FAQs

FAQs

 

So why should I use decorative concrete, rather than natural stone or pavers on my project?

The primary reason concrete is chosen over natural stone is durability, cost and maintenance. Properly installed concrete has a design life of 30-50 years. Unlike Natural stone, bricks or pavers, concrete requires very little maintenance. Also, stamped concrete can easily be formed to contoured designs, which, unlike pavers, brick and stone, costs nothing extra.

Do You Charge for Estimates?

No, we provide free estimates. We will schedule a personalized presentation at your home.

Why Stain Concrete Floors?

It boils down to one word: character. Concrete stain does more than simply add color. Rather than produce a solid, opaque effect like paint or colored coatings, stains permeate the concrete to infuse it with rich, deep, translucent tones.  It is important to keep in mind even when treated with the same staining product in the same shade, no two concrete floors, walls, or countertops will look alike due to factors such as the composition and age of the concrete, surface porosity, texture, and environmental conditions. Some stain manufacturers use adjectives such as “antiqued,” “variegated,” or “mottled” to describe the distinctive look.  It’s this variability, rather than uniformity, that gives stained concrete its broad appeal and permits an infinite array of special effects.

Is Concrete Staining Eco-Friendly?

Eco stains are water based, non-acid polymer bonded stains that penetrate into the concrete surface to produce vibrant long lasting UV resistant stains that enhance any concrete surface. ECO STAINS contain no arsenic, lead, or mercury and very low organic solvents that conform to all VOC regulations. Eco stains are available in 30 brilliant colors. Eco Stains are UV stable when sealed. They will not fade in sunlight, making them ideal for interior or exterior use.

Can you work with my existing concrete surface?

Yes. Whatever the condition of your existing concrete Stone Medic craftsmen have the experience and skills to refurbish the concrete with a Decorative finish of your choice.

My existing surface is covered with paint, glue and has many cracks. Can it be cleaned up?

The Stone Medic can remove the glue, paint or whatever is on your floor. We can repair the cracks and apply a new Micro Topping on your floor providing a perfect canvas to stain your floor.

What is decorative concrete overlay?

A decorative concrete overlay is just that; it is a highly durable thin set layer of hybrid polymer concrete that overlays an existing patio, floor, foyer, driveway, or sidewalk. The application of an overlay to existing concrete surfaces opens up an entirely new range of possibilities. Suitable for both interior and exterior areas, overlays can be used for covering up defects in an existing floor or, through the use of stamps and staining, a simulated rock surface can be molded directly into the overlay surface, creating a visually appealing effect.

How durable is a decorative concrete overlay?

Generally speaking it has twice the strength of concrete. A concrete mixture designed to yield 3,000 psi (pounds per square inch) will yield over 6,000 psi if modified by an acrylic polymer additive.

What can a Decorative Concrete Overlay be applied to?

Most overlay systems can be applied to concrete, asphalt, wood, VCT, Linoleum, tile and stone. You can generally be applied to any stable surface regardless of its composition. In other words, you can bond to almost anything.

Can my pool deck and Patio be stained?

Yes, we can transform your existing pool deck by permanently staining the surface to resemble natural stone look or granite with your choice of colors. Staining your concrete pool deck is very cost effective method to enhance and beautify your pool deck.

What is Stamped Concrete?

Stamped Concrete is a low maintenance, cost effective alternative to brick pavers or natural stone. Stamped concrete is concrete that is patterned to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile and even wood. Stamped Concrete can be used to beautify pool decks, driveways, entries and courtyards, and patios.

What is scoring?

Scoring is the process of cutting a small groove on the surface of the concrete to create a desired pattern such as squares or diamonds. Normally these patterns are no smaller than 24” x 24” and require a minimum of an 8” border around the room to be scored. Scoring can beautifully accentuate a room by drawing the eye from one pattern to the other and is less expensive than stamped concrete.

What about cracks?

We can fill and close cracks in the concrete; however we cannot guarantee that they won’t return. Cracks in concrete are a given. Normally cracks should be limited to hairline cracking with minimal separation as all structural concrete is reinforced internally. Cracks do not necessarily detract from the appearance of the floor, we often incorporate them in our overlay designs by running grout lines over them and they add “personality” to the floor when we do staining.

WHY WAIT? CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE!

Are you wondering what it will take to transform your concrete floors? Contact us today! Give us a call at 813-818-7555 / 727-530-3555 or just click here to request your Free Estimate.