Very HOT! Concrete Countertops Enhancing Concrete with ... · 10 The Secrets of Concrete...

VOL. 2 NO. 1 • FEBRUARY/MARCH 2002 • $6.95

Recipes for SuccessVery HOT!

Concrete Countertops

Enhancing Concrete with Stencils

Step by Step on Decorative Stairs

Recipes for SuccessVery HOT!

Concrete Countertops

Enhancing Concrete with Stencils

Step by Step on Decorative Stairs

VOL. 2 NO. 1 • FEBRUARY/MARCH 2002 • $6.95

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2 • www.ConcreteDecor.net • February/March 2002

February/March 2002 • Vol. 2 No. 1Issue No. 5 • $6.95

Publisher and Editor: Bent O. Mikkelsen

Co-publisher: Ernst H. Mikkelsen

Assistant Editor: Harlan Baldridge

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Sally Straight425-836-3931

Sales Support: Lucas Franklin

Writers:Susan Brimo-Cox

Gail ElberCindy Grawl

Bruce HackettStacey Klemenc

Christianna McCauslandBart Sacco

Photographers:Stephen StanleyBent Mikkelsen

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Dear Professionals,

Here’s an indisputable fact for any business owner: Your employees arecritical to the success of your company. Why? Because good employees dogood work which in turn helps bolster your company’s reputation — and

its bottom line. Given that, you should have a process to increase your employees’skills, just as you have (or should have) a process to increase your company’s successand profitability. Such processes are critical elements of sound business planning.

In reality, those companies who invest in their employees when times are goodare the companies most likely to retain employees — and maintain profitability —when times are lean. If your company consistently excels because your employeeshave a full set of dependable skills, it’s likely that it will be your company that clientscontact even when the pool of potential clients shrinks.

Right now you may be busier than ever before and that’s great. It means yourcompany — and your employees skills — are in demand. But what happens whenthe situation isn’t quite so bright? Are you prepared to weather stormier businessconditions? Better still, are your employees prepared to tackle new challenges thatcould deliver more business? If you have a plan for reinvesting in both your businessand in your employees’ skills, it’s likely that your answer to these questions is “yes.”

But unfortunately, many in our ranks are wary of teaching employees too much.Why? Because, as some contractors would be quick to point out, the employees youeducate today may well be your competition tomorrow. I would like to encourageyou to think differently. When they’re challenged by learning new processes andtechniques, and supported by a professional environment that encourages andinvests in skills’ improvement, employees quickly realize how much they’re valuedby their employers. And when employees feel valued, they’re likely to be moreproductive — and more loyal.

This is where I would like to suggest that you consider a subscription to ConcreteDecor magazine and seek out the educational resources our on-line services(www.concretedecor.com/cd_events.html) identify for both you and youremployees. As the publisher of this journal and a former contractor with my ownemployees, my goal is to present information that educates, informs, and supports. If your employees read through the pages of Concrete Decor, they’re certain to comeaway with new technical and industry knowledge — and will likely be challengedand interested in learning more.

If you’re committed to building astronger, more stable business, yoursubscription to Concrete Decor is anexcellent — and cost effective —starting point. In fact, I encourage youto consider Concrete Decor as aneducational resource for youremployees. As always, your commentsand questions are encouraged.

Sincerely,

Bent Mikkelsen, Publisher

ONTHE COVER: This month’s cover of CCoonnccrreettee DDeeccoorr features KenBennett of Final Touch Decorative Concrete Specialists,Eugene Oregon.Thanks Ken. The texture inside the word “Concrete” is the BrickformFM650 — European Fan.

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www.ConcreteDecor.net • February/March 2002 • 3

ContentsFEATURES10 The Secrets of Concrete Countertops

Like the structural character of a concrete foundation, concretecountertops are structural as well but with a whole lot more sex-appeal.by Susan Brimo-Cox

20 Recipe for SuccessCreating the right recipes for your concrete mix will ensure highquality installations with a decorative finish every time.by Cindy Grawl

26 Radius or Not, Here I Come! Surmounting the Task of BuildingDecorative StepsToday’s manufacturers offer contractors a timely, cost effectiveand decorative treatment for almost any staircase project.by Stacey Enesey Klemenc

30 The Pentagonby Christianna McCausland

32 Project Profile on a Radius Staircase: Round and Round She GoesA play by play on an exquisite set of radius steps.by Bart Sacco

36 Secrets of Better Concrete StencilingTake new or existing concrete work to a whole new level withstencils.by Gail ElberSPECIAL STORY IN NEXT ISSUE: Sandblasting with Stencils

42 Long Range PlanningPreparing for one, two or ten years down the road is equallyimportant as your plans for today, tomorrow, or next week’s jobs.by Robert Simpson

DEPARTMENTS16 Contractor Profile: Robert J. Harris

Driven by strong family values, high expectation for himself andthose who worked beside him remain the leading role for hispersonal success as a cement mason and business owner.by Stacey Enesey Klemenc

49 Advertisers Index44 Classified41 Concrete Marketplace04 Decorative Concrete Tips06 Industry News08 Industry Spotlight46 Product News25 Product Profiles

NEXT ISSUE: Fast Track Projects, Ad Mixtures, Textured Toppings,Curbs, Gutters and Borders, Sandblasting with Stencils.

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DecorativeConcrete Tips

Decorative Concrete Tips is a forum for readers toexchange information about methods,tools,and

tricks they’ve devised.We’ll pay for any we publish.Send details to CD Tips,Concrete Decor,

P.O.Box 25210,Eugene,OR 97402.We look forward to hearing from you!

Diving Board Mount

Did you ever have to install a pool deck with anaggressive pattern and then worry about cracking or

breaking the fiberglass diving board mount because you wereunable to set the mount on a smooth and level surface?

Solve this potential problem before the damage occurs byfirst following the diving board manufacturer recommendedinstructions for the diving board mount set back from thepool’s coping. Once located, tie wire the mount jig to therebar reinforcements in the deck.

Proceed with the pour as planned. When stamping theconcrete at the diving board mount run your pattern pastthe mount jig. Once you have pattern-stamped past themount area, stamp the fiberglass diving board mount intothe concrete as well. This allows you to set and level themount base and have a perfect fit to bolt down into later.This approach allows you to keep the pitch of the deck forwater run-off and still have a level diving board base.

— Bart SaccoConcrete Texturing Tool and Supply

Throop, PA



http://www.miracote.com



WARNING:Colors MayChange Without Notice

Many comments, instructions,warnings, and confused looks

surround the numerous ways acid staincolors can fluctuate from one concreteslab to another. Even under the tightestquality controls, concrete reacts withchemical stains differently every time.However, the sometimes-unpredictablereactions are exactly what produce theinteresting and beautiful results one canachieve from acid stains.

On this particular project, MarvinDodson used his Rare Earth Labs concen-trated concrete stains to color the twoconcrete foundation slabs placed side byside at a hotel complex. These slabssupport two two-story complexes, andeven though they may have been placedwithin a weeks time of each other, by thesame contractor, with concrete from thesame ready-mix plant, the picturesillustrate how stain colors can and willchange from slab to slab as easily as asunset’s color each evening. Because thesefloors do not intersect with each other norare they visible by the same person at anygiven place, they were gladly pre-approved by the customer and designer,having been pre-warned about the

sometime erraticnature of acidstain. They wereeven flexibleenough to changethe wall color tocomplement thestained floors.

The key toachieving the look

you want and eliminate surprises is totest, test, test. Rare Earth has developeda test kit that includes a generous supplyof each color for just that purpose.Marvin highly recommends this to eachof his customers and also emphasizes theimportance of educating the customerabout the nature of acid stains beforethey are used on a job. Remember, muchof the beauty and appreciation in stained

concrete is the so-called unknown,natural variegated look that the stainsproduce in contrast to other floorcoverings. This can be easily achievedwith a little testing, practice,imagination and the willingness to be alittle flexible regarding the outcome.

— Marvin Dodson, Rare Earth LabsEl Dorado, AR



Learning Opportunities Abound atwww.concretedecor.netYou can now visit www.concretedecor.net on-line forthe latest information on upcoming events around thecountry and in your area. Only found on-line withConcrete Decor is the most comprehensive listing oftraining events with links to the individuals orcompanies offering these valuable training services. Ifyou’re thinking of expanding your business and want tolearn from the pro’s examine this new service on-line.We think you’ll like what you find.

Master Builders and Scofield FormAlliance to Expand Colored ConcreteMarketMaster Builders, Inc. and L.M. Scofield Company haveformed a sales and marketing alliance designed toexpand the demand for, and use of, coloredarchitectural concrete throughout North America. Injoining forces, the two companies emerge as the onlyfull-service supplier of concrete admixtures able toprovide improved products, comprehensive service andtechnical expertise in colored concrete technologies,and move colored architectural concrete from a nicheto a mainstream market.

In the United States, demand for colored concrete isestimated at four to six million cubic yards per year,approximately 1 to 1.5% of total production, but thatfigure is expected to double within the next four to fiveyears. “This is an important market that offers ready mixand precast concrete producers an avenue to expandtheir operations, and increase the value of concrete as anattractive and functional design and constructionoption,” stated Mike Shydlowski, President and CEO ofMaster Builders. “With high quality colored architecturalconcrete, we are providing architects and designers withcost-effective and durable alternatives to conventionalwood, stone and brick building products.”

Both companies will manufacture and marketCHROMIX® Admixtures, the Scofield brand name thatis respected throughout the world and the industry. Theoriginal formulation of powdered CHROMIX®

Admixtures will continue to be available from Scofield.A new line of liquid integral coloring admixtures,CHROMIX® L, will be introduced early this year andwill be offered to ready mix and precast concreteproducers through Master Builders.

Together, Master Builders and Scofield will provideextensive training and support to contractors andproducers to ensure successful and expanded use ofcolored concrete. Scofield will continue to work with thedesign, engineering and contractor audiences to generatespecifications and promote quality placement of coloredarchitectural concrete. Master Builders will work with

ready mix and precast producers to accelerate theacceptance and understanding of quality colored concreteproduction as a value-added product that can increase theoverall demand for concrete in the marketplace.

“The extensive experience and depth of technicalservice and support offered through this allianceprovides competitive advantages to concreteproducers,” remarked Phil Arnold, President and CEOof Scofield. “Moreover, the expanded and unique colorrange, functionality and performance of architecturalconcrete produced using CHROMIX® Admixtures forColor-Conditioned Concrete™ offers new design andbusiness opportunities for the concrete industry.”

“The new liquid coloring admixtures exhibit superiorperformance characteristics and eliminate many of theconcerns that ready mix and precast producers havewith liquid systems,” explained Mr. Shydlowski. “Thenew system of measuring equipment and productadvancements provide color stability, reliability andpermanence, as well as production accuracy andefficiencies unequaled by any liquid color measuringapproach currently available.

We hope that the combination of these newtechnologies and the Master Builders and Scofieldalliance will help to move colored concrete from aniche to a mainstream market opportunity.”

For additional information, visit the companywebsites at www.masterbuilders.com orwww.scofield.com.

Building a Website May be Easier ThanYou ThinkIf you have the skills but don’t know how to marketyour business to the world around you, Concrete Decorhas a powerful solution waiting for you. We haveteamed up with the Concrete Network to bring youtheir FREE Website Offer.

The Concrete Network offer includes:● Your own domain name● Hosting● Unlimited Maintenance● Free Logo design● Unlimited number of pages

If you’ve thought about building your own companyweb-site but didn’t know how to go about building thatprofessional image and presence on the internet visitwww.concretedecor.net. Click on the FREE WebsiteOffer and see some examples of what the ConcreteNetwork has helped many other contractorsaccomplish throughout the nation and abroad.

Sign on with the Concrete Network before April 15,2002 and receive FREE Concrete Decor and ConcreteNetwork hats. Don’t delay. Visit www.concretedecor.nettoday!

Industry New

s

http://www.masterbuilders.com

http://www.scofield.com







Industry SpotlightConcrete Furniture Market Expanding Rapidly

By now the booming market for concrete countertopsis well known. Architects and designers are wellversed in concretes ability to contribute to the cool,

natural look that is in such demand. What is not as wellknown is the growing popularity of concrete furniture piecessome of North America’s most creative craftsmen are creating.

“People want to have something they can show off, notsomething that mimics what their friends or neighborshave,” according to Terry Stogner, ownerand founder of Concrete Interiors in Alamo,California. In addition, concrete can bedesigned in options, straight, curved, orfreeform; a variety of edge treatments arepossible; surface treatments such as texturesand inlays can be used; and the concrete canbe tailored to compliment glass, metal, or wood. “And if youbreak outside the standard mold with concrete, the cost doesnot go up dramatically,” he said.

Beau Hibdon of Elements of Time in Redmond, Oregon,got his start in furniture when customers he was building apatio for asked him to build the furniture to go with it. “Istarted using different materials over boards and pieces of

plywood. I’d use stains andstamps. When I startedshowing what I could do,people didn’t believe it.”

Today, the gallery heowns with partner DaveAnderson boasts beautiful

furniture that lures customer after customer. Hibdon saysrequests for furniture are commonthese days. In fact, three “high-end”stores are interested in their work.

Cheng Design in Berkeley,California, is known internationallyfor its innovative design work inkitchens, bathrooms, and customhomes. The use of concrete isabundant. “I have an art backgroundand I was always trying to beinventive,” said Futung Cheng, whosemother was a color artist at the Walt Disney Studios. Threeof his brothers are professional artists. Cheng wasimmediately drawn to the virtues of concrete. “It is easily

sculpted, it takes any guise,and it mimics whatever askit to be,” he said.

Cheng design hasintroduced a new GeocretePangea Series Workstation,a module that plugs into anew or existing kitchen.The Workstations are

designed around specific functions like pastry making, brassor stainless trivets to be designed near a cook top, fittedcutting boards or chopping blocks and integral fruit bowls.

As each day passes more and more owners, designers, andbuilders realize the possibilities of concrete for customfurniture pieces — this market is poised to continue growingand become more creative.

About The Concrete Network (www.concretenetwork.com):Founded in 1999, The Concrete Network serves architects,builders, designers, consumers, and remodelers with over 1,500pages of concrete information and localservice providers for concretecountertops, stamped concrete, acid-etchstaining, concrete resurfacing, and 43other types of concrete work. JimPeterson is Founder and President.



http://www.concretenetwork.com):

http://www.surfacegeltek.com


The Secretsof ConcreteCountertopsBy Susan Brimo-Cox

The Secretsof ConcreteCountertopsBy Susan Brimo-Cox

Cast in place concrete countertopinstallation by Dave Pettigrew,

Diamond D Company.Kitchen Design by Marty Fiorovich



Handcrafted and distinctlyunique, concrete countertopsare finding their way into

more and more homes and commercialvenues. The versatility of the medium,as well as its unpredictability, is part ofthe attraction. It’s a growing trend andproving to be a boon to concrete artists.

Jeffrey Girard, owner of FormWorksL.L.C. in Cary, North Carolina, says,“The number one feature of concretecountertops is that they are completelycustomizable — any shape, size,thickness, embedded items. If a clientwants cobalt blue, I can give it to them.If they want something that looks like abeach with seashells and beach glass, Ican do it.”

“Concrete can give a real ‘OldWorld’ feel,” observes Tom Ralston,owner of Tom Ralston Concrete inSanta Cruz, California. “It’s one of themost unique surfaces in that no one elsewill have exactly the same thing.”Ralston has embedded seashells,exposed the aggregate, hand troweled afinish, polished the surface, and sand-and glass-blasted the surface, all toachieve different effects.

Stuart Zumpfe, president of ConcreteEffects Inc. in Langhorne, Pennsylvania,has impressed real ivy leaves, usedtraditional stamping skins, andembedded coins and custom tiles intocountertop surfaces for distinct results.On one job, he reports, he sprinkledtitanium dioxide on the surface beforesealing to achieve a gold-flecked look.

Various contractors also use integralcolor, acid stains, color hardeners andmicro-toppings. There is virtually nolimit to what you can create.

Want to know a secret?Mix designs, construction techniquesand surface treatments vary from oneconcrete countertop fabricator toanother, and many closely guard theirproprietary methods as trade secrets.But for those curious to learn moreabout crafting concrete countertops,there are some basics. For example,concrete countertops are either cast-in-place or pre-cast and installed after

curing. Advocates for each method citevarious benefits.

Dave Pettigrew, owner of DiamondD Company in Watsonville, California,pours concrete countertops in place. “Ilike to pour-in-place because I can formthe countertop to anyone’s particularneeds — radius edges, curved corners.”Because he pours the countertops in-place, Pettigrew says he doesn’t pourwith joints. “We put plastic over thecabinets, we pour one-and-a-half inchthick, and we tell the customer we haveto have control of it for 10 days.”Having control for proper curing isimportant.

“Sometimes form-setting on finishedcabinetry is challenging,” reportsRalston, who also pours in-place. Healso says “working within theframework of people’s schedules —scheduling with the cabinet installer,plumber, electrician, and dry-wallinstaller — especially on a remodelingproject, can be tricky.”

Zumpfe pours in-place and borrows atrick from pool installers for nicerounded edges, he uses coping profileform liners.

If you want control, however, pre-cast is probably the way to go. Whenyou pre-cast “you can controleverything about the structure — theenvironment, temperature, curing timeand how it cures,” explains KarenSmith, sales and marketing director for

Countercast Designs Inc. outside ofVancouver, British Columbia. Anotherupside to pre-casting is that you canincorporate integral sinks into thecountertop. “You can’t do that whenyou pour-in-place,” she says, “because[when you pre-cast] everything can beaccessed from all sides.”

Manufacturing time for pre-castcountertops can run six to seven weeks,but is generally five weeks, according toSmith. Forming and templating timetakes about a week. Curing takes fourweeks. Seams in pre-cast countertops canbecome part of the design. Generally, asilicon or latex caulk is used.

Girard, who is also a professionalcivil engineer, says the quality of thefinal product depends on how well theconcrete is mixed, poured and cured.He advises, “Most concrete is used forstructural applications. Countertops arestructural and need to be approachedthat way.”

Another advantage to pre-cast is theability to ship product to farawaylocations, though shipping costs can bea limiting factor.

As Pettigrew points out, quantitymay be the deciding factor for manycontractors. “We do maybe three orfour concrete countertops a month, sowe pour-in-place. If I did 25 a month, Imight pre-cast.”

Mum’s the wordConcrete countertop manufacturers —pour-in-place and pre-cast alike —obtain their materials from standardsources, such as concrete suppliers,ready-mix producers and stuccosuppliers. Exactly what goes into theindividual mixes, however, is not sharedinformation.

For most contractors there was agood deal of painstaking experimen-tation before the “ideal” concretecountertop mix design was achieved.With such an intense learning curve,one can easily forgive the hesitancy toshare. “You don’t get to practice much,”says Pettigrew. “Once we got the basicsdown, then we began refining it.”Pettigrew generally has a ready mix

Manufacturing timefor pre-cast

countertops can runsix to seven weeks,but is generally fiveweeks,according toSmith.Forming and

templating timetakes about a week.Curing takes four

weeks.



plant prepare his concrete according tohis specifications, but, if the job is asmall one, he’ll mix the batch himselfright on the site. His topping mud is alsoa secret. “It’s my ‘secret sauce,’” he says.

Additives might include polymersand plasticizers. Ralston sticks withhalf-inch angular rock aggregate andpours as stiff a mix as he can.

For reinforcement, more than onematerial is often used. Zumpfe says he

uses fiberglass in his mix for strengthand to reduce shrinkage. In the form heoften uses vinyl-coated wire shelving,which he places upside-down, orwelded wire. Ralston uses stealth fibermesh (like little strings) and fibrillatedfiber mesh (like netting). Sometimes,around sinks for drainage or next tostovetops as hot pot rests, contractorswill partially embed metal bars —stainless steel, brass or bronze.

You could say every concretecountertop is made from custom-madeconcrete and you wouldn’t be wrong.Smith observes, “Everyone uses differentthings and most [contractors/manufac-turers] keep their method under wraps.”

My lips are sealedNo less important than any other step isthe sealer. “The sealer sustains thecountertop, makes it still great looking infive to 10 years. That’s what separates themen from the boys,” admonishes Smith,who’s firm uses a water-based, USDA-approved sealer that is absorbed into thepores of the concrete. “It doesn’t leave a[visible] coating, so the surface looks andfeels like stone,” she explains.

Ralston says different sealers give youdifferent looks. “Acrylic waxes have amatted appearance. Silicon-impregnatedsealers look natural. Polyurethaneepoxies have a high gloss.” Which sealerhe uses depends on what the clientwants.

In kitchen situations, a sealer that iscompatible with food use is desirable.Tim Sherry, northeast regional salesmanager for Increte Systems, saysIncrete’s Counter Kote is an FDA-approved epoxy, designed to go onthick. He says Increte’s Dura-gloss, alsoFDA-approved and originally designedfor use on floors, is a thinner water-based epoxy that also works well oncountertops. Bomanite’s Florthane is anFDA-approved, highly chemical-resistant urethane sealer. Chris Stewart,Bomanite’s director of technicalservices, says Florthane is available inwater-borne and solvent-borneformulas. Seal Hard, by L&MConstruction Chemicals in Omaha,Nebraska, is a USDA-approvedhardener/densifier. Stu Wood, chemistat L&M, explains that Seal Hardpenetrates the surface of the concreteand, through a chemical ion-exchange,bonds with the concrete, plugging uppores and crevices.

The secret is out!Concrete countertops are popping upeverywhere, in residences, restaurantsPh

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This example of aprecast concretecountertop byJames Humber issimple in design.However, it showsoff a dramaticgranite looksimply by addingthe right stuff toyour mix.



COLOR

Concrete countertopsoffer unlimited colors

for clients.From brighthues to dark richtranslucent tonesconcrete makes a

statement.

SHAPE

is limited only by thedesigner’s imaginationand the crafter’sknowledge of materials

TEXTURE AND FINISH

No two countertops arealike. It is the selected

finish that will eitherenhance or disguise

authentic details in theconcrete.

Phot

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and commercial businesses. While thematerials are inexpensive, concretecountertops are cost-competitive withhigh-end solid surface products andsome natural stone products, such asgranite, because of all the skill andlabor that goes into creating them —figure $65 to $125 per square foot.

“For someone who wanted to getinto making them, experimentation isthe first step, but you have to knowwhat you’re doing,” cautions Girard.“It’s too easy to make a concretecountertop — it’s difficult to make agood one. Durability depends on whomakes them. The more experiencedthe fabricator, the better.”

The well-known durability ofconcrete notwithstanding, concretecountertops can crack and be damaged.Dropping a cast iron pot may causechipping or break an edge. Howeversuch an event is likely to damage othercountertop materials, as well. Heat,abrasives, sharp knives, the strongcolors and acid or base properties offoods are all a concern, but more forthe sealer than the concrete itself.

As Smith observes, with repairs“you’ll never completely match 101percent, it may be slightly different, butyou’re not dealing with something thatneeds to be computer-matched.”Variations in coloration and embeddedobjects help hide stains. Zumpfe pointsout if you use a high-build epoxy resinsealer, scratches and wear marks can besanded and recoated. Or, as with otherclassic materials — good leather, woodor natural stone — imperfections addcharacter.

“One of the most challenging thingsabout working on a concretecountertop is that it’s like working on apiece of furniture,” Ralston reflects.“Everything is brought up to your focalpoint and it’s constantly under scrutiny.You almost need an artisan to do thiswork.” Indeed. That appears to be thebiggest secret of all.



After serving his obligatory stint in the military in the mid-’50s,

Robert J. Harris studiedengineering at Stockton College fortwo years. Pursuing a degree andsupporting a developing family didn’tquite mesh, so he switched career paths— a move he has never regretted —and went on to complete a three-yearapprenticeship in Oakland, becominga bona fide union cement mason in theSan Francisco Bay Area in 1960.

From there, the journeyman workedhis way up to foreman for variouscompanies and then superintendent.By 1972, he had formed his owncompany, Harris and Harris, which

Robert J.Harris II:A hard-working manwith a soft sideBy Stacey Enesey Klemenc

ContractorProfile

ContractorProfile

From left:Robert Harris III,sister Lori Harris,and their father Robert Harris II.



largely focused on public works projectsinvolving bridges, dams and freewaysthroughout the state of California. TheClass A general engineering contractoralso has been involved in myriadprivate endeavors, everything fromskateboard parks and undergroundcemetery vaults to tilt-up concrete andentire commercial complexes.

Harris, who now lives in NorthernCalifornia’s Brentwood, says hisconstruction career goes way back.When he was 5 or 6 years old, his dad,Robert J. Harris Sr. — “who was a damndam builder” — began to teach himhow to operate heavy equipment. “Justlike a farmer is out there with his kidson a tractor, when their legs are longenough to reach the pedals, he wasteaching me what that lever was for,what this one did,” Harris recalls abouthis first outing to the Mojave Desert. “Ibecame familiar with the jargon andtechnology at a very early age.”

When he was 13 years old, he joinedthe labor union and helped his fatherwith a road project in Montana. “I wasan independent child,” he says. “I lovedrunning through the forest and goingdown rivers and exploring on my own. Iwasn’t a loner — I had friends and all— I just liked doing things by myself.And I still enjoy my own companytoday,” as well as the company of hisfamily. He and his wife, Mary Lou, havethree children: Nancy, Lori and Bob.

When Harris’ son, Robert P., got oldenough, he accompanied him on sidejobs that he’d do on weekends. Harrissays young Bob — who now is director ofproduct training for the ScofieldInstitute, the educational arm of L.M.Scofield Co., in Douglasville, Georgia —used to carry stakes and lumber and helphim build patios, backyard retainingwalls and such whenever he could. Fromthe time his son was a teenager into hisyoung adult years, they often workedtogether on various projects.

The one thing the younger Harrissays sticks out in his mind during theseformative years was how hard it wasbeing the boss’ son. “It was 10 timesmore difficult than what it was for the

average employee,” he says. His dadexpected (and still expects) perfectionand always pushed him to do his best.Although he concedes it took him yearsto appreciate his father’s drive (“I justthought he was kind of cantankerous atthe time”), he’s thankful his dad taughthim to take pride in his work and to beproud of his trade and the industry as awhole.

All three Robert Harrises have beenmarked by this “driven” trait. “Bobwould probably agree my father [RobertSr., who passed away years ago] was anextremely hard taskmaster. Hedemanded an honest day’s work out ofanybody that worked for him and I dothe same. I think that’s a good workethic. I’ve made a few enemies in mylife but I’ve made many more friendsand associates,” the elder Harris says.“The same ethics that were instilled inme, I’ve instilled in my son. And that’sreally paid off for him. Bob is probablyone of the premier stainers anddecorative floor finishers in the world.”

Bob attributes much of his success tohis father’s influence. He rememberssome sage advice he gave him a longtime ago: “If you get to the upperechelon you can take your skill and goanywhere you want. And that’s whatI’ve done,” says the younger Harris, whohas conducted seminars everywherefrom South Africa to Spain and beyond.“His words of wisdom are now reality.”

The elder Harris also believes thatstaying on schedule is probably the mostcrucial aspect of any job. “I’ve built a lotof things in the last 35-40 years. And I’vebuilt them all on time and on schedule,”he says. To be successful time and timeagain, “Put your work schedule on agraph and follow it to a T.” As for judgingthe quality of workmanship, Harrisbelieves it’s a learning process not aninherent trait. It will come in time.

As a whole, concrete masonry hasbeen a rewarding career, says Harris. Hesays he’s living comfortably andcontinues to work because he wants to,not because he has to. In addition tosmall jobs for local cities and counties,he’s also dabbling in the decorative




concrete arena, staining and stampingfriends’ and neighbors’ garage floors,patios and the like — something hisson taught him to do.

“I love the out of doors and I likemaking things and I don’t mind getting

dirty when I do,” Harris says, noting:“When the concrete trucks pull up, it’slike the start of the football game. I getlike an adrenaline rush.”

As far as young people starting out,he says cement masonry is a pretty

good career choice. “Many youngpeople have started with my companyand have branched off on their own,”says Harris. “It keeps you healthybecause it’s extremely hard work. Andif I had it to do all over again, I’d dothe same thing. Only I would haveprofited more if I knew then what Iknow now,” he adds with a laugh.

According to his son, Harris hasalways been willing to help people whoneeded a break in life. He’d offer thema chance to have a career and anopportunity to better themselves. “Myfather has always been and will alwaysbe a workaholic,” the younger Harrissays. “He’s a very driven man who staysextremely focused. He sets goals anddoes whatever it takes to achieve thosegoals. All of us [Robert Harrises] areworkaholics. I don’t know if that’s agood thing or a bad thing. We like ourwork. No, like is an understatement.We love what we do.”


CIRCLE #58 ON READER SERVICE CARD CIRCLE #28 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Robert Harris II with his grandson.Could Robby become the fourthgeneration concrete finisher?


a role in making the concrete bothbeautiful and long-lasting. Here’s how:

CementThe first ingredient in concrete isportland cement, which is typically10% to 15% of the mix by volume.ASTM C150 lists eight types of cementthat offer a variety of performancebenefits to concrete. Three of the mostcommon types are Type I, for normalconcrete, Type II, offering moderatesulfate resistance, and Type III, for fastsetting and high early strengthapplications. Portland cements nowcome in blends that can meet morethan one ASTM specification.

Fly ash, one of the mineraladmixtures, can replace from 18% to20% of the cement in the mix, resultingin a slower set. Fly ash also tends todecrease early age compressive strength,but it typically increases late age strength.One main advantage of fly ash is that itlowers concrete cost because it is cheaperthan cement. According to Don

Skundrick, Liniger’s Tru Mix, head ofoperations, Medford, Oregon, fly ash indecor mixes reacts with lime to hold downleaching, which can result in unsightlydeposits. It is important to note that not allfly ash is suitable for concrete. Improperusage can even cause surface flaking oncolor hardened concrete applications.

WaterWater is the catalyst that hydrates thecement and makes the mixture workable.For complete cement hydration, a water-to-cement ratio of 0.19 to 0.22 is needed.However, to make the concreteworkable, the w/c ratio ranges from 0.40to 0.60. Concrete consistency, as itrelates to its fluidity or mobility, isdetermined by its slump. Slump is not ameasure of the workability of concrete.Rather, the higher the slump value, themore mobile the mixture. The methodfor determining slump is described inASTM C143. Slump should bemaintained throughout the pour, andadmixtures can be used to do this.

Determining the best mixdesign for decorativeconcrete is like creating a

recipe for a gourmet treat — it shouldtake advantage of the best qualities ofthe various ingredients in it to producethe specific product for your needs.When it comes right down to it,according to Kelly Idiart, vicepresident customer service, CentralConcrete, San Jose, California, goodquality concrete is the same for bothdecor and nondecor applications.Much is dependent on job siteconditions, with their specific moisturelevels, subgrades, finishes and curepractices.

More specifically, mix design fordecor will vary depending on theregion of the country, the site, and thetype of finish the project will receive,says Ward Malisch, Senior ManagingDirector, Technical Operations, theAmerican Concrete Institute (ACI),Farmington Hills, Michigan. Ongeneral principles, he says, there is noone-size-fits-all mix design. He suggeststhat a good mix take into accountthree elements:1) the properties of the concrete in its

plastic state as it comes out of thetruck,

2) the finished concrete’s strength towithstand loads and durability towithstand freeze and thaw cycles,and

3) economics — how expensive it is. Ifit is possible, he says, reduce theamount of raw materials used asmuch as possible while retainingstrength and durability.

It all begins with proportion, saysMalisch, getting the right ratios of eachingredient. Concrete is made of cementand water to form a binding agent, andthen sand and aggregate that provide itssubstance. Admixtures are used toprovide special qualities, and these caninclude either water reducers of varyingcapabilities or set modifiers. Finally, airentrainment products and fibers addstrength and durability, while colorgives a special aesthetic. Each one plays


Recipe forSuccessby Cindy Grawl



When determining the mixproportions for a cubic yard of concrete,the w/c ratio (which is related to thedurability compressive strength) and themaximum size of the aggregate first needto be determined. In the absence ofhistorical performance with a given set ofmaterials, ACI 211 provides relationaltables and additional information forproportioning a concrete mixture.

“Keeping the water-to-cement ratioright is the number one rule for mixdesign,” says Skundrick. “Use as little wateras possible, as this affects the quality of theconcrete.” The excess of water will causeexcessive bleed water as the concrete beginsto cure, he says, and thus the substance willshrink. Using too much water also risks thesurface color. Superplasticizers and otheradmixtures can be used in place of water toreduce the amount used.

AggregatesIn decor uses, the size and the shape ofaggregates used in the mix design areimportant, says Malisch. Each contractorhas an opinion about particle size, andmany say it depends on what kind offinish will be used.

Here is the conundrum. In decor,texture and pattern are vital, and they areaffected by the size aggregate used. Thedeeper the stamped impression is to be, thesmaller the stone needed, but the smallerthe stone, the more cement is needed, andthus the more water required.

According to Tom Ralston, president ofRalston Concrete, Santa Cruz, California,using a smaller pea gravel means you haveto make up for the reduced solid mass withsand, increasing the need for water andthus reducing structural integrity. Whilethe 3⁄8" inch aggregate promotes cleanedges when stamping with rubber oraluminum stamps, he says, the use of alarger angular rock improves strength andthe rocks have a better tendency tointerlock, reducing cracking. He says theonly time a larger aggregate is difficult forstamping is when the aluminum or rubberstamps are used. He suggests using 3⁄4"angular aggregate with all polyurethanetexture mat stamps to help overcomesome of the shrinkage problems.





Skundrick believes that with stamped applications, asmaller rock, a 3⁄8", should be used, compensating with a highercement content and a 45% aggregate to 55% sand ratio, justthe opposite from a normal mix. He advises using plenty ofmatrix to get the detail needed on stamped applications.

Idiart also suggests a smaller-sized aggregate be used to helpenhance the stamping impression, but mixing it with a largersize to enhance durability and quality.

Round or water tumbled rock is seen only in some areas ofthe country, and it is considered best in exposed designs.

AdmixturesAdmixtures are used to customize just the right mix for aspecific job, climate, and site, to control the set and to adddurability. Common admixture types are classified in ASTMC494 and include water reducers, accelerators, and retarders.

Water reducers act as the name suggests: they either lowerwater demand while maintaining slump or they can be usedto increase the slump without the need for additional water.Some provide set control in addition to water reduction andact as either accelerators or retarders. Different types of waterreducers impart different amounts of water reduction,typically from about 3% to 10%. High-Range water reducingadmixtures or superplasticizers offer the highest level of waterreducing capability, typically ranging from 12% to about25%. Ralston notes that superplasticizers increase slumpwithout adding water.

Accelerators as defined by ASTM C494 as “an admixturethat accelerates the setting and early strength development ofconcrete.” They may or may not provide water reduction aswell. They primarily allow concrete to maintain an even setwhen there is a temperature differentiation.

Using these admixtures in combination must be donecarefully, as they can offset each other, even from the samemanufacturer, so get advice before getting carried away. SaysRalston, “If you use admixtures indiscriminately, using toomuch retardant for example, it can wreak havoc, delay yoursetup and create a spongy effect.”

Giving the mix the opposite effect are the retarders. Theseadmixtures slow the rate of setting and are sometimes used tooffset the accelerating effect of hot weather or to delay the set,allowing for special finishing processes, which may often timesincrease strength. Admixtures are usually dosed in fluid ouncesfor every 100 pounds of cement per cubic yard of concrete.

Air EntrainmentThe design must result in a durable concrete that can standup to freeze-thaw cycles in wintry climates. This isaccomplished through the use of air entrainment, either fromusing air-entraining cement or from air-entrainingadmixtures, described in ASTM C260. The microscopicvoids provided by air entrainment allow space for frozenwater to expand so it won’t fracture the concrete. The needfor air entrainment, says Malisch, varies from region toregion, running from 3% to 7% of the volume of theconcrete.

Skundrick notes that air entrainment additives can make afinish sticky, but the solutions to this lie with the finishingprocess, not with a change in mix design.

Ralston suggests that contractors look into the use of suchmaterials as acrylic polymers, which help increase a mix’sadherence to old concrete and improve concrete’s flexibility.Such polymers, says Ralston, mean a lower water-to-cementratio and help reduce shrinkage as the plastic fills theseinterstitial voids. “As the industry develops,” he says,“modified acrylics and latex additives will become moreimportant in mix designs as we strive for sophisticatedapplications. Tinkering with these admixtures will mean wewill begin to see some awesome things.”

FiberFor inhibiting plastic shrinkage and plastic settlementcracking, there are two common types of synthetic fiber, amonofilament nylon fiber and a monofilament fiber orfibrillated tape polypropylene, can be used to provide a three-dimensional secondary reinforcement to decorative concrete.These products are available in pre-weighed degradable bagsand are introduced into the ready mix at the rate of from 1.0to 1.5 pounds per cubic yard.

The advantages of using synthetic fibers are directly relatedto concrete durability, according to Bob Zellers, PE, vice

CIRCLE #38 ON READER SERVICE CARD Con Expo - Con/Agg Booth 11122



layer, adding some labor cost but generally decreasing the costof color throughout.

Frank Piccolo, of the Decorative Concrete Council andNatchitoches, Lousianna’s Artcrete, Inc., says that differentconcrete contractors prefer different kinds of coloration.“Opinions are like belly buttons,” he says. “Everybody hasone.” Some contractors use only integral color, and othersprefer a dry shake, thinking it gives a richer color withoutfading out. Still others will even use a combination of bothintegral and topical coloring applications.

Malisch says that integral color is expensive and liable tovary from pour to pour, but Skundrick suggests that the cost ishigher only for reds, greens, blues and darker colors, thatintegral earth tones are generally a better value.

“Integral colors were the hardest to use,” says Ralston, butmany companies have now gone to liquid systems over thedry powders, added by computer rather than an individualdriver, so consistency is now greatly enhanced.

Adds Idiart, the new liquid systems are “the wave of thefuture,” offering ease of application as well as consistency.

StrengthThe industry standard for comprehensive strength of concreteis measurement performed at 28 days. Some 3,500-4,000 psi isconsidered acceptable for decor uses.

According to Piccolo, top applied color hardeners, whichinclude wetting agents, were developed to allow a higher specifi-

president of technology and engineering at NyCon, Westerly,Rhode Island. Synthetic fibers control plastic shrinkagecracking, increase toughness and impact resistance, andreduce water migration. None of these benefits could earlierbe obtained from the older approach with wire mesh, asecondary reinforcement.

Zellers says that synthetic fibers keep shrinkage at bay andimprove durability by helping the finish stand up to surfaceabrasion. “Every contractor has a preference for nylon orpolypropylene,” he says. “It’s like Fords vs. Chevys.” One thingis certain however, the shorter micron-fiber is most suitable fordecorative concrete. Longer fibers will generally stick up on thesurface of the finished concrete but can be easily burned offwith a torch to maintain the aesthetic appearance withcolorful textured or stamped concrete finishes.

ColorIn addition to texture, it is color that sets the hallmark fordecor applications. “With color, concrete becomes a piece ofart,” says Ralston. “But it is the trickiest, most difficult part ofthe mix.” Clients, he says, expect the finish to look like paintedsubstrate, and they must be taught that it will have a natural,variegated effect caused by the many elements in the mix.

There are two methods for adding color to concrete. Onemethod of coloration is through the use of integral color oriron oxide pigments added to concrete, never more than 10%by weight. The second method uses color only on the top



cation for PSI in industrial uses, creating abrasion resistance atlower cost as they can strengthen concrete surfaces two to threetimes higher than the standard compressive strength. However,he says, nowadays color hardeners are used in the decorativeconcrete to enhance aesthetics.

“PSI is not as important in decor,” adds Skundrick. “Youstrive to get a high quality surface, and color hardeners simplygive concrete that unique natural stone appearance. Becauseof color hardeners strengthening qualities however, it doesmake the top of the concrete very resilient to foot or wheeltraffic and repairing damage to color hardened concrete isquicker and easier to blend with the existing surface.”

DecorWhat it all comes down to is that each contractor mustconstruct his own basic recipe for a mix design to meet hisclimate, site and aesthetic needs. Frank Rusk, a Las Vegas-based contractor turned consultant, says that he came upwith his own mix design, adapting it with the help of a ready-mix supplier. He starts with a Type V cement as it is resistantto the attack from minerals in soil and water, and does notuse fly ash, as it causes splotching.

For stamping applications, he advises a 5.5 to 6.5 bag percubic yard ratio, with a 50/50 sand and aggregate ratio, and a 3⁄4-inch aggregate. In exposed aggregate applications, he advises a70/30 or 60/40 sand-to-aggregate ratio, with a 3⁄8-inch roundedaggregate used. He uses integral color, sprayed with a nationally

recognized surface etching product. And because sun and shadewill cause the concrete to cure irregularly, colors can alsodevelop differently. Therefore, he suggests covering the surfacewith a 6-mil black plastic overnight then returning the nextmorning and pressure washing the surface several times. Forstamping applications that require a more production orientedenvironment he suggests running lights and adding colorhardeners at night to achieve a more consistent color.

Decorative concrete contractors can work with ready mixproducers by describing what they want to happen with themix and then working together to find the best way to achieveit. Ultimately, Malisch advises doing a preliminary mix andthen tweaking it to come up with the right proportions forthat site application.

Piccolo adds that help is available on-line, The AmericanSociety of Concrete Contractors, he says, which the DecorativeConcrete Council is part of, has a hotline for members that willanswer technical questions about mix design. Contractors canalso get help from such resources as at the Scofield Institute,ACI, Portland Cement Association and the National ReadyMix Concrete Association.

In short, mix design, though it is based on scientificproperties, is as much a matter of art as of science. Like a greatchef, each contractor will bring his own expertise and insightinto the recipe.





Product ProfilesDecorative Concrete SystemsNew Auto Scrubber

Decorative Concrete Systems has introduced the Auto Scrubber, a self-containedcleaning machine designed to clean concrete floors after profiling and before coat-

ing or sealing. The Auto Scrubber driven by a 5-hp Kawasaki motor, runs on propaneand has a catalytic converter for clean emis-sions. Capable of speeds from 250 to 500 rpm,the machine can scrub or buff. It holds clean-ing solution in a 7-gal tank, disperses it ontothe floor, and vacuums it up in the same pass.The machine can be used to clean concrete

floors in preparation for stain, removeresidue from the acidstain application beforesealing, and clean inpreparation for any typeof coatings. It can also beused for scrubbing insodium silicate hardeners.

For more information,call Decorative ConcreteSystems (800-938-4148)or visit them on-line atwww.dcsystemssupport.com

Hover TrowelThe most versatilepower trowel on the market.

This patented power trowel designedspecifically for finishing decorative epoxy

aggregate mortars has proven to be very adaptableand capable of finishing many types of polymerand modified cementitious overlays. Itsweight adjusts easily from 35 to 70lbs. allowing it to perform manyfinishing operations previously doneby hand, while having the power toreplace heavier conventional trowels,virtually eliminating trowel marks andburnishing.

Interchangeable pneumatic motorsand 2 cycle engines (providing assorted torque loads and rpm’s) aresuited to trowel a wide range of sand to liquids ratios and mortar vis-cosities. The non-sparking air motors are ideal for all indoor installa-

tions while the new 2 cycle models are veryconvenient for outdoor applica-tions. The removable handlecollapses to 44” for tight spacesor extends to 66” for a furtherreach onto the fresh overlay-ment. The 34” trowel can quick-ly be reduced to 25” by changingthe guard and blades. The twosizes of blades are available in anumber of different materials forspecific applications.

For information on the HoverTrowel please visit www.hov-ertrowel.com or call (610) 856-1961. The HoverTrowel isdistributed by Wagman MetalProducts. Visit www.wagman-metal.com/epoxy or call (800)233-9461 for Wagman’s 2002Polymer Flooring Equipmentand Supply Catalog.

Havalia Concrete Tools Inc.New Magnesium Beveling Hand Tool

On display for the first time at this year’s World of Concrete show.The new magnesium “beveling” hand tool is designed to slope the

concrete edge under overhead garage doors keeping water from flowinginto the building.

Traditionally, finishers would have to devise some type of jig or lowerthe front form and use a straight edge of some type. This timely andcumbersome task and often results with an in consistent and straightbevel under the door. The beveling hand tool is designed to take theguess work out of this application and allows less experienced workers

to quickly and easily form straight beveled edges while maintain-ing a consistent elevation.

The tool is designed for standard 2" x 4" framing withthe bevel line starting 1" behind the overhead door. It pro-

vides an 8" bevel from slab grade to 3⁄4" depth. The tool isdesigned with a small that allows it to slide smoothly along

the form. Header forms are easily positioned differently foruse of the tool with heavier framing on jobs so the bevel line

starts at the proper location.The new Magnesium beveling hand tool is

currently available at Havalia Concrete Tools,Inc. Please call 1-800-835-0191.


http://www.dcsystemssupport.com

http://www.hov-ertrowel.com



http://www.wagman-metal.com/epoxy



Ask most contractors and they’ll tell you that they’d rather pour

thousands of feet of concretethan build one 20-by-4-foot staircase— let alone a radius one. The day ofthe pour, many will readily admit thatthere’s a knot in their stomach and thatthey wish the day had already comeand gone… and left behind a perfectset of stairs.

Whereas a time machine doesn’texist, there are a few products on themarket today designed to make the hardtask of building decorative stairways alittle easier.

Fancy steppingContractors may be familiar with onesuch product — namely Step Liners —made by Stegmeier L.L.C.,headquartered in Arlington, Texas. Thecompany also has a manufacturingplant in Henderson, Nevada, rightoutside of Las Vegas.

“These are foam forms that adhere tothe inside of formwork to createarchitectural profiles that match


Radius or Not,Here I Come!Surmounting the task of building decorative stepsBy Stacey Enesey Klemenc

Why? Because the steps stripped somuch cleaner and the process saved meso much more labor.”

Step Liners are available in sixprofiles, with the one called “SafetyTread” worth its weight in gold,Stegmeier claims. If an architectspecifies radius steps that have angledrisers, which some counties and citiesrequire on commercial buildings, “It canbe a nightmare to build,” he notes. But acontractor can shape the forms into thedesired radius and nail them to “straightup and down, plumb” formwork.

Stegmeier says these forms can beused for virtually any radius. Fiberglassreinforced strapping tape is applied onthe side opposite the direction of theintended bend. The bending tapeprevents the form from breaking on oneside while allowing a radius to becompressed into the other side, heexplains.

These one-time-use, expandedpolystyrene forms are available in 4-and 8-foot lengths. Each form comeswith its own disposable foam tool.

cantilevered edges of swimming pools,”says Bud Stegmeier, western divisionmanager and son of the founder of thecompany. Basically, they’re used to molda fancy edge on one step or a wholestaircase. They’re not only easier to use,he contends, but they’re also quicker.

“When you form steps out of wood,that wood is dense material. Waterdoesn’t penetrate it and it takes longerfor the steps to set up,” he explains.“Step Liners are made of a porousmaterial that will accept bleed water.This allows them to be stripped much,much earlier than conventional woodor steel step forms.”

And because the liners are porous,they don’t create suction. Unlikewooden forms that often pull littlepatches of concrete along with them,the foam forms let loose and will stripwith very little finishing to be done.

“I was a contractor for a long time,”states Stegmeier. “And sometimes — ifthe customer didn’t want to spend theextra money — I’d use these StepLiners anyway and not charge them.

Radius or Not,Here I Come!Surmounting the task of building decorative stepsBy Stacey Enesey Klemenc

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Formliner. You don’t have to cutanything; you just have to bend it.”

Usually, Wilson explains, contractorsnail the Formliner to the inside of thewooden formwork. No release agent isnecessary except you should spray theform with water before you pour theconcrete. “Some people use a sprayvegetable oil instead of water,” he says.“This makes it easier to strip the formaway.” You can start at one end and

“Since the forms can be stripped awayso early, finishing usually involvesmisting the surface with a spray bottleand going over it with these tools,” saysStegmeier. “The foam profile tooldoesn’t leave chatter marks like somemetal tools do. It has a soft edge and itgives a clean finish.”

It’s all in the formAccording to Tim Wilson, generalmanager of Pacific Concrete Images inLaguna Hills, California, one of hiscompany’s newest products “will bendinto a 2-foot radius with no problem.Other forms are limited to the radiusyou can cut.”

Pacific Formliners, reuseablepolyethylene forms designed to helpcontractors create stairs, have been onthe market for about two years. “Ourformliners are easy to flex, easy to cut,thus making them very versatile and easyto handle on the job,” Wilson maintains.

On average, he says, you’ll get eightto 10 uses out of each Pacific Formliner,which typically sells for $3.50 a foot.

They’re available in seven standardprofiles, each with matching finishingtools made out of stainless steel. Theforms come 9-feet long, 2-inches thickand either 6- or 7-inches tall. Customforms up to 24-inches tall also areavailable as a special order.

Most contractors like the productbecause it’s reusable, Wilson says. “Andif you’re doing radius steps, it’s definitelyeasier to form the radius with a


Versaliner,a step form liner from Polystone Products that’s touted totake the guesswork out of texturizing vertical concrete surfaces,eliminates the strip and texture method associated with buildingtextured concrete stairs.


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work it off a little at a time, he adds,instead of pulling off the form all atonce. It leaves a smooth, easy to-finishsurface, he says.

Look! Wood be gonePlastiforms, another innovative productthat can make building stairs easier, areplastic boards designed to replace theirwooden formwork counterparts. Madeout of lightweight high-densitypolyethylene with UV inhibitors, theboards feature end connectors thatallow them to be attached togetherwith just a snap. No nails are needed.

Contractors like them, says MikeLane, president of The Plastiform Co.,because they’re so easy to use andbecause they last so long. “We’ve got a10-year club going,” he says with alaugh. And that’s about how longthey’ve been around.

“They’re very quick to set up becauseof the camlock clamp that we use,” heexplains. “There’s a dovetail shape slotthat runs the length of the board whichallows the clamp to be installed

There’s a Pattern Here

Concrete steps can be the centerpiece of a house’s façade and a showpiece ofthe decorative concrete craft.

Doug Bannister of The Stamp Store in Oklahoma City offers a couple ofsuggestions for patterning stairs. First, a landing or walk patterned to simulatesmall tiles or blocks should be separated from the stairway by a pattern of largerstones or tiles. This creates a visual and texture boundary that alerts people tothe coming change in elevation so they won’t trip. Such a border also addsrealism to the texture because in real stonework, edges and curbs are made oflarger stones or blocks that aren’t dislodged as easily as small blocks.

For the same reason, Bannister also suggests using skins to make the treadslook like one or two big slabs of slate or sandstone rather than tooling them tolook like blocks. Not only does this offer a level surface to walkers, but it alsoreflects how a stonemason would actually construct stairs.

Mark Foreman of Bomanite in Roseville, California, agrees that steps shouldbe highlighted in a contrasting color from the walkway for safety. Instead ofintegral color or acid stain, Foreman prefers to make a slurry of color hardenerand apply it as a plaster while the underlying concrete is still curing. The earlierthe slurry is applied, the stronger the bond it forms with the concrete, althoughForeman says he’s never had a delamination problem.

This method offers several advantages over integral color or acid staining.The slurry is comparable in hardness to a 7.2-sack concrete mix, so it holds upwell under pedestrian traffic. The color comes out even, with a minimum ofdusting or mottling. It’s easy to texture the material. And if the underlyingconcrete needs to be cut to repair a pipe or something, it’s easy to patch it withmore color hardener and match the surrounding material.




anywhere by twisting it 90 degrees. Forelevation changes, you just loosen theclamp and move the form up or down.It takes just a second.”

Contractors also have noted that theforms are time-savers. “I like the formsbecause I can strip them after four hoursinstead of going back the next day,” saysRon Clausen of CCC Construction inCaroll, Iowa.

The Plastiform boards are great forfree-forming curved and radius work,Lane adds. The 2-by-4s willaccommodate a 3-foot bend radius,while the 2-by-6s can be bent into a 4-foot radius. The boards can be stackedfor radius work.

Currently, the boards are available inthree widths — 31⁄2, 4 and 6 inches —and 12- and 15-foot lengths. In April,the company also plans to offer formsthat are 8-, 10- and 12-inches wide.

On the riseIf you’re looking for an easy way totexture vertical concrete surfaces,

CIRCLE #42 ON READER SERVICE CARDCIRCLE #02 ON READER SERVICE CARD

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Step Liners from Stegmeier maybe stripped much earlier thanconventional forms because theyare made from a porous materialthat will accept bleed water,allowing the concrete to set upmuch faster.

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The Pentagonby Christianna McCausland

September 11 changed the way we perceive ourselves asa nation. En masse, we watched, horrified, as the verystructures of our freedom were shaken to the ground

leaving fear and insecurity hanging in the air like dust motes.Even when the dust began to settle, the sense of horror wasreplaced by something equal as disturbing but more intangible— the feeling of helplessness.

As the nation came to terms with their grief and outrage,others stepped into the debris and began to clear a path forrebirth in hopes that by rebuilding the physical structures thathad been destroyed, some part of the American psyche maybe patched as well. For those who contributed to this labor,and continue to do so, the work was a way to stymie the tideof helplessness with a wealth of unprecedented effort.

If putting the country back together after September 11 is ajigsaw puzzle, members of the decorative concrete business area small but integral piece. Without their efficient efforts, thelarger-scale effort would not be same. When Isaac Sparks ofHunt Valley Contractors (HVC) in Owings Mills, Marylandreceived a phone call on October 2 from Nick MacIntosh,assistant project manager for the sub-contractor working onthe rebuilding of the Pentagon, he leapt at the opportunity tohelp with the project. HVC is a specialty concrete subcon-tractor and a distributor of form liners. The company providesservices for colored, imprinted and textured concrete finishes.It is also the exclusive mid-Atlantic distributor for CustomRock International form liners.

At just 26-years old, Sparks, an estimator, artisan and partowner of HVC, had wrestled with his own sense ofhelplessness after 9/11. He even considered military service.To work on the Pentagon would give him and his company achance to put their hardworking hands into action.

MacIntosh’s company, Facchina Construction Co., Inc. hadworked with Hunt Valley Contractors on a recent road project.After evaluating the needs of the Pentagon site, he knew tocall Hunt Valley Contractors to do the job. The governmentwanted to recreate the wood textured walls on the interiorcourtyard walls of rings C, D, and E of the Pentagon and alsoneeded a brick finish that would reach from the foundation tothe first floor in the courtyard of ring C.

The government wanted the repair work to exactly matchthe appearance of the original building. When the Pentagonwas built 60 years ago, the walls were formed with 2x4’s thatleft a wood grain on the walls. HVC needed to obtain a formliner that perfectly matched the 7' wood plank pattern andanother to replicate the weathered brick. There was of course,a catch. Because the government intends to have thePentagon reopened by September 11 of this year, the deadlinefor the project was tight and non-negotiable. The constructionat the Pentagon was assigned the second highest priority rating

available in government, the highest being a direct edictfrom the president. HVC was ordered, in writing, by theDepartment of Defense to make the project a priority.

Normally, the turnaround time on a form liner is 3-6weeks; HVC was turning around product in as little as oneweek. “We were ordered by the government to do this in atimely fashion,” says Sparks. “Everything else we wereworking on was to be put on hold until we completed whatwe needed to for the Pentagon. They needed everything twodays ago.” According to Sparks, it was not a difficult sacrificeto make: “My pride as an American wouldn’t have pulled meaway. You get to a point where you want to do something tohelp your country and then this job rolled around and thiswas my way to do something to help.”

Difficult deadlines were the most challenging aspect ofthe project, but there were other unusual circumstances toovercome. “We were starting from scratch, with nothing,”says Sparks. “In order to produce anything, I needed timeand I wasn’t given time.” That pressure was passed on to

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Custom Rock International in St. Paul, Minnesota and ScottSystem of Denver, Colorado, the two form liner manufac-turers that HVC contacted to produce the form liners.Custom Rock was responsible for the wood grain and ScottSystem handled the brick.

Custom Rock maintains many standard pattern formliners, but the company takes pride in the quality and volumeof custom concrete it creates. “One thing we pride ourselveson is being craftsmen,” says Scott Lombard, business managerat Custom Rock. “It’s almost an artistic talent. They reallyneeded to put the details into it to get this exactly how they[the government] wanted it.”

Normally, Custom Rock allows 6-8 weeks to create acustom form liner. They would receive a sample of a finish,recreate it and send the sample to the client for review. Withthe Pentagon project, they had to work only fromphotographs. Using the pictures, the manufacturer was able tocreate samples, send them to Sparks whom, in turn, showedthem to the contractor. Through the contractor, the sampleswere shown to the Department of Defense and the HistoricalSociety before being approved for production. The approvedsample was manufactured into 6,000 square-feet of form liner.The entire process was completed in 16 days.

“In this particular situation, the government wanted itdone right away,” recalls Lombard. “We were working longhours each day here, literally working Saturdays, Sundays andas many hours in the day we could. When the Department ofDefense says ‘jump’ you kind of go ‘okay!’” The project’sefficiency is credited to Jim Bohrer, Sales Director for Formliner, and Jim Kluck, Director of Manufacturing. Jim Klucktook responsibility for meeting the project’s tough deadline.

Custom Rock has received some local press for its effortson the Pentagon project and Lombard says it has been a realboost to members of its manufacturing team. “That makeseveryone feel really good, to know that they are a part of this.It gives everyone a sense of patriotism that the company youwork for helped with the reconstruction after something sotragic. We’re very proud of the fact that we were able toparticipate in this.”

Buck Scott, owner of Scott System, has been in thecustom liner business for 35 years. But he never thought hewould see the day that Isaac Sparks would fax him a letterfrom the Department of Defense ordering him to assist in therebuilding of the Pentagon. Scott still has the letter; he keepsit framed on his office wall as a reminder of his team’s all-outeffort. “I was really proud that we flat-out got it done,” he saysnow. “Guys volunteered to stay late, the truckers all said theywere ready to take the load anytime. Everyone just gotpatriotic and it was fun to do and fun to think that evenwithout that order, we would have thrown our two bits in.”

Sparks went to Scott System for a form liner that wouldreplicate, in concrete, a sixty year-old brick wall. Using emailto transmit examples of Scott System’s standard patterns,HVC selected a rough brick (number #176) standard pattern

form liner. Scott System produced approximately 1,600square-feet. Their normal production time is 6-8 weeks. Thisform liner was ready in three full days.

“We have really good people, guys who have been with mefor years and I trust them,” says Scott. “I just say ‘hey men, wehave this to do.’” Everyone pitched in with ideas and offered tocome in at night. It was a team effort by my company. Theywere marvelous.” Scott also points out that the situation wasunusual in that he was working side-by-side with a competitor:Custom Rock International. “When Isaac called and said heneeded help and it was on the Pentagon, we put that competi-tiveness aside,” says Scott.

There aren’t many photographs of the concrete work thisteam created — security at the Pentagon does not look kindly ontoo much photography. The representatives of these companiesmay never set foot into the courtyard of the Pentagon to see theresults of their labors. And when the pentagon reopens forbusiness, it is unlikely that anyone will stop and admire the well-apportioned concrete work. But just knowing they could be asmall part of this project is a reward in itself.

“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to think about this projectwithout thinking about September 11th. None of us here everwant to get a job like this again,” says Sparks. “It’s great to bepart of it, it makes me proud to be a part of it, but when yourealize the way the job came about — I hope it never happensagain.”




Round and RoundShe Goes

A project profile on a radius staircaseBy Bart Sacco

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A block sub-frame of thesteps (see photo 4) was built toa smaller dimension of theshape of the final staircase toallow enough room for anadequate amount of concreteon top and in front of the block work.Then the blocks were filled solid withconcrete. This gave us a solid surface towhich we could mount our concreteformwork and enabled us to hit ourdesired grade with accuracy and keepthe perfect radius. This method alsoallowed us to build the final productfrom the top step down, instead of fromthe bottom step up. Building from thetop down permitted us to produce a veryclean-looking vertical riser with aperfect 90-degree angle at the rear of thetread and the bottom of the riser.

The formwork was custom made tosuit the job (see photo 4). We used 3⁄8-inch flat stock cut into 21⁄2- by 18-inchstrips for the brackets. The metal wasbent on a metal break to leave a 10-inch flange for the bottom and an 8-inch flange for the upright. We offset a#3 rebar and welded it to one side of thebracket for support. (I think the flatstock alone would have been strongenough, but I wanted to make surethere was no deflection once theconcrete was placed.)

The rebar was offset on the brackets toallow enough room for our drills to get in,drill the pilot holes and set the masonryfasteners. The face of the formwork wasstandard grade 1⁄8-inch flat stock metal,


The photos seen here illustrate ajob I did a couple of years backinvolving a massive radius

staircase connected to a 3,000-square-foot veranda which sprawled from a21,000-square-foot home in northeasternPennsylvania (see photo 1).

The bluestone-ashlar veranda (seephoto 2) features stamped concreteusing Brickform TM-100 texture matsfrom Rafco Products’ Creative Imagesline. The job also included using SS-100 Sierra Seamless texture skins —which allow texture to be imprintedover large areas without bond lines —for the borders and integrating them towrap in with the steps. The colorhardener is CH-825 Slate Green andthe release agent is RA-600 Light Gray,both from Rafco Products. The sealerused on this job is Glaze ’N Seals’ “WetLook” lacquer, a crystal-clear, high-solids acrylic coating designed toprotect concrete surfaces.

As for the massive stairs, the tread is18-inches deep and the rise is 4-incheshigh. The top step is 53 feet in radiusand the bottom step is 76 feet in radius.Each individual tread was producedfrom a continuous pour.

The general contractor had alreadyprovided the below grade work and theassociated block work (see photo 3) toensure there would be no movementwith the freeze-thaw weatherconditions in the region. The staircasestarted out well below the frost linewith solid footings and piers.

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concrete was set enough to pull theforms and texture the face.

The concrete thickness over and infront of the block sub-frame is a solid 6-to 10-inch, 4,000-pound mix reinforcedwith #4 rebar. Each decorative step isdrilled and pinned to the preceding step.

We used Poli-Void, a flexibleexpansion joint material fromStegmeier that is placed prior topouring the concrete, at the back ofeach stair tread so we could easilyremove the top 1⁄4 inch of foam to makeroom for the caulking crew to do theirjob once our work had been completed.The Poli-Void also gave me a goodreference point for the placementheight of the concrete.

Each step was poured and allowed toset, then it was stripped, finished andsaw-cut the same day (see photo 6).Using a step groover, we grooved incontrol joints at 18- to 20-foot intervalsto allow for shrinkage upon drying. Thiswas done in case the set time of theconcrete was accelerated due to the

cut 8-inches wide and 20 feet long for thefaceplate or the bulkheads. We wouldhave used longer lengths if we could haveto minimize our splices, but 20 feet wasthe longest available.

We vice gripped the 20-foot lengthsof the formwork to each other and tothe brackets during setup. The concretewas placed at a 2- to 3-inch slump. (Idon’t like concrete that’s lazy ormaterial that promotes bleed water. Ahigher slump may have been easier towork with but we would have a loss ofstrength in the concrete and the job

would have suffered in the long run.)The concrete had to be shoveled downthe chute of a mixer truck due to theslump at placement. (See photo 5)

When the perfect height and radiuswas achieved, the brackets were thenfastened to the block work below andthe faceplate was drilled as needed andbolted to the brackets with 1⁄8-inchround-head machine bolts. We addedmore length to the faceplate with eachpour as the step length increased. Themachine head bolts were keep fingertight for easy removal once the

CIRCLE #48 ON READER SERVICE CARD CIRCLE #78 ON READER SERVICE CARD

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poured a temporary footing to attachour brackets to and discarded it afteruse (see photo 8).

All decorative concrete work in photosseen here was produced by Bart Sacco ofConcrete Texturing Tool and Supply, atraining center and supply house fordecorative concrete tools, supplies andproducts based in Throop, Pennsylvania.Concrete Texturing Tool and Supplymainly does business via its on-line store atwww.concrete-texturing.com.

good chance the main piece will cutclean as well. Test slabs also are handyto have if you are trying differentsealers or using acid stains to see whatyour outcome will be before executingthe work on the main piece.)

The one dilemma we encounteredduring construction was when weinstalled the bottom step and hadnothing to mount our form brackets to.We may not have achieved as perfect aradius as with the other steps if we onlyused pins to hold the formwork. Tomake our forms fit the work, we simply

weather conditions. (It wassummertime and the temperature waswarm, plus the site was wide open —see photo 7 — and winds could havecaused the concrete to dry rapidly.)Every crack-control joint was cut inapproximately 10 to 12 hours afterplacement with a 14-inch high-speedcut-off saw fitted with a diamond bladedesigned for cutting green concrete.

(Note: We always make a small testslab with each pour to check for timingon the early saw-cuts. If the test slabcuts clean without spalling, there is a


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http://www.concrete-texturing.com


http://www.concrete-texturing.com


SECRETS OF BETTERTo enhance newly-poured concrete

or to rejuvenate existing concrete,stenciling is a decorative

application worth considering. It mayseem like a simple process, but a few finepoints separate nice-looking, profitablestencil jobs from the rest. We’ve askedsome experienced stencilers for tips toelevate your stenciling jobs from so-so tospectacular.

Planning the jobFirst, when you’re planning your pours,consider where your crew will walk andstand during the job. If you’re doing anindoor floor with walls all around, you’llneed to break it up into two pours, firstdoing a strip all around the edge so thatyou’ll have someplace to stand whenyou do the center. For an outside patiothat abuts a fence or wall, perhaps theclient will agree to strategic placementof a flower bed. Or you may be able toerect a scaffold to stand on.

As with all decorative work, you andthe client must agree on the final effect.Sample boards let you fine-tune whichshades of color hardener to use and showthe client exactly how deep the groutjoints will be and what the texture willbe like, avoiding unpleasant surprises.But, “don’t make your mock-ups lookbetter than what you’ll be able to do outon the job,” warns Frank Piccolo of thestencil manufacturer Art Crete. “Whenyou’re doing a little 4-by-4 board, youcan always do detail work that’s difficultto do when you’re out there doinghundreds of thousands of square feet ofthe stuff.”

Stenciling new concreteStenciling newly poured concrete takesa little finesse. Once the slab is poured,finish the concrete with a bull float andedge it. Then lay the stencil on the wetconcrete, unrolling it from the top ofthe roll so that it will lie flat.



Clark Paepke of DC Concrete in SaltLake City, Utah, a distributor for StencilSystems, suggests embedding the first rollof stencil into the surface with a stencilroller, a napped roller about 18 incheswide that fits on a bull-float handle.Apply the roller from the center to theedges to press out any bubbles. Thensmooth the surface with a fresno. “Youget more control out of the fresnobecause it’s lighter than a bull float.”Then lay, roll in and fresno the nextcourse of stencil, placing the trailinggrout line of the second course on top ofthe leading grout line of the first. Trimthe stencil with scissors.

Next, broadcast color hardener onthe surface. Using more than one colorcreates a realistic effect. When you’rebroadcasting powdered material, toss itup so that it rains down onto theconcrete. Don’t throw it into thesurface, which can make the surface

don’t get ground into the surface. Thenrinse the area with water.

As soon as the surface is clean anddry, apply a cure-seal compound. Aswith any decorative concrete surface,make sure the client understands theneed to apply sealer regularly.

Stenciling an overlayStencils aren’t only for use on newconcrete; they can be used with overlays,which consist of cementitious materialmixed with a polymer component so thatit spreads thinly and adheres to theunderlying concrete. Not all overlays canbe colored or stenciled; so, make sure youuse a product advertised as a “stampableoverlay.” These products won’t run underyour stencil or stick to it prematurely.They can be integrally colored, thentreated with acid stain or colored withcolor hardener or iron oxide pigments tocreate natural-looking effects.

Overlays can be troweled on, orsprayed on with a hopper or spraytexturing system. Benron Equipmentand Supply offers the most advancedsystem currently available for deliveringtotal operator control and flexibility inachieving the most desired texturedfinishes. If you trowel, use adhesive-backed stencils that won’t be dislodgedby the trowel.

Prepare the slab according to theoverlay manufacturer’s directions. Inaddition to repairing cracks, you mustthoroughly wash and degrease it. Someoverlay manufacturers offer a primerthat improves the adhesion of theirproduct to the slab. When the slab isready, apply the stencils, and then sprayon a 1⁄8-inch to 1⁄4-inch layer of overlaymaterial. You can walk in the wetoverlay wearing golf spikes, whose markswill be erased when you knock downthe overlay with a trowel. Overlays canalso be textured with mats or rollers, andthen sealed as concrete is.

CONCRETE STENCILINGby Gail Elber

uneven. Bull-float the surface after thecolor is applied according to the colormanufacturer’s directions.

At this point, you can apply a liquidor powdered release material in a thirdcolor, then texture the surface with aheavy texture roller or a texture mat.Wear texture shoes to walk on theconcrete when it’s at this stage.

When the concrete no longer yieldsto the pressure of a thumb, remove thestencil, walking on the concrete instocking feet or texture shoes. Thelonger you wait, the crisper the edges ofthe faux masonry. If you want to removethe stencil earlier, when the concrete isstill soft, you should have two people liftit, one on each end, making sure that itdoesn’t drag on the concrete. No matterwhen you remove the stencil, beforewalking on the area from which thestencil has been removed, blow off thesurface with a leaf blower so that chips



If you want the grout lines of your fauxmasonry to be some color other than thatof the underlying concrete, you’ll have toapply two overlays — one applied overthe whole surface to provide the groutcolor; then another layer over the stencilsin the desired color of the stones or tiles.

Walls, also, can be stenciled with anoverlay product. Use adhesive stencils,and trowel or spray on your overlay justas on a floor.

Reusable stencilsIf you find yourself doing a lotof the same overlay patternsand designs, high densityplastic stencils are worthconsidering. “You get thesame results [as with paperstencils],” observes KenMcKinnon, vice president ofoperations at SeamcoLaboratories Inc., the Tampa,Florida-based company thatintroduced neoprene stencils. “The bigadvantage is that our stencils arereusable — indefinitely.”

Because they are a little thicker thanpaper stencils, they produce morepronounced grout lines and they laydown flat without glue — eliminatingthe glue-down step associated withpaper stencils. The down-side to plasticstencils, reports McKinnon, is that theyare difficult to trowel over.They also have inherentproblems if you’re working ona vertical surface; they don’tstick on their own. But, onthe up-side, because there’s noglue involved, plastic stencilsare easily repositioned onhorizontal surfaces and theydon’t leave a glue residue.

Uneven surfaces shouldn’tpresent a problem since, in most overlaysituations, you would apply a scratchcoat in the grout color, which willsmooth the surface. And don’t worryabout what happens to plastic when itgets cold — you shouldn’t be applyingacrylic or cementitious overlays whenthe temperature falls below 45 to 50degrees.

Stencils and Acid Etching

Asurface-preparation product calledThe Profiler from Surface Gel Tek canbe used to create an etched effect with

stencils. In these photos, Dane Hantz ofDane Concrete Design in Prescott, Arizona,demonstrates the technique. The surface wasa steel-troweled concrete floor in a home.Hantz wanted to create a 60-linear-footborder around the room.

Hantz masked off the border area and applied a rust-colored acid stain. He then applied a self-adhesive 3-milvinyl stencil to the floor. Surface Gel Tek or a shop thatmakes vinyl signs can cut stencils to order from your artwork,but you can cut small ones yourself out of 3-mil vinyl contactpaper. The stencil was burnished onto the concrete surfacewith a plastic trowel.

With an acid-resistant brush, Hantz applied The Profilerto the open part of the stencil. The product is an acid gel thatreacts with the cementitious material on the surface. The gelformulation minimizes the fumes generated, making it safefor indoor use with ventilation. It’s more pleasant to workwith than plain old hydrochloric (muriatic) acid.

In this case, Hantz let thegel work for three minutes, and then scraped itoff. Most users let it work for 5-15 minutes. Oncethe surface has reached the texture of 120-gritsandpaper, the gel has reacted completely withthe cementitious material. Leaving it on longerwon’t create a deeper etch, though it won’t doany harm. If you want a deeper etch, you mustwash off the exhausted gel and apply a fresh coat.

When etching was done (the gel darkensslightly when the reaction is complete), Hantz

scraped off the gel, diluted it with water, anddischarged it to the sewer. He then flushed thecement surface with water, which also could bedischarged to the sewer.

Hantz then removed the stencil and let thesurface dry thoroughly before sealing it with asolvent-based acrylic sealer.

The Profiler prepares troweled concrete surfacesfor painting or other finishing by giving them aslight tooth. The stenciled area can be leftuncolored, as in this example, or colored with an

acrylic stain. Acid stain is notnecessary, as the necessary acid etchis provided by the gel.



Another plus is that the plasticstencils just peel off and cleaning them isa cinch. McKinnon explains, “After thecement material dries, just hit themtogether and the cement pops right off.”

Stencils and colorIn addition to creating faux masonrysurfaces, you can use stencils to applycolor to concrete and create logos, signsor decorative designs, but forget liquidacid or acrylic stains with stencilsbecause the stain creeps under the edgesof the stencil. Adhesive stencils allowyou to use brush-on gel-type acid stains.The accompanying photo feature showsanother technique: using stencils for gel-type acid etching.

Adhesive stencils intended forsandblasting offer other options, but thatsubject is worthy of an article in itself, sowe won’t cover it here.

Stencils vs.stampsStencils offer a few advantages overstamps. “With stencils, you can cover





two-thirds more area in a daywith the same crew comparedwith stamps,” says Piccolo.“You can get on the concretesooner with your texture andcolor, right after you bull-floatit, where with stampedconcrete you’ve got to waittill the concrete gets to acertain set phase before youcan get on it with your tools.”

Merrick Pierce ofSpecialty Concrete Servicesin Natchitoches, Louisiana, hasworked with both stencils and stamps,and says that the choice a matter ofpersonal preference. “The way I see it,with the stamps, the patterns like slateand the stone patterns look reallygood, but the brick patterns lookbetter with stencils because they looklike they have a real mortar joint.”You can combine stamps and stencilson a job if you need a realistic “stone”patio surrounded by a realistic “tile”border. And if neither you nor yourrental shop owns the particular stamp

For more information,contact:ArtcreteNatchitoches, Louisiana(318) 379-2000www.artcrete.com

Benron Equipment and Supply, Inc.Mission Hills, California(888) 327-9839www.benron.com

Seamco Laboratories Inc.Tampa, Florida(813) 251-1881www.seamco.com

Stencil SystemsWebb City, Missouri(888) 423-7778www.stencilsystems.com

Surface Gel TekScottsdale, Arizona(888) 872-7759www.surfacegeltek.com

that a job calls for, stencils canfill the bill.

Perhaps the biggestadvantage of stencils overstamps is that you can ordercustom stencils. Stencilmanufacturers will cut customstencils for you to create aparticular pattern, logo orartwork.

Neither method offers a bigprice advantage over the other.In a given region, stenciling and

stamping cost the client about the same.If stenciling interests you, attend one of

the workshops offered by the makers anddistributors of stencils and overlaycompounds. Look for training opportu-nities by visiting Concrete Decor’s Web site(www.concretedecor.net/cd_events.html)and checking the “Calendar of Events.”With training and some practice on yourown, you’ll soon be ready to add thisversatile technique to your repertoire.



http://www.artcrete.com

http://www.benron.com

http://www.seamco.com

http://www.stencilsystems.com

http://www.surfacegeltek.com

http://www.concretedecor.net/cd_events.html


ConcreteMarketplaceis a paid listing of quality-related products.If you would like more information about anyof these products, circle the appropriatenumber on the reader service card foundbetween pages 16 and 17 of this issue.

Advanced Polymer TechnologyArchitectural Toppings and Resinous Flooring

1-(866)-4FLORIC435-6742

Polymer Modified Cementitious CoatingsStainsResinous FlooringWaterproofing Membranes


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Acid Stains (CONCRETE STAINS)Our line of unique colors include: Burgundy, Blue, Green,

Blue-Green, Lemon and Brick.

Triple-S Chemical Products, Inc.Call: 1 (800) 862-5958 • Web: www.concrete-stains.com

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Design Pro Forms and Form LinersDesign Pro manufactures a varietyof stock and custom urethane rubberform liners for you flat-cast and cast-in-place needs. We offer quick turnaround time on custom jobs to helpmeet your project deadlines. DesignPro also manufactures quality steelforms for the ready-mix and precastindustries.Call 1-888-728-9481or visit www.designproforms.com

Polystone Products of St. Paul, Minnesota, may have just thething you’re seeking. About a year ago, the company nationallydebuted its Versaliner, a polyurethane step form liner that canhelp create steps that look more like stone than concrete.

The reusable, finish-free, step-form system is designed toimprint a slate texture onto concrete stair risers and caps. (You’dstill have to use a mat for the treads.) The product comes in 12-foot lengths with 2- and 3-inch cap pieces and separate riserpieces that range from 3 to 41⁄2 inches in 1⁄2-inch increments.

“The benefits are many,” says Bryan Greger, president ofPolystone Products. “The system is tremendously faster andyou get much better results. With this form liner, you’ll createsteps that look they were made by a stonemason.”

Basically, a contractor attaches the liner to the formworkwith brads and when the concrete’s set up, he strips it away.“You can use the liner again and again,” Greger says. “Maybe100 times or more. It lasts as long as stamping mats do.”

As for radius work, “You can do a radius with no problembecause you don’t have to cut into the corners,” he points out.“You just wrap the liner around them.”

Due to many requests at the World of Concrete, Gregersays his company plans on introducing a one-piece system invarying sizes that will simulate both granite and slate texturesby this summer.

For more information on any of theproducts featured in this article,pleasecontact:Pacific Concrete Images23221 Peralta Dr., Unit HLaguna Hills, California 92653(949) 581-0270www.pacificconcreteimages.com

The Plastiform Co.14114 S.E. 162nd PlaceRenton, Washington 98058(800) 358-3007 • (206) 235-7580www.plastiform.com

Polystone Products41 E Kraft Rd.St. Paul, Minnesota 55118(651) 695-1351www.polystoneproducts.com

Stegmeier Corp.1111 West Harris RoadArlington, Texas 76001(800) 382-5430 • (817) 467-9028www.stegmeier.com

(Continued from page 29)


http://www.pacificconcreteimages.com

http://www.plastiform.com

http://www.polystoneproducts.com

http://www.stegmeier.com


Long-Range Planning:

plan that addresses both short-term andlong-term concerns. As author MarkHendricks puts it in his book, BusinessPlans Made Easy, “About the onlyperson who doesn’t need a business planis one who’s not going into business.Anybody beginning or extending abusiness that will consume significantresources of money, energy or time, andthat is expected to return a profit, shouldtake the time to draft some kind of plan.”

Most of us live our lives by regularlysetting and meeting short-term goals.Every time we draw up a “things to do”list and proceed to accomplish the taskslisted, we’re pursuing a goal-orientedstrategy, and that’s a time-honored,proven way to be productive and stayfocused on what needs to be done.

Long-term planning, though, is muchmore challenging, simply because of themany variables and factors that comeinto play as time passes and changesoccur. Most experts consider long-termplanning to be anything beyond fiveyears, although some say anything morethan two years is pure guesswork andshould be regarded as long term. Forexample, who knew in 1999 that, twoyears later, the euphoric economic peakswould transform into gloomy valleys,made worse by catastrophic events thattook everyone by surprise? It’s difficultenough figuring out where you want tobe a year from now; determining whereyou want to be in five or 10 or 25 yearsmay seem almost impossible. But it mustbe done, even if only so you won’t bespending your declining years eatingmeat loaf six nights a week.

Planning for retirement“For the average self-employedcontractor, when we talk about long-range goals, we’re basically talking aboutretirement,” says Lynn Fife of EvergreenTechnologies, a renowned expert in thecontractor industry and author of severalbusiness-related books geared tocontractors. “If your primary long-rangegoal is to have enough money in Xnumber of years so you can enjoy acomfortable retirement, then everythingin the long-range plan you develop mustpoint toward realizing that goal.”

The first step, then, is to determinethe kind of retirement you want andwhen you want it to begin. Fife notes,“Do you have dreams of retiring at age 45and traveling the world? That’s going torequire quite a bit of money. Or are yourhopes more along the lines of building asimple cabin in the woods and enjoyingthe solitude? Your financial needs will besignificantly less in that scenario. Eitherway, you’ll need to do research to find outhow much money you’re going to have todepend on as income to support the wayyou want to retire.”

In creating your plan, writes Hendricks,you must look at all the things a company’sprofit structure should have. You need toknow your overhead costs versus youranticipated revenues on both a monthlyand annual basis, and you need to regularlycompare these two areas to ensure thatrevenues exceed expenses. The amountthat remains, of course, is your profit, and ifyou find that it’s insufficient to allow you tobuild the future you’re shooting for, thenit’s time to amend your plan.

If there’s one skill that most peoplewish they had, no doubt it would bethe ability to know what’s going to

happen next week… or next year… orin 10 years… or in 30 years. It surewould make contractors’ lives easier ifthey could know what the weatherwould be like tomorrow, or whetherbusiness will be brisk enough in thecoming months to recoup the cost ofmajor equipment purchases, or whetherthe economy is going to head southnext year, or what a cozy retirement willcost two decades from now. As long asthis ability eludes us, however, we allmust rely on educated guesses and soberanalysis of available data and variousindicators to plan as best we can for theshort-term and long-term future. It’s adaunting task we all face, in our profes-sional and personal lives alike.

The key to running a successfulbusiness is to set realistic goals, developa plan to achieve those goals, andimplement the plan in a logicalmanner. According to Mark Bowman, abusiness professor at Emory University,“Every business plan needs to addressthree questions: Where am I now?Where do I want to go? How am I goingto get there? In other words, assess yourcurrent business situation, identifywhere you want your business to be atsome pre-determined point in thefuture, and spell out the strategies andtactics you should pursue to get there.”

Regardless of whether you’re apainting contractor, a caterer, anarchitect or a photographer, if you’rerunning your own business, you need a



A Challenging but Essential TaskBy Bruce Hackett

A crucial component of long-rangeplanning is monitoring your profitmargins and keeping a watchful eye onindustry trends and economic signs, andthen amending your plan as necessaryto react when things aren’t turning outas predicted. As the old business maximgoes, “Plan your work, and then workyour plan, and then rework your plan.”If your margins are shrinking, or acompetitor is eroding your marketshare, the time to take action is now.Increasing the frequency or breadth ofyour advertising efforts might be asolution; downsizing your staff might beanother; raising your prices might be athird option. But doing nothing andhoping things will turn around on theirown will almost certainly spell failure.

Maintain your messageWhen a recession hits, some businesses,ironically, do precisely the wrong thingby cutting advertising. They erroneouslyview advertising as an expense instead ofas an investment. According toAdvertising in a Recession, produced bythe American Business Press (ABP),“When the economy slows down, it’stime to make sure you maintain andeven increase your advertising. Studieshave shown that companies thatcontinue to market themselves during arecession will solidify their customerbase, take business away from more timidcompetitors, and position themselves forfuture growth during the recovery.”

The message you choose to convey toprospective customers can have adramatic effect on your ability to win

business in a down economy, the ABPmaintains. “In a recession, people areeager to minimize risk when they buy.Emphasize in your advertising, brochuresand flyers those factors that show howdealing with your company minimizesrisk. If you have a track record of qualityand reliability, and you offer warranties orguarantees, promote those prominently.”

Fife wholeheartedly agrees.“Contractors should advertiseconstantly, because as soon as you stop,you’re going to slow down the influx ofqualified leads you need to keep yourbusiness going. If your response toeconomic uncertainty — spurred on bywar, or terrorism, or whatever the casemay be — is paralysis, then you’reletting panic put you out of business.”

McKinsey & Co. strategist HughCourtney told Business Week recently,“I’m really worried about people lookingat the uncertainty following Sept. 11and having it be overwhelming. It’snatural that people adopted a wait-and-see attitude immediately following theattacks, but that can be a trap. A lot ofthe factors that matter most to abusiness — position in the market, whatthe competition is doing, the valueproposition of the product or service —haven’t changed much. We need tofocus on those areas.”

React to customer baseIn good or bad economic times, Fife adds,keeping an eye on your customers shouldalways be a top priority. “Among thehigh-end residential, a down economyusually doesn’t affect their spending

habits much. Middle-class residentialcustomers, however, typically regardpainting as a want rather than a need, soin a down economy, they may concludethey shouldn’t spend money on that rightnow. If they’re a big part of your business,you should look toward diversifying, orshifting to other markets. Explore some ofthe niche markets that are emerging, likeconcrete acid staining, or faux finishing.”

New construction is different, he notes.“Even during a downturn, constructiongoes on, and builders need to havepainting done. If you’re not doing muchwork with general contractors, you shouldconsider it. Some painters give in to fearand lower their prices in order to wincontracts, but all you really ought to do isprovide the same high-quality service atthe same fair price you always do, and beaggressive in your pursuit of the business.”

Experts concur that, regardless of thecurrent or future economic picture, thekey to survival is your business plan, andyour adherence to it. Presumably, yourplan is designed to make you profitableenough to permit the type of retirementyou seek. When the economy temporarilyhits a rough patch, you may need to tinkerwith certain details, but overall, stick tothe plan you devised in good times toguide you through the not-so-good times.

Fife’s advice is straightforward. “Thinkpositively, continue getting your messageout, keep doing the things you usually do,pursue new business vigorously, and stickwith your plan, working to improve thoseareas that affect profitability.



To place an ad call toll-free877-935-8906

or 541-341-3390 • FAX 541-341-6443Classified Phone Hours: 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

(Pacific Time) Mon.–Fri. • Closed Sat./Sun./Holidays

Classified Deadlines: Placement, corrections andcancellations must be made three weeks prior topublication print date. (Please call for deadline

information.)

Advertising Rates: “Introductory Special”$99.00 per column inch. This allows you up to 35

words per inch. Payment must accompany admaterial.

Ad Sizes: 21⁄4" x 1" equals one column inch. All adsmust be in whole inches.

Typesetting: Ads are set in 8-point Helvetica typewith 9-point leading. We will set your type exactly asyou send it to us. Although we retain the right to edit

your type, do not rely on us to do so! It is theadvertiser’s responsibility to ensure that all

information is correct.

It’s time to learn how to apply oneof the best and easiest concrete

polymer overlay systems!Our training facility in Colorado Springsconducts national training for ELITE CRETEtwice a month. Our instructors are highly-trained contractors with years of experience.

Learn how to apply:• Thin Stamped Overlays• Hand Carved Stone Overlays• Antiquing — stamped, handtroweled, and

more...• Acid Staining techniques for plain concrete

and overlay systems.• Spray Systems like splatter texture,

knockdowns, and custom logos.• Marketing and Start-up Tips

You will graduate with a portfolio of useful ideasand samples to promote your new skills.

Visit our web site for maps and class dates:www.elitecretesolutions.com

Or contact us by e-mail or telephone:[email protected]

(866) 863-5167

AlternativeFFIINNIISSHHEESS

• Staining concrete since 1993• References available• Acid stain floors, walls, counter tops, etc.• Decorative scoring (sawcuts)• Custom colors, color grouting• Clear coat sealers• Waxing, highspeed buffing

On the job training at your site

Wes Vollmer Concrete(210) 655-5940 Design

Specialist

www.alternativefinishes.com

Decorative Concrete Consulting and Training

Miracote DivisionCrossfield Products Corp.Video 1 — “Applying Miracote to Pool

Decks” — $29.95 — Covers: Slip ResistantKnock Down Concrete Preparation, Crack

Repairs, Jointing, Sealant and TexturedDecorative Topping

Video 2 — “Application of MirastampOverlay” — $29.95 — Covers: Primer,

Architectural Stamped Overlay, Relief Joint Cut,Coloration, Impression Stamping and Sealer.

To order these exceptional training videos,please call Miracote at 310-886-9100

See display advertisement on page 16.

Training Materials

Classifieds

Concrete Countertop Specialist$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ LEARN HOW TO $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

Precast Concrete CountertopsTechnical Support and Training —

Equipment and SuppliesHigh Profit — Low Overhead

Call: John Rodick (315) 725-0448 (315) 899-6247$ $ $ $ $ $ Email: [email protected] $ $ $ $ $ $ $

Concrete Countertop Supplies

With over 15 years of experience in:Stamping Concrete, Acid Staining, Form Liners,

Stamped Overlays, Sealers, Countertops...

ProvidingTechnical Support and On-Site Training

Call Jeff Potvin(813) 909-2242

www.AC-Consultants.com

Easy as 1… 2… 3… for beginners and experts.Advanced hands-on decorative concrete cutting,scoring, engraving and staining techniques withexceptional equipment. Learn how to make fast,high quality, great paying installs plus how tomarket and sell your services. Discover right toolsand skills. Free information pack.

Engrave-A-Crete, Inc.1-800-884-21141-941-355-2114

Details at www.engrave-a-crete.com

FASTEST WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE!Go online to

www.concretedecor.netand fill out the online subscription form

or call

877-935-8906and we will take your information over

the telephone.



http://www.miracote.com


Learning Opportunities Now Await You Online At:

www.concretedecor.net

Our Decorative Concrete Training Directory isamong the finest the industry offers!

In our Calendar of Training Seminars andIndustry Events find the latest on trainingdates, locations and subject matter, with

links to the providers for more information.Also find dates and links for upcoming

industry events.

Explore Concrete Decor Online Today!

Decorative Concrete Supplies

Employment Opportunities

Manufacturer’s SalesRepresentation and

Distribution Opportunities

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Polymer Science CorporationUSA

Full-line manufacturer of concrete coatings, dyes,stains and concrete repair products, offers territory

opportunities to qualified sales representationprofessionals and distributors.

• Industrial, Comm. & Architectural Applications• Leading Edge Technology

• Environmental Safety Leader• Proprietary Products

Contact:Tom Walker,General Manager

Phone/Fax: (206) 284-6478E-mail: [email protected]

Dreamed of Living in SunnyCalifornia?

Year round work available for expert concretespecialist to add wide variety of finishes to awardwinning custom residential landscape projects

Train and supervise stamped concrete andyour other specialties

Benefits and company truck to top candidate

Located north of San Francisco

Fax resume and salary requirements to:(707) 874-2460

See Website: creativeenvironments.ws



Product New

s


Portable shot blaster gets into cornersBlastrac’s 1-8DEC portable blast cleaning system is aversatile shot blast system designed for the entry levelcontractor, or for use as a complementary or edging unitfor the medium to large contractor. A new caster kit

makes the unit maneuverablewhile providing a consistent andeven profile. The blast unit hasbeen ergonomically designed toprovide comfort in use, therebyreducing operator fatigue. Itcleans close to edges and intocorners, areas otherwise difficultand labor-intensive to prepare.With its side magnet sealsremoved, it cleans to the edge ofwalls. In corners, it can be pulled

or pushed to clean within 11⁄2 inches of the front wall.The 1-8DEC is available in 110- or 230-volt models.Contact Blastrac, a division of USF Surface PreparationGroup, on the Web at www.surfacepreparation.com orsend and e-mail to [email protected].

Concrete hand tools have improvedhandlesStanley has expanded and redesigned its Goldblatt lineof concrete hand tools. The company’s magnesiumfloats, finishing trowels, edgers, and groovers have beenredesigned for improved cleanability and function. Newmagnesium floats include a bevel-end cast magnesiumfloat, an extruded magnesium float, and a round-endextruded magnesium float. The new floats feature athree-position handle which gives the user a variety ofpositions to grip the tool, allowing for expended reachand the use of two hands. The handle height has beenlowered to give the tool a lower center of gravity andimproved user control. The durable one-piececomposite handle design has a rubber overmolded slip-resistant grip. The one-piece handle does not have ascrew, so it is easier to clean and does not needtightening. The Stanley Goldblatt line of finishing

trowels now have a new,solid, one-piececomposite handle thathas a rubber overmoldedgrip. The trowels’ newtang design increaseshandle strength to 300pounds and improves thelife of the tool. The bladeis now attached withelectrically fused rust-resistant studs to give theblade improved strength.

New edgers and groovers also have one-piece, slip-resistant handles. The handle-to-blade attachment hasbeen improved to increase the life of the tool around thejobsite. The no-screw handle never needs tighteningand is easier to clean. Some models are available with aheavy-duty bronze blade to provide extra durability andcrisp, sharp edges. Contact Stanley at 1-800-STANLEYor at www.stanleyworks.com

Plastic forms have steel stake pocketsNew “Poly Meta Forms” from Metal Forms Corp.consist of plastic forms with steel stake pockets that canbe used to place all types of concrete flatwork as well ascurb and gutter. Excellent for straight and radius forms.

The forms are designed to be lightweight, moistureresistant, durable, and easy to maintain. For moreinformation please call (414) 964-4550 or visit us on-line at www.metalforms.com

Vapor reduction system protects tileadhesivesThe MoistureBloc Vapor Reduction System fromVexcon consists of a primer and top coat that can beapplied on concrete floors or slabs on grade to block thetransmission of water vapor, which may damage tileadhesives and cause other problems. Each coat driesovernight. The system is designed to withstand 576 psi(4 Mpa) of hydrostatic water pressure, and costs thecontractor approximately 30 cents per square foot.Contact Vexcon directly at (888) 839-2661 orwww.vexcon.com.

Mending compound is fast and food-safeRoadware’s 10 Minute Concrete Mender is a thincompound formulated to penetrate any moisture, frost,surface grime, or dust to establish a permanent interface


http://www.surfacepreparation.com


http://www.stanleyworks.com

http://www.metalforms.com

http://www.vexcon.com


with the base concrete. The patched area is ready for trafficin 10 minutes. Developed by NATO for the rapid repair ofbomb-damaged runways, Concrete Mender can be used topenetrate hairline cracks or may be extended 3:1 withmanufactured sand. It is USDA approved for use aroundfoodstuffs. Call Roadware, Inc. direct at (800) 522-7623.

Takeoff software saves data in ExcelVertigraph has developed BidPointXL, a Microsoft Exceladd-in tool that lets the user click on an Excel spreadsheet,then fill it with information electronically measured anddrawn from paper plans using a digitizer tablet. Users cantake off circles, arcs, and rectangles by clicking on threepoints instead of tracing. The software contains a collectionof Excel estimating templates for general contracting,concrete, and other trades. Contact Vertigraph at (800) 989-4243, fax (214) 340-9437, e-mail [email protected], orvisit their Web page at www.vertigraph.com.

PCA launches education foundationThe Portland Cement Association has established a newfoundation to help finance education programs in nearlyevery facet of the cement industries, from university researchfellowships to career recruitment and craft training. Thefoundation’s initial annual budget will be $285,000, whichwill be used to provide direct educational grants for studentscholarships, fellowships, and university professorships witha focus on increasing the use of cement and concrete;sponsor educators and students attending cement- andconcrete- related workshops and seminars; and developeducational courses, programs, materials, internships, andinternational exchanges. For more information, contactJames F. Rappel at [email protected] or Richard P.Bohan at [email protected].

Mapei introduces thinset topping and flowtest kitMapei has introduced Ultratop, a self-leveling, abrasion-resistant cementitious topping that can reach compressivestrengths of 6,100 psi (42 Mpa). The material is suppliedwhite or gray, and the white material can be integrallycolored or topically stained. In addition, Mapei hasintroduced a Field Flow Test Kit to solve problems related toover- and under-watering of the company’s Ultraplan series,Novoplan series, and Mapei Ultratop. The applicator mixesthe product, then applies a measured amount to a test sheetmarked with boundaries. If the material flows outside theboundaries, there is too much water. If it doesn’t reach theminimum level, there is not enough water. Job conditionsvary from job to job and we are confident that this simpletest kit will make your job easier. The test sheet includedprovides a place to record information regarding the project.For more information, call the company at (800) 42-MAPEIor visit us on the web at www.mapei.com. For complete



product information faxed to you 24 hours a day, call theMAPEI InfoFax System at 1-800-617-5481.

Hitachi introduces the first portable rebarcutter and bender in the industry,the VB16YHitachi Power Tools has introduced its revolutionary VB16Y.This new rebar cutter/bender provides jobsite cutting andbending of rebar in one portable and completely unique tool.Precision angle bends are preset and completed in justseconds. Utilizing an impressive 530 watts of power, theVB16Y’s built-in microprocessor uniformly bends up to No.5Grade 60 rebar at a maximum angle of 180 degrees. Theoperator has complete control over the velocity and angle atwhich the rebar is bent. A variable speed trigger with safetylock provides the operator with “manual-like” precision andcontrol over the bending speed. Reference markings on thebending plate provide for easy position adjustment. And with



http://www.vertigraph.com



http://www.mapei.com


the turn of a pre-setdial, you can makecuts at a numerousvariety of angleswith no problem atall. The VB16Yweighs 42 lbs, iseasily transportedto the jobsite orbolted to a fixed

base. The low profiledesign combined with tworeaction receivers at thefront and the rear, balance

and stabilize the tool. Formore information please call 1-800-546-1666 or visit us

on the web at www.hitachi.com/powertools

Dust Muzzle from Shave AwayShave Away, Europe, the manufacturer of the Dust Muzzle ismanufacturing and selling a new dust collector designed forcircular saws, the Saw Muzzle. The Saw Muzzle is made of

heavy duty, fiber filled ABSplastic and is designed to fitthe Skil, DeWalt, Milwaukee,Makita and Bosch industrialworm drive circular saws. It islightweight, easy to install,unobtrusive and will collectover 95% of the dust createdwhen used with a standardindustrial shop vacuum.

$59.95. Dealer inquiries invited. For more information callShave Away, Europe at (619) 223-2154 or visit them on theweb at www.dustmuzzle.com

Polyurethane 250 from Arizona PolymerFlooringArizona Polymer Flooring has developed a unique clearsealer for architectural concrete. Polyurethane 250 is a twocomponent, solvent based aliphatic urethane. It iscompletely non-yellowing in exterior applications andachieves extraordinary adhesion to a wide variety of surfacesincluding solvent sealers and polyester urethanes. Elcometerpull test readings ofup to 800 psi havebeen attained overlightly profiledconcrete.Polyurethane 250can be applied todamp surfaces,intensifies colorand is ideal for useover acid stains.Compared tosolvent acrylic sealers, this product offers significantimprovements in the following areas:1. Gloss and gloss retention.2. Resistance to foot and traffic abrasion.3. Resistance to tire tracking.4. Soil release and stain resistance.5. Tolerance to substrate moisture.

Polyurethane 250 is available in high gloss or satin. Call 1-800-562-4921 for complete data sheet or a free sample.


http://www.hitachi.com/powertools

http://www.dustmuzzle.com



Advertiser Index

World of ConcreteNew Orleans 2002

Advertiser Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page # . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reader Service #

Alternative Finishes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . —Architectural Concrete Consultants . . . . . . . . . Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . —Arizona Polymer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02Benron Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 04Concrafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 06Concrete Countertop Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . . Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . —Concrete Edge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08ConcreteNetwork.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Concrete Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Concrete Texturing Tools and Supply . . . . . . . . 35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Creative Environments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . —Custom Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Decorative Concrete Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Design Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Diamond Kote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . —Elite Crete Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . —Engrave-A-Crete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15, Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Exaktime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Excellent Coatings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Floors FX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Floric Polytech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Increte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Miracote Div/.Crossfield Products . . . . . . . . . . . 4, Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Multi Cut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Plastiform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Polymer Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . —Polystone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Proline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Quick Imprint Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Rafco-Brickform Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Rare Earth Labs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Scofield, L.M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50Seal Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52Shave Away Europe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54Silver Back Sealants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56Skookum Floor Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18, Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58Slip Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60Solomon Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62Star Diamond Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64Super-Krete Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66SureCrete Design Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68Surface GelTek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70Triple S Chemical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72Versatile Deck Coatings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74VIC International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76Vitricon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

CM — Concrete Marketplace is on page 41.Classified ads are on pages 44-45.


Very HOT! Concrete Countertops Enhancing Concrete with ... · 10 The Secrets of Concrete...

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Transcript of Very HOT! Concrete Countertops Enhancing Concrete with ... · 10 The Secrets of Concrete...