Minnesota Concrete Blog

Environmentally Friendly Benefits of Building with Concrete

admin — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 10:08:15 +0000

Decorative concrete is fast becoming known as the “green” alternative of building materials. The trend now is green building, and decorative concrete is on the cutting edge because it is an environmentally friendly building material, extremely durable, and aesthetically versatile. Concrete also helps reflect sunlight which reduces heat, and this natural method of cooling helps reduce energy costs in buildings and homes.

If you are looking for an environmentally friendly floor covering, try decorative concrete. Since there are no organic materials in decorative concrete, it will not have mold or mildew. Carpets can have animal dander and dust mites, which are bad for people with allergies or asthma. Cleaners for carpets, along with the padding and adhesives can contain noxious chemicals.

Concrete is made from materials that are not scarce and contain no harmful emissions. Decorative concrete is the healthy and environmentally alternative floor covering. It is economical and safe for use in schools, hospitals, businesses, and homes. Concrete is also easy to clean and doesn’t require the use of dangerous and harmful chemicals. Concrete floors can even be painted or stained, textured, or stenciled to fit your personal style, and the possibilities are limitless.

If you want to explore the many possibilities of Minneapolis 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 Environmentally Friendly “Green” Concrete Countertops

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

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!

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.

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.

Stamped Concrete Maintenance

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 Decorative Concrete for Your Home or Business

Benefits of Interior Concrete Tables

admin — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:51:56 +0000

Concrete furniture is in a class of its own. It is durable, beautiful, and is usually less expensive than other furniture sets. Concrete is easier to customize to your home or business, and can be decorated and colored to fit any design aesthetic. Interior concrete tables add a sense of stability and regality to any room, and provide many benefits including increased functionality, beauty, and longevity.

Concrete tables are great for the home because they are so durable. You don’t have to worry about damaging the table surface because it can even withstand the elements. This is great for a functional family who needs a reliable table for everyday use. Concrete tables have been proven to last through the elements of nature, and will do likewise inside the home.

Because of the custom nature of concrete, the tables can be built as large or as small as necessary, and can fit almost any decorating style. A professional concrete manufacturer can also add color or stain to the concrete to enhance the design and individuality. And decorative concrete tables retain their beauty for a long period of time and are an elegant addition to a home.

Many non-concrete tables will show their wear and tear after a few years. Careless children, markers, gouges, and any number of things can damage a typical table. Concrete however keeps its form and feel much longer than other forms of furniture. Also, concrete tables are simple to maintain by regularly cleaning any surface areas, and they’ll reliably retain their beauty and presence for years to come.

If you want to investigate the many possibilities of concrete tables 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 Concrete Furniture

admin — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:34:16 +0000

Concrete furniture can be the perfect addition to your home by being beautiful, sturdy, and functional. One of the best parts of concrete furniture is that it holds its value for a very long time, and because concrete is so sturdy it can withstand the weathering of time and sustain its presence and beauty for years to come. Concrete furniture can also be created in an assortment of sizes, shapes, and colors to fit any decorating style.

Concrete furniture comes in many different forms: tables, benches, countertops, sinks, showers, and more. It can be as ornate or as simple as you want it to be. Concrete has a regal look to it and emanates stability and organization, which can also add a sense of class and order to your home.

Another benefit to concrete furniture is that it lasts an incredibly long time and takes a very low level of maintenance. As long as it is kept clean it will retain it’s natural beauty for years to come. Concrete also has the ability to be recycled in the future which also gives it an environmentally friendly reputation.

When looking for concrete furniture there are a few key aspects to be aware of. First, find a company that has a reputation for quality. If you settle for a less reputable company with cheaper prices you may very well get lower quality furniture.

Look for a company that has great customer service. This is important if you ever run into problems with the functionality or durability of the actual furniture. At Lowell Russell Concrete Inc. in Minnesota, our customer satisfaction and reliability is known throughout the Midwest. And we have many different services to offer and can fit any of your concrete needs.

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

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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.