Published by: The Concrete Network
ISBN: 0-9747737-0-0
98 Pages, 8-1/2 x 11, Shipping Weight: 1.15 lbs.

Learn how to turn concrete slabs into works of art your customers will cherish, and in return, reward you with a lifetime of repeat business.

This new book shows you concrete design options available today, how to estimate costs of different techniques and compare those costs to other floor covering options such as carpet, wood floors, tile, or marble.

Find out how to sell your services, write a contract for floor staining, then keep notes and records so you can repeat your performance.

Large color photos show how to correct problem floors, test your stain before beginning, apply dyes, grouts and sealers, and specialty techniques. Full of charts, helpful hints and step-by-step instructions.

About the Author, 5

Introduction, 7

1 Why Stamped Concrete Is So Popular, 11

2 Stamped Concrete Offers a Wide Spectrum of Design Options, 15

3 Where Do Good Designs for Stamped Concrete Come From?, 18

4 Budget Analysis of Stamped Concrete, 20

5 Site Conditions Affecting Stamped Concrete Work, 25

6 Mix Design Considerations for Stamped Concrete, 28

7 Improving the Durability of Stamped Concrete, 32

8 Establishing Expectations with the Builder, Architect, and Owner, 36

9 Writing a Fair Contract, 40

10 Chronicling Your Work, 43

11 The Importance of Safety, 46

12 Stamped Concrete Pictorial Overview, 51

13 Methods of Coloring Stamped Concrete, 58

14 Subgrade Preparation, 63

15 Erecting the Forms, 64

16 Installing Reinforcement, 68

17 Placing the Concrete, 72

18 Striking Off and Finishing the Concrete, 79

19 Applying Color Hardener, 83

20 Applying the Release Agent, 88

21 The Concrete Stamping Process, 93

22 Curing Stamped Concrete, 101

23 Installing Joints, 104

24 Release Removal, 110

25 Fixing Minor Flaws, 115

26 Sealing Stamped Concrete, 118

27 Tools, Equipment, and Supplies, 122

28 How to Sell Stamped Concrete Work, 128

29 Taking Stamped Concrete Over the Top, 131

Glossary, 134

Resources, 138

CHAPTER 1
WHY STAMPED CONCRETE IS SO POPULAR

There are many reasons why a growing legion of homeowners, businesses, and municipalities are choosing stamped concrete to enhance their landscapes and buildings.

One is permanence: Concrete is one of the most durable building materials known to man, making it ideal for pavements subject to heavy wheel or foot traffic, such as driveways and sidewalks. After final set, concrete achieves a hardness equivalent or superior to stone.

Cost is another reason why many people choose stamped concrete over alternative decorative paving materials, such as masonry paving units or natural stone. Concrete can mimic the beauty of these materials, but is much more economical. (See Chapter 4, Budget Analysis of Stamped Concrete, for stamped concrete cost comparisons.)

Much of this cost savings is due to concrete's speed of installation when compared with natural materials, which allows installers to be more productive. Stamped concrete can simply be poured or pumped into place; no lifting or placing of heavy individual units is required. Installing a 2,000 square foot stamped project can take five days or less from start to finish, versus 10 to 12 days for the installation of natural stone.

Probably the biggest reason for the popularity of stamped concrete is design flexibility. Unlike stone, concrete offers unlimited design options because it can be shaped, imprinted, textured, and colored to achieve almost any look imaginable. If the ultimate goal is to mimic a natural material, that's possible too with the creative blending of different colors. I often study the actual colors of the stone we are trying to replicate, and that helps me visualize the best colors to use to enhance the realism of the stamped concrete design.

The texture of stamped concrete can also be a big plus. If you are paving on a slope, for example, stamped surfaces can provide additional traction. On flat surfaces, the courser texture can help prevent slips and falls, improving the safety of public walkways.

Another attribute of stamped concrete is aesthetic value. Because of its design flexibility, stamped concrete can blend harmoniously with almost any type of architecture, whether it's a brick house or a commercial building clad in limestone. In many cases, the concrete outside a building is the first structural element people encounter. When it complements the architecture, it can make quite an impression. Retailers often use stamped concrete outside their stores to attract the attention of passersby, and thus encourage them to come in and browse.

Another feature unique to stamped concrete is the ability to customize the product. Some manufacturers produce custom stamps that allow you to imprint designs found in nature, such as a fern leaf or an animal footprint, or one-of-a-kind graphics, such as a company logo.

Where is stamped concrete being used?

Stamped concrete is especially popular in the residential market-with driveways, pool decks, and patios being in the greatest demand. Probably about 60 percent of the work I do is for this market. A lot of people are even using stamped concrete for the interior floors of their homes, to mimic slate or tile or to produce elaborate patterns.

But you're also seeing more stamped concrete outside commercial and public facilities. On a trip to Hawaii, I noticed the pavements outside the Maui airport are virtually all stamped concrete. Many ballparks, stadiums, and theme parks also specifying stamped concrete, due to its aesthetic appeal, competitive cost, and quick installation.

Even municipalities and transportation departments are starting to use stamped concrete. For example, I've seen brightly colored stamped brick designs used in concrete median islands dividing roadways to make them more visible.

Decorative stamped concrete is no longer considered a niche market. It has now the mainstream!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bob Harris is known worldwide in the decorative concrete industry and is founder and president of the Decorative Concrete Institute in Douglasville, Georgia.

He has personally placed and/or supervised the placement of over 3 million square feet of decorative concrete, including work for some of the major Disney theme parks in Orlando, Florida.

He has conducted hands-on training seminars in architectural concrete in locations around the world, in addition to being a part of technical support, and research and development at a large decorative concrete manufacturer for almost a decade.

In addition to sharing his expertise with others through his involvement with numerous industry associations, Harris been a presenter at four consecutive World of Concrete Trade Shows. At the 2004 World Concrete Trade Show, Harris delivered four presentations on topics including: Acid Etch Staining, Sandblast Stencil Techniques, How to Get Started in Decorative Flatwork and Advanced Decorative Overlays. He also spoke at the 2004 World of Concrete Mexico Trade Show.

His dream for many years has been to put down onto paper the knowledge he received from his extensive field experience and training to teach others the many techniques he has learned.

His dream was realized in early 2004 with the release of the first book in the Bob Harris Decorative Concrete Collection, Bob Harris' Guide to Stained Concrete Interior Floors. The book has been an industry bestseller since its release in February 2004 - selling through the American Concrete Institute, Portland Cement Association, The Concrete Network and dozens of construction supply houses and architectural bookstores across the United States and around the world.

Bob Harris' Guide to Stamped Concrete is the second book in the Bob Harris Decorative Concrete Collection and was written with a simple goal: to provide the most useful reference available for learning and improving stamped concrete skills.