Business Opportunities in decorative concrete work are growing...
Concrete stamping and other decorative techniques first appeared in Southern California, Las Vegas, and south Florida; eventually the trend started to pick up across the whole southern belt. Now that it has the public's attention, the industry is exploding.
The Beauty of Concrete
Consumers and contractors alike are discovering that concrete - always an economical and durable choice - is also an attractive alternative to wood, stone, or brick.
The beauty of concrete is that it can be shaped, colored and textured into a very personal creation. . The possibilities of concrete are endless.
With such variety, decorative concrete contractors inevitably become color and pattern consultants. Instead of just pouring concrete, you have to help customers make decisions about the finished product.
Many of residential customers want the industrial look in their homes: hard floors, neutral colors, and clean lines. Homeowners are ripping up carpet and vinyl to make use of the existing hardwood or concrete underneath. With all the allergies, dust, and cleaning costs,decorative concrete is an easy solutiont. People are looking for ways to save money; if the concrete is already there, you can useit as a value added feature and increase the value of your home or business. It's a huge savings over stone or imported ceramic tiles and creates a spectacular look.
Customize Concrete
New products and applications are constantly shaping the decorative concrete industry. Tthin micro toppings are one such trend. The cementations toppings bond to almost any surface and provides more vibrant colors than the earthy tones found in staining. Micro toppings are commonly used in renovation and remodeling projects. Most of the projected growth lies in overlays and toppings.
The popularity of decorative concrete is also growing in custom kitchens. Integral sinks and drain boards are common requests for Pacific Rock & Concrete Design, which specializes in decorative flooring, countertops, and fireplace surrounds. We can create countertops embedded with pieces of metal or glass, so concrete takes on a whole new look - it becomes sculptural, artistic, and beautiful.
Vertical stamping and sculpting of wall surfaces has also started to snowball. Applied with a trowel, the concrete material is a hybrid of polymers and fibers, which can create the illusion of carved stone to make pillars or fireplaces. Of course, using actual rock in these remodels would require structural readjustments, whereas concrete can be applied right over the existing wall and is far less expensive.
Another popular choice is acid stained flooring, which involves the addition of reactive, metallic salt to the concrete. The process leaves permanent color that is surprisingly rich.
The outdoor overlay of patios, pool decks and sidewalks comprises most of the decorative concrete industry. Most customers are looking for a way to beautify ugly old concrete.
As A Value Added Service
Decorative concrete is great value-added service: if you're already doing other concrete work on a job, why not add revenue to your pocket and add value to your customer's package by offering to provide another service. Many contractors are trying decorative work themselves.
The best way to learn how is through education and hands-on training. For those who are interested in learning, Pacific Rock & Concrete Design offers a variety of training seminars.
To be honest, not everyone has an aptitude for decorative work, there is definitely a steep learning curve. You really have to work at it to perfect your technique. But when you do, there is a potential for real business success.