Minnesota Concrete Blog » Decorative Concrete

Exterior Concrete Alternatives for Home and Business

admin — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 16:26:34 +0000

With low cost, durability, and unlimited design possibilities, concrete is the new material of choice for home owners and businesses alike. Outdoor projects like driveways, patios, stairs, walkways, and pools can add value to your property and set it apart from the rest of the houses or buildings on the block. Traditionally patio, pool or other accent area projects could be cost prohibitive using materials like slate, marble, or granite. Exterior concrete is a low cost alternative that can be styled to mimic these materials as well as many more. With Stained concrete you can get the great look you’ve always wanted for a lot less.

Beautifully decorative exterior concrete can add curb appeal to your home or business. Your driveway is often the first thing people will see when visiting your home or office, so why not make it stand out? Driveways are important; they should be functional, but they don’t have to be boring! Flat black asphalt drives or plain grey concrete lack visual impact. A driveway with stain and texture can create an immediate positive impression. Lowell Russell Concrete can help you create a driveway that’s durable and beautiful making it more than just a place to park your car.

Walkways and entryways are also areas that provide an early impression of your home or business. Using the flexibility and nearly unlimited design opportunities of customized concrete can help turn these areas into visually appealing highlights to your property.

Patios are another area where architectural concrete can be used to good effect to enhance and delight. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just relaxing after work, patios enhanced with colored, antiqued, shaped or textured concrete make beautiful spaces to spend your time.

Having an indoor or outdoor pool is unique in Minnesota, but with stamped concrete and border designs you can make your pool area even more special. Installing or remodeling a pool can increase the amount of fun you can have in your home as well as the re-sale value later on. The style and value added to your property is well worth the investment of an indoor or outdoor pool area.

To explore the unlimited possibilities of exterior concrete in Minnesota for your home or business, contact Lowell Russell Concrete, Inc. in Minnesota, at 952-461-3710 or get a quote online. We offer a variety of concrete services, including interior and exterior applications, staining, stenciling and imprinting of concrete.

Exterior Stained Concrete

admin — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 10:05:28 +0000

Concrete slabs are very convenient for outdoor living, but until recently, tended to be unattractive. Design issues can now be solved with stained concrete. The stain uses a mild acid solution to etch into the surface of the concrete and react with the lime, which is natural to concrete mixtures. Once the acid does its work, the color penetrates into the surface of the concrete itself. This makes it permanent, and unlike paint, it will never chip off or fade.

The colors available to exterior stained concrete continues to expand. Whereas earth tones and shades of pale blue were previously common, newer dyes now offer tones of red, yellow, purple, and oranges in different shades. The expanding color palette offers the creative spirit many ways to design an ideal look.

Some choose to just stain the entire concrete with one color. But, that is not the only option. You can use these stains to create abstract designs or even recreate logos and works of art on the concrete surface. The possibilities are really endless when you add in stencils and other tools to the mix.

If you are looking for a way to transform the concrete slabs in your life, then look into the concrete staining options available from Lowell Russell Concrete Inc., your Minnesota concrete stain professionals. You will have a masterpiece outside to enhance your walkway, patio, or entrance within a short time.

If you want to explore the many possibilities of stained concrete in Minneapolis MN for your home or business, consider contacting Lowell Russell Concrete, Inc. in Minnesota, at 952-461-3710 or Request a Quote online. We offer a variety of decorative concrete services, including interior and exterior applications, staining, stenciling and imprinting of concrete.

Exterior Stamped Concrete

admin — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:54:56 +0000

Concrete offers many benefits over other building materials, especially when it comes to accenting areas around your home. There is no limit to the uses for concrete, and when you choose exterior stamped concrete, you will be adding beauty and interest to your home and property.

Lower Maintenance
Wood decks rot, but concrete will last forever. When you choose concrete, you won’t have to worry about rebuilding in fifteen years. Concrete patios can last for generations with a small amount of maintenance. Where wood decks should be waterproofed annually to keep them looking their best, concrete only requires a quick sealing coat every few years. Unlike wood, concrete also does not attract insects such as termites, carpenter ants and some bees.

More Stable
A wood deck will only hold a certain amount of weight. But a stamped concrete patio can handle any size hot tub you might want. Concrete is stronger, more stable, and will not get slippery when wet. Concrete also will not leave splinters, and it doesn’t get so hot in the sun that it hurts to walk on.

Possibilities
Exterior stamped concrete is the perfect solution for walkways going into the backyard, or along the driveway. Concrete driveways themselves can be stamped with attractive designs, helping your house stand out more. Wrap around porches are also fun to relax on, and when they are made from stamped concrete, the overall appeal is increased. Pool decks and patios are constant entertaining areas, and stamped concrete is perfect for making them look attractive, unique and interesting. Whatever your need is, exterior stamped concrete can fill it for a reasonable price, and with a look that you are sure to appreciate.

If you want to explore the many possibilities of stamped concrete in Minneapolis MN for your home or business, consider contacting Lowell Russell Concrete, Inc. in Minnesota, at 952-461-3710 or Request a Quote online. We offer a variety of decorative concrete services, including interior and exterior applications, staining, stenciling and imprinting of concrete.

A Concrete Company in Minneapolis MN

admin — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 09:36:49 +0000

Are you based in Minnesota and need a company to work on your home or business concrete projects? Lowell Russell Concrete can help.

We are a Minneapolis-based, family-owned company. Our philosophy is to treat all of our customers like they’re family, which is why we’ve been in business for over 35 years. In our years of experience, we have constantly striven to expand upon what’s possible with the boundaries of decorative concrete.

Lowell Russell Concrete works closely with customers in the Minneapolis area to give them exactly what they want. Our concrete work is only limited by a customer’s ability to articulate what they’re looking for. If you’re looking for a concrete company, take some time and figure out exactly what your requirements are. Look for a company that is local to you, and one that can handle all of your concrete construction needs.

Our team of experts can handle both interior concrete and exterior concrete work, from counter-tops, tables and floors to steps, walkways, pools and patios. However, our services stretch far beyond that, and we also offer block foundations, public plazas, specialty concrete work and more. We can fulfill all of your artistic dreams with our concrete stenciling, stamping, and staining services, which create a wide range of textures and colors for you to choose from.

If you want to explore the many possibilities of concrete in Minneapolis MN for your home or business, consider contacting Lowell Russell Concrete, Inc. in Minnesota, at 952-461-3710 or Request a Quote online. We offer a variety of decorative concrete services, including interior and exterior applications, staining, stenciling and imprinting of concrete.

Concrete Ideas: The Benefits of Working with Concrete

admin — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 09:27:22 +0000

Although most people are familiar with concrete structures, such as home foundations, many don’t consider the versatility that concrete provides. The adaptability of concrete allows for many varieties of shapes, designs, and logos in whatever colors or patterns the customer desires.

From public plazas to private walkways, swimming pools, and patios, a unique look can be created by using concrete stenciling, stamping, or staining techniques. Either with new or existing concrete, sandblast stenciling can create medallions, borders, or company logos which can then be imprinted with highlights and lettering. Brickform blush-tone acid stain can then be applied to create any color combination desired.

Concrete also has many functional and decorative uses inside a home or building, such as for room additions, floors, countertops, tables, and sinks. Indoors, decorated concrete can be used to simulate other materials such as tile, wood, or stone for a unique interior look, such as enhancing a fireplace.

Customers can supply their own artwork which is camera-ready, or they can supply their artwork on computer laser prints and disks. This artwork can then be reproduced in the exact size desired.

If you want to explore the many possibilities of decorative concrete for your home or business, consider contacting Lowell Russell Concrete, Inc. in Minnesota, at 952-461-3710 or Request a Quote online. We offer a variety of decorative concrete services, including interior and exterior applications, staining, stenciling and imprinting of concrete.

Concrete Mix and Design Techniques

admin — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 09:47:50 +0000

Many people do not realize it, but there are several different types of concrete. Also, the way in which it is mixed and worked can be adjusted to mold the concrete in ways that achieve a variety of unique and beautiful results. Regular concrete has a strength of about 1,450 pounds per square inch, while high strength concrete can be mixed to reach strengths of at least 6,000 pounds per square inch.

Chemstaining is an amazing process whereby concrete can be altered through the use of acidic stains that chemically alter the concrete in such a way that it takes on a different appearance. Not only can chemstaining be used in order to alter the color of the concrete, it can actually be used in order to alter its translucence and to give it the appearance of having several different colors. As a result, concrete can actually take on a very attractive appearance. The technique can be used in order to give the concrete the appearance of a different material such as tile, stone, or even wood.

Stencils can then be used in order to carve the concrete into any two dimensional shape that somebody might hope for. This is great for corporate logos, interesting borders, and even works of art. Stamping can then be used in order to give the concrete a different texture than it otherwise would.

By combining these three techniques together, it is possible to achieve a wide variety of results with concrete, and it can be used in areas that people would not typically consider such as decks, tabletops, and entryways.

If you want to explore the many possibilities of working with a Minnesota concrete company for your home or business, consider contacting Lowell Russell Concrete, Inc. in Minnesota, at 952-461-3710 or Request a Quote online. We offer a variety of decorative concrete services, including interior and exterior applications, staining, stenciling and imprinting of concrete.

Benefits of Working with a Concrete Company in Minnesota

Benefits of Working with a Concrete Company in Minnesota

admin — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 09:42:31 +0000

Whether you own a small business or you simply need a home project completed for you, working with Lowell Russell Concrete in Minnesota is one of the best options available for your concrete project needs. We have a total of 35 years of experience behind us, and we are well versed in all aspects of working with concrete. We are able to work both inside and outside, providing you with everything from countertops to driveways. We can refine the project using several concrete techniques such as concrete staining, stenciling, and stamped concrete.

With concrete staining, Lowell Russel Concrete has the ability to use chemstaining techniques in order to provide your concrete with a permanent unique appearance. The material is cured using an acidic stain that can alter the color or translucence of the concrete. In this way, a much more unique and artistic design can be created. Projects that people wouldn’t think of using concrete for can be complete. Concrete can be used instead of wood, tile, or stone. Entryways, decks, tables, and countertops look surprisingly well, while still offering the durability of concrete.

Concrete stencils can be used in order to produce extremely innovative shapes with concrete. Medallions, artwork, corporate logos, and decorative borders can all be created with the sandblast stenciling technique. This can be combined with stamped concrete in order to alter the texture of the concrete in order to achieve the desired effect. With the right combination of stencil, color, and stamping, almost anything can be achieved using concrete.

If you want to explore the many possibilities an experienced concrete company can provide for your home or business, consider contacting Lowell Russell Concrete, Inc. in Minnesota, at 952-461-3710 or Request a Quote online. We offer a variety of decorative concrete services, including interior and exterior applications, staining, stenciling and imprinting of concrete.

“Green” Concrete is Elegant and Economical

admin — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 09:36:58 +0000

The world of concrete is evolving in lock step with the popular and regulatory shifts favoring the use of environmentally friendly building materials. This means the concrete industry is becoming increasingly green by supplying sustainable, recyclable, durable, economical, energy efficient building supplies. Homeowners economize with concrete two ways: via low upfront materials costs, and with every month’s power bill, thanks to the capacity for interior concrete and decorative cement to either raise or lower ambient temperatures as conditions require.

In warm climates or seasons, concrete can remain cooler than its environment, reducing the consumption of electricity to power conditioning; conversely, concrete can absorb solar radiation and retain heat, or be embedded with cost effective radiant heating coils.

Interior concrete and decorative cement suppliers and service providers are working closely with interior designers and developing new trends in home décor. The results are spectacular. Contemporary interior concrete combines the power and grace of sculpted stone with a full palette of colors for your floors, wall tiles, countertops, sinks, fireplaces, tables and chairs.

Still, concrete’s green characteristics are just as important as its aesthetic appeal. Today’s concrete incorporates sustainable as well as recycled materials. Slag cement, fly ash and various products generated by power plants and manufacturing facilities can be blended safely into concrete, while the addition of recycled materials such as crushed glass, bits of metal and stone chips can create eye-catching visual effects.

If you want to explore the many possibilities of concrete MN for your home or business, consider contacting Lowell Russell Concrete, Inc. in Minnesota, at 952-461-3710 or Request a Quote online. We offer a variety of decorative concrete services, including interior and exterior applications, staining, stenciling and imprinting of concrete.

Concrete: The “Green” Alternative

Benefits of interior Stenciled Concrete for Your Home or Business

admin — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 10:01:56 +0000

For those who are looking to put a new mark on their homes, there are a variety of different options available. Some people add a deck, while others remodel their kitchens. One of the best ways to add a touch of luxury to your home is to employ stenciled concrete. Interior stenciled concrete is the perfect way to add an artistic flair to your foyer or bathroom, and is not nearly as difficult or costly to implement as many people believe it might be.

Implementing stenciled concrete is both easy and fun, and most of the work is done by the contractor; you can provide the artwork and go over the specifics, and we’ll get the job done for you. Interior stenciled concrete is also perfect for businesses who wish to brand their locations with a stenciled logo or image. Maintenance of stenciled concrete is extremely easy, making it far superior to other flooring materials such as carpet or hardwood.

To get a better idea of what stenciled concrete looks like, be sure to check out our concrete photo gallery. If you feel as if stenciled concrete is right for your home or office, don’t hesitate to call today for a consultation today.

If you want to explore the many possibilities of stenciled concrete MN for your home or business, consider contacting Lowell Russell Concrete, Inc. in Minnesota, at 952-461-3710 or Request a Quote online. We offer a variety of decorative concrete services, including interior and exterior applications, staining, stenciling and imprinting of concrete.

Benefits of Interior Stained Concrete for Your Home or Business

admin — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 10:56:23 +0000

We understand that using concrete to enhance your decor may be an idea that seems unusual. After all, when most people hear the word “concrete,” they picture a garage floor or the neighborhood sidewalk. We would like you to consider the possibility that concrete can add not only function, but warmth and artistry to the INSIDE of your home.

Take a look at our gallery of decorative concrete photos.

As you can see, the look and uses of concrete are limitless! By incorporating stains, epoxies, aggregates, and your creative ideas, concrete becomes a versatile material that adds unique style to any room. Imagine how a custom countertop, floor or mantle can increase the value of your home. Think about your guests not only seated around your kitchen table, but admiring its beauty. And because concrete is considerably less expensive than many building materials, it won’t break your budget. Its durability and low maintenance keep your cost of ownership low too.

As you consider your next home improvement project, we encourage you to imagine the possibility that stained concrete will not only meet your needs, but go far beyond your expectations. Lowell Russell Concrete, Inc. would like to be your partner in transforming your upcoming interior design project into a work of art.

If you want to explore the many possibilities of stained concrete MN for your home or business, consider contacting Lowell Russell Concrete, Inc. in Minnesota, at 952-461-3710 or Request a Quote online. We offer a variety of decorative concrete services, including interior and exterior applications, staining, stenciling and imprinting of concrete.