The mental images that the word concrete invokes may not be of something you’d want in your yard but in fact, the landscaping industry has begun to incorporate concrete materials in their designs the past few years with surprising results. Now concrete’s use is growing with the introduction of stained concrete finishes to include patios and driveways as well. You can make use of concrete…

Good concrete pond construction means not taking shortcuts. Improper methods can lead to more money spent on maintenance, repairs, or replacement than on the cost of the initial construction. Since good concrete pond construction equates to having one that lasts a lifetime or longer, follow these rules of thumb to get it right – the first time!

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Acid staining can make a common concrete floor into look like expensive natural stone flooring. Not only is it a fraction of the price, but for people allergic to carpeting materials it’s a godsend. Another great application is in houses with radiant floor heating. Radiant heating is at its most efficient when insulating floor coverings like tile or carpet are minimized.

The process of staining a concrete floor, while not overly complex, can be tough to get the results you want from. Most folks are probably better off hiring a professional contractor. It’s a risky project for the do-it-yourselfer.

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Concrete resurfacing is a method of repairing concrete sections when they are cracking or discolored. This usually happens over time and concrete resurfacing will help restore the look of the area to one that is much more attractive. There is also decorative concrete resurfacing which still restores the look of the concrete but also adds a decorative touch to it. This can include color and designs that can get very elaborate. Some refinishing projects are like works of art and are very beautiful. Prices for concrete resurfacing vary depending on the type of project you want and how elaborate you want to get in your designs. Typically, though, it starts off at approximately three dollars per square foot and can increase to over seven dollars per square foot.

The first thing that is done in concrete resurfacing is the cleaning of the area. This is usually done with a pressure washer to ensure all built up dirt and debris is removed. Next, there are several steps in repairing the cracks that may be found in the concrete. Cracks are first primed then filled with crack repair material. Then, they are reinforced with fabric and then a base coat is painted over the fabric. Polymer concrete is then smoothed on to the surface over the crack and ground down once dry until it is smooth and even. After the cracks are repaired, any holes that are in the concrete will be filled with epoxy mortar. Now that the concrete is thoroughly repaired, it is time to start the concrete resurfacing.

If you are planning to finish a basement you will most likely need to install furring strips to the concrete walls so that the walls can be sheetrocked.

Attaching furring strips to concrete walls can be easily done using 2”x2”s or 2”x3” kiln dried wood studs, liquid nail glue, and some fluted concrete nails.

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Welcoome to TheConcreteBuilder.com