[Posted 24 Apr 2013 by Josh Teekell]
Would you like to beautify your Decks in Houston? Do you have a pool deck, patio deck, or an out-door area that needs an overhaul? Concrete coatings may be the best answer you will ever find to beautify your decks and outdoor areas: especially in terms value vs. cost.
Allied Outdoor Solutions is a specialist in sales and installations of “concrete coatings.” They have a huge variety of colors, styles, and applications for any concrete or deck beautification project. What is Allied Outdoor Solutions secret? They use the best modern technology available for these applications—CarveStone products.
CarveStone, originally developed to restore historic structures in Europe, has now become one of the strongest and most attractive concrete beautification materials on the market today.
The Allied outdoor Solutions family has been beautifying Decks in Houston for over two decades. These products will turn any old pool area into an exquisite and natural looking stone walk. The surfaces are much more comfortable than regular concrete, they are much easier to clean (and, if ever needed, repair), and the CarveStone products do not hold heat as do most pavement, wood decks, and normal concrete areas. This allows for a more relaxing and decorative pool area, but also one that is more pleasant to walk on in general.
One of the top complaints pool owners experience in their pool areas is the discomfort of walking in their bare feet around the pool. CarveStone products will feel smooth and cool to the touch, and the picturesque look this product adds will also enhance the atmosphere in your pool area.
[Posted 10 Apr 2013 by Josh Teekell]
You can easily beautify your home’s concrete Houston. Whether you have walkways, patios, pool decks or driveways you will increase your home’s value by maintaining or improving upon concrete surfaces exposed to the hot, Houston sun.
A favorite option is creating non-skid surfaces around pools and play areas. Just about any surface may be slippery when wet, but coating concrete with specially-designed non-skid surfaces creates a safer play environment. Non-skid surfaces both protect the design on the concrete floor as well as prevent wet feet from slipping. This is especially important for excited children who sometimes forget not to run around the pool.
You can apply interesting textures and designs to concrete Houston. An abstract pattern helps hide imperfections in concrete. Some homeowners prefer a symmetrical or repeating pattern, and the most impressive may be mosaic patterns in concrete that seem to create a picture. Some concrete textures look like marble or stone, and these home improvements greatly enhance the beauty and value of your property.
Concrete textures in Houston made to look like brick are especially impressive. They have the beautiful look of brick but are less labor-intensive and last longer.
Stained concrete not only makes an interesting and beautiful floor, but is easy to clean and does not harbor allergens. You may beautify the inside of your home by staining, dyeing or coating concrete floors and create an impressive entryway or living room. Beautify your home with concrete Houston.
[Posted 3 Apr 2013 by Josh Teekell]
Is your existing pool concrete in Austin looking a bit dismal and in need of a face lift? Has it become an eye sore with cracks and chips? The weather plays a very important part in the chipping and cracking of concrete and the extremely dry conditions, in Texas, may lead to some shifting of the soil and damage to your concrete.
When the weather does break, your current concrete, that is around your pool, can become more of a hazard to your family and friends. Regular concrete becomes very slippery when it gets wet. There is a way to improve the looks and safety of the existing concrete without the mess of tearing out the old and putting in the new.
You might want to check into concrete overlays to help improve your pool concrete that is in poor shape. Concrete overlays are easy to maintain and do not need to be resurfaced each year. That can save you money in the long run. Another advantage of concrete overlays is that they won’t get hot like concrete in Austin does in the summer heat and they are not as slippery when they get wet.
Concrete overlays come in different styles that are great for your pool area as well as driveways, sidewalks, or patios. You can pick from two styles that are traditional or classical. If you like, you can actually combine both styles to fit your taste.
After you use the concrete overlays to your concrete in Austin, you not only improve the area that is around the pool, you just may have increased the value of your home.
[Posted 19 Mar 2013 by Josh Teekell]
If you are in the process of considering pool deck resurfacing, Carvestone is an option you should not ignore. A pool deck that is worn out, in need of repair or simply outdated can keep you from enjoying your pool. It can also be harmful and dangerous. A new pool deck will not only be safer, it will be more visually appealing and you’ll once again fully enjoy your outdoor space.
There are many advantages to using Carvestone over other pool deck surfaces. For starters, it can be laid over almost any existing pool deck including cement, brick and tile. The biggest benefit to this is that the old surface doesn’t have to be torn out, eliminating the mess and saving time. Another advantage in choosing Carvestone pool deck resurfacing is that it is custom, meaning you choose the colors and the design. Our expert installers hand carve the pattern and install the grout by hand. The finished result looks just like stone!
Other reasons that should put Carvestone on the top of your list are that it doesn’t become slippery when wet. This is an important consideration for a pool deck that will often be exposed to water. Additionally, it doesn’t get hot even after hours of sunlight. These are important issues and safety concerns especially with the high heats of Texas summers!
For more information contact Allied Outdoor Solutions, the leaders in Houston pool deck resurfacing.
[Posted 13 Mar 2013 by Josh Teekell]
If you like to look at driveways, Houston has some interesting ones. You say you don’t spend too much time staring at boring gray concrete? You might be surprised at what is available in concrete these days. There are now resurfacing materials that can make what was once a dull building material look elegant. Existing concrete can be made to look like paving stones, brick, tile, or marble. There are even stains available that can make concrete look like gleaming hardwood flooring. Here are some ideas to consider for redesigning your driveway
1. Match the driveway to the home. When planning resurfaced driveways, Houston homeowners often choose a look that matches their housing style. Make sure the driveway matches the property’s color scheme and character. These outstanding drives can do a lot to beautify a property.
2. Add a border. Borders can add a dramatic flair. They can be added to already wide driveways with a saw cut line, some engraving and colored surfacing material to set the edge off from the rest of the driveway; this transitions well into landscaping.
3. Seal the driveway after staining it. Why seal concrete driveways? Houston doesn’t have that much freezing weather. It isn’t just ice and snow that can break down concrete. Cars can drip gas, oil or antifreeze, and rain can find its way into the tiniest cracks. Sealing not only gives the driveway a gleaming, fresh appearance, it helps lower future maintenance costs and makes the drive easier to clean.
[Posted 6 Mar 2013 by Josh Teekell]
Homeowners use decorative concrete in Austin homes to increase their property value. Every real estate agent will tell you that a fabulous curb appeal is crucial to attracting potential buyers. Many studies suggest that potential buyers skip viewing the interior of a listed property if the exterior does not look welcoming and well-maintained.
Updating a tired and chipped driveway is the perfect way to add value and curb appeal to your home. There are numerous options available from poured concrete to stamped concrete “stones”.
The best value, and one that requires no annual resurfacing, is concrete overlay. With CarveStone decorative concrete, Austin homeowners get the look and feel of real stone, without the costly and time-consuming maintenance.
Along with the driveway, many homeowners choose to upgrade their walkways and front-facing porticos. Homeowners can choose a traditional look with square-stone designs or opt for a more classical approach with the appearance of natural flagstone. Custom designs include a combination of both styles to add interest or draw attention to a special landscaping feature on the property.
CarveStone also keeps your spaces cooler because it doesn’t heat up in the scorching summer weather like many paving products. It provides a non-slippery surface (even when wet) and retains its beautiful surface for more than a decade.
Homeowners might consider do-it-yourself concrete resurfacing techniques to upgrade their interior floors once they have their new CarveStone drive in place. Next to curb appeal, inside flooring is one of the first things potential buyers notice.
[Posted 20 Feb 2013 by Josh Teekell]
Having an inviting look around the outdoor deck or patio is what homeowners strive for, and this is something that can be easily achieved by using stamped concrete Houston. With the warmer weather arriving soon, many families are looking forward to enjoying their outdoor pool again. Traditional concrete methods wear out after a few seasons, giving the pool deck area an unpleasant worn-out appearance.
Not only will a bright inviting ambiance around the outdoor deck make it more enjoyable, it will also increase a property’s value. This will come in handy when it’s time to sell, as prospective buyers will be impressed.
Tearing out the old concrete and doing it all over again is a messy and expensive proposition. By adding CarveStone over the existing concrete, an entirely new look can be achieved at a price that is surprisingly affordable. Not only is a bright and attractive new appearance achieved, but CarveStone is a safe non-slip surface that’s ideal for use around the pool area. This is definitely not the case when using tile, which turns into a slippery surface when wet.
Using stamped concrete Houston is not limited to outdoor decks, as it can also provide a beautiful appearance to driveways and walkways. This can enhance the exterior of the home while staying in harmony with the overall architecture. By using CarveStone, customers can choose specific design shapes within walkways or driveways to achieve a personalized look.
[Posted 20 Feb 2013 by Josh Teekell]
Among the installers who work with flagstone in Houston, prices can vary greatly. Some contractors focus on only fulfilling the minimal requirements of a job and completing it quickly, while others treat their projects as masterpieces. Homeowners can get an initial sense of how a contractor approaches laying flagstone, but they can only know how he views flagstone patios and walkways by seeing previous projects.
As with any home improvement project, homeowners should ask for references when selecting a flagstone installer. These references should either be nearby works that can be seen in person, or they should at least include pictures of the work. A simple written testimony from a previous customer is not enough. When observing the past work of a contractor, homeowners should look for:
Consistently spaced joints
No running bonds (continuous lines)
No four-way stops
Even stones
A variety of stone sizes
Consistently distributed color (if mixing colors)
These marks of quality reveal the craftsmanship of the contractor laying flagstone. Houston-area homes that have flagstone patios with consistent spacing and unique patterns look much better than those that are quickly installed without attention to detail. Because a flagstone patio or walkway is a long-term investment that adds value to a house, homeowners should seek out an installer whose previous jobs have these characteristics. For, he will approach installing his next flagstone patio as a work of art.
[Posted 12 Feb 2013 by Josh Teekell]
Spotting decorative concrete in Houston is not difficult to do. Many business owners and homeowners are opting for concrete over traditional methods due to added durability and less required maintenance. However, it can be tough to determine what exactly can be done with concrete. Here are three common uses for decorative concrete.
PORCHES, PATIOS, AND WALKWAYS: Of course, many businesses and homes are now featuring porches, patios, and walkways with decorative concrete. This includes both stained and stamped designs. In addition, faux flagstone and faux brick designs are often quite popular for these outdoor spaces.
AROUND POOLS AND SPAS: Those lucky enough to have pools and spas to escape the summer Texas heat are choosing to go with stained and stamped concrete around their backyard living spaces. Again, the faux flagstone option is becoming increasingly popular for this type of project.
INTERIOR CONCRETE: Last but not least, interior concrete designs are becoming super popular. Homeowners and restaurants especially love the easy addition of concrete countertops to their cooking and serving spaces. Concrete flooring, often stained, is becoming popular in new home construction. Custom designs, such as shapes and monograms, are also quite popular for front entry way floors and master suites.
Really, the only limit to decorative concrete styles is your imagination! For more information on our services and to obtain a quote, please visit our website at www.beautifyyourconcrete.com.
[Posted 7 Feb 2013 by Josh Teekell]
Concrete in Houston is becoming even more beautiful all the time! Why? Through the use of these three decorative trends, of course.
TREND #1: One of the newest trends in concrete design is creating concrete spaces to look like other materials. This includes stamping, staining, and etching driveways, patios, around backyard pools, and more. A few of the most popular designs right now in Texas include a wood grain pattern and faux flagstone. Brick, copper, and other elements have also been created.
TREND #2: Other homeowners are taking the monogram trend to a new level. They are stamping and staining their initial of choice right into their concrete flooring! This often includes interior floors, grand entry ways, gourmet kitchens, and master bath suites. Other designs, including stars and mini-murals, are also becoming popular.
TREND #3: Bright color is also making an appearance on concrete coatings in Houston. Texas homeowners are getting more creative with their palette choices, while still adding value to their home.
Allied Outdoor Solutions helps Harris County Homeowners beautify their interior and exterior concrete without spending too much of their budget. Our designs are truly unique and we strive to help you create the space you have always dreamed of.
For more information on our services and to obtain a quote, please visit our website at www.beautifyyourconcrete.com.
