Metric Concrete Construction & Design Inc.

Metric Concrete Construction & Design Inc. will create a spectacular environment for you and here are a few frequently asked questions:

Stamp Concrete

What are the most popular colors and patterns being used for stamped concrete today?

Natural stone patterns, such as slate and fieldstone, are the most prevalent, with brick and cobblestone running a close second. Seamless textures that resemble natural stone, but without joint lines, are also growing in popularity. The most popular colors tend to be grays and earth tones. However, brick patterns are often colored in red or russet hues.

What factors should I consider when selecting a color and pattern?

Many people get inspiration from their surrounding landscape and home’s architectural style when choosing a color and pattern. For example, if your house has a brick exterior, consider echoing that theme in the stamped concrete, whether in a simple brick-patterned border or the entire driveway.

How long will stamped concrete last?

Like conventional concrete, stamped concrete will last for decades when properly installed and maintained, even when exposed to harsh winter weather conditions. In some cases, stamped concrete can be even more durable than standard concrete, especially if a color hardener has been applied to the surface. Most contractors also apply a sealer to stamped concrete to protect it from wear and abrasion and make it easier to maintain.

Concrete Floors

Are decorative concrete floors expensive?

When compared with high-end floor coverings, such as ceramic tile, slate and marble, decorative concrete is often an economical alternative. Plus, skilled concrete artisans can duplicate the look of these pricier materials. The life expectancy of a concrete floor will also far surpass that of low- to mid-priced floor coverings, such as carpeting, vinyl tile and wood laminates. That means in the long run you can save money because you’ll never need to rip out and replace worn or damaged flooring.

Is decorative concrete flooring maintenance-free?

While concrete floors are relatively easy to maintain, compared with other types of floor surfaces, they aren’t completely maintenance free. How much maintenance your floor will need largely depends on the amount of traffic it receives. The maintenance needs of a residential floor will be much different than those for a floor in a high-traffic commercial or retail environment.

In most cases, residential floors experience light foot traffic, and a simple cleaning regimen of occasional sweeping and damp mopping will keep concrete floors looking like new for many years. Protecting concrete floors with a good sealer and a coat of floor finish or wax will make them even more resistant to stains, chemicals and abrasion. In areas of heavy traffic, such as entrances and foyers, you can reduce maintenance and wear and tear by using floor mats, both inside and outside of the entryways.

Stained Concrete

Why do people choose stained concrete?

Stained concrete appeals to many people who want to achieve unique decorative effects for a reasonable cost. For as little as $2 per square foot, you can use stains to create an infinite array of colors and special effects on both interior and exterior surfaces. Concrete stain does more than simply add color. Rather than produce a solid, opaque effect like paint or colored coatings, stains permeate the concrete to infuse it with rich, deep, translucent tones. Some stain manufacturers use adjectives such as “antiqued,” “variegated,” or “mottled” to describe the distinctive look. Even when treated with the same staining product in the same shade, no two concrete floors, walls, or countertops will look alike due to factors such as the composition and age of the concrete and surface porosity.

Can all concrete be stained?

Both acid and water-based stains can be applied to new or old and plain or integrally colored concrete. They can also be used both indoors and out, on everything from concrete floors and kitchen countertops to pool decks and driveways.

The most important consideration is the condition of the surface. If the concrete is covered by grime, glues, coatings, curing membranes, or sealers that inhibit the stain from soaking in, the stain won’t be able to penetrate and achieve full color development.

Can I stain concrete myself?

When applying stain, using the proper tools and application techniques is vital to achieving good results. Once the stain is down, the color is permanent—there’s no going back. If you have any doubts, hire the services of a professional, especially if you want to incorporate multiple colors and elaborate decorative effects.

How do I maintain stained concrete?

Although concrete stain is permanent and won’t flake off like paint, it penetrates only the top layer of the concrete surface and will eventually wear away as the surface is worn by traffic or weather exposure. To prolong stain life, you should protect exterior stained concrete surfaces with a clear sealer and interior floors with a good floor wax. To keep your stained concrete looking its best, you will also need to clean it periodically by dry dust mopping and occasional wet mopping with a neutral-pH cleaner.

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colored concrete
stamped concrete patterns

SIX REASONS WHY CONCRETE FLOORS ARE PET FRIENDLY

1) They resist pet stains and odors.
When the pores in concrete are sealed with a protective film-forming sealer or floor finish, pet urine can’t seep into the floor and leave behind lingering odors and stains.

2) They are easy to clean.
When your pets shed fur or race through your home with rain-soaked or muddy paws, cleaning up after them is no sweat if your floors are concrete. Just give the floor a few swipes with a broom, towel or mop, and the mess is history.

3) They won’t trap pet dander, fleas or mites.
In addition to fur, pets shed animal dander (flakes of skin) that can aggravate allergies in people who are sensitive. Smooth floor surfaces like concrete won’t trap this dander the way carpet will, making the dander easy to remove during routine cleaning. Concrete floors also won’t harbor fleas or mites that your pet may carry into the home.

4) They are nontoxic.
Synthetic carpets can emit volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, as can some of the products that accompany carpet installation such as adhesives and padding. Some of the adhesives used under vinyl sheet goods and linoleum can also emit VOCs. Concrete floors, stained with nontoxic pigments, do not release VOCs that can be harmful to you as well as your pets.

5) They are scratch resistant.
Playful, rambunctious pets and their claws can really scratch up hardwood flooring. Concrete floors are inherently scratch resistant, and when protected with a good sealer or floor wax, they are virtually scratch proof.

6) You can heat them.
Because hot air rises, many homes tend to be colder at floor level. And since that’s where your pets spend most of their time eating, sleeping and playing, the ability to warm up concrete floors with radiant heat will keep your pets comfortable while saving big money on your energy bills. And money saved is money you can now use to pamper your pets in style!

Thank you for your prompt and awesome service! They came and did the job within 2 weeks of hire and could not expect more.- Lisa Argiriou

OUR SERVICES

Stamped Concrete Patios
Concrete Polishing
Concrete Driveways
Exposed Aggregate
Patio Designs
Hardscape Patio Design
Stained Concrete Floors
Pool Decks
Basement Waterproofing
Basement Finishing
Custom Designs

Metric Concrete Construction & Design Inc. provides stamped and poured concrete services to the entire Philadelphia, Delaware and South Jersey area including: Philadelphia, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery, Bucks counties in Pennsylvania and Gloucester, Burlington, Camden, and Cape May counties in New Jersey as well as New Castle county in Delaware and all other Delaware Valley areas.