April 2017 - Stamped Artistry

Rain Damaged Concrete

Posted by | Stained Concrete, Uncategorized | No Comments

IMG_20120516_111622Concrete is a very durable thing. It lasts for years and, if it gets good care, it can last a lifetime. Your average sidewalk may crack over a few years, but sturdy, stylish, stained and stamped concrete at your home can remain attractive as long as you want, if you maintain it. Because, when concrete is exposed to the weather, it will be affected. Rain and water damage are real risks.

Defense is the beginning of concrete rain damage care. It prevents the damage from ever happening, or significantly reduces the likelihood. When the concrete is laid, it should be treated with protection and sealed. This is included in the installation of most stains and stamped concrete.

However, should the damage occur anyway, don’t leave it to get worse. As long as you pay a little attention to the state of your concrete, any damage you may notice will probably be mild, or not go far past the surface. This is a good thing because fixing it will not be so difficult. For major issues, resurfacing might be necessary.

The type of repair will depend on the amount of damage and the type of concrete. Mild damage on a brushed finish might just need a professional scrub. This could hurt smoother, shinier concrete, however, and resurfacing entirely might be required in that case. If your concrete is stained and stamped, this might be a lengthier, more involved process that includes re-staining and applying overlays. A professional will have to perform this.

If your current drive way or patio has been for a very long time, you may want to consider getting something completely new, rather than revitalizing the old. For example, if your patio is as it was when you first moved in, water damage could be the perfect excuse to get something new that you like better.

Don’t let rain damaged concrete ruin your day. Call us at Stamped Artistry. We’ll protect your concrete, revitalize it, or construct new stained and stamped concrete for you.

Customization and Concrete Countertops

Posted by | Concrete Countertops | No Comments

countertopsThe kitchen is meant to be a comforting space. It is where people go to nourish and feed themselves, and to get creative with ingredients for their own culinary masterpieces. So, it’s understandable that people become tired of cheap, laminated countertops that wear within short periods of time and are easily scratched. Among the alternate choices is concrete. Concrete countertops are not sidewalks in the kitchen. They are popular choices that have the ability to be stylized according to almost any décor. More importantly, they are durable and perfect for the busy, messy work in the kitchen. Renters have no choice, but many homeowners are discovering that concrete is the ultimate medium with which they can create the perfect countertops for their kitchens.

The demand for concrete countertops has risen recently. This is, in large part, due to design options that suit all styles. Yes, a customer can select from pre-made versions that are cast in molds and sold as-is. However, the more discerning homeowner can have their countertops designed, created, and finished to their specifications. Some prefer to have the job done in the kitchen; the mold is set directly on the cabinets and filled with concrete. Whatever the choice, the results are always one-of-a-kind.

Creating concrete kitchen countertops is like an art form.

Professionals can design their own, unique style by using select ingredients in the mix. Most work with homeowners to create the best look for a home that matches the interior. Some work with interior designers who are having a home renovated for sale.

The end result is a custom, durable countertop. Colors, sheens, metallic and other particles, cuts, and much, much more can all be customized. These countertops don’t have to be in the kitchen, either. If you love them, you can put them almost anywhere you have countertops, including outdoors.

Call us at Stamped Artistry. We can give you your custom concrete countertops that match your style and your life.