix to Styrofoam. “Many branches were
Secrets to success • To ensure good adherence of the
then we rub almost all of it off, leaving the dark dye in the crevices of the textured
necessary to make the trees look real, so
vertical concrete mix, Miller brushed on a
bark.” After all the coloring was done,
we wrapped the poles with wire lathe and
bonding agent first and then applied the
Miller sprayed on two coats of clear
tied the wire to hold the branches and
concrete by trowel for the main trunk and
water-based sealer as a final finish. Concrete Network Magazine • Spring 2011
41
“57 Descending,” on display at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
Concrete Sculpture Reinvents the Wheel Project Submitted by David Eerdmans, Hard Topix, Jenison, MI By Anne Balogh, ConcreteNetwork.com
Artist’s modern-day monument of a ’57 Chevy is made using glass-fiber reinforced concrete
international contest decided solely by
was created using a combination of acid
public vote.
and water-based stains.
For last year’s ArtPrize, a sculpture
For more information about the
Aitken created using concrete was
sculpture and to see a video and
voted into the top 25. This year’s piece,
additional photos of the finished piece,
named “57 Descending,” is even more
visit Tj’s website at www.sculpturebytj.com.
complex and took approximately 2,400 When an expert in precast concrete
man-hours to complete, says Aitken.
and an award-winning sculptor with
The modern-art
a passion for cars pool their talents,
composition
amazing things can happen.
is made from
The sculptor, Tj Aitken of Holland,
Eerdmans’
Mich., has worked in many facets
formula for
of the auto industry, designing cars
lightweight
in Detroit. Today, he uses his art to
glass-fiber
record the drama of the car-centric
reinforced
culture in America and the impact
concrete. Aitken
of the auto on society. The precaster,
designed a steel
David Eerdmans of Hard Topix Precast,
armature system
Jenison, Mich., specializes in custom
onto which
residential and commercial countertops,
he attached
sinks, fireplaces, and outdoor cooking
sculpted
surfaces. In addition to concocting his
structural foam
own polymer-modified concrete mixes,
laminated with a
he also experiments with colors and
skin of GFRC. He
finishes that are beyond the norm.
devised a clever
A few years ago, Aitken paid a visit to
attachment
Eerdmans’ showroom. “When I walked in
system that
and saw the wild designs in the floor and
allows him to
the massive cast conference table, with
disassemble the
beautiful inlayed stone and pattern work,
components for
I knew I was in the right place,” he says.
easier transport,
“I was stunned by the finish quality and
since the piece
fidelity possible in the modern cement
will be going
formulas.” Since then, the pair has worked
on the road for
together on all types of projects. Their
display across
latest collaboration is a 14-foot-tall auto-
the country.
themed sculpture for the Grand Rapids,
The sculpture’s
Mich., 2010 ArtPrize competition, an
rustlike patina
Another view of the sculpture, which is made from sculpted foam and GFRC attached to a steel armature. Concrete Network Magazine • Spring 2011
43
Tips for Choosing the Right Size and Scale for an Outdoor Fireplace By Khara Dizmon, ConcreteNetwork.com Managing Editor
As part of the overall design mix, the
Too Large? As a post on ConcreteNetwork.com’s Facebook page, this photo of a fireplace at Panera Bread in Solana Beach, Calif., garnered many comments about its massive size. This fireplace, on the patio area of Panera Bread in Solana Beach, Calif., definitely attracts attention...but is it too large?
Gas-burning fireplaces, on the other
dimensions and scale of your outdoor
hand, don’t need a chimney at all, and
fireplace play a crucial role. The
can be much more conducive to a
ambiance of a warm fire can be lost if
smaller, more intimate style.
the fireplace is too small and provides
Judge scale by surroundings For an
little heat. However, you don’t want to
outdoor fireplace to blend and become
overwhelm the space and turn the glow
a natural-looking part of an outdoor
of a flickering flame into a blazing bonfire.
area, its scale must balance with its
Focus on how the fireplace will be
surroundings. “A small fireplace would
used “The size should be determined by
look out of place in a very large area,”
the number of people expected to be
explains Gucciardo. “I personally like to
able to use the fireplace at any given
build fireplaces and incorporate kitchens,
time,” says Larry Gucciardo, owner of
BBQs, or pizza ovens into them. They make
Dallas Outdoor Kitchens. With 15 years of
for a grand statement.”
experience designing outdoor kitchens, residential swimming pools, patios, and more, Gucciardo judges the size of outdoor fireplaces by space constraints at the jobsite, budget, and how it will be used socially.
Others noted that it would depend on the proportion of the fire that could be built in it and whether it would provide comfort. Regarding this Panera Bread fireplace, Gucciardo states, “For a restaurant or other public facility, I think the fireplace needs to be on a much larger scale than a typical residential one so that it can benefit a larger group of people at one time.”
“Large groups of people will require a grander scale as people tend to gravitate to the front of fireplaces, especially in cooler months. For large groups of people, you might even consider two fireplaces at opposite ends to help distribute the volume of people over a larger area. For more private settings, I believe it just needs to be determined by how it will be used socially and scaled to match its surroundings,” says Gucciardo. Types of fireplaces impact size Not only will budget, space constraints, and the purpose of the fireplace be important to consider, but the type of fireplace will have implications as well. A chimney will increase the size of a fireplace by as much as two additional feet. Woodburning fireplaces are typically taller because a chimney is required. In most areas, city permits require a chimney to rise two feet above nearby structures.
44
Concrete Network Magazine • Spring 2011
Dallas O utdoo r Kitc h e n s
“It’s definitely not intimate and inviting...” commented Jacqueline Bay. “I think it is beautiful...attracts attention,” Debra Caldwell HaskinHarris remarked.
“If you’re looking for ambiance — go small. If you’re looking for a focal point or an anchor to an outdoor room — go large.”
Th e G r e e n S c e n e
Dallas O utdoo r Kitc h e n s
No-Nonsense Neutrals: The Appeal of Brown and Gray Concrete Floors By Khara Dizmon, ConcreteNetwork.com Managing Editor
Despite the unlimited color options and patterns possible with concrete floors, many people still prefer the classic tones of brown and gray. As we learned from monitoring the visitor traffic in The Concrete Network photo gallery and by reading comments posted by our Facebook fans, there’s a lot to like about these unassuming, down-to-earth colors. What they lack in boldness, they more than make up for with their inconspicuous charisma and ability to blend with any décor. Here’s a closer look at what people find so attractive about brown and gray concrete floors
Brown Concrete Floors Although they don’t sound exciting, concrete floors in brown hues are among the most popular, based on their ranking as the most-viewed images in The Concrete Network photo gallery. With all the options available with concrete coloring products, why would homeowners, businesses, designers, and builders choose brown to color their floors? Here are three compelling reasons: • They are warm and inviting. Concrete colored with rich brown tones have undeniable aesthetic appeal. Plus their earthy, organic look gives rooms a
I mag e-N-Co n c r ete D e s i g n s
warm and restful aura.
46
Concrete Network Magazine • Spring 2011
• They hide dirt. Brown floors are popular in homes and offices because they are good at disguising dirt, lint and dust. Because concrete is an easily maintainable surface, they’re also simple to wipe clean.
Co n c r ete P o li s h i n g by J L D e s i g n s
A
Gray Concrete Floors Like brown floors, gray concrete floors can be an asset for interior design because they blend in and adapt so well with a variety of styles and colors. We showed these photos of three concrete floors in various shades of gray to our Facebook fans and asked them to identify their favorite and tell us why they chose it. Their responses offer some insight into what is appealing in a gray concrete floor. Although Photos B and C received the most favorable comments, the tastes in gray floors were unique to each individual. Regarding the floor in Photo B, people commented that the darker shade looks great with the red and black color scheme and ties in nicely with the room décor while still being functional. The floor in Photo C was appreciated for its highly polished look, the joint lines, and how well it complements the white walls and wood beams. One Facebook fan made this astute comment: “I like concrete because it’s not tile or wood, so why try to simulate those things?”
C G et R eal Su r fac e s
Maste r p i e c e Co n c r ete Co m po s iti o n s
B
Concrete, decided on the same dark
deeper, darker color. The intent was to
concrete floors create a neutral
walnut color used in the great room
create a masculine look to blend with
base tone that blends well with other
but with a stronger mix to achieve a
the walnut-paneled walls.
• They blend in beautifully. Brown
colors. They don’t clash with existing furniture, wall treatments, artwork, and other accents. Many designers also select brown because it visually adds depth to a floor. On the concrete floors shown on page 46, a lighter-colored golden wheat chemical stain from Kemiko was used in the kitchen. In the adjacent great room, a richer look was achieved using a dark walnut stain from Scofield. The two worked beautifully together while still providing room separation. In the study of the same home, the
What Influences Floor Color choices? Choosing the color for a floor takes some thought and consideration. So we asked our Facebook fans this question: What element in a room has the biggest influence on the color you choose for a concrete floor? From the responses we received, the existing wall color and the amount of light in a room are what most influence the color choice for a floor. “Walls have a huge impact on the floor,” says Facebook fan Amanda Frost. However, contractor Ryan Samford noted that the adjoining floor colors are more
influential “since walls are easier to change.” Lighting was a key factor for Facebook fan Mary Ann Blatchley-Margosian. “If it is dark, I want to brighten the room,” she says. For Janet Sellers, a darker floor is a good choice in rooms that are too bright. “If it is a room with excessive daylight, then a darker color will help balance that. In a basement or darker rooms, a lighter color tone will be best.” Other Facebook fans mentioned furniture and accessories as influences, along with the style of a home and the purpose of the room.
contractor, Lorena Herriot of Image-NConcrete Network Magazine • Spring 2011
47
Ideas for Imprinted Concrete By Brian Farnsworth, Bomanite Group International
In the concrete business, decorative paving and flooring artisans can be inspired by the work of others. As we take a look at our surroundings, we should ask the question: How could I do that using concrete as a medium? These photos from London, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia showcase some of the most beautiful architecture and paving work I have ever seen.
London: Recently, I spent some time in London while on a work trip and was amazed by all the natural cobblestone paving the crowded side streets of this amazing city. Notice how the stones have been worn down over time. I appreciate their irregularity and natural, low-gloss look. Sometimes in our world of decorative concrete we tend to veer away from how things really look when compared to natural stone.
London: This court outside the Knights Templar Temple is proof of the amazing work that can be done with precast pieces. Notice the subtle color differences in the random pieces. I have started to see similar precast concrete panels making their way into the market.
48
Concrete Network Magazine • Spring 2011
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: I was taken aback by the craftsmanship and materials used to construct this amazing mosque at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. This picture shows some of the exterior tile work I found inspiring.
London: This picture, taken outside the Queen’s Castle, shows granite stones with a light texture on top. The pattern is reminiscent of the traditional European fan tool we use for imprinting. I found this design to be much more intriguing.
Concrete Network Magazine • Spring 2011
49
more
ideas
Penang, Malaysia: The pavement in this photo reminds me of a light exposed-concrete, sand-wash finish. These were tiles set in place using typical tiling techniques.
Penang, Malaysia: The pavement shown in this picture, with large granite stones set in place and grouted, is quite common in this area of the world. I love the feeling of mass that comes with these large stones. Whoever built these ancient structures wanted them to last.
50
Concrete Network Magazine • Spring 2011
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