2. Member BBB * Licensed * Insured
Table of Contents
Today’s Backyard: The New Resort Area 1
Concrete Patios: The Heart of the Outdoor Oasis 2
Benefits Abound
Versatility 3
Durability 3
Affordability 4
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
3. TODAY’S BACKYARD: THE NEW RESORT AREA
A mericans everywhere from
California to New England,
from Texas to Minnesota are
spending more time at home and more
time outdoors.
Back yards are being transformed into
luxurious extensions of the house.
They're the new favorite room to relax,
entertain, and cook. And the heart and
soul of the backyard resort area is the
concrete patio.
The Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association, which recently held its annual
tradeshow and exposition, says the growth of the outdoor living phenomena is the
result of North America's interest in 'cocooning,' the trend toward a more casual
lifestyle, an aging population and the popularity of porches, decks, and patios in
homes.
The swimming pool industry sees that trend, too. In fact, pools are getting smaller
and are playing a less dominant role in the back yard.
The Pool and Spa Institute says the pool is just one amenity an increasing number
of 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 back
yards as an investment.
“We are seeing more and more homeowners interested
in dressing up their outdoor living spaces. … People
are spending money enhancing their homes, not only
as an investment vehicle, but to make living in them
more pleasurable.”
1
4. CONCRETE PATIOS: THE HEART OF THE OUTDOOR OASIS
W hen homeowners embark on building their outdoor oasis, they typically
envision a range of features. Many want a total package a backyard
retreat in which they can
escape and relax at the end of the day
and on weekends.
“More people are into renovating their
homes, especially their back yards.
People are spending more time
outdoors.”
But the first thing most people start with is the concrete patio. And rest assured, it's
not just the plain old gray anymore. Today's backyard concrete patios are as unique
as its owners. Modern stamping and texture and coloring techniques complement
any landscape and provide a touch of individuality to your back yard.
Across the country, companies that specialize in concrete patios are seeing an
enormous increase in elaborate outdoor living spaces all kinds of hardscaping and
landscaping projects.
And decorative concrete is quickly emerging as the new material of choice for
today's patio.
“It's booming. Every year I think it
can't get any bigger and it does. You
don't have to settle for the old gray
stuff anymore.”
2
5. BENEFITS ABOUND WITH CONCRETE PATIOS
VERSATILITY
Concrete patios are unlike any other type
of surface. The look of poured concrete
varies more than any other type of
material used for patios, including brick.
Why are concrete patios so versatile?
Concrete can be shaped into any pattern.
It can be lightly smoothed or heavily
brushed; surfaced with attractive pebbles;
swirled or scored; tinted or painted; patterned; or molded to resemble another
material.
“Some of the popular things we're seeing range from stamped concrete and
sandblasted concrete to scored and stained concrete to integral colored concrete
and coating products.”
While many concrete patios are designed to complement the outdoor landscape and
native greenery, some homeowners choose a style of concrete patio based on their
interior living space.
“Homeowners almost always want an extension
of their house. They want something that flows
with the indoor flooring, that has shade as well
as sun.”
DURABILITY
In addition to concrete's versatility, concrete is durable and can stand up to a range
of weather conditions found across the country. In fact, many companies in colder
climates take special measures to ensure the durability of the concrete patios they
produce.
3
6. In addition, their proprietary mix is 4000
psi and includes fiber and steel, meaning
it usually reaches total hardness at 14
days, as opposed to the normal 28 days.
Bill Guthro of Distinctive Concrete in
Rowley, Massachusetts, says stamped
concrete will last longer than any other
type of masonry installation.
Whereas traditional pavers and
cobblestone settle unevenly during the
freeze/thaw cycle of winter, stamped concrete is reinforced with 3/8-inch steel
reinforcing rods placed 24 inches on-center-each-way, right in the middle of the
concrete. This steel reinforcement gives the concrete the necessary tensile strength
to 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 not
constantly brushed into all the joints. This joint deterioration results in ant hills,
growth of unsightly grass and weeds and produces dangerous tripping hazards
when the individual pavers settle unevenly.
AFFORDABILITY
Contractors who create concrete patios and those who have concrete patios will
quickly 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 and
colors available is one of the main draws of choosing a concrete patio. Your
concrete patio can be stamped to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile, and
even wood.
“Decorative concrete has become more popular than stone, brick and tile for
patios because it costs less, is better in quality and it has the unlimited ability to
be created into whatever you want as far as color, texture, and pattern go.”
4
7. STAMPED / TEXTURED CONCRETE PATIOS
S tamped 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 material
of choice for homeowners across the country because of the wide array of patterns
and colors available, particularly compared to other potential patio materials.
Colors and patterns for stamped concrete are often chosen to blend with other stone
or tile elements at the residence. Complex designs incorporating steps, courtyards,
and fountains can be achieved. Stamped concrete can also be blended with other
decorative concrete elements such as exposed aggregate finishes and acid-etch
staining. Many offer dozens of patterns. Some of the more common stamped
patterns include: PLEASE ALSO VISIT WWW.PROLINESTAMPS.COM
SLATE TEXTURE
EUROPEAN FAN
ROCK SALT
TEXTURE
HERRINGBONE
LIME STONE ROMAN SLATE TILE
SALTCLAY TILE
GRANITE TILE
5
8. M any homeowners don't realize that a stamped concrete patio is a viable
option and one that costs less than other patio materials.
“People don't know anything about it. Then they see stamped concrete in a
magazine and they have to have it.”
A form of today's stamped concrete was originated on the West coast back in the
1960s. The stamp concrete tools back then were made of metal and resembled
cookie cutters. They produced a pattern, but did not provide any texture.
Today's tools are rigid mats made of
polyurethane that produce authentic
textured patterns of stone, brick and even
wood planking and fossilized sea-life.
When stamped concrete is installed by
experienced craftsmen, brick masons with
30 years of experience can't tell the
difference between stamped concrete and
real brick or stone.
Homeowners in the Maryland and Virginia areas tend to favor ashlar slate, grand
ashlar slate, royal slate, European fan, and London cobblestone.
Oklahomans tend to gravitate toward the flagstone and Roman ashlar slate
patterns. Minnesotans seem to prefer a seamless granite texture look, as well as
flagstone 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 on
concrete like they do on stone and tile surfaces.
In addition, patterns can be selected to blend in with existing stone, wood, or tile
elements in your backyard area.
“It's catching on here, especially among the younger crowd. The older
generation tends to just know gray concrete, but they're catching on, too.”
6
9. COLOR POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS
O ne of the biggest draws of
concrete patios is the expansive
range of colors available.
Because of ever-advancing technology
and jaw-dropping chemical techniques,
concrete can be colored in just about any
hue you could ever imagine. Some
contractors offer upwards of 250 hues
and shades.
Colored concrete can be used in
combination, abutting each other, or
stamped 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 different
finishing techniques: For example, a broom finish creates one look. Brooming the
concrete in opposite directions creates shadow effects. Swirl or fan patterns create
a different type of look.
For even more dramatic effect, the colored concrete can be lightly sandblasted or
heavily 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 or
added in bags at the job site, or Dry-Shake, where it is dusted on the surface at the
job site.
The availability of custom colors and penetrating stains has translated into concrete
patios that are natural-looking and attractive.
Many homeowners tend to gravitate toward the more natural browns, tans,
charcoals, and terra cotta reds.
“As far as colors go, earth tones are big the tans and browns.”
There are several different manufacturers that make integral colors to be mixed
with concrete. On the following page you'll find a sampling from one company.
7
10. DAVIS COLOR CHART
COLOR GROUP: SUBTLE
SAND STONE CANYON SANTA FE PEBBLE
DUNE OUTBACK SILVERSMOKE LIGHT GRAY
DARK GRAY
COLOR GROUP: STANDARD
MOCHA RUSTIC BROWN SAN DIEGO BUFF SANGRIA
SUNSET ROSE BAJA RED SEQUOIA SAND YOSEMITE BROWN
SOUTHERN BLUSH SALMON MESA BUFF OMAHA TAN
HARVEST GOLD MESQUITE TAUPE SIERRA
BAYOU COCOA PEWTER COBBLESTONE
GRAPHITE
8
11. CONCRETE PATIOS OFFER MANY SURFACE TREATMENT OPTIONS
S tamping your concrete patio is just one option. There are numerous other
surface treatments, which not only make the patio look great, but provide
traction.
A contractor can wash or sandblast a
concrete paving so the aggregate is
exposed. Another popular option is
embedding pebbles and stones to create
exposed aggregate.
You can also enhance your concrete by
color-dusting, staining, masking,
sandblasting, acid-washing, or salt
finishing.
RESURFACING
If you have an existing patio that needs
some sprucing up, resurfacing is a great
alternative.
Some companies install resin-modified
cementious concrete coatings systems that
simulate brick, stone, tile, slate, and epoxy
floors.
The process typically involves three steps.
First, the surface is prepared to ensure permanent bonding of the coating to the
existing concrete. Next, the concrete coating is applied. High-quality polymer
modified 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 is
applied to lock in lasting beauty.
"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 you
can do with it.”
9
12. CONCRETE PATIOS BLEND FABULOUSLY WITH SURROUNDINGS
A nother appealing benefit of a concrete patio is that because it can be
created in so many textures, patterns, and colors, it is the perfect choice for
blending into your backyard environment, whether you have a modest-
sized patio and barbecue area, or you have a sprawling, luxurious outdoor retreat
spilling over with amenities.
Combining concrete with other materials, like brick, tile, or flagstone, is also
popular. And wood, steel, or copper dividers can be used as control joints to help
prevent cracking.
Once the concrete patio is in place, it is the perfect complement to additional
amenities like swimming pools, water features, outdoor kitchens, sinks, burners,
warmers, refrigerators, even storage areas.
“Lighting is also big. Homeowners want lighting that reflects their mood for
parties, romance, family, or just a great backdrop … They want a vacation spot
they can go to every day.”
Many contractors view themselves as part contractor, part designer, part artisan.
They'll help you create whatever you are envisioning for your concrete patio and
accompanying backyard retreat.
“I take whatever abstract elements the homeowner is envisioning and with
creativity and passion bring them to life.”
10
13. CONCRETE MAINTENANCE IS A BREEZE
C leaning and sealing stamped and colored concrete should be done on a regular
basis just like any other home maintenance. The frequency will depend on how
high 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 you
wait longer, you may notice the color fade slightly. But just like waxing a car, reseal your
stamped 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.
DO NOT APPLY SEALER TO A DAMP/WET SURFACE.
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 MATERIAL
WILL NOT TRANSFER THROUGH A SPRAYER. Apply sealer in
approximately 2' x 4' sections. This will ensure full coverage without missed
spots. Keep stirring sealer while applying to keep the Anti-Skid suspended in the
sealer.
! Sealer should be applied when air temperature is above 55° F. Best results will be
obtained by applying sealer during cooler temperatures - fall and spring - or before
10 am and after 4 pm in summer months when surface temperatures should be
under 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.
11
14. About CLASSIC CONCRETE DESIGN, Inc.
Member BBB * Licensed * Insured
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.
Thank you for your interest in our services, we look forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
Chris Maestro
President, CCD, Inc.
12
