Minnesota Concrete Blog » Stamped Concrete (Imprinted/Textured)

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 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.

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.

Interior Stamped Concrete for Your Home or Business

admin — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 10:38:48 +0000

Most people agree that they do all they can to accent their home in a positive light. Decorations, design and a whole host of other factors can play into how a home is accented. This can be one of the great pleasures of owning your own home, as you are in complete control. And one of the most attractive accents that can be added to your home is incorporating stamped concrete into the interior of the space. Interior stamped concrete is attractive, affordable and one of the best ways to accent a room in your home.

Put simply, stamped concrete features patterns much like a rug might, except that they are stamped into the material. This can create the perfect accent for a foyer, or any other room where a hard, concrete surface is preferred. Many people install stamped concrete into the entrance of their homes, as this is a great way to make a first impression to welcome guests. Check out the Lowell Russell Concrete, Inc. Photo Gallery of Decorative Concrete for ideas and examples of our work.

Stamped concrete is not only attractive and affordable; it’s extremely easy to clean and maintain, especially compared to other materials, such as carpeting. Add a flavorful accent to your home, and consider making use of interior stamped concrete.

If you want to explore the many possibilities of stamped 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 Decorative Concrete

admin — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 10:28:27 +0000

Concrete floors, entryways, patios, and even countertops are the perfect areas for decorative concrete. Whether the home is a brand new one or decades old, decorative concrete makes it simple to have the desired look. This is especially true since there are different types available that appeal to the different tastes that people have. Those types are stamped, stenciled, and stained concrete.

Stamped concrete has a pattern upon it that is imprinted. For those wishing to have a brick, stone, tile, or even wood appearance that is affordable, stamped concrete can help achieve that look. It is possible to choose from a number of popular designs or have one custom made. This type works well with patios, courtyards, and pool decks.

Stenciled concrete is possible due to what is called decorative sandblast stenciling. This allows an individual to have any design that they desire upon their patio, driveway, countertop, or flooring. Landscaping projects can be completely unique when this technique is used.

Stained concrete is another way to achieve a unique look by having a translucent effect. A penetrating acidic stain is applied to the concrete, which is available in a variety of colors. Through different colors, it is easy to match the color of the home or the décor outside of the home.

Decorative concrete allows for a high class design without the high class cost. There are so many options available that having a traditional or contemporary design of virtually any color or style is not a problem. And any area inside or outside of the home can be decorated in this way because the concrete will last for many years.

If you want to explore the many possibilities of decorative concrete in Minnesota 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 Decorative Concrete for Your Home or Business

admin — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:27:18 +0000

You have probably seen decorative concrete in many places but not realized what material it was! Concrete has traveled a long way from gray sidewalks and driveways. Just a few examples of what concrete can be used for are: sleek and durable concrete countertops, innovative concrete walls resembling any material, and high end polished concrete floors of any color. Decorative concrete can also give you a custom look for a driveway, pool, or patio area. In short, concrete can be stained any color, designed to imitate almost any surface, and can be used virtually anywhere.

Concrete has become one of the most sought after materials on the design market for its versatility and many other good reasons. It is less expensive than other design materials, more durable, virtually maintenance free, and environmentally friendly.

One popular option is stamped concrete, this is typically used for outdoor projects and the concrete can be dyed any color or combination of colors. The concrete is stamped when it is wet to give it the look of stone or brick. You can get the same look for half the price of traditional materials. Just a few of the design options are custom walkways, stairs, and retaining walls.

Concrete can also be polished, and when polished it is typically used for maintenance free flooring that will never need to be refinished or waxed! While polished floors have mainly been used for businesses, homeowners are turning to this solution for a custom floor that is a beautiful focal point of their home.

If you have existing concrete that you do not want to replace but you do want it to be more decorative, concrete can also be engraved. An experienced decorative concrete installer can use tools to etch designs into the concrete. The etching can be done alone or accompanied by staining, which can be done in any hue. Contact an experienced decorative concrete installer today, save money, and make your design dreams come true!

Stamped Concrete Maintenance

admin — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 10:34:22 +0000

Concrete is one of the most commonly used materials in the world of construction, and can be found just about anywhere you look. Stamped concrete, in particular is prized for its durability and visual appeal, and can be used in situations where the concrete is meant to imitate another, more expensive materials.

For instance, many people use stamped concrete that resembles brick for the walkway to the front door, as stamped concrete is very attractive but costs only a fraction of what more expensive materials might cost. Other stamped concrete imitations include slate, wood and even tile.

Caring for stamped concrete is not unlike maintaining any other form of concrete. What must be taken note of, however, is that stamped concrete has grooves in it while regular flat concrete does not. It is important to take extra care in making sure these grooves are free of debris. Power washing with hot water is the best way to make sure your exterior concrete is clean, and is an easy, inexpensive method. However, a quick spray with the garden hose will suffice with regular maintenance. For oil stains, you may want to use an alkaline degreaser with the wash.

If you want to explore the many possibilities of stamped 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.

The Many Uses of Concrete in Your Home or Business

admin — Mon, 24 May 2010 15:24:46 +0000

Concrete is used to pour foundations and walls in buildings and structures around the world, which is a building material made from water, sand, gravel and cement. Approximately six billion tons of concrete are produced every year, and concrete is one of the most durable building materials ever created. Together, steel and concrete can make buildings as high as skyscrapers, but most people don’t realize the elegance and beauty of poured concrete for use around their home or business.

The most popular use of concrete that most people are familiar with is pouring foundations for homes and driveways. Concrete can also be used to create patios in backyards, provide decoration in the form of steps and walkways, lines the outside of swimming pools, and provides the foundation for decks.

Plain concrete is often used for these projects, but a variant called stamped or imprinted concrete is also popular. Stamped concrete is concrete that has been stamped or imprinted with patterns on the surface so as to resemble brick, tile or even wood. Stamped concrete is durable, like plain concrete, and can add a certain elegance to outdoor decor. You can even customize stamped concrete to the pattern that you want, making it easy for home decorators to design the look and feel of their interior and exterior living and work spaces with durable and affordable materials.

If you want to explore the many possibilities of 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.

The Benefits and Beauty of Interior Concrete Countertops

admin — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:25:47 +0000

For customers in the market for countertops, there’s no better option than concrete. Concrete seamlessly combines durability with elegant simplicity and provides countless options for design.

In addition to durability, concrete is also a sustainable, green product. Concrete contains varying combinations of natural resources, like ash, gravel, limestone, and sand—which are abundantly available locally. Using regionally produced raw materials helps to keep the carbon footprint small, and also keeps the cost lower than other materials such as granite, which would need to be shipped from another part of the country.

Concrete counters are handcrafted; this allows the customer to choose from numerous options to design just the right countertop for their home or business. Because the concrete is cast in molds, the customer can request unique shaping for added interest. A drainboard can be integrated into the countertop to facilitate food production. Or an integrated sink can be made from the concrete, for an efficient, streamlined appearance.

Many techniques are available to add patterns, color, and/or texture to concrete countertops. Staining involves the use of chemicals to create a colored or textured appearance, allowing the counter to mimic the look of tile, wood, or stone. Stenciling is done by using a sandblasting technique to create borders, logos, and original artwork. Embedding is a process by which coins, glass, fossils, stones, or other desired items are added to the counter to create a unique, customized appearance. And concrete countertops can be polished to add an elegant, high-gloss finish.

At Lowell Russell, we are dedicated to excellence in workmanship and customer satisfaction, and we use cutting-edge techniques and equipment to give our customers the counters they deserve.

If you want to investigate the many possibilities of concrete countertops 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.

Decorative Concrete Can Make a Difference

admin — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:25:52 +0000

Using the flexible modern design possibilities of old-fashioned concrete is one of the most innovative modern construction techniques. Today’s decorative concrete technology can produce results that are at once amazingly beautiful, completely practical and surprisingly inexpensive.

Home and business owners are no longer limited to the familiar dull gray “concrete” look, because concrete can be stained in a variety of durable and attractive colors and finishes. Decorative concrete mimics the appearance of costly tile, marble or granite, as well as slate and even wood.

Colors can be chosen to match the color scheme of a home, and geometric patterns can be stamped into the concrete. Designs can stenciled on concrete, lending a designer touch to an otherwise utilitarian product. And glass embedded in the concrete during construction yields an interesting effect. Applying a high polish to the concrete will give the same mirror finish as marble or granite.

Decorative concrete is a handsome and long-lasting choice for the new driveway, sidewalk, patio, pool deck or entryway. Consider impressing either natural or geometric designs on a fireplace mantel or surround.

Countertops designed of stamped or colored decorative concrete are useful in the kitchen, bathroom or bar, but are especially popular for use on patios. Weather resistant for years, decorative concrete will create a stunning patio counter and can color coordinate with the surface of the patio. Concrete patio furniture has become increasingly popular in recent years. Maintenance of the concrete patio is a breeze, requiring occasional washing and resealing every few years.

If you want to investigate the many possibilities of decorative concrete for your home or business, consider contacting Lowell Russell Concrete, Inc. in Lakeville, 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.