Eco-Swimming Pools: Steps You Can Take Towards Sustainability

It’s understandably hard to imagine an eco-friendly swimming pool. That’s because of all the chemicals and energy it takes to properly maintain it. This challenges us to think about how conventional swimming pool maintenance impacts the environment. Harmful chemicals and excessive energy consumption contribute to the destruction of the environment. With the realization of this hard-hitting truth, the necessity to make sustainable choices is a responsibility of pool owners. With that being said, here are simple steps that you can take towards an eco-friendly swimming pool.

Put the Chlorine on Hold

It’s no surprise that most pool owners use chlorine and algaecide to keep their swimming pools clean. Reduce the use of these harmful chemicals by opting for eco-friendly alternatives. Ozonator systems, natural mineral sanitizers, and bromine are some of the options you can take. These can drastically cut down chlorine and algaecide use.

Switch to Renewable Energy

source: Ebay

Solar panels have been around for so long it can be quite surprising how they aren’t as common. Solar energy is a renewable energy source that can save you money while saving the environment. Indeed, it can be pricey up front but the benefits outweigh this in the long run. Power up pool equipment and machines without the guilt.

 

Less Energy Consumption with Heat Pumps

Instead of conventional pool heaters, choose to heat the pool with heat pumps. Heat pumps use minimal energy and naturally draw thermal energy from the air. This thermal energy is transferred to the water. Voila! A practical and green heating option.

Naturally Filter Swimming Pools with Moss

In an effort to contribute to the environment, the University of Maryland swapped from conventional pool filters to moss. That’s right. The green dense clumps can actually be beneficial to swimming pools. Since the swap, the educational institution was able to reduce 40% of its chemical use and 75% of its water consumption. Hopefully, this method will be accessible to all.

Renovate with Pool Deck Resurfacing

Swimming pool renovations can take a lot of time, energy and money. If you want to enhance or renew the look of a pool area, opt for pool deck resurfacing instead. This will drastically change the look of pool area without consuming as much energy as pool deck replacement and other enhancements.

Make your move now. Consider these options to make your swimming pool clean and green. If you’re interested in pool deck resurfacing and other services, visit our homepage to know more.

The post Eco-Swimming Pools: Steps You Can Take Towards Sustainability appeared first on Austin Concrete Artisans.

source https://www.austinconcreteartisans.com/eco-swimming-pools/

Ways To Make A Design Statement With Concrete Flooring

Concrete has been making rounds in the design world in recent years. From using it as a solid base it has now moved on to the forefront of interior design as the material of choice for decorative elements. The challenge in using concrete floors as a design statement lies in striking a balance to soften or complement the naturally hard and cold quality of concrete. Fortunately, there are many ways to do this as concrete allows a lot of room for creative expression. Here are the different ways to make a design statement with concrete flooring.

Add a Splash of Color

The neutral gray color of concrete makes it a blank slate that’s perfect as a canvass for adding color. Either incorporate the color onto the concrete floor itself or place colorful elements around it. Furniture with touches of bold color is a surefire way to make a popping statement. You can even get creative and hang abstract paintings. Concrete staining and decorative epoxy coatings are also great ways to add color to a concrete floor.

Warmth with Wood Accents

A popular trend in modern interior design is to leave concrete floors bare and have it polished or coated with a transparent resin. If you opt for this raw and refined look, adding wood accents are an effective way to balance out the cold harshness of bare concrete. Concrete looks great when complemented with a different material. Wood panels, chairs, table tops, lamps, and other decorative elements add natural warmth and contrast.

Go for an Industrial Chic Vibe

Make the most out of the industrial influence taking over the contemporary design world. Mix and match materials like exposed brick, bare fixtures, and cold steel to complement a concrete floor. Brass and gold metallic can also add a lavish accent that provides contrast to the overall atmosphere. Integrating these strong industrial elements make an impression of robust sophistication.

 

Play with Textures

Much like color, textures can be added to the concrete floor itself or through other design elements. For textured concrete floors, concrete stamping is a good option. Choose a texture that adds a subtle edginess to the feel of a concrete floor like slate. Otherwise, adding soft textures with carpeting and other fabric elements gives a good contrast to the hard texture of concrete.

Decorative concrete installations are one of the best ways to enhance the look of a concrete floor. Visit our homepage to know more about decorative options for your concrete floor in Austin.

The post Ways To Make A Design Statement With Concrete Flooring appeared first on Austin Concrete Artisans.

source https://www.austinconcreteartisans.com/making-statement-floors/

4 Cool Ways to Transform the Basement into Something Better

Is your basement a room full of cobwebs, dust, and things you don’t need anymore? Every square foot of your home is an investment so might as well make the most of it. No matter how much space your garage has, there is something you could do to make good use of it. Check out these ideas so you can get inspired!

Game or Sports Room

The family will surely have a blast playing their favorite games and mini sports in a well-designed basement. If you have enough space, a billiards table is a great centerpiece. Now, you will have a place for all your board games, your gaming consoles, and that arcade machine you just had restored. It is important to make the room sound-proof to keep cheers and howling from reaching the neighbors.

Kids Recreational Room

When kids play, the whole house often looks like a storm has just passed through it. One great way to keep the mess isolated is by creating a dedicated room for playtime. The basement is a perfect spot to create a themed recreational space for children. You can incorporate their favorite colors and cartoon characters on the walls to make it more interesting. As for the floor, you can choose to cover it with a carpet so that bumps and bruises are kept to a minimum.

Private Gym

Exercise equipment often takes up so much space that people who own them just keep them folded in one spot, unused and neglected. When you turn the basement into a private gym, you can set-up the equipment for good so you can easily work-out when you need to. A basement gym gives you the privacy you need to focus on your routines. Set-up a full mirror on one wall so you could track your progress, Also, install a decorative concrete coating, such as epoxy flooring, on the floor to keep it protected from weight, impact, and high traffic.

Jamming Area

Do you love music? Are you in a band? Then the basement is the perfect place to create a music room or jamming area. All you have to do is soundproof the walls and set up the sound system for private gigs or rehearsals.

There is so much you can do with an empty basement. Just make sure that it is structurally sound and safe enough for whichever purpose you wish to use it for.

The post 4 Cool Ways to Transform the Basement into Something Better appeared first on Austin Concrete Artisans.

source https://www.austinconcreteartisans.com/ways-to-transform-basement/

Tips on Cleaning Up Footprints After a Stained Concrete Driveway Job

Tips on Cleaning Up Footprints After a Stained Concrete Driveway Job

Staining a concrete driveway is one of the best ways to make it look more elegant and interesting. You have the option to do it yourself or to hire a pro to do it for you. If you choose the former, it is important to understand that there will be risks. One is footprint stains. Whether it is from a human or a pet, it can be very frustrating to see faded prints where the stain used to be and stained footprints on the garage, patio, or any place else it should not be. Here are some tips to help you clean them up.

Water-Based Stain

If you used a water-based stain on the driveway, it is important to keep extra stain that has not been used. In the event that there are footprints on the driveway, all you have to do is add more stain on the faded areas until it matches the rest of the surface. Then coat the entire floor with one more layer for a consistent look. If this does not work. Add

Acid Stain

Acid stains penetrate deep into the concrete slab so cleanup will be more difficult. You may need to sand off the top layer and stain it all over again. Re-applying an acid stain over the footprints alone might highlight it even more. Since this type of stain is more tricky, consult a pro on how to deal with the unwanted footprints.

Preventing Footprints on a Stained Concrete Driveway

Prevention is always better than cure. If you are planning to have an acid stained concrete driveway, make sure to take certain precautions to keep human feet or animals paws from making their mark on the surface. Here’s how:

• Let everyone know that you or a contractor will be performing a concrete staining job on the driveway.
• Use tape, ropes, or anything that could serve as a barricade to keep people out of the area.
• Hang “Keep Out” signs to warn people.
• Give delivery men, mailmen, and other people who often come by an alternate route to your doorway if needed.

A footprint stain on the surface is just one of the many bad things that could happen on a recently stained driveway. If you are unsure how you could deal with staining without all the possible risks, spare yourself from the stress and hire a pro who can do it for you.

The post Tips on Cleaning Up Footprints After a Stained Concrete Driveway Job appeared first on Austin Concrete Artisans.

source https://www.austinconcreteartisans.com/cleaning-stained-driveway/

Top 3 Considerations When Choosing Between Concrete Resurfacing and Replacement

A concrete surface goes through a lot of use and abuse during its lifetime. It endures the changes in climate every single day. It gets exposed to snow, ice, and rain. It also shifts and cracks especially in high traffic areas. When concrete damage seems imminent, it is important to think about which solution to go for. Have it replaced? Or have it coated with an overlay or coating? Here are the top three things you have to consider when you are torn between concrete resurfacing and concrete replacement.

The Level of Damage

Just how much damage does the concrete slab have? Cracks are the most common types of damage. If the crack is just about a quarter of an inch deep, it can still be repaired and the entire slab can be resurfaced. However, if the crack is much deeper and wider, a repair can only do so much. The cracks may recur and it would only make it costly for the owner. If the damage is irreparable, the best option is to replace the entire slab and find out what causing the big cracks.

Age of the Concrete

Concrete is a durable material but it does get weaker as it ages. If you are choosing between resurfacing concrete and replacing your concrete space, it is important to consider the age of the slab itself. If it has been around 20 to 25 years since it was first installed, it is better off replaced with a new concrete mix. The brittle slab won’t be able to hold up a new coating or overlay. Also, old concrete is more prone to damage. It may look good for now with a new coating but expect new damage to appear soon.

Time and Budget

When choosing a solution to concrete damage, think about how much time and money you would be able to invest in a project. Replacing the concrete takes more time than resurfacing it. The old slab must first be removed before the new mix can be poured. Then you wait at least a month for the concrete to properly cure. It is also more expensive to replace the slab because it involves more work and more new material. If your time and budget are limited, you might as well resurface the concrete to acquire a brand new look and improved functionality.

The post Top 3 Considerations When Choosing Between Concrete Resurfacing and Replacement appeared first on Austin Concrete Artisans.

source https://www.austinconcreteartisans.com/choosing-between-concrete-resurfacing-and-replacement/

Painted Vs. Stained Concrete: Which One Should You Invest In?

Using concrete for patios is highly recommended. However, if you just leave it as it is, it can be unpleasant to look at and it lacks the protection it needs to last longer. There are ways to make it look more presentable and to keep it protected from damage. The most common is applying paint or concrete stain. Here are is some information to help you decide which one is more appropriate for your concrete patio.

Concrete Paint

Paints come in different kinds. There are oil-based types and there are those which are water-based, also known as latex paint. Oil-based paint is more durable although it has an unpleasant odor that goes away when the paint is completely dry. Water-based or latex paint is odorless and it can be thinned with water for easier application. It is a more eco-friendly option and spills and splatters can be cleaned with water. Both are often applied in layers to make the color a lot more opaque and bold. It is great to use on concrete patios if you want aesthetics that make a strong impact even from afar.

The downside to paint is that it creates a film on top of the concrete. It does not penetrate. For this reason, long exposure to heat, water, and other outdoor elements could make it separate from the concrete and crack, flake, and peel.

Stained Concrete

Concrete stains are a lot thinner than paint. There is a concrete acid stain and a water-based stain. The acid type penetrates deep into the concrete and dries in a semi-translucent color. It has metallic salts that, when exposed to lime and the natural minerals in concrete, create effects that make the concrete look like a stone or leather slab. Acid stains take longer to install because the concrete needs to be etched with muriatic acid or other similar alternatives. The etching process opens up the pores of the concrete, making it easier for the stain to get absorbed. Water-based stain, on the other hand, can easily be applied on a clean concrete surface. It dries in a semi-opaque color. It dries in a uniform color, no effects involved.

The only downside to stains is that it won’t completely hide repairs or blemishes on the concrete patio.

When choosing between paint or stain, you also have to consider how much time you can commit to applying the material, how much maintenance you can squeeze into your to-do list, and how much you are willing to invest. If you can’t decide, consult a local pro who is an expert on both materials.

Description:

A concrete patio can be quite boring if left as it is. It may not also last longer than it should if it lacks extra protection. Paint has always been the go-to material for enhancing concrete patios. Oil and water-based paints can cover up blemishes, keep water on the surface, and create aesthetics that truly stand out. Stains, on the other hand, penetrates deep into the slab, creating a colored concrete patio that lasts for years. Acid and water-based stains come in a wide range of colors and each one has its own unique aesthetic properties. Both can improve the appearance of your concrete patio but which one should you choose?

The post Painted Vs. Stained Concrete: Which One Should You Invest In? appeared first on Austin Concrete Artisans.

source https://www.austinconcreteartisans.com/paint-vs-stained-concrete/

3 High-Quality Garage Floorings at a Low Cost

Searching for a high-quality garage flooring that won’t hurt your bank? Then you are in the right place. Featured here are three garage floor materials that have the most positive reviews and recommendations. The great thing about these is that they are inexpensive and cost-effective. For sure, it won’t be easy to find good deals such as that.

Epoxy Flooring

An epoxy garage floor coating must not be mistaken with epoxy paint. These are two completely different things. Epoxy paint is simply paint with a hint of epoxy to make it adhere better and last longer. Epoxy coating, on the other hand, is a finishing material that is applied a bit thicker. It consists of equal parts of epoxy resin and a polyamine hardener that when cured, yields a tough and seamless flooring that is resistant to most types of damage. It is affordable because it is merely a coating installed on top of the existing concrete garage floor. But don’t worry, despite the thin layer, it is extremely durable and gorgeous to look at, too.

Interlocking Rubber Tiles

These squares of rubber tiles snap together to create one whole mat. Its high grip makes it stable despite not being directly attached to the floor. This is a quick and efficient way to cover up the old flooring. It is also durable enough to withstand high traffic and impact. It comes in many different colors that you can match into a decorative pattern. The great thing about rubber tiles is that if one piece gets damaged, you can just replace that one piece and not the entire thing. That will definitely save you a lot of money.

Roll-out Vinyl

Roll-out flooring is one of the most popular garage flooring options. It is easy to install and it temporarily covers up the old concrete slab effectively. You simply cut the piece that fits your garage floor, trim it a bit at the sides so it ends exactly where the walls are and it is good to go. It comes in a variety of colors and designs.

It is important to note, however, that total costs may vary based on several factors. All these three are affordable, indeed, but if you have a wide garage or if repairs are needed before these can be installed, the costs will definitely go up. Make sure to consult a pro and to get a quote before deciding to install.

The post 3 High-Quality Garage Floorings at a Low Cost appeared first on Austin Concrete Artisans.

source https://www.austinconcreteartisans.com/low-cost-quality-garage-floorings/

Cool Epoxy Coffee Table Designs for 2018

 Have you been trying to change the look of your living room lately? Its centerpiece is the coffee table. Do you want a nice one that didn’t cost a fortune? You can build one yourself using cheap materials from a local DIY shop.

Make Sure it is the Right Size

Any slab of wood you can get is a good core material. Grab one that is the right size for your living room. Too small would make it irrelevant and out of place. Too big would take too much valuable space. You want the height of the coffee table to be about the same height as the cushions on your sofa. Its length should be almost as long as your sofa, about two-thirds to make it very accessible. And make sure you have enough space between it and the surrounding seats.

Prep the Material Thoroughly

Thoroughly sand the wood slab. It may require minor cuts before sanding. Sand all sides and edges. It is a good habit to fill cracks and knots with tung oil. You can find one at your local DIY shop or hardware. This helps a lot in preventing air bubbles from forming after epoxy is applied. Tung oil hardens upon exposure to air. The transparent coat fills and protects the wood and also adds a deeper tone to it.

Apply the Epoxy

You may use a natural colored piece of wood or one that’s painted. Next, you want about 1 gallon epoxy resin. You will need to coat the wood with epoxy all over. Now make sure you have plastic covering the floor underneath the wood slab for protection. But make sure the wood surface is level, as epoxy is self-leveling and will run to the lowest side. All the epoxy would run off the table. Use a leveling tool and flatten it using a wood plane.

Now you’re ready to mix the epoxy parts A and B. Pour both parts into one container. Mix for 8 minutes, or follow the instructions on the container.

Pour epoxy on top of the wood slab and use a squeegee to spread it all over. Use a brush to spread on the sides too. Use torch or heat gun to remove air bubbles.
As the epoxy dries continue to wipe the drips from the bottom so you don’t have to sand them off once they dry. You can use a brush to do this.

If the wood slab is painted, you can add color flakes while the epoxy is wet. You can choose from different colors creating different effects when mixed. Grab a handful of the color flakes and toss them above the wood slab.

Pouring plain clear epoxy on black wood creates a lovely glass effect once it hardens. You can add color pigments of varying colors to create a nice marble effect. Make sure you use gloves as it can get really messy. You can add vinyl stickers then apply a clear coat on top. You can use all the colors of the rainbow. Blue and black would make a nice marble effect.

Don’t Forget the Legs

Now for the legs, you can use 1-inch diameter pipe and matching floor flanges for the feet and table support. Make sure the pipe lengths are about the height of the cushions on your sofa.

This is just one nice project you can do using epoxy. And it’s a nice way to match your epoxy resin flooring design or color since epoxy floors project a minimalist, uncluttered and vibrant theme to any room.

The post Cool Epoxy Coffee Table Designs for 2018 appeared first on Austin Concrete Artisans.

source https://www.austinconcreteartisans.com/epoxy-coffee-table-designs-2018/

How to Make a Concrete Patio Look Like an Outdoor Rug

A concrete patio is very common in Austin, TX. It is one of the most affordable and durable materials but there is no denying that it does not look as appealing as other paving materials. If you find yourself staring one day and realize that you are sick and tired of that plain gray slab right outside your door, there is a way to change that up. Here are budget-friendly ways how you could make the concrete surface look like it has an outdoor rug on it:

Create Patterns with Concrete Patio Stains

Staining concrete patio is one of the most popular methods of coloring concrete. It penetrates deep into the slab so you won’t have to worry about any peeling, fading, or flaking. Although acid stains are more popular because of the impressive effects it creates, water-based stains are more appropriate for acquiring an “outdoor rug” look. Hire a professional to create the patterns you want. They may do this manually or use stencils for more meticulous designs. A layer of concrete patio sealer is highly recommended. Not only does this add a bit of shine, it also makes the color richer and stay on longer.

Paint Over It

Using paint is also a good idea if you want to make the patio a lot more decorative. Just make sure that the surface is very clean before applying paint. This type of coloring agent is topical so expect the color to stay on top of the slab. This is ideal for low-traffic patios because paint easily peels and scratches off. Popular patterns are stripes and checks. It is highly recommended to ask a pro for the best outdoor paint to use to make sure it is durable enough to withstand outdoor elements. Also, a layer of protective sealer or finisher could add extra protection.

If you do choose to put a real rug on it, make sure that it is one designed for outdoor use. You still might want to have the concrete patio sealed or finished with a clear coat before putting a rug over it. This makes the slab look more pleasant. It also lowers the natural porosity of concrete, which is its strong ability to absorb dirt and moisture. This way, you can rest assured that it won’t easily stain, discolor, or absorb anything that could wreak havoc within the slab.

The post How to Make a Concrete Patio Look Like an Outdoor Rug appeared first on Austin Concrete Artisans.

source https://www.austinconcreteartisans.com/make-concrete-patio-look-like-outdoor-rug/

Top 3 Highly Recommended Pool Deck Resurfacing Solutions by Top Contractors

A swimming pool is definitely beneficial to any homeowner. It is a great place for taking laps, which is good exercise even for the elderly. It is a wonderful place to relax after a long day’s work. It is also a cool place to hold a party or a simple gathering of family and friends. Top contractors that specialize in pool decks highly suggest making the deck comfortable to walk on and very slip-resistant. It should be durable enough to withstand use and exposure to outdoor elements. For revamping concrete pool decks, here are the top solutions that made it on the list of reputable contractors’ faves:

Spray Knockdown Texture

There are many good things about this pool deck coating that must be mentioned. One is the very slip-resistant texture it creates once sprayed and knocked down on a concrete slab. This is similar to a stucco drywall, but with a friendlier texture. The spray texture provides enough grip to prevent slips and falls but comfortable enough to walk on even without shoes or flip-flops. Another must-mention attribute is its low-temperature surface. Even under a scorching sun, the surface stays cool to the touch.

Stamped Concrete Overlay

Although this is associated more with patios, it is also ideal for pool decks. It offers a wide range of patterns to choose from and each one is great to use around the pool. Some of the popular designs are flagstone, travertine, brick, pavers, tile, fractured slate, ashlar, and more. The imprinted patterns created after stamping the overlay make the deck slip-resistant. If you want a more decorative look than what a spray texture provides, then stamping is the right choice. The patterns can be further enhanced with concrete staining. You have the option to have the entire deck stamped or just specific sections, like borders and copings.

Stained Concrete

Plain concrete pool decks can be made more interesting with a fresh color. But instead of paint, which is a common coloring material, concrete stain is a more effective option. Acid stains can make the deck look like one whole stone slab. You can choose a color that matches or complements the design of the house or swimming pool. If worried about slip-resistance, a sealer with very fine abrasives can be applied on top of the colored deck to make the surface more slip-resistant.

The post Top 3 Highly Recommended Pool Deck Resurfacing Solutions by Top Contractors appeared first on Austin Concrete Artisans.

source https://www.austinconcreteartisans.com/recommended-pool-deck-resurfacing-solutions/

Top 5 Pool Deck Material Options for Residential and Commercial Pools

Gone are the days when we had to make do with a plain concrete pool deck. There are so many pool deck material options nowadays that creating a pool area has become more than just adding a facility, but improving the value of the property and the lives of the people who own it as well. Here are the top options for pool decks:

 

Stamped Concrete

A stamped concrete overlay is highly customizable. It offers a wide range of patterns that can be colored to your liking. An overlay can be installed quickly and easily on an existing pool deck. Some people are concerned about its slip-resistance but the stamped patterns promote enough grip to make it non-skid. You can add fine abrasives to the sealer coat to enhance its grip even further.

Natural Stone

Stone is quite a luxurious choice especially if the material needs to be imported from another city or state. The most common types of stone used on pool decks are flagstone and slate. These are long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing, and damaged stones can be easily replaced. As it is a luxurious option, it is also high maintenance. The surface needs to be resealed every season.

Travertine

This high-end material comes in a wide range of colors that do not fade. It stays cool to the touch and is highly slip-resistant. It is a popular option, being able to withstand extreme temperatures and freeze-thaw cycles. However, it needs to be resealed regularly because it is a very soft kind of stone. Travertine installation is labor-intensive and tedious.

Pavers

Also considered as a popular material among homeowners, pavers are affordable yet very durable. They come in various shapes and in a limited number of colors. Pavers are laid out beside each other without using grout. This makes it easier to replace any damaged piece without harming the surrounding pieces. All you have to do is pull the piece out and replace with another. The only downside to pavers is that it can be quite rough to hands and bare feet.

Brick

Bricks are often used on borders and copings, but rarely on the entire deck. This material, like pavers, can be easily removed and replaced. It comes in one shape but can be arranged in many different patterns like running brick, stacked bond, herringbone, and more. Brick is a long-lasting material that can withstand most damaging elements. It is, however, very porous so it needs to be sealed and resealed regularly.

The post Top 5 Pool Deck Material Options for Residential and Commercial Pools appeared first on Austin Concrete Artisans.

source https://www.austinconcreteartisans.com/pool-deck-material-options/

A Guide to Planning Your Pool Deck Design

A swimming pool is probably the most awesome addition you can install in your backyard space. It is a source of fun, relaxation, and even stress relief. An awesome pool deserves an equally awesome pool deck. Planning one is not an easy feat. It involves a lot of elements and each one needs to suit your needs and wants perfectly. There is also the challenge of deciding on one or two types of material out of a huge selection. Not to mention having to choose the right color palette for the entire deck. Before you pull out your hair from frustration, check out this short guide to help you make small but meaningful decisions and to create an overall design concept.

• What Theme Do You Have in Mind?

A theme is important because it draws every element together. If you just design on a whim, there is a huge chance that it would be chaotic. By sticking to one concept, you are able to make all the elements in a pool deck harmonize with each other. Say, you want a tropical theme. Then you think natural stone, greenery, sandy white or beige deck colors, and anything that gives the impression of beach and sun.

• Would You Like to Include Greenery?

Softscape is optional, however, there are many benefits to having some plants around the pool area. If you do not have a green thumb, there is no need to set up a garden. You can just have pots of plants strategically placed in different areas around the pool deck.

• Do You Want a Shaded Area on the Deck?

It is important to think ahead for this because you would need to determine which area of the deck would actually benefit from a shade. This means you have to monitor the pool area for a day as the sun moves. You have to observe how the rays of the sun fall on the pool deck. You can go from a simple hanging fabric to a more elaborate one, like a cabana.

• What Source of Light Do You Prefer?

Lighting is a crucial element in any outdoor pool deck. Aside from its contribution to the aesthetic appeal of the deck when night falls, it also makes the area safe and secure. There are many options for lighting. You can add lamp posts or hang fixtures on the exterior of the house. Lights in the pool are also highly recommended. Use LED lights as they illuminate better and are very energy-efficient. If you prefer something more outdoorsy, tiki lights, torches, and fire pits are great options.

The post A Guide to Planning Your Pool Deck Design appeared first on Austin Concrete Artisans.

source https://www.austinconcreteartisans.com/guide-planning-pool-deck-design/

5 Stamped Concrete Overlay Ideas

When you think of upgrading your property, the first thing you may think about is to remodel. The second thing that comes to your mind is the cost that comes with it. However, there are various ways you could minimize expenses without scrimping on results. One such way is opting for stamped concrete overlay. This involves the application of stamped overlay patterns on existing concrete, which means you can keep the old floor, thus, saving yourself from having to pay for a new pour. There are many options for you if you choose to go with a decorative concrete overlay. Here are some great ideas to get you started:

Stand Out with Replicated Stone or Wood Surfaces

If you want your floors to really stand out beautifully while you get to enjoy extra time away from maintenance and extra money from the economic cost of stamped concrete, opt for stamped concrete. The great thing about concrete stamp patterns is that these are designed to replicate the look of natural stone or wood without the hassles of maintaining real stones and wood.

Encourage an Architectural Style Match-Up

Your floors should complement the architectural style of your home to make it look connected. Whether you live in an old world or modern home, there is a concrete pattern that would match it perfectly.

Highlight Key Areas like Walkways and Focal Points

Walkways may just be a surface to walk upon but it can make or break the curb appeal of any property. By having decorative concrete contractors install an overlay and stamp it with a pattern, you get to highlight important areas on your outdoor space. This can also be done to enhance a focal point, like a water feature, much further.

Accentuate Plain Surfaces with Decorative Borders

A concrete pool deck enhancement is something gaining popularity nowadays. One good idea to increase aesthetic appeal is to accentuate the area with a decorative border around the pool or the walkway leading to the deck. You can also have stamped overlay patterns on the coping, if you want.

Break Flow with Contrasting Stamped Overlay Patterns

Let’s say you have a wide commercial property with lots of walking space. Although a uniform look on the floor is acceptable, it is not a head-turning asset. Eliminate this and similar problems with stamped concrete overlays. Make it more interesting by choosing a contrasting pattern and a color that complements the establishment as a whole.

The post 5 Stamped Concrete Overlay Ideas appeared first on Austin Concrete Artisans.

source https://www.austinconcreteartisans.com/5-stamped-concrete-overlay-ideas/