CONCRETE

PATIOS

Provided by:

Classic Concrete Design

Table of Contents

Today’s Backyard: The New Resort Area 1

Concrete Patios: The Heart of the Outdoor Oasis 2

Benefits Abound

Stamped / Textured Concrete 5

Color Possibilities are Endless 7

Typical Standard Color Chart 8

Surface Treatment Options 9

Concrete Patios Blend Fabulously w/ Surroundings 10

Maintenance is a Breeze 11

About Classic Concrete Design 12

VersatilityDurabilityAffordability

334

Member BBB * Licensed * Insured

TODAY’S BACKYARD: THE NEW RESORT AREA

Americans everywhere fromCalifornia to New England,from Texas to Minnesota are

spending more time at home and moretime outdoors.

Back yards are being transformed intoluxurious extensions of the house.They're the new favorite room to relax,entertain, and cook. And the heart andsoul of the backyard resort area is theconcrete patio.

The Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association, which recently held its annualtradeshow and exposition, says the growth of the outdoor living phenomena is theresult of North America's interest in 'cocooning,' the trend toward a more casuallifestyle, an aging population and the popularity of porches, decks, and patios inhomes.

The swimming pool industry sees that trend, too. In fact, pools are getting smallerand are playing a less dominant role in the back yard.

The Pool and Spa Institute says the pool is just one amenity an increasing numberof homeowners are going all out with outdoor kitchens, furnished seating areas,fireplaces, pizza ovens, elaborate water features, and more.

Homeowners want to enjoy their homes, but they also see upgrading their backyards as an investment.

“We are seeing more and more homeowners interestedin dressing up their outdoor living spaces. … Peopleare spending money enhancing their homes, not onlyas an investment vehicle, but to make living in themmore pleasurable.”

1

When homeowners embark on building their outdoor oasis, they typicallyenvision a range of features. Many want a total package a backyardretreat in which they can

escape and relax at the end of the dayand on weekends.

But the first thing most people start with is the concrete patio. And rest assured, it'snot just the plain old gray anymore. Today's backyard concrete patios are as uniqueas its owners. Modern stamping and texture and coloring techniques complementany landscape and provide a touch of individuality to your back yard.

Across the country, companies that specialize in concrete patios are seeing anenormous increase in elaborate outdoor living spaces all kinds of hardscaping andlandscaping projects.

And decorative concrete is quickly emerging as the new material of choice fortoday's patio.

“

“More people are into renovating theirhomes, especially their back yards.People are spending more timeoutdoors.”

It's booming. Every year I think itcan't get any bigger and it does. Youdon't have to settle for the old graystuff anymore.”

2

CONCRETE PATIOS: THE HEART OF THE OUTDOOR OASIS

BENEFITS ABOUND WITH CONCRETE PATIOS

VERSATILITY

DURABILITY

Concrete patios are unlike any other typeof surface. The look of poured concretevaries more than any other type ofmaterial used for patios, including brick.

Why are concrete patios so versatile?Concrete can be shaped into any pattern.It can be lightly smoothed or heavilybrushed; surfaced with attractive pebbles;swirled or scored; tinted or painted; patterned; or molded to resemble anothermaterial.

While many concrete patios are designed to complement the outdoor landscape andnative greenery, some homeowners choose a style of concrete patio based on theirinterior living space.

In addition to concrete's versatility, concrete is durable and can stand up to a rangeof weather conditions found across the country. In fact, many companies in colderclimates take special measures to ensure the durability of the concrete patios theyproduce.

“Some of the popular things we're seeing range from stamped concrete andsandblasted concrete to scored and stained concrete to integral colored concreteand coating products.”

“Homeowners almost always want an extension of their house. They want something that flowswith the indoor flooring, that has shade as well

as sun.”

3

In addition, their proprietary mix is 4000psi and includes fiber and steel, meaningit usually reaches total hardness at 14days, as opposed to the normal 28 days.

Bill Guthro of Distinctive Concrete inRowley, Massachusetts, says stampedconcrete will last longer than any othertype of masonry installation.

Whereas traditional pavers andcobblestone settle unevenly during thefreeze/thaw cycle of winter, stamped concrete is reinforced with 3/8-inch steelreinforcing rods placed 24 inches on-center-each-way, right in the middle of theconcrete. This steel reinforcement gives the concrete the necessary tensile strengthto resist the constant heaving produced by the freezing and thawing of the ground.

Stamped concrete is also better than pavers and cobblestone in spring and summer.Pavers and cobblestones are susceptible to joint deterioration if sand is notconstantly brushed into all the joints. This joint deterioration results in ant hills,growth of unsightly grass and weeds and produces dangerous tripping hazardswhen the individual pavers settle unevenly.

Contractors who create concrete patios and those who have concrete patios willquickly tell you concrete patios cost less than patios made of stone, brick or tile.

Many say that the lower price tag combined with the wide array of patterns andcolors available is one of the main draws of choosing a concrete patio. Yourconcrete patio can be stamped to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile, andeven wood.

AFFORDABILITY

“Decorative concrete has become more popular than stone, brick and tile forpatios because it costs less, is better in quality and it has the unlimited ability tobe created into whatever you want as far as color, texture, and pattern go.”

4

STAMPED / TEXTURED CONCRETE PATIOS

Stamped concrete is concrete that is patterned to resemble brick, slate, flagstone,stone, tile and even wood.

Stamped concrete is becoming increasingly popular and a more frequent materialof choice for homeowners across the country because of the wide array of patternsand colors available, particularly compared to other potential patio materials.

Colors and patterns for stamped concrete are often chosen to blend with other stoneor tile elements at the residence. Complex designs incorporating steps, courtyards,and fountains can be achieved. Stamped concrete can also be blended with otherdecorative concrete elements such as exposed aggregate finishes and acid-etchstaining. Many offer dozens of patterns. Some of the more common stamped

patterns include: PLEASE ALSO VISIT WWW.PROLINESTAMPS.COM

5

SLATE TEXTURE

ROCK SALT

SALTCLAY TILE

LIME STONE

EUROPEAN FAN

HERRINGBONE

GRANITE TILE

ROMAN SLATE TILE

TEXTURE

Many homeowners don't realize that a stamped concrete patio is a viableoption and one that costs less than other patio materials.

A form of today's stamped concrete was originated on the West coast back in the1960s. The stamp concrete tools back then were made of metal and resembledcookie cutters. They produced a pattern, but did not provide any texture.

Today's tools are rigid mats made ofpolyurethane that produce authentictextured patterns of stone, brick and evenwood planking and fossilized sea-life.When stamped concrete is installed byexperienced craftsmen, brick masons with30 years of experience can't tell thedifference between stamped concrete andreal brick or stone.

Homeowners in the Maryland and Virginia areas tend to favor ashlar slate, grandashlar slate, royal slate, European fan, and London cobblestone.

Oklahomans tend to gravitate toward the flagstone and Roman ashlar slatepatterns. Minnesotans seem to prefer a seamless granite texture look, as well asflagstone textures stone that is natural to the area.

Ashlar slate is also a favorite in the Sacramento, California area.

Another benefit of a stamped concrete patio is that outdoor tables don't rock onconcrete like they do on stone and tile surfaces.

In addition, patterns can be selected to blend in with existing stone, wood, or tileelements in your backyard area.

“People don't know anything about it. Then they see stamped concrete in amagazine and they have to have it.”

“It's catching on here, especially among the younger crowd. The oldergeneration tends to just know gray concrete, but they're catching on, too.”

6

One of the biggest draws ofconcrete patios is the expansiverange of colors available.

Because of ever-advancing technologyand jaw-dropping chemical techniques,concrete can be colored in just about anyhue you could ever imagine. Somecontractors offer upwards of 250 huesand shades.

Colored concrete can be used incombination, abutting each other, orstamped with a variety of textures to simulate brick, flagstone, pavers, or tile.

The same colored concrete can be made to look different, just by using differentfinishing techniques: For example, a broom finish creates one look. Brooming theconcrete in opposite directions creates shadow effects. Swirl or fan patterns createa different type of look.

For even more dramatic effect, the colored concrete can be lightly sandblasted orheavily sandblasted, or a retarder can be used and then the aggregate exposed

Color to concrete can be integral to the mix, meaning it is added at the plant oradded in bags at the job site, or Dry-Shake, where it is dusted on the surface at thejob site.

The availability of custom colors and penetrating stains has translated into concretepatios that are natural-looking and attractive.

Many homeowners tend to gravitate toward the more natural browns, tans,charcoals, and terra cotta reds.

There are several different manufacturers that make integral colors to be mixedwith concrete. On the following page you'll find a sampling from one company.

.

“As far as colors go, earth tones are big the tans and browns.”

COLOR POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS

7

DAVIS COLOR CHART

8

SAND STONE CANYON SANTA FE PEBBLE

DUNE

DARK GRAY

OUTBACK SILVERSMOKE LIGHT GRAY

MOCHA RUSTIC BROWN SAN DIEGO BUFF SANGRIA

SUNSET ROSE

SOUTHERN BLUSH

HARVEST GOLD

BAYOU

GRAPHITE

BAJA RED

MESQUITE

SALMON

COCOA

SEQUOIA SAND

MESA BUFF

TAUPE

PEWTER

YOSEMITE BROWN

OMAHA TAN

SIERRA

COBBLESTONE

COLOR GROUP: SUBTLE

COLOR GROUP: STANDARD

CONCRETE PATIOS OFFER MANY SURFACE TREATMENT OPTIONS

Stamping your concrete patio is just one option. There are numerous othersurface treatments, which not only make the patio look great, but providetraction.

A contractor can wash or sandblast aconcrete paving so the aggregate isexposed. Another popular option isembedding pebbles and stones to createexposed aggregate.

You can also enhance your concrete bycolor-dusting, staining, masking,sandblasting, acid-washing, or saltfinishing.

If you have an existing patio that needssome sprucing up, resurfacing is a greatalternative.

Some companies install resin-modifiedcementious concrete coatings systems thatsimulate brick, stone, tile, slate, and epoxyfloors.

The process typically involves three steps.First, the surface is prepared to ensure permanent bonding of the coating to theexisting concrete. Next, the concrete coating is applied. High-quality polymermodified cements, epoxy material, and/or coatings, which are hand- troweled 1/8-to ¼-inch thick and then color-tinted, are usually used. Finally, a sealer coat isapplied to lock in lasting beauty.

RESURFACING

"You go to Las Vegas and you see some sort of concrete coating everywhere …This millennium is all concrete. Everyone's looking at concrete and what youcan do with it.”

9

CONCRETE PATIOS BLEND FABULOUSLY WITH SURROUNDINGS

Another appealing benefit of a concrete patio is that because it can becreated in so many textures, patterns, and colors, it is the perfect choice forblending into your backyard environment, whether you have a modest-

sized patio and barbecue area, or you have a sprawling, luxurious outdoor retreatspilling over with amenities.

Combining concrete with other materials, like brick, tile, or flagstone, is alsopopular. And wood, steel, or copper dividers can be used as control joints to helpprevent cracking.

Once the concrete patio is in place, it is the perfect complement to additionalamenities like swimming pools, water features, outdoor kitchens, sinks, burners,warmers, refrigerators, even storage areas.

Many contractors view themselves as part contractor, part designer, part artisan.They'll help you create whatever you are envisioning for your concrete patio andaccompanying backyard retreat.

“Lighting is also big. Homeowners want lighting that reflects their mood forparties, romance, family, or just a great backdrop … They want a vacation spotthey can go to every day.”

“I take whatever abstract elements the homeowner is envisioning and withcreativity and passion bring them to life.”

10

CONCRETE MAINTENANCE IS A BREEZE

11

Cleaning and sealing stamped and colored concrete should be done on a regularbasis just like any other home maintenance. The frequency will depend on howhigh a traffic area to cars, foot traffic, water, and any chemicals the concrete is

exposed to.

Distinctive Concrete of New England recommends resealing every 2 or 3 years. If youwait longer, you may notice the color fade slightly. But just like waxing a car, reseal yourstamped concrete and the color will be as vibrant as the day it was installed.

Distinctive Concrete offers the following maintenance plan:

1. Rinse dirt/debris off stamped concrete surface with a garden hose or pressure washer.

2. Apply a small amount of liquid dish soap to surface and scrub with a push broom.

3. Rinse well with a garden hose or pressure washer until there is no sign of soapsuds.

4. DRY surface completely by using a leaf blower or by waiting 24 hours to air dry.

5. Once the surface is completely dry, apply the sealer as follows:

Stir in one jar of Anti-Skid material to a 5-gallon pail of sealer.

APPLY SEALER USING A 1" NAP ROLLER ONLY. ANTI-SKID MATERIALWILL NOT TRANSFER THROUGH A SPRAYER. Apply sealer inapproximately 2' x 4' sections. This will ensure full coverage without missedspots. Keep stirring sealer while applying to keep the Anti-Skid suspended in thesealer.

Sealer should be applied when air temperature is above 55° F. Best results will beobtained by applying sealer during cooler temperatures - fall and spring - or before10 am and after 4 pm in summer months when surface temperatures should beunder 90° F.

6. A second coat can be applied after the first coat is tack free (not sticky to your touch).

7. Your stamped concrete should be resealed every 2-3 years to protect your investment.One 5-gallon pail of sealer will cover approximately 1,000 sf.

DO NOT APPLY SEALER TO A DAMP/WET SURFACE.

�

�

�

12

TConcreteNetwork.Com was born at the 1999 World of Concrete Trade Show in Las

ABOUT CLASSIC CONCRETE DESIGN, Inc.

About CLASSIC CONCRETE DESIGN, Inc.

Client List: Various private residences & commercial locations Duke University Emily Krzyzewski Family Life Center Grove Park Inn & Resort Best Western Hotels Crown Park Plaza Hotels Earth Fare Grocery Mad Hatter's Bake Shop Bean Traders Nantucket Cafe Land Design, Architectural firm - Old Town Alexandria Mission Statement Our mission is: * To perform for our customers the highest level of quality construction services, focusing on attention to detail and consistently improving our processes. * To ensure the longevity of our company through repeat and referral business achieved by customer satisfaction in all areas including timeliness, job site appearance, project management and service-minded attitudes. * To maintain the highest levels of professionalism, integrity, honesty and fairness in our relationships with our suppliers, subcontractors, professional associates and customers.

Member BBB * Licensed * Insured

Thank you for your interest in our services, we look forward to working with you. Sincerely,Chris Maestro

President, CCD, Inc.