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By S Casto
If your existing concrete patio is still in good condition but just too small for your needs, you may consider the option of a patio addition. The backyard patio below was still in good shape but barely big enough for the grill! Look what an addition did to this backyard! The original concrete was stained and the new concrete is colored and stamped to blend the two into a beautiful work of art and place to spread out right in the backyard!
Original patio before addition
Backyard patio with original concrete and new addition!
By Admin
What does it mean for a contractor to be licensed and insured? How important are these qualifications for your project? With so many contractors to choose from – how can you see the difference between them all?
First, the state requires all contractors conducting business to be licensed through the Utah Division of Occupation and Professional Licensing. Just in order to be considered for licensing a contractor must have years of experience, must pass exams testing practical and business knowledge, maintain on-going education and licensing and must carry liability insurance which protects both the contractor and the client.
It’s important for you to understand that a fully licensed and insured contractor operating in an organized company means that they are not only operating legally but have years of hard earned experience and business practice behind them that will bring you a quality product and also quality business practice and reliability. An illegally operating contractor who is not licenced or insured is showing no proof of experience, no proof of quality business practice and no proof of general business organization. Additionally, although an uninsured and unlicensed contractor may install a quality product for you at a very low price, if the major material bill is not paid to the supply company for the products, the supply company will lien the property where the materials were installed. Although an underdog may offer you the lowest bid, he may be a serious risk for the quality of your project and your financial investment. We always recommend simply looking into the contractor you hire.
The following links will help you verify state licensing and company registration with the state. You can also ask your contractor for an insurance certificate provided by their broker.
To verify a license: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html;jsessionid=72d903d1d65071799aadcdfdc3f3
To verify company registration: https://secure.utah.gov/bes/action
By Admin
Concrete is touted as one of the most durable surfaces available, but even this material can become worn over the years. However, the expensive and time consuming process of replacing concrete is not always necessary. Instead, many homeowners decide to resurface their concrete driveways and walkways for a portion of the cost of replacement. If you want to bring new life to a concrete surface but don’t have the budget for a complete replacement, read on for guidelines to determine if concrete resurfacing is the best choice for you.
When Resurfacing is NOT a Good Idea
There are some situations where resurfacing will not be a good option. If shifting soil or extreme weight has caused severe damage to the concrete, resurfacing will not be able to fix the problem. You may spend money for resurfacing and then have to pay even more in repairs just a short time later. The following problems indicate that replacement may be necessary:
- Sunken concrete that may be the result of shifting soil or extreme weight on the surface
- Large cracks that go through the entire layer of concrete, since these may indicate soil erosion or shifting soil underneath
- Uneven surfaces caused by freezing conditions that create some ground swell and changes to concrete surfaces
If your concrete is damaged in any of these ways, replacement may be your only option. However, if your damage is mostly cosmetic rather than structural, resurfacing may be a beautiful, cost efficient alternative. We at Hardscape Designz are capable and would be willing to evaluate your specific situation and make appropriate recommendations.
When Resurfacing is a Good Idea
Resurfacing can be done on nearly any concrete surface that is structurally sound and in relatively good condition. It can be used to rejuvenate driveways, walkways, patios and basement floors. Cities use it to spruce up streets and highways. The cost of a resurfacing project can be minimal compared to replacing concrete completely. There are also many decorative alternatives available in resurfacing today that allows homeowners to breathe new life into old concrete structures.
Before Resurfacing
Any concrete surface needs to be cleaned well before resurfacing, usually with a pressure washer. Small cracks or holes should be filled in with appropriate epoxy filler. Once the surface is completely dry and repaired, it is ready for treatment. While some owners try to tackle a resurfacing project on their own, hiring a professional concrete contractor will ensure the job gets done correctly. It also provides many more choices in decorative options to customize the project to the homeowner’s unique style.
If you are considering a concrete resurfacing project, schedule a time with Hardscape Designz so we can advise you as to whether a resurfacing treatment will be sufficient or it would be better to completely replace the current concrete. You can also get options for colors and styles of resurfacing that will create a whole new look for your patio or driveway. Hardscape Designz will ensure your resurfacing project is done correctly and beautifully so you can enjoy the result for a long time.
By Admin
Winter is here! Removing ice and snow from concrete is part of the winter routine in a northern climate! Caring for your concrete in the winter is not complicated but does require a conscientious effort.
- Remove snow before driving on it. Driving on the snow on your concrete constantly will put in motion the frost and thaw cycle that causes so many of the pot-holes in our roads. Snow, ice, water and any pollutants are forced into the concrete then freeze and thaw and push up through the surface in the form of small marks or divots.
- Do not use salt or de-icing chemicals the first year or two. Using these materials on new concrete is harmful and may cause spalling and scaling. As an alternative, use sand for traction, and remove snow manually.
The photos below are examples of the two extremes of concrete care. The first photo is a driveway that is only one year old but salt and de-icers were heavily used throughout the first winter. The second is a driveway that is over 30 years old but the owner has never used salt or de-icers, has never driven on the snow and always removes new snow immediately. Adopting a care method for your new concrete really makes a difference! Your concrete looks beautiful now and can still look great decades from now with a little uniform effort.
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One year old driveway.
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30 year old driveway.
By Admin
Retaining walls are used for many different purposes in our yards landscaping today. The primary function of a retaining wall is to level or retain a current slope. The higher the slope, the more complex the retaining wall construction might be. Concrete retaining walls also serve an aesthetic purpose, adding dimension and interest to the outdoor space with defined, multi-level planting spaces. Whether you would like to build a small retaining wall to house a few of your favorite flowers or need a larger structure to accommodate a slope in your yard, your choice of designs and colors are vast. Check out these options in concrete retaining walls to see what works best for your outdoor living space.
Poured Concrete
One beautiful option in a concrete retaining wall today is a poured concrete structure. These walls are created using a form and a liner to get the faux finish you want. You can have a poured paving wall that looks like stacked stones or bricks. These walls can be created in any size or color you choose. The wall is poured first, and then stained to enhance the effect. These retaining walls are best left to professional concrete contractors who have the tools and experience to do the job correctly.
Concrete Pavers
This is another popular style for a retaining wall, especially in light of the fact that colors and patterns have broadened extensively in recent years. You can find concrete pavers in a wide range of designs and colors so you can customize the look to your outdoor landscape. Choose pavers in a single hue for a wall that is uniform in appearance. You can also opt for two or three different shades of pavers to create a unique pattern across your retaining wall. While it might look easy enough to stack your own retaining wall out of these concrete pavers, many find that hiring a concrete contractor will get the job done more quickly. If the wall will be higher than a foot or two, it is also a good idea to use a professional who will ensure your retaining wall can stand up to the pressure.
Shapes and Colors
Many homeowners find that the most attractive concrete retaining walls will curve with the natural bends of the casual landscape. Others prefer a straight retaining wall with plenty of right angles for a formal look. Hardscape Designz can help you choose a shape that will fit best with the rest of your outdoor design. Color is another factor that comes in a wide range of options. You can use the traditional grey, but most homeowners prefer a more decorative shade of red, tan or green to add interest to the space.
A concrete retaining wall can solve many of your landscaping dilemmas and add beauty and dimension to your yard. With so many choices in retaining walls today, it will be easy to find a design to enhance your outdoor living space. Set up a time with us here at Hardscape Designz so we may assist you in your concrete retaining wall questions, design, and construction.
By S Casto
Back yards, especially concrete patios, are being transformed into luxurious extensions of the house. They’re the new favorite room to relax, entertain, and cook. And the heart and soul of the backyard resort area is the concrete patio.
The Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association, which recently held its annual tradeshow and exposition, says the growth of the outdoor living phenomena is the result of North America’s interest in ‘cocooning,’ the trend toward a more casual lifestyle, an aging population and the popularity of porches, decks, and concrete patios in homes. Concrete patios, sometimes referred to as cement patios, provide the perfect sanctuary for outdoor living spaces because they are often connected to the house and blend the interior with the exterior living areas. For example, homeowners can match the stone facade of their house by installing decorative concrete to create a stone patio without the expense of installing traditional individual stones. With stamped concrete, homeowners can get the look of flagstone, brick and many other patterns when stamp patterns are pressed into freshly poured concrete.
Top 10 Reasons to Install a Concrete Patio
The patio has become so essential to our backyard retreats that it was among the top 10 features ranked “very important” by home buyers in the 2007 Profile of Buyers’ Home Feature Preferences, published by the National Association of Realtors. And more than half (54%) of those surveyed were willing to pay a premium for a patio. With concrete, however, you don’t need to pay a premium price to get a premium product. Here are 10 reasons why concrete is the perfect patio material.
- Staining and sealing a wood deck every year can be a lot of work!
- Concrete can be stamped, engraved, stenciled or textured to resemble pricier stone or brick pavers—and often at a fraction of the cost.
- With the uses of stains and other coloring methods, you can achieve just about any hue imaginable, whether you want to match the stone facade of your house or blend in with the natural landscape.
- Concrete is easily formed into any shape to accommodate backyard space restrictions.
- Unlike paving stones, you won’t have sand-filled joints between units where grass and weeds can sprout.
- Concrete is durable and can stand up to a range of weather conditions found across the country.
- Thanks to the design versatility of concrete, your patio will never look just like your neighbor’s.
- The aesthetic appeal and durability of decorative concrete will boost the resale value of your home.
- Your concrete patio won’t be vulnerable to termite infestation, wood rot or splintering.
- Concrete is environmentally friendly. Installing a concrete patio rather than a wood deck saves lumber and eliminates the need for regular maintenance with solvent-based wood stains and sealers.
