Concrete is amazing, powerful and fascinating. Its use goes back to the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Egyptians. However, it was John Smeaton, a British engineer who, in 1756, developed the first concrete mixture that could be considered related to modern concrete. It wasn’t until the early 1820s that Joseph Aspdin created Portland cement, called so because of its similarity to Portland stone, that became the mainstay of today’s concrete mixtures.
Concrete is comprised of some kind of aggregate, cement to bind the pieces, and water that results in a mixture that can be manipulated to take almost any shape. When the water evaporates, and the concrete is treated in specific ways, the result is a permanent structure. The aggregate is what makes the concrete look the way it does, and it has something to do with the way it behaves, as well. The aggregate can be pieces of stone, gravel, and other solid, impervious materials that will maintain their shape and structure after the concrete hardens. The cement is the flexible material that, when mixed with water, lets the concrete become fluid enough to take the desired form. The important thing to remember is that the concrete components must be mixed properly in order to provide the intended result. Too much or too little water as well as an improper amount of cement can cause problems. Many do-it-yourselfers have discovered this the hard way.
Gone are the days of plain concrete surrounding pools or found in parking lots, roads and bridges. People no longer have to hop around when walking on concrete because it is so painfully hot. Today’s concrete is versatile, gorgeous, functional, and creative. For those who live in LA, life is beautiful. Concrete Los Angeles CA is no exception. People looking for concrete Los Angeles contractors have come to the right place. In fact, there is almost nothing concrete can’t do.
Today, it’s almost impossible to find a company that has been around a long time and is proud of its work. Sprague’s Ready Mix has been Southern California’s specialty concrete supplier and contractor’s choice for more than eighty years. Their pride is evident in their project gallery. It is difficult to believe that concrete, that sandy stuff, can be used to create such beautiful pieces of art.
Sprague’s supplies concrete Los Angeles County and has for more than eighty years. Their experience provides the expertise necessary to come up with the right solutions for whatever can be envisioned. For those looking for concrete Los Angeles, Sprague’s makes the critical difference.
Finishes Change Everything
Concrete used to have just a few types of finishes. It could be smooth. Often, this kind of surface would end up being slippery, especially where cars would leak fluids. If that was a concern, the finish could be made rougher. Bare feet were not happy with that kind of finish. Cuts, abrasions, and scraped toes testified to the difficulties with that type of surface. Now, there are many kinds of finishes available that turn plain concrete into almost anything.
One way to style a different look for concrete is a process called stamping. For instance, a brick, flagstone, sandstone, natural stone, cobblestone, tile or hardwood finish can be fashioned with stamping. Molds are used to imprint the concrete with the desired pattern. Then the concrete must be completely cured, properly cleaned and, then, sealed. If these steps are not done properly, the surface will be easily marred. That is why it’s important for a professional, with the proper training and experience, to do the installation.
Staining concrete can add color and take advantage of the natural pattern of a concrete surface. If preferred, it can be combined with stamping for almost unlimited designs. The process is complicated and requires the expertise of a professional. The chemicals are dangerous and should be handled with care. Different color stains can be used to create designs that will leave one breathless. Each surface can be a work of art.
Colored concrete can be used as the basis for any desired structure. It can also be stained. That’s why it’s a good idea to select a color that will work well in the area being designed. It might not be a good idea to put a light, solid color in a playroom. A varied, darker color might be a better choice. Stamping can be used in conjunction with colored concrete for a one-of-a-kind finish. For instance, a playroom might be decorated with a permanent checker/chess board on the floor. Perhaps, “stars” could be imbedded in the ceiling. Such a room would be magical, indeed.
The House That Concrete Built
A concrete building can last for generations. As if strength and longevity weren’t enough, concrete is environmentally friendly and energy efficient. Combined with other materials, a concrete house can go green. Such a home is well worth an investment of time and money because it can be enjoyed for so long and can save money in the long run.
Imagine a dream house. The plans have been completed, and it’s time to begin construction. It will be a showcase for the use of concrete. Of course, it will be on a concrete slab. That is a common use of the material. While most of it is out of sight, the quality must be excellent, as well as the installation, because it is the foundation of the entire house. Anyone who has seen a concrete garage floor or driveway with significant cracks understands the importance of the foundation.
Contemporary building techniques have addressed many of the problems that were once associated with concrete slab construction. It is no longer necessary to destroy a section of a floor or wall to get to the utilities. Construction options allow utilities to be made accessible in case there is ever a problem. Once the foundation is poured and ready, it’s time to move on to the exterior and interior walls.
This house will be built using concrete bunker blocks. This is a specialty product offered by Sprague’s. These blocks provide strength and are an excellent beginning for any structure. Termites and other pests can’t destroy concrete and neither can squirrels or other critters. Higher ceilings can be achieved with additional layers of bunker blocks. The ceiling is the limit.
Ceilings
There are many ways to finish a ceiling. A concrete finish can incorporate a design that will lend elegance to a room. Under the hands of a master craftsman, there are numerous ways to use the characteristics of concrete to craft a ceiling that will add to a room’s character. Each room can use a ceiling that will enhance the look and use of the room. For instance, a bathroom ceiling might be smooth to allow for easier cleaning and mold control because of the humid atmosphere while a kitchen ceiling might be built to handle the food particles and grease that might be in the air because of cooking. It needs to be easy to clean, as well.
Wall Structures and Finishes
Walls, too, can be finished in concrete. Concrete is versatile. It’s possible to mix shells or colorful rocks that will reflect the light. Such mixtures can result in unique walls that will add a special quality to each room. There is no limit to what can be accomplished when concrete is mixed with imagination. Mirrors can be imbedded in the concrete in ways that will contribute depth and space to a room. Tiles can also be used to add character.
Another idea to consider is that walls do not have to be straight. When concrete is used, curves can be added that will result in hallways that are interesting and special rooms that are delightful. A playroom or other room that doesn’t require a lot of furniture placed against walls is perfect for such an application. Curved hallways can result in a beautiful utilization of space that used to just be a way to get to another area of the house. Bookshelves can be added, so the hallway can be useful as well.
Shelves can be built into the walls. They can stamped, stained, or colored, so they will be decorative as well as useful. They will be strong enough to support almost any weight. Even empty, they will be lovely to look at. Single decorative shelves or complete bookshelves can become a permanent part of any room.
A concrete fireplace will add warmth to any room in a house. The mantel and frame can be concrete as well. Colorful pieces can be incorporated in the mixture that will reflect the light of the fire and create patterns of light on the walls and in the room. Such a fireplace will not only heat a room but heat up the conversation as admirers comment on its beauty.
Floors Are More Than Just Something to Walk On
Forget everything that has been accepted as fact when it comes to concrete floors. They are not cold and damp. Today’s structures are built with new methods that permit temperatures to be more easily controlled. Therefore, floors are not condemned to be cold. In addition, basements constructed with moisture barriers will not suffer from damp floors. All the techniques used to provide colorful, patterned concrete can be used to create exquisite floors.
It is also a simple matter to create different levels with ramps instead of stairs. This adds variety and interest to a house. It is also sensible because while doors can easily be enlarged if wheelchair access is needed, it is far more expensive to replace stairs with ramps. If ramps are built into a house, they are created in a way that is not only functional but ornamental, as well. A one-story house can have one or more gentle levels that add interest to rooms and hallways. These ramps can incorporate rails and elevated sides to ensure safety. These additions can be lovely to look at as well as an important safety barrier.
Another approach that can be considered is the inclusion of sunken areas of the floor. Some can be used as conversation pits. Others can be only an inch or two deep, so rugs can be placed in them. These rugs do not move as readily as those placed on a level floor. They can be easily changed when a new décor is wanted. A raised area can also be used for unusual displays or gathering areas.
Countertops For Kitchens, Bathrooms, Outdoor Applications, and Workshops
It’s time to look at concrete countertops Los Angeles. That’s right. Unique, custom countertops can be created that will suit any taste and space requirement. Depending on the preference and use, the countertop can be 1.5” to 2” thick. Greater thicknesses pose structural problems, but the use of concrete is flexible enough to allow the creation of almost any illusion suggesting an area is more solid concrete than it really is.
Almost any shape can be fashioned that will result in a kitchen that is utilitarian yet stunning. A custom edge and backsplash as well as drain boards can be added for functionality and design. Once completed, they will be resilient as well as chip and stain resistant. Any number of finishes can be used as well as colors and patterns. Whatever theme is desired can be reflected in the design of kitchen countertops. It is possible to provide all the flat space needed for any kind of cooking. Cleanup is easier when there is plenty of space. Whatever the requirement, concrete countertops can respond to the need. The cook is in charge and can design a kitchen that will make life easier, more efficient and more beautiful. In a kitchen, different levels can be used to make certain tasks easier and create a look that is eye-catching as well. Once the concrete parts of the kitchen are completed, cabinets can be placed on the wall and the floor as needed.
Bathroom countertops serve a different purpose. They need to provide room, but not as much as a kitchen. Will there be one or two sinks? Will there be a shower or a bathtub? What about a sunken bathtub? Countertops and other bathroom pieces can be fashioned from concrete in a way that will be unique to each bathroom. Different levels can be used to make it easier for children or the handicapped to use the facilities. In fact, a completely handicapped accessible bathroom can be built for the ultimate in comfort and convenience.
A dining room can include an alcove large enough for a china cabinet. This creates an interesting line. Even a dining room table can be fashioned from concrete. A wet bar can be part of a dining or living room depending on the preference, and all of it can be created with concrete.
For those who cook outdoors frequently, concrete can be used to create countertops that will provide support for cooking as well as a beautiful place to eat that good food. Even concrete benches can be made that will match the rest of the cooking area. Everything will be able to tolerate the weather without losing its beauty. It’s simple to clean especially because it is outdoors. After scrubbing surfaces down with soapy water, a hose can finish the job. Talk about easy.
The Great Outdoors
Porous or pervious concrete is a relatively new development. What it does is eliminate water runoff. It is considered a “green” solution to the problems associated with runoff in developed areas. Instead, it absorbs the water much like dirt would. It can do this because there is little sand in the mixture. Larger gravel-like pieces allow for spaces where water can be absorbed and passed through to the soil below as if it were more like soil itself. Parking areas can be far less damaging to the surrounding area when built with pervious concrete. This reduces the chance of flooding that can sometimes be the result of traditional concrete parking lots and streets. That means that parking lots and other concrete surfaces are better for the environment which is better for everyone.
Driveways, Entranceways, Ramps and Stairs
Pervious concrete can be used in many outdoor applications to reduce yard flooding that can cause damage to foundations, plants, and other outdoor structures. A front walkway, driveway, or other surface that would be well suited to the use of concrete can benefit from being more porous than traditional concrete.
Gardens Are Enhanced With Concrete Walkways, Fountains and Planters
Walkways to a door, a fountain or birdbath, or functional yet beautiful concrete planters can be built with concrete. A fountain or birdbath might be built using traditional concrete because they are required to hold water while walkways and planters could be constructed using pervious concrete because they need to absorb water. Delicate plants placed alongside a walkway would suffer with excess runoff, and plants can rot if left in standing water after a rain or watering. Just choose the right concrete for the job.
Fish Ponds and Pools
Fish ponds and concrete pools can be exquisite. A grotto or waterfall can be part of the landscape. A shower area can be included that will be welcoming and private, as well. The deck can be comfortable and cool to the feet without being dangerous and slippery. A riot of colors and patterns can be used. Trees and plants can be incorporated in a way that will result in a back yard paradise. The right kind of creative lighting will add an ethereal quality to such a stunning type of living art. Perhaps a kiddie pool can be included, as well. The sky’s the limit. And what’s more, it can be enjoyed for many years.
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. A house of concrete is a house built to last. From concrete countertops Los Angeles to concrete floors and ceilings, there is almost nothing that can’t be built better when built with concrete. The right concrete Los Angeles contractors make all the difference in the world. Sprague’s is the home of creative concrete applications. When thinking of concrete Los Angeles, think of Sprague’s.
Today, many products are built to deteriorate and fail. That’s not true of concrete structures. They are built to last. Buildings fashioned with concrete Los Angeles County will be here long after traditional structures have been rebuilt and replaced many times. Concrete Los Angeles CA is the answer to the questions of what and how to build the building of the future.