Minnesota Concrete Blog » Exterior Concrete

Benefits of Concrete Pools

admin — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:38:01 +0000

Concrete is a versatile material, and using concrete to build interior or exterior pools offers significant advantages over a fiberglass pool. The primary reason to choose a concrete pool is the unlimited flexibility. Concrete can be poured to fit a space of any size. Most fiberglass pools come only in preset designs, whereas a concrete pool can be customized to a particular shape without increasing the cost by much. This allows for complete creativity, limited only by imagination.

A concrete pool may be less expensive than comparable fiberglass pools. Concrete is a renewable and environmentally-friendly resource, and tends to reflect heat away. This can help to keep the pool area cool, perfect for summer pool parties.

Recent advances in concrete techniques have led to concrete that can have a number of different textures and colors. The high durability offered by concrete keeps normal wear-and-tear from unpleasantly deteriorating a concrete pool. Concrete also does not emit harmful emissions like some fiberglass pools may. As a natural resource, concrete is unlikely to trigger an allergy, and a concrete pool can be easily cleaned and requires no special chemicals or techniques.

Like all construction projects, choosing a concrete pool contractor should be thoroughly researched. Browse our concrete pool photo gallery for examples of our work. Recommendations can also be solicited. If you check with the Better Business Bureau you’ll notice we have consistently been recognized for excellent customer satisfaction. Choosing a concrete company with an established reputation can ensure that if problems do happen, customer service can handle them.

If you want to explore the many possibilities of Minnesota concrete pool 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 Concrete Pools

Benefits of Concrete Driveways

admin — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 10:17:37 +0000

Concrete driveways offer many wonderful and applicable options to the exterior of one’s home. Concrete driveways are durable, look great, are cost effective and can be maintained well.

Most homeowners want the exterior, as well as the interior to look good and that is where a concrete driveway becomes a part of a good-looking home. What makes a concrete driveway an asset for homeowners is its color, texture and a traditional look that not only works well for most homes but highlights the property value of a home.

What some don’t know is that concrete driveways can add an enhanced look to one’s driveway with optional choices that give the appearance of slate, stone or brick. Many designs are available for the homeowner; designs that enhance and upgrade the look of most homes. Browse Lowell Russell Concrete’s photo gallery of concrete driveways for ideas and examples.

What makes concrete driveways an excellent choice for homeowners is its functionality and its many design options. In addition, concrete driveways heighten and enhance the value of one’s property. Concrete also is very durable and can last up to 30 years with little maintenance required.

Once a concrete driveway has been finished, it is advised to apply a high quality sealer on the entire concrete area. This sealer will help protect the concrete from being damaged from thaw and freeze cycles and from absorbing moisture. This is also where it pays to invest in high quality concrete and the experienced workmanship of a contractor.

If you want to explore the many possibilities of Minnesota concrete driveways 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 Concrete Driveways

Benefits of Decorative Concrete Patios

admin — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 10:58:30 +0000

Looking for a new creative way to dress up your home? Why not try a new decorative concrete patio. There are many types of flooring that you could choose for your patio; but concrete will give you a longer lasting, durable result, with a variety of decorative options.

Concrete patios are as hard as stone and hold up under the kind of bumps and scrapes that can occur when moving around heavy stone patio furniture. Another benefit to concrete is the low maintenance. Just reseal your floor once every two to three years to keep up that beautiful, vibrant color and/or shine.

The original look and feel of the standard poured concrete is just fine for many people. You, however, don’t have to settle for the ordinary. With concrete you can bring the style and elegance of your indoor living, or dining room outdoors. Before it sets, workers can mark the concrete in any design or pattern of your choice, and it can be stained to match any color or decor. Concrete can also be sanded and polished until the surface is as smooth as glass, or grooved and textured to look like real stone slabs.

When finished your decorative concrete patio will have the look of an elegant stone, brick, granite, or marble floor that will astound you. Place a cozy open fire pit in the center and surround it with some comfy lounging chairs, and maybe a potted plant or two, and you’ll have a beautiful outdoor living space that you’ll be proud to show off.

Investigate the many samples of what can be done with concrete; and don’t be afraid to ask your contractor for advice.

If you want to explore the many possibilities of concrete patios 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 Concrete Patios

The Beauty and Benefits of Exterior Stained Concrete for Your Home or Business

admin — Mon, 31 May 2010 10:23:03 +0000

Though everybody has heard the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover!” at least once, the simple reality of things for a business or homeowner is that looks do matter. For example, the exterior aesthetic of a business location says a lot, and an inventive and bright look shows customers that a business owner is willing to go above and beyond in the name of the extraordinary. This gives potential customers a reason to think twice and actually remember a business. And one great way to get the point across is by getting creative with concrete staining and etching.

When most people think “Concrete”, they think of a rough chunk of boring grey material. Concrete etching and staining challenges and changes that perception. The creations that can be made by using acid etching techniques and saws to create patterns are so exquisite that you would never guess the material was concrete!

Rich colors and beautiful patterns are combined to create formal and elegant marble-like looks or bold and artistic shapes and patterns. The finished work is topped with a sealant that provides protection and your choice of shine. What better way to get customers to remember your logo than to have it brilliantly etched into the sidewalk in front of your shop? Or check out the Photo Gallery for beautiful examples of decorative concrete floors.

The textures that can be created with concrete staining and etching are limited only to the imagination of the creator and the wide array of techniques can bring out that extra bit of “Wow!” in any home or business!

If you want to explore the many possibilities of stained 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.

Benefits of Concrete Pools

admin — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:12:53 +0000

For both interior and outdoor underground pools, nothing beats concrete. A concrete pool is not only superior to other pools in durability and design but it is also a great way to relax and enjoy the summer weather. Concrete pools are also just a little way to show off, which can be done modestly or with flair.

Design is the number one benefit in concrete pools. With concrete, there is no limit to shape, size, edging, and features. Concrete allows a person to express a pool design aesthetic by creating something original and unique. Once the basic shape and size are determined, concrete can also be stamped and stained for further refinement. Earth tone stain can lend an air of natural beauty that cannot be matched by other materials or plain gray concrete. Stamping the concrete can also create unique designs and texture on both the pool walls and deck.

Other benefits of concrete pools include their durability. Concrete will last for years, and a lifetime if properly maintained. Concrete pools are also the safest on the market. Tile can be slick and cause dangerous accidents. The texture of concrete helps to prevent falls. Concrete pools are also easy to clean. Most spills can be cleaned with a simple spray of a garden hose.

Lowell Russell Concrete has been serving Minnesota for over 35 years and they have the experience and skill to create a concrete pool meeting virtually any design specification. A Lowell Russell Concrete pool is one that can be shown off for years to come as both a mark of achievement and design.

Benefits of Concrete Pools

Exterior Concrete Maintenance Tips and Benefits

admin — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:12:28 +0000

Maintaining your exterior concrete is simple: keep it clean and sealed. Decorative or stamped concrete should be sealed after about a week, depending on the type of sealer and the type concrete. Sealer is especially important on stained concrete to maintain color. The sealer also protects the concrete from staining from traffic. Sealer should be reapplied every two years or whenever the finish starts to dull.

It is good to keep the concrete free of debris–sweep it with a soft broom, or use a leaf blower. You can clean your concrete with your garden hose or a pressure washer too. First rinse the concrete, then you can apply a detergent, like liquid dish soap, and work it with a wide broom or scrub brush. Then rinse the concrete again until there are no more suds. It will take 24 hours to dry in mild weather, or you can blow dry it with a leaf blower. If there are stubborn stains, use a stain remover specifically designed for that kind of stain. It is best to remove stains immediately, if you can.

Heavy vehicles, high traffic, and extreme temperatures and weather can make your concrete show wear faster. Regular resealing can help protect your concrete. Deicing chemicals should be avoided for decorative concrete, and heavy salt should be avoided for at least the first year. Use plastic snow shovels to avoid scratching the finish coat when removing snow from the concrete.

With a little maintenance, the beautiful look and design of your concrete patio or drive from Lowell Russell Concrete will last for many years.

If you want to investigate the many possibilities of exterior 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.

Stamped Concrete Maintenance

Benefits of Concrete Steps, Stairs, and Walkways

admin — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:12:10 +0000

Concrete is a material that can be used to add style and expression to any property. Concrete is mainly used as an exterior substance for building and designing, and it is affordable for the average homeowner. Steps, walkways, and staircases can all be constructed from concrete because concrete is a substance that conforms to any figure or structure. Concrete is also weather-proof, which allows it to be used anywhere. Practically any design can be constructed into a physical structure made of concrete, especially walkways and steps.

Concrete gives homeowners the ability to create almost anything out of the rock-like substance. Where as some commercial building supplies cost high prices, concrete is cheap for the amount of volume it can create. Creating steps, walkways, and staircases out of concrete is an excellent idea because of the low cost, the durability against the elements, and the ability to create any design the mind can fathom. Constructing beautiful concrete stairs can be accomplished by a trained expert, and the cement will be ready for use within a few days. Concrete structures can even be used inside, and finished with a variety of materials such as wood, carpet, or tile. It also offers longevity compared to many other materials, and concrete is water proof, so flood damage will not occur on contact.

Concrete sidewalks and steps can be decorated with colors and designs to match or complement any surroundings. The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating concrete walkways and staircases. Professional concrete companies can help homeowners achieve stunning visual effects by combining decorative concrete walkways and color-stained stairways and landings that coordinate colors and patterns.

If you want to investigate the many possibilities of concrete steps, stairs, and walkways 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

Benefits of Concrete Driveways

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:11:37 +0000

A finished concrete driveway adds “shine” to a house. Cured out, textured, and stained concrete makes for a premium polish. Durable, easily maintained, and available in an array of colors, patterns, and textures, concrete is a top rate choice for quality driveway material.

Just a short while back, finished driveway materials came in asphalt or concrete, black or white (sometimes gray). Choosing which product to install centered on the cost of initial installation, product life cycle, and personal tastes.

A report by the American Concrete Pavement Association clears up the issue of initial cost and product life span for us (http://www.concreteroads.org/SR992P.pdf). Concrete is a better buy.

So let’s look at taste. Your driveway is the portal to your home. Let it make a good impression. Standard coloring and textures are still available, but there has never been a time of greater choice in concrete driveway applications. The decorative options are astonishing, beautiful, and reasonably priced.

Matching the exterior layout and decor of your home has never been easier. Consider the large array of available texture designs offered by Lowell Russell Concrete:

· Broom finish.
· Stacked bond.
· Basket weave.
· Interlocking.
· Running bond.
· Herringbone.
· Octagon square.
· Clay tile.
· Victorian.

With matching edging, a full crayon-pack of colors, and an easy to use online Exterior Concrete Designer, Lowell Russell Concrete can help you assemble the perfect look for your concrete driveway. And when the vision is fully shaped, Lowell Russell Concrete can also help you put a long lasting, finished “shine” to your home.

Benefits of Concrete Driveways

Benefits of Concrete Patios

admin — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:41:11 +0000

An exterior concrete patio is a wonderful extension of the home which is brought outdoors. A patio can be built around a pool, or as a place for seating, tables, and an outdoor grill for the whole family to enjoy. And concrete is one of the best construction materials to build a patio with because it’s affordable, low maintenance, and visually versatile.

Patios can be made of wood, different types of stone, or concrete. Wood and stone patios can be expensive and they come with certain disadvantages. If a patio is built of wood, excessive rainfall can cause the wood to splinter and stick into bare feet and hands. Annoying bugs and mites also tend to live in wooden materials. When a patio is made of stone or slate, the materials can be expensive and weeds and grass will continuously grow up out of the cracks between the stones making weeding a routine chore.

Concrete is a versatile and inexpensive material with which to build a patio. Concrete patios hold up extremely well to harsh weather extremes for lasting durability. Concrete patios last longer and are cheaper to build than a stone patio, but the concrete can be poured, colored, and stamped to make the concrete patio look as if it were made of actual stone. Concrete can be colored and stamped to replicate almost any type of stone or brick, and because it is stamped, there are no holes or cracks for the underlying grass and weeds to creep through. The concrete can be stamped into rectangles and dyed a grey green to resemble slate, or dyed an orange red color and stamped in small rectangles to resemble brick.

It is also very easy to maintain concrete patios. The process for cleaning a dirty concrete patio involves spraying it down with a hose or power washer, using soap and a push broom to clean it, and then thoroughly rinsing the soap suds off the patio with the hose.

If you want to investigate 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.

Benefits of Decorative Concrete Patios