Posts By: Admin

Superior Decorative Concrete Solutions to Satisfy Your Every Need

Gone are the days when concrete was just a base material for various structures. From base, it has now reached a superior level, thanks to various decorative concrete options available today. Rather than being just a medium that gives everything its basic foundation, concrete can already be used as an enhancement. How? Through resurfacing and refinishing.

Concrete Resurfacing

Resurfacing is the process of changing the top layer and replacing it with a newer and better material. This is a great repair option for concrete surfaces that have minor cracks, holes, or any sign of spalling or scaling. The overlay or coating covers up the surface, filling in the gaps, and protecting the slab underneath. Popular resurfacing options include Stamped concrete overlay, Spray knockdown texture, Epoxy flooring, and Polyurea polyaspartic coating.

Concrete Refinishing

Contrary to resurfacing, this is meant to only change the appearance or finish, keeping the top layer intact. If there is any damage on the surface, it is first repaired before refinishing is performed. A concrete refinishing company like Sundek of PA uses methods such as Stained concrete, Concrete sealing, and Polished concrete.

Top Benefits of Decorative Concrete Refinishing and Resurfacing

Concrete is the staple material for almost any construction or remodeling project. With decorative concrete, it has become even more significant in both the residential and commercial industry. What else makes resurfacing and refinishing huge hits?

• Cost – Compared to topping off concrete slabs with tile, stone, or carpets, installing an overlay or coating is a more affordable option. The same goes as compared to removing the concrete slabs and replacing it with a new pour.
• Design – The selection of pattern and color is almost limitless. You can mix and match different design options to acquire the exact look you want without using high-end materials.
• Maintenance – As long as properly installed and sealed, a refinishing or resurfaced driveway, pool deck, patio or other surface is very easy to clean and maintain. Occasional sweeping and dry mopping are good enough. It does not require any special cleaning product, but if you want to use one, consult a pro to make sure it is safe to use on the overlay or coating.

Why look elsewhere when decorative concrete can do it all for you? Call (888) 491-2200 today for a free consultation!

When it comes to optimizing concrete surfaces, Sundek of PA is a reliable decorative concrete contractor in Philadelphia like no other. We have a team of professionals who specialize in concrete patio resurfacing and refinishing concrete pool decks, driveways, interior floors, garage flooring, and more. We’d love to talk more about it and give you the information you need to help you with your plans. Please do give us a call or send us an email. We could set up an in-home consultation with you, free of charge.

Pool Deck Paint Vs Stain: What’s Best for Concrete Pool Decks?

Enhancing a pool deck doesn’t have to be something that involves the use of expensive materials and complicated work. A mere layer or two of concrete pool deck paint or stain could immediately enhance the look at a more comfortable price. While these two share the same goal, they are two different options. Which one should you choose and why?

Pool Deck Paint: Pros and Cons

Painting is a traditional method of adding color to any concrete surface, both horizontal and vertical. It comes in a wide range of colors and paint experts can even mix them to create a custom color that matches your preference. The paint dries to an opaque finish, covering up any unsightly stain or blemish that the concrete deck may have. Patterns and designs can be customized to make the deck a creative work of art. This method of adding color to a deck is one of the easiest to apply. However, it can be quite messy so make sure that surrounding areas are protected.

The downside to paint is that it creates a thin film of color on top of the concrete deck, but does not penetrate the slab. It traps moisture in and when that happens, there is a possibility that the layer of paint would separate from the deck, causing it to bubble, flake, and peel. 

Acid and Water-Based Stain: Pros and Cons

Concrete staining is a popular refinishing method that is similar to wood staining. It comes in two types: acid and water-based. Acid stains create random shades and effects that make it look like marble, stone, or even leather. No two concrete slabs react the same way so every surface is unique. Water-based stains are more consistent. Both dry to a finish that leans more to semi-translucent than opaque. Concrete stains last longer than paint because it penetrates deep within the slab. This means it won’t fade, peel, or flake off. 

The process of staining is not as simple as painting the deck. It is highly recommended to hire a pro to apply the stain. For acid stains, the deck needs to be prepared to ensure proper adherence. The only minor downside to staining is how unpredictable the results are. The acid stain look will depend on how much lime and mineral the slab contains. The color may not also dry exactly as it looks on a color swatch. Make sure to test a bit of the stain on an inconspicuous spot to see how dark or light it will be when fully dry.

Pool Deck 101: Resurfacing or Repair?

A pool area has become more than just a luxury. Almost every home either has an existing one or is on the way to installing one. Because it is often located outdoors, a concrete pool deck is prone to damage. When you notice cracks and holes in the concrete, is a concrete repair more preferable or would a resurfacing be more appropriate? Here’s a look at both options to help you come up with a sound decision.

Concrete Resurfacing

Resurfacing means to take a bit of topping from an existing concrete pool deck and replacing it with a new layer.

• Decorative concrete has become popular in the remodeling industry and several solutions are ideal for pool decks, such as concrete stamping overlays and spray knockdown coatings.
• This costs a bit more than patching and filling repairs because it resurfaces the entire deck and not just the spots where damage is evident. It may also require concrete sealers that serve as a protective layer.
• Another difference of resurfacing a pool deck from repairing it is that it needs to be done by a professional concrete contractor. Hiring a pro to repair concrete pool deck is optional. Resurfacing a deck requires skill and expertise to acquire proper and long-lasting results.
• Aesthetic-wise, resurfacing a pool deck guarantees an improved look. There is a wide range of designs and colors available for your picking.
• A resurfacing procedure can be done right after repairs. The layer of coating or overlay helps cover up the ugly patches that resulted after a crack or hole is filled up.

Concrete Repair

Repairing concrete often involves some patching, filling, and the like.

• There are many different products available nowadays to effectively cover up holes and fill cracks and gaps.
• Some people prefer this because it targets only the spots that need repairs and not the entire pool deck. This means it only requires minimal materials and labor, thus, incurring fewer costs than resurfacing the whole surface.
• The downside to a concrete repair is that the patches and fillers only improve function and extend the lifespan. The aesthetic property is often compromised after a repair.
• A repair, however, can be followed by a resurfacing to take care of its aesthetics. Since a coating or overlay is applied on an existing concrete surface, repairing concrete before the application is a common step in the resurfacing process.

Seal Garage Floor or Not? – Pros and Cons of Concrete Sealing

There is probably no other floor as hardworking as garage floors are. It carries the weight of the vehicle and all other stored items in the garage. It is exposed to spilled oil, chemicals, and grease. It acquires holes, cracks, and dents upon contact with falling tools. All these are just some of the reasons why professional concrete contractors recommend concrete sealing the garage floor. Here is a brief look at the pros and cons of concrete sealers.

Pros of Concrete Sealing

• Sealers help a concrete garage floor repel moisture. Concrete is a very porous material. A layer of sealer seals the pores, keeping it from absorbing any moisture on it.
• A layer or two of sealer will help extend the lifespan of a garage floor. It serves as a protective layer that keeps damaging elements at bay.
• Sealing the garage floor helps enhance its aesthetics. Epoxy flooring, for example, dries to a really high gloss, making the floor look polished and shiny.
• If you have a colored concrete garage flooring, sealers can help keep the color from fading, flaking, or peeling off.
• Sealers keep any type of liquid from staining the garage floor. Remember how easy it was for grease and oil to leave ugly stain marks on the floor? With a layer of sealer, the grease and oil stay on the surface, making it easy to wipe away completely.

Cons of Concrete Sealing

• Sealer application is an additional expense for the homeowner. The wider the floor area, the more sealer is needed, the more expensive it will be.
• Some concrete sealers dry glossy, making the surface less slip-resistant. However, fine aggregate can be added to add some kind of non-skid texture when it dries.
• Sealers will dull and fade after a few years. Faster if the garage floor experiences heavy vehicle and foot traffic. It would need to be reapplied every couple of years or so.
• Sealing products can not be used on newly poured concrete. Homeowners would have to wait 28 to 30 days when the concrete has completely cured. Applying the sealer too early will be detrimental to the durability of the new concrete slab.
• Most sealers are made of chemicals that can be dangerous to both humans and the environment. Environment-friendly versions are being developed nowadays but it costs more than traditional sealing products.

Need a contractor in your area?  Visit Sundek.com

Creative & Smart Garage Organization Ideas

When people organize the house, more often than not, all unwanted stuff go to the garage. It becomes some sort of storage room with all the stuff propped up against the wall, sitting on the garage floors, or shoved into cabinets ready to burst open. This is one reason why the garage is often messy and disorganized. The solution to a cleaner and more organized garage is not to move stored stuff to another room. There are smart and creative ways to make it beautiful, spacious, and functional.

Creative Pegboards

A pegboard is one of the most versatile materials around. You often see them in department store displays. While it is not a new option for garages, it can be made more creative and fun. Instead of leaving it white or brown, why not paint over it in a color that matches the rest of the garage? It would look more connected and more stunning this way. 

Improved Garage Flooring

No matter how spic and span the garage is, it would still look messy if the garage floor is dirty, stained, and damaged. Transforming it into an epoxy flooring can help make it easier to the eyes for a longer time. The great thing about the epoxy coating is that it is a lot easier to clean and maintain.

Adding Caster Wheels

Caster wheels, like those found under swivel chairs, make anything portable. If you work in the garage a lot and need more than one item at a time, putting all those stuff in a bin with caster wheels make it easier to move it around. This way, you won’t have to walk back and forth getting and returning every single item you use. Make sure to apply concrete sealers on your garage floor to keep it from acquiring wheel marks.

Handy Mason Jars

If you have leftover paint, don’t leave them in their original cans. Not only will this take up space, the cans will also be a lot more difficult to open when you need it. Instead, transfer leftover paint in clear glass mason jars. It saves space and makes it easier for you to find the right paint color you need. Mason jars are also great for storing small items like nails, hooks, and the like.