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Uncategorized Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Stamped Artistry

Dec 26
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Warm Up the House with a New Fireplace

Posted by | Fire Pits and Fire Places, Uncategorized | No Comments

Even if you enjoy some things about winter, you might not enjoy the increase in your energy bills as a result of turning up the heat. You can try something a little different, like using your fireplace. Of course, how does that fireplace look? Is it ready for use? Is it ready for you and your guests to sit around enjoying the heat? Warm up your home with a new fireplace this season.

You’ll love your fireplace’s new look.

We use the best materials for your fireplace. We can create beautiful additions to your home that are lasting and made to withstand a hot fire. You can have natural flagstone, or concrete creations to suit your home’s décor and your personal taste.

Have a warm, safe fire.

Whether you use a gas fireplace, or wood burning, we will make sure that the construction is up to code and completely safe. We understand that safety and functionality are far more important than the appearance. There is no reason, however, that you can’t have it all.

Get an excuse to gather.

Has that old fireplace just sat there looking abandoned for too long? Do you not spend as much time gathered in that room because it just isn’t cozy? A pretty fireplace and cozy fire could be just what you need to liven things up in there again. Make the room a place you want to gather, and that make you want to leave the technology behind for a while as you enjoy the warmth and company around a beautiful fireplace.

There are plenty of reasons to warm up with a new fireplace. Get started now and get some good fires going before the winter is over. Call Stamped Artistry today and ask about how we can build you your dream fireplace. We can have you warm and comfortable in the new year.

Oct 16
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A Second Dining Room with a Stamped Concrete Patio

Posted by | Stamped Concrete, Uncategorized | No Comments

Well-designed stamped concrete has the ability to transform any area to which it’s applied. Stamped concrete can make a pool deck, or even a driveway glamorous. Your dining room can be both durable and stylish, ready to impress guests, as well as handle their messes. So, with all that stamped concrete can do to brighten and stylize your dining area, why not turn another area of your home into a dining-worthy space?

Transform Your Patio for Dining

As proud as you may be of your dining room indoors and how well you care for it, have you ever wished that your patio was attractive enough to entertain guests the way you do in that dining room? When the weather is mild and pleasant, many people find dining outdoors to be a nice experience. You can transform that dinner into a full-fledged patio party with lights and candles, and then take the fun and food to the fire pit for s’mores.

A stamped concrete patio is a significant step in making this happen. In terms of appearance, you can have almost any stain and pattern that you want. You can match the general outward appearance of your home, or create a new look for the space. The concrete sets the tone for anything else with which you decorate.

Stamped and stained concrete can withstand the elements, too. When the weather is not appropriate for outdoor dining, the floor will be ready when it is. It will resist wind, rain, sun, and whatever is thrown at it. All you need to do is clean it gently from time to time, and that is easy to do, too.

If you like to entertain, create another space for it. Take advantage of those beautiful days and nights; create a second dining room with a stamped concrete patio. Call us at Stamped Artistry and ask us how we can help you achieve this.

Jun 26
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Solutions for Interlocking Concrete Pavers Problems

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Interlocking concrete pavers add some creativity and classic appeal to any ground. They work on streets, patios, near pools, driveways, and beyond. They are resilient and attractive, all at once. As with any material, they are not without the small potential for occasional problems. Those problems have solutions, however.

Shifting Pavers

Pavers are laid on a sandy bed that is over a more compacted base. This is done to allow for expansion and contraction. Though it may seem like soil is generally stable, it changes. Temperature and moisture alter the soil regularly. Pavers are made and installed to allow for these changes, while remaining smooth and firm.

Of course, even if the pavers are laid well, the soil can expand more than is normal with moisture and freezing temperatures. Then, when the soil contracts again, the pavers may not be able to settle in the same position as before. In other instances, the soil is washed away at the edges by rain or excess water, and the pavers settle in an uneven way, or sink at the edges of the structure.

In most cases, your pavers do not need to be replaced; interlocking pavers are very resilient and should not crack. They may need to lifted, however, and the soil beneath changed. These changes will depend upon the nature of the problem. The layer over the base may need to be of a different substance, such as processed gravel. This makes for a more compact layer that is less easily shifted.

For cases in which only the edges have shifted or sunk, it may be possible to address only the edges. This can often be prevented by using a fabric beneath the base layer to filter and maintain the sides of the area. If you have the problem later, adding the fabric is a solution.

Are you having trouble with interlocking pavers? Do you want them installed? Call us at Stamped Artistry.

Jun 12
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Prepare for Summer with Slip-Resistant Pool Decks

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Pools all over the U.S. will open soon, if they haven’t already. That means fun in the sun and the water. It also means people will be on the deck, including running children, and that means concern for pool owners and parents. If you own a pool and you are ready to open it for the summer, you may want to consider making sure the deck is slip-resistant.

Slip-resistant pool decks are often standard. Whether you have stamped concrete, tile, stone, or wood, your deck is made to resist high levels of water damage over long periods of time, and slipping. This does not mean, however, that pool decks never get damaged or slippery. Where there is water, there will be some loss of friction.

So, evaluate the deck area. How long has it been since you last treated the deck? If you have never done so since the pool or deck was installed, then it is most certainly time to have it done. Sometimes, you can buy materials and do this yourself. If you do this, it’s essential to make sure you get the right solution for your deck.

There is never any harm in calling a professional, too. You can have them look at your deck and evaluate it, and offer you options. If your pool deck is particularly old, you might consider having it completely re-done. You can choose from a wide variety of materials to suit your home and your tastes, and your deck will be sealed with slip-resistant solution as part of the process.

If your swimming pool area is too slippery, you want to revitalize your old deck, or you want an entirely new one built, call us at Stamped Artistry now. Don’t wait until summer is already upon you. Choose from stained or stamped concrete, and more, and have the slip-resistant pool of your dreams this summer.

May 27
0

Fireplace Renovation, Even in Spring and Summer

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For many of us, winter is over. We still have come relatively cool spring days ahead of us, but the fires and heavy comforters are no longer necessities. So, you might ask why anyone would suggest revitalizing the fireplace just as spring and summer are blooming?

It’s a great way to spruce up your home’s interior.

The fireplace is a viewpoint in your home. Yes, it’s there to be functional, but even homes in locations that don’t see strong winters can have fireplaces. That’s because they’re also considered aesthetic pieces; they add to the appearance of your home. So, when is the last time yours was renovated? If you’ve been wanting to change a little something in your home but don’t know what, consider the fireplace. Or, add the fireplace to your list of renovations. You don’t have to gut and replace everything. You can have new stone put in, tile, fixtures, or you can have some staining and painting done. There are lots of possibilities and even the smaller ones can make a big difference.

Have it ready when you might need it.

Sure, there may not be many calls for a fire in the house. But, summer time makes us wants s’mores. It makes us want to sit around a fire. If you can’t do that outside, you can still do that inside without making things too hot to bear—thanks, in large part, to air conditioning. Get that fireplace ready for family and friends.

You can do it outdoors, too.

Do you want to have those nights around a fire cooking, eating, talking, drinking, camping? You don’t have to go to a campground and you don’t have to ruin your backyard. You can have a nice fire pit, or outdoor fireplace—chimney and all—in your backyard. You can have it on the patio, on stones in the middle of the yard, wherever is appropriate. It’s not just a fun piece; when you have it designed and installed by a professional, it’s made to look like a lovely, decorative extension of your home.

Do you want this sort of fireplace renovation? Contact us at Stamped Artistry.

Apr 27
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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.

Oct 20
0

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.

Aug 10
0

Adding an Outdoor Kitchen: Consider Concrete Countertops

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outdoor kitchenAn outdoor kitchen has increasingly become a popular addition to many homes. An outdoor kitchen allows you to truly create an outside living space. You can make your kitchen as simple, or as fancy as you want with grills and accessory burners, built in refrigerators, sinks, and a whole host of other appliances designed to make outdoor cooking easy.  However, you will need to make sure your outdoor kitchen is appropriately designed, made out of high quality materials, and attractive. Using concrete–and especially concrete countertops–can help you to create an outdoor kitchen which looks beautiful and which is functional, as well. Concrete is a great material for use in construction of an outdoor kitchen because it can be molded into different shapes and styles and because your concrete countertops can be any color you like. Contact Stamped Artistry today to learn more about your options for creating a beautiful outdoor kitchen.