• Wood Stamped Concrete – Beautiful and Durable

    Everyone loves the look of a beautiful hardwood floor. What can be more Pinterest-worthy? However, true hardwood floors are costly and require some significant maintenance. Even durable wood flooring can be susceptible to water damage and the scratches that come with normal wear and tear. Other faux wood options, like laminate and tile, offer varying degrees of durability and cost depending on materials and brand.

    One of our favorite lines of Proline concrete stamps is the wood planks. These diverse stamps give your floor or patio the look and color of wood with the great benefits of concrete. Not sure if they’re right for your project? Read on to learn more about these incredible tools!

    Wood Plank Concrete Stamped Deck

    Types of wood concrete stamps

    Calico Construction Products offers Proline’s full line of wood plank concrete stamps. Thanks to our variety of stamps and color options, you can create a look that mimics classic wood, weathered wood, and more.

    • Boardwalk: Highly life-like, right down to the pegs in the planks. Each plank is 12″ wide and comes in 4′, 6′ & 8′ lengths.
    • End Grain 6″ Post: This truly unique pattern replicates the ends of 6″ x 6″ posts. Each square has a circular wood grain, giving it the look of real wood posts.
    • Hand Hewn Timber Plank: Go for the rustic look with these stamps that provide a realistic hand-cut look. Available in 16” planks.
    • Parquet Wood: Replicate the look of parquet (small blocks of wood laid in a regular pattern) with concrete! In diagonal 6″ planks and straight 8” planks.
    • Random Boardwalk Wood Plank with Knots: A lifelike option, down to the knots. Available in 6” and 8” plank
    • Reclaimed Timber Plank: Reclaimed lumber is extremely popular yet often expensive. Concrete will get you the same look but with so many benefits! Available in 8”, 12”, and 16” planks.

    NEW Reclaimed Timber

    The Reclaimed Timber Plank is by far the most popular in the wood plank concrete stamp offering. So much so, Proline introduced the first stamp in their innovative new line of Super Stamps in the 10” Reclaimed Timber. This Reclaimed Timber 10″ Gang Tool is a fraction of the weight of traditional large tools. Double the stiffness and composite construction make the SUPER SERIES virtually indestructible. Check out the NEW S-BWR270 SET or the individual pieces.

    Where to use wood concrete texture stamps

    Concrete stamps are a smart way to transform patios and interior floors. Get the look of real wood with the durability and easy maintenance of concrete. Plus, thanks to the endless color options, concrete can accentuate and enhance any design aesthetic.

    • Wood stamped concrete patios: Transform a plain concrete patio into a look-alike deck. A wood stamped patio has the rustic look of wood, including realistic grain patterns and textures!
    • Wood stamped concrete floors: Concrete floors are a great option for high traffic areas, both in businesses and in homes. Thanks to concrete’s durability, easy maintenance, and color options, this is an increasingly popular flooring option.
    • Wood stamped concrete pool decks: To create a warm, inviting pool area, use wood stamps on a concrete pool deck. A real wood pool deck looks beautiful but it’s not so practical. Wood gets damaged by moisture and chemicals. Plus, you don’t want slivers in bare feet! Wood stamps mimic the beautiful look but with a fraction of the maintenance.

    How to really enhance your wood-stamped concrete

    First off, if you’re going for a real-wood look, then you’ve got to incorporate the right colors. Luckily, this is a breeze with concrete. Try Water-Based Acrylic Stains in browns, blacks, reds, and grays, depending on the type of wood you’re imitating. Consider different finish techniques such as rolling, sponging, and brushing. Water, when sprayed on during application, can blend and soften the colors.

    Secondly, consider border art or decorative accents that will tie the look together. Personalize the area with rustic or classic embellishments or consider a statement piece like a medallion or compass rose.

    Wood Plank Concrete Stamped Kitchen Floor

    Benefits of concrete

    There are so many benefits to concrete!

    #1) Durability is a major benefit. Concrete is so hard and strong that it’s not easily damaged. It can handle pets, messes, heavy furniture, and dropped items. When properly installed, concrete lasts for years.

    #2) Concrete is also easy to maintain. When sealed correctly, concrete requires a sweeping and damp mopping to get clean. While cracks can occur over time, they’re often easy to fix with a simple patch kit.

    #3) The ability to add radiant heat is another attractive benefit of concrete, especially for interior floors.

    #4) Concrete is less expensive than hardwood and labor is usually cheaper too.

    #5) Concrete is highly customizable when stains, tints, and other decorative features are used.

    Shop wood stamps at Calico Construction Products

    We have all the supplies you need for your faux wood concrete project. We take pride in helping our customers create fantastic concrete surfaces with our expertise and attention to detail. Browse our online store and contact us at 800-221-9469 if you have any questions!

    , ,
    , , ,
  • The Beauty of Concrete Countertops

    Does the idea of a concrete countertop seem a little boring or cold? Think again! Thanks to the incredible customization options of concrete, a concrete countertop can be a beautiful, warm feature that is both functional and design-forward. Learn about the pros and cons of concrete and decide if they’re right for your project!

    Benefits of concrete countertops

    Concrete countertops are a great option for commercial spaces, like bars and restaurants, but they also work well in homes. Whether kitchens, backyard patios, or even bathrooms, concrete counters are a beautiful addition.

    Pro: Completely customizable

    This is definitely the biggest perk to a concrete counter! Thanks to the available textures and finishes, your countertop can match literally any design style, whether you want a rustic look, a modern look, or something in-between. Thanks to stamps and an array of tinting options, your concrete can mimic tile, wood, marble, granite, and more! Plus, consider polishing the surface or embedding stone or decorative glass for a truly one-of-a-kind piece. Thanks to the handmade nature of a concrete countertop, it’s also easy to cast useful features like trivets or cutting boards.

    Pro: Durable

    Durability is another major benefit when it comes to concrete countertops. Not only is concrete inherently durable, but countertop concrete mixes usually contain glass fibers too, which enhances the overall strength. This mix means that both overhangs and seamless sections are no problem. When properly sealed and maintained, a concrete countertop can last 50 years!

    Drawbacks to concrete countertops

    Concrete has a few drawbacks, too, although we tend to think the pros outweigh any cons!

    Con: Staining

    Concrete countertops are susceptible to some staining. And since these countertops last so long, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared to mitigate any stain damage. Regular applications of sealer and wax will help protect the surface. Any spills need to be taken care of immediately – don’t let liquid sit on the surface. But personally? We love not having to clean grout lines!

    Possible cons: Time and cost

    Comparing the time and money it takes to install a concrete countertop versus a more conventional material is tricky. In general, it used to be that concrete counters took longer to install due to their handcrafted and custom nature. (Plus, concrete needs to cure!) The cost also tended to be higher due to the labor. But in 2022, much of this conventional wisdom has been thrown out the window thanks to high demand, labor shortages, and material shortages. To best compare these factors, you’ll probably need to get some real-life quotes. The situation is so dynamic that it’s hard to estimate.

    Is a concrete countertop right for your project?

    Weighing the pros and cons is very much up to the specifics of the project. However, we tend to think that concrete’s 50-year lifespan and vast customization options outweigh any cons. (We love concrete, though, so we may be biased!) Our overall opinion tends to be that concrete is a good fit if you have a unique counter setup, you want all the bells and whistles, and you love to make a statement!

    How is a concrete countertop installed?

    It sounds like a major job if you don’t know how concrete is installed, but a professional will make it look easy. Countertops can either be poured in place or precast.

    A precast involves building a mold, pouring the concrete, letting it cure, and then installing it in place. This method can work for certain projects and it provides many customization options, especially when it comes to embedding cool materials. However, it’s difficult to use edge molds and creating holes for sinks or faucets can get confusing. Not to mention that moving the finished piece into place is a significant undertaking.

    Pouring in place is a popular option that many contractors find to be easier. It consists of covering the existing cabinets with plywood and building a form around the edges. Concrete is poured into the form and, once fully dry, the form is removed to reveal the new counter. This method works extremely well for including fancy edge molds and it also removes the necessity of moving a very large and heavy piece of concrete through your home.

    How should you maintain your concrete countertop?

    To keep your counter looking great for decades, it’s usually recommended to take a few steps.

    • Apply a food-safe wax if your counter will be used as a food prep area.
    • Reseal your counter once a year to prevent stains and water absorption.
    • Wipe up spilled liquids immediately.
    • Clean the counter with a mixture of dish soap and water.
    • Don’t use any abrasive cleaners.
    • Use trivets for hot pans since they can damage the sealer.

    Contact Calico Construction Products

    Ready to get started on a concrete countertop project? Contact Calico at 800-221-9469 if you want to chat. Our concrete pros are happy to talk through any problems or questions you have. Or if you’re ready to get shopping, shop our selection of concrete stamps, form and edge liners, colors, and sealers.

    , ,
    , , , , ,
  • 5 Stamped Concrete Trends in 2022

    Do you want to make sure your stamped concrete projects earn a stamp of approval this year?  Learn what we’ve been seeing and what we anticipate homeowners will be looking for in 2022!

    Trend #1: Renewed focus on outdoor living

    It’s true that outdoor living surged in popularity during the pandemic. And while this trend may not be “new” exactly, we’re here to tell you that it’s not going away any time soon! That’s because making the most of yard space makes sense for many reasons. Enhancing outdoor areas to be comfortable and utilitarian is a smart way to make the most of your available space while also giving you an enjoyable way to entertain. Whether you’re upgrading a patio or creating an outdoor kitchen (or something in between!), homeowners love a functional and beautiful outdoor space.

    Color Hardener – Powdered Antique Release – EZ-Tique Antiquing Washing – Smith’s Color Floor – Italian slate seamless stamps – 2″ Denali liners Perry’s Decorative Concrete in Shelby, OH

    Trend #2: Bright, vivid color

    Last year we held a photo contest. One takeaway from the incredible project photos our customers submitted … color is big! Whether bright and cheerful or beautifully subtle, tinting your stamped concrete project shouldn’t be overlooked. There’s no better way to create a functional space that also visually complements the other elements of a property. At Calico, we offer a wide range of concrete color and tinting options. From bright turquoise and reds to soft blues and greens, there are so many possibilities. To freshen up existing concrete, try color packs for cementitious overlays or ProStain. On new concrete, use Proline Color Hardener or Integral color. Once you have your base color, accent with color options like Antique Powder Release, EZ-Tique Antiquing Wash, or water-based acrylic stain. Get inspired with our Idea Gallery!

    bens concrete creations
    Proline Blue Ridge Stone – Integral Color – Acid Stain. Ben’s Concrete Creations, LLC in Blairsville, GA

    Trend #3: Concrete countertops

    For a bold, modern look, concrete countertops are a great option for kitchens, bathrooms, and even outdoor areas, as well as commercial businesses like restaurants and bars. They are incredibly customizable, durable, and easy to maintain. Leave them grey for an industrial look or customize them with stains and stamps to mimic other materials like granite or wood. Polish the surface, embed decorative accents, and add an interesting edge. Custom features can be included, too, like cutting boards or even integrating lighting. When concrete countertops are reinforced with glass fibers, they are lightweight yet strong.

    Trend #4: Interior concrete floors

    An interior concrete floor is a striking design choice that is infinitely customizable. It’s a great choice for both commercial and residential applications. Due to its weight, interior concrete is best suited when pouring a fresh slab or modifying an existing one. Concrete is so strong that it’s an ideal choice for areas that may experience heavy foot traffic, spills, and heavy furniture. When installed properly, it will last beautifully for years. It’s also easy to maintain, requiring little more than a sweep and damp mopping to keep it clean. Periodic resealing will keep it looking pristine. The ability to add radiant heat is another major plus for those who live in chilly, damp climates.

    Trend #5: Concrete patios

    With lumber prices soaring again in 2022, we expect that concrete patios will be more popular than wood decks. A concrete patio can be just as aesthetically pleasing as one made of wood, especially due to its ability to be stamped, stained, and polished. We offer the full line of Proline concrete stamps, which include such options as wood planks, cobblestone, square tile, and random stone, just to name a few. When you add in the ability to stain and tint concrete, your results will fit in with any home’s design or style.

    Ready to get started on your stamped concrete project?

    Contact the pros at Calico Construction Products if you’re ready to begin your 2022 project! Shop our wide selection of concrete stamps, coloring options, and accessories. We’re standing by to answer your questions! Just give us a call at 800-221-9469.

    , ,
    , , ,