Concrete Blog

On one of my many “google” searches on the word “concrete” (and it’s many cousins… “concrete construction”, “concrete contractors”, “concrete tools”, “decorative concrete”….etc) I came across an interesting website.  Domain name:  www.concretechange.org

Honestly, it stood out among the rest for one reason.  All you other guys out there do have great sites… lovely floors, pool decks, counter tops and the like.  But this site stood out because it reminded me of the wonderful substance concrete is in and of itself!  Eleanor from Concrete Change explained the site to me with this quote:

“Concrete Change is a network of people working in their locales for a universal, basic level of disability access to houses.  The goal is for  at least three features to become the norm in nearly all new houses;  at least one zero-step entrance (at the front, side or back), wide interior doors on the main floor; and a bathroom on the main level. …”

Concrete is a great medium for allowing such building!  Contractors today are taking steps to help develop ways of promoting handicap friendly homes, businesses and recreational availability to all people.

Case in point:  This past summer we took off for a few days on a local camping trip.  Something simple for our family… none of us are in a wheel chair.  When we got to our campsite in the Snowy Mountains, I noticed that there were handicap accessible facilities… zero entry…. thanks to concrete!  Such an easy solution to what could be a pressing problem! 

Granted, they aren’t the most luxurious accommodations… but I am SURE those of you out in the concrete business have come up with stunning examples of beautifully done concrete that also serves as functional for all people… send your photos in!�

A great new website to check out for all you decorative concrete guru’s is www.concreteideas.comÂ
Concrete Ideas is a great concrete resource to check out. Lots of good articles, pictures and, of course, ideas. This one should be a must read once a month.

Concrete IS the housewives new best friend!  As any wife, mother or female married to her house knows… there is a lot to take care of.  Why worry about extranious things like counter tops and floors. 

Most new homes and upgraded additions include concrete floors and counter tops.  It is both a simple and worry free way to have that “designer look” with out paying the big price…

Renee is in the middle of adding a livingroom/master suite onto her house.  She has wisely chosen to use concrete as a basic medium for each room.  She loves the versatility and durability that concrete provides.  She has also discovered the rich  beauty of concrete.  Her entire livingroom floor is made of concrete formed to look like natural color marble.  She has carried that look up sweeping circular stairs that lead into the existing front room and dining area.   

The master suite includes a large sleeping area, private office, and an outdoor inspired master bath.  The overall plan includes a large concrete counter top to accent the sink. 

We’ll keep tabs (and more photos) on the project as it continues to unfold! 

Concrete is used as a decorating accent in many of today’s homes and yards.  From flooring to outdoor art work, the unique qualities of concrete add to the homeowners experience.  It seems that decorative concrete is everywhere these days.  It is no wonder that the concrete industry is leaning more and more into the “fashion” world! 

 Just try searching for a concrete contractor in your favorite search engine.  A whole host of companies pop up specializing in concrete decoration.  Let’s just call this type of work “Cinderella Concrete”… well… beauty has got to start somewhere!  I admire all of those “Fairy Godmother” contractors out there who can work their wonders with the slushy grey stuff!  Have you ever seen concrete come out of a truck? 

Of course you have, your reading this blog aren’t you:)!  At any rate, even Cinderella got her start by hanging out with the Step Sisters.  This blog will attempt to explore all aspects of the concrete industry.  My interest is peaked MOST by all of the media that is being generated toward contractors, homeowners and the like.  Websites, magazines, direct mailings, concrete training semenars (or as one guy calls it: demonars… I like that one).  How is a guy (or a concrete gal) suppose to sift through all that “noise”? 

 Well, like I said, beauty’s got to start somewhere! If you are the concrete contractor, it most certainly starts with the pulsing beep… beep… beep… and then, well, you know, out comes the slush!