October 2016 - Stamped Artistry

The Retaining Wall

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walls01-homeportfolio2What is a retaining wall? You have probably seen one, even if you didn’t know it by name. A retaining wall is a decorative structure that also holds soil behind it, much like a dam. It is used to create the appearance of two ground levels, creating an attractive, interesting “cliff.”

These structures are created with a variety of materials, depending upon the desired look. You can have blocks of any stable stone, concrete in any form, wood, rocks, and more that match the home, or any other important feature. Wood is a common choice, as it is a little less expensive than many other materials, but it must be maintained and generally does not last as long as more resilient materials. Stone and concrete are more stable, but the process of installation can be costly and time-consuming.

Other than the appearance, the type of soil being supported makes a difference in the choice of materials, as well, as do changes in the dirt during the seasons. The weight of the soil—black soil, rocky soil, sand, etc.—must not exceed what the materials can support at the wall’s height. Gravity retaining walls are the type that need no extra reinforcement to handle the soil’s weight. They are heavy enough on their own so they offer plenty of support, and may be shorter since they don’t require additional height or materials for strengthening. Reinforced retaining walls, however, must have some extra support to hold the soil. This could mean more materials, or more height.

A strong, lasting retaining wall could be an attractive, unique feature for your yard, garden, or any other appropriate place. Take a look at the Stamped Artistry website, or call us and tell us what you’re interested in doing. We’re happy to help you design something new.

Epoxy Flakes and Flooring

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MetallicsHave you ever heard of epoxy flakes? Perhaps not, but you have seen them. Epoxy flakes are the spots—flakes—of colors that you sometimes see on hard floors. They not only provide decorative coloring with a wide range of options, but they protect the floor from various wear and tear.

The Look

Also commonly known as color flakes, epoxy flakes are recognizable as spots, or other shapes of color spread about and layered over one another for a burst of color embedded into the floor material. This type of flooring allows for a lot of customization; the owner can choose from almost any color combination and flake size.

The Materials and Uses

These flakes are a combination of materials, including acrylic resin, vinyl resin, and polymers. The flakes are usually small—less than an inch in diameter. They add more than color, too. They add long-term protection from:

  • General wear and tear.
  • Chemical damage.
  • Moisture damage and corrosion.
  • Loud noises—they offer mild soundproofing.

These flakes are particularly useful for flooring that experiences a lot of foot and other types of traffic such as:

  • Industrial facilities and warehouses.
  • Garage flooring—both commercial and home.
  • Professional and residential workshops.
  • Patio and other outdoor flooring.

It is possible to install epoxy flakes on your own, but having a professional do it is always a much better choice. A flooring professional can get you the precise colors you want, mix them more exactly, and find the absolute best options for you through in-depth discussions about details of which you may not be aware.

Call us at Stamped Artistry and let us be the professionals who show you more of what epoxy flakes can do for your floors. We can help you get creative and make the most of what epoxy flakes have to offer.