J's Custom Concrete Patios Masonry & Flagstone

golden co, wheatridge co, morrison co, littleton co, englewood co, castlerock co, parker co, brighten co, 
RETURN TO CUSTOM FLAGSTONE CONCRETE MASONRY CONTRACTOR DENVER

J's Custom Masonry Concrete -&- Flagstone serves all of Denver Greater Metro Area so whether you live in denver, erie, longmont, louisville, lafayette, highlands ranch, evergreen, louviers, eastlake, commerce city, henderson, conifer, evergreen, franktown, buffalo creek, or elizabeth, J's Custom Masonry Concrete -&- Flagstone hopes to have the opportunity to serve YOU!
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About Concrete Stamping
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From James Gray | J's Custom Concrete
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The process of stamping concrete has been practiced for the last 5 decades. But stamping concrete in Denver CO increased in demand in the late 1970s when it was premiered in the Denver World of Concrete trade show. Concrete contractors saw it as a new way to satisfy Denver homeowners and make their budget work simultaneously.

When stamping concrete first began, there were very few choices of design and colors. However, as the procedure grew, more stamping patterns were being created along with many different types of stains to provide for the vivid colors and curb appeal that we produce today. Another advantage to using stamped concrete, is that it can be applied to many differents surfaces and textures. Such as driveways, highways, patios, decks, and even floors inside the Denver home.

What is stamped concrete?

>> Continue reading at our main website and gallery

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golden co, wheatridge co, morrison co, littleton co, englewood co, castlerock co, parker co, brighten co, 
RETURN TO CUSTOM FLAGSTONE CONCRETE MASONRY CONTRACTOR DENVER

J's Custom Masonry Concrete -&- Flagstone serves all of Denver Greater Metro Area so whether you live in denver, erie, longmont, louisville, lafayette, highlands ranch, evergreen, louviers, eastlake, commerce city, henderson, conifer, evergreen, franktown, buffalo creek, or elizabeth, J's Custom Masonry Concrete -&- Flagstone hopes to have the opportunity to serve YOU!
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About Concrete Driveways*
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From James Gray | J's Custom Concrete
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*Source:  Julie Boehlke | eHow.com
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If you think of a concrete driveway, you may think of a dark black or gray surface that is often cracked, seamed and unappealing. Today, there are several variations in concrete driveways that add new dimensions to the look. With everything from replicating paver bricks and flagstone to stamped designs that create a one of a kind look -- there is a design option for even the most discriminating homeowner.


Colors

In today's real estate market, implementing elements to improve the curb appeal of a home is essential for the homeowner. Adding a personal stamp of style and flair help set a home apart from others in the neighborhood---especially if the homes are all similar. Adding color to a concrete driveway is a great way to add personality and draw the eye in. 

A concrete professional comes to the home and analyzes the best look for the homeowner. Once the driveway is ready to be poured, a color mixture is implemented into the concrete. It can often be colored to replicate stone in a gray or light brown color, brick in a burnt orange or dark brown color or field stone in a light tan color.

Designs

The designs for a concrete driveway are endless. Finding a contractor who also has artistic skill as well as a generous portfolio is a must before diving into a project. 
>> CONTINUE READING AT JS CONCRETE MAIN WEBSITE
>> The Concrete Driveway Revolution


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We also service -
Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Broomfield, Englewood, Lafayette, Littleton, Longmont,Westminster, Wheat Ridge 

Categories: Home&Garden | Home Repair&Improvement | Driveway&Sidewalk | Handy Person Services | Lawn&Garden | Landscaping | Business to Business | Construction&Real Estate

Tags: custom, concrete, patios, walkways, design, flagstone, driveway, decorative, stain, seal,

parker co, brighten co, aurora co, arvada co, westminster co, broomfield co, boulder co
RETURN TO CUSTOM FLAGSTONE CONCRETE MASONRY CONTRACTOR DENVER

J's Custom Masonry Concrete -&- Flagstone serves all of Denver Greater Metro Area so whether you live in denver, erie, longmont, louisville, lafayette, highlands ranch, evergreen, louviers, eastlake, commerce city, henderson, conifer, evergreen, franktown, buffalo creek, or elizabeth, J's Custom Masonry Concrete -&- Flagstone hopes to have the opportunity to serve YOU!
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Outdoor Fireplace Designs and Plans*
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From James Gray | J's Custom Concrete
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*Sources: James Dean and Ask The Builder
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Outdoor Fireplace Designs

Outdoor fireplaces are lovely, warm, and attractive. More people are going in for outdoor fireplaces which make their backyard, poolside, patio or garden look more elegant, warm and friendly..
There are several outdoor fireplace designs and you have the freedom to choose which suits you, your house and your budget. There are portable fireplaces, custom made ones, and they come in different designs, colors and themes. One important factor is that they have to keep the local codes in mind which specify what type of firebricks are to be used. Other important factors that should be kept in mind are ventilation and safety. You don't want to own a fireplace which can catch fire at any time or spoil the environment with smoke and fumes.

An outdoor fireplace is like an indoor fireplace. The difference is that the indoor one has been built along with the house and is normally not portable while an outdoor fireplace design can be to your choice and you can keep on changing the design, the site of the fireplace and you can alter or improve upon it at your will. A damper is not necessary in case of an outdoor one. You can choose your design. You can have a Mexican type which consists of chimineas which are beautiful pots. You can have a tall chimney which will circulate the air and emit the smoke from the top.

You can have yours designed in such a way that you can mix and match the components. You can have etched cast iron, aluminum, clay, terracotta or any such material and design your own chimney. Cast iron and aluminum outdoor fireplaces are durable and resistant to high temperatures. You can have portable ones which can be moved from place to place. You can have a party in the backyard around it which can be shifted to the pool side for another party and then on your patio or garden for other functions.

From Ask The Builder: 

If you want the satisfaction of building your own fireplace, I suggest you find one that is prefabricated. Unless you are a serious do-it-yourselfer with great skills, you will struggle building a traditional masonry fireplace. Be aware that the actual design and construction of the firebox, smoke chamber, flue and chimney is a precise science, not speculation. If you do not size all of the components correctly, the fireplace will not burn properly and it may send clouds of billowing smoke towards you and your family as you sit near it.

Some of the magnificent outdoor fireplaces are fairly large and can not only take up valuable space on your patio, their weight may stress the patio and cause a crack. I urge you to create an imaginary fireplace on your patio and arrange your chairs and side tables so they are a minimum of four feet from the fireplace location. You want to take the time to do this to ensure you will have enough space for all to enjoy the new addition to your outdoor living space.

Do not underestimate the amount of room some of the larger outdoor fireplaces will consume on the average patio. These structures can be up to 3 feet in depth and 8 or 9 feet wide. It is also important to position the fireplace so that any smoke and embers do not pose a risk to your home and any nearby vegetation. The hot flue gases billowing from the chimney can toast nearby trees. You also do not want the fireplace to block any vistas from the patio.

Be sure to use common sense around wood structures.  Some people place outdoor fireplaces on wood decks. Burning embers can sometimes find their way onto and under a wood deck and start a fire after you have gone inside for the evening. It is an excellent idea to consult your local fire department's fire prevention officer and get tips on how to safely install an outdoor fireplace. These individuals are interested in your safety and want to come to your house in a car, not a truck with flashing lights on and sirens screaming.

golden co, wheatridge co, morrison co, littleton co, englewood co, castlerock co, parker co, brighten co, aurora co, arvada co, westminster co, broomfield co, boulder co
RETURN TO CUSTOM FLAGSTONE CONCRETE MASONRY CONTRACTOR DENVER

J's Custom Masonry Concrete -&- Flagstone serves all of Denver Greater Metro Area so whether you live in denver, erie, longmont, louisville, lafayette, highlands ranch, evergreen, louviers, eastlake, commerce city, henderson, conifer, evergreen, franktown, buffalo creek, or elizabeth, J's Custom Masonry Concrete -&- Flagstone hopes to have the opportunity to serve YOU!
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Denver Masonry - Veneer Brick Looks and Feels REAL *
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From James Gray | J's Custom Concrete
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*Source: Ben Pate  
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Veneer Brick Looks and Feels Like Real Brick But is Much More Affordable

Veneer is a material that is used in construction for decorative purposes. The material is also referred to as facing and can be found in many different materials. Veneer brick is one of the most popular kinds of this material and has the appearance of brick without the cost of brick.

Facing is a term used to identify the application of a material to a wall surface. This material is often used on both exterior and interior walls. Veneer provides a textured finish and creates a richer appearance than a standard flat painted wall. Both brick and wood are common veneer materials.

There are many different types of hardwood that can be found in veneer. Typically exotic woods have a prohibitive cost for the average homeowner, but these same woods are available in veneer at much more affordable prices. Also popular among veneer finishes are plaster and stone. By using these materials a space can be transformed.

The good look and durability of veneer make it just as qualified for commercial spaces as it is for residential ones. In fact, if the material is applied properly it may be impossible to tell the difference between the real thing and veneer. This is particularly true with woods such as oak or pine.

Veneer brick can commonly be found in rustic settings, but is just as conducive to classic or contemporary decors as it is to rustic decors. It all depends on how it is used and what materials are used to accent it. By using the correct type of brick and the right decorating accents, you can use veneer to create a setting style you desire.

Applying veneer is actually pretty simple and quick. Before starting the process it is necessary to apply a damp cloth to the wall and make sure the wall is clean and free of bumps. If there are bumps on the surface of the wall they should be sanded down. Once the surface of the wall is clean and free of debris, mortar can be applied. The mortar adheres to the wall and is used to stick the veneer to the wall in a manner that is similar to applying tile. The veneer is placed over the mortar and allowed to dry. While it is drying, there is a plastic mold that is commonly used to make sure the brick stays in place and is uniformly placed around the entire wall.

Brick veneer looks particularly smart used around a fireplace and has the illusion of being the chimney. This material also looks good as a closure around a wood burning stove. Another neat decorating trick is to use this material along with some plaster to create the feeling of an old factory loft. A wine cellar or the new cool 'man cave' can also be decorated nicely with this material.

Veneer brick is used as a decorating element in the construction or renovation of a residential or commercial space. The material provides the illusion of being solid brick, but it is much more affordable. Applying veneer panels is very similar to laying tile and can be done rather easily. This material is great in the use of decorating the area around a fireplace or in a that man cave or wine cellar.

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Remember us - J's Custom Masonry, Flagstone and Concrete is Denver's BEST Design Concrete Masonry Home Improvement Specialist FOR LESS!
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We service - 
Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Broomfield, Englewood, Lafayette, Littleton, Longmont, Westminster, Wheat Ridge 

Categories: Home&Garden | Home Repair&Improvement | Driveway&Sidewalk | Handy Person Services | Lawn&Garden | Landscaping | Business to Business | Construction&Real Estate

Tags: custom, concrete, patios, walkways, design, flagstone, driveway, decorative, stain, seal,

golden co, wheatridge co, morrison co, littleton co, englewood co, castlerock co, parker co, brighten co, aurora co, arvada co, westminster co, broomfield co, boulder co
RETURN TO CUSTOM FLAGSTONE CONCRETE MASONRY CONTRACTOR DENVER

J's Custom Masonry Concrete -&- Flagstone serves all of Denver Greater Metro Area so whether you live in denver, erie, longmont, louisville, lafayette, highlands ranch, evergreen, louviers, eastlake, commerce city, henderson, conifer, evergreen, franktown, buffalo creek, or elizabeth, J's Custom Masonry Concrete -&- Flagstone hopes to have the opportunity to serve YOU!
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Masonry - Concrete Interlocking Brick Pavers *
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From James Gray | J's Custom Concrete
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*Source: Nilson Ricardo
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How to Install Concrete Brick Pavers to Promote Interlocking

Brick pavers have become very popular among homeowners for many landscaping projects. They work well for sidewalks, patios and any number of hardscape home improvement projects. It is extremely important to know correct brick installation techniques in order to build an attractive and functional walkway or patio.

The brick pavers must be installed so that they interlock securely. This will eliminate the problems that quickly develop when the brick pavers shift or become uneven. No one wants a patio that is uneven, or a walkway that people trip on because the pavers have shifted. When laying the brick pavers there are a few steps to take that will insure good results.

The first step to take as you begin planning your brick patio or walkway is to decide what type of pattern you would like to create. The best option to insure excellent interlocking properties is a herringbone pattern. There is a wide variety of options even when using a herringbone design so you have some creative leeway. The ones that provide the maximum strength are those set at 45 or 90 degrees. A little research will help you find a design that will give you both strength and visual appeal.

The next essential ingredient to keep your brick pavers in place is to install a restraining edge. This will strengthen the interlocking of the bricks and keep them from shifting and moving about from side to side. The soldier course or paver edge restraint as it is sometimes called creates a solid edge that will support the weight of a person (or even heavy vehicles) as they step on and off the patio or walkway. It also provides visual appeal as they make the project look "finished". The brick used along the edge are often a different type of design or color and angled in a different direction from the other bricks.

An edge restraint should be added as well to keep everything in place and to prevent shifting of the brick pavers. This final step keeps everything in place so that water or a hard freeze, or use will not cause brick installation problems down the road.

A properly or professionally installed interlocking brick patio or walkway will add value and enjoyment to any home. It is worth the time, effort and investment to learn how to install them properly if you are a DIYer or hire a professional brick pavers contractor with experience.

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Remember us - J's Custom Masonry, Flagstone and Concrete is Denver's BEST Design Concrete Masonry Home Improvement Specialist FOR LESS!
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We service - 
Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Broomfield, Englewood, Lafayette, Littleton, Longmont, Westminster, Wheat Ridge 

Categories: Home&Garden | Home Repair&Improvement | Driveway&Sidewalk | Handy Person Services | Lawn&Garden | Landscaping | Business to Business | Construction&Real Estate

Tags: custom, concrete, patios, walkways, design, flagstone, driveway, decorative, stain, seal,

golden, wheatridge, morrison, littleton, englewood, castlerock, parker, brighten, aurora, arvada, westminster, 
RETURN TO CUSTOM STAMPED CONCRETE CONTRACTOR DENVER

J's Custom Concrete -&- Flagstone serves all of Denver Greater Metro Area so whether you live in denver, golden, wheatridge, morrison, littleton, englewood, castlerock, parker, brighten, aurora, arvada, westminster, broomfield, boulder, erie, longmont, louisville, lafayette, highlands ranch, evergreen, louviers, eastlake, commerce city, henderson, conifer, evergreen, franktown, buffalo creek, or elizabeth, J's Custom Concrete -&- Flagstone hopes to have the opportunity to serve YOU!
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Stamped Concrete is Catching On!*
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From James Gray | J's Custom Concrete
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*Source: Lee Wallender, About.com
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Excuse my excitement, but stamped concrete is awesome. Stamped concrete is one of those home remodeling trends that seems to be catching fire lately, and for good reason. 


I've seen stamped concrete for years, and wasn't much impressed by it. Only expensive commercial applications looked decent, and even that was a stretch. Recently, though, new texturizing and pigmenting trends allow homeowners to introduce stamped concrete to their exteriors.
What is Stamped Concrete?

Stamped concrete involves pouring slab concrete for driveways, walkways, patios, etc., and then impressing both patterns and textures onto the concrete before it is fully dry. For many years, a lesser form of stamped concrete was often seen that merely duplicated patterns. But the newer types of stamped concrete impart textures that duplicate many different surfaces such as cobblestones, brick, pavers, wood, seashells, and more. Also, pigment is usually added to stamped concrete to further duplicate the look of such patterns.

Why Stamped Concrete Instead of the Original Surfaces?

Brick, pavers, and cobbles look great, but since they form a surface of many interlocking pieces, they are susceptible to frost-heave and other changes in the underlying surface. Sometimes this can be good, if you're trying to cover an uneven surface--the brick, pavers, stone, or pavers will conform to the surface. But if you have a good, flat, and level undersurface, you'll want your concrete to be laid the same way. Reinforcing rods within the stamped concrete help to tie the pavement together and strengthen it. 


Also, bricks, pavers, cobbles, etc. allow for weed to grow up through the cracks. Since stamped concrete is a solid, continuous surface, nothing can grow up through the "cracks." As you may already know, the "cracks" in stamped concrete are simply impressions in the concrete that only partially go through the surface.
Does Stamped Concrete Look as Good as Brick, Pavers, Cobbles, etc?

It's all in the eye of the beholder, but in my view it does not. Aesthetically, it's a close second. I have seen stamped concrete that attempts to duplicate the look of exterior wood plank flooring. It looks great on its own terms, but it can never be mistaken for the real thing. As such, you may want to choose stamped concrete that isn't trying so hard to duplicate something else. Stamped concrete can have any number of patterns, textures, and colors.

Can I "Do it Yourself" Stamped Concrete?

Not recommended. The process of laying stamped concrete is almost an art. Not only that but special tools and an experienced crew of up to four people are needed. Save yourself the frustration and find a good concrete contractor who has experience in laying stamped concrete.

What's the Process of Laying Stamped Concrete?

In brief, stamped concrete is laid like this:

• Place the concrete. Concrete should be no less than four inches thick.  
• Add color. Color is added either in the mixer or after concrete placement. The first method is called "integral coloring" and the second method is called "broadcast or surface coloring." Broadcast coloring involves evenly spreading dry color across the surface of the concrete.  
• Apply release agent. Release agent allows the texturizing mats to come off without taking off concrete.  
• Lay mats. Texturizing mats are laid in succession. Since there are usually not enough mats to cover the entire surface, when one is finished it is applied to another area of the concrete.  
• Let dry 24 hours.  
• Pressure wash the release agent off.  
• Clear sealing.  

golden, wheatridge, morrison, littleton, englewood, castlerock, parker, brighten, aurora, arvada, westminster, broomfield, boulder
RETURN TO CUSTOM STAMPED CONCRETE CONTRACTOR DENVER

J's Custom Concrete -&- Flagstone serves all of Denver Greater Metro Area so whether you live in denver, golden, wheatridge, morrison, littleton, englewood, castlerock, parker, brighten, aurora, arvada, westminster, broomfield, boulder, erie, longmont, louisville, lafayette, highlands ranch, evergreen, louviers, eastlake, commerce city, henderson, conifer, evergreen, franktown, buffalo creek, or elizabeth, J's Custom Concrete -&- Flagstone hopes to have the opportunity to serve YOU!
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Decorative Concrete And Stamped Concrete
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From James Gray | J's Custom Concrete
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Denver Decorative Concrete And Stamped Concrete

Adding a decorative element to boring grey concrete is a hot trend today. Many homebuilders, designers, business owners, contractors and architects realize unique and custom ways to add color and designs to their concrete projects.


Decorative Concrete ideas and designs are popular on concrete patios, concrete floors, concrete countertops, concrete furniture, concrete pool surrounds, walkways, pathways, vertical concrete walls, and more and include applications such as:  acid stained, stained or colored concrete, polished concrete, concrete overlays, concrete engraving, stenciling interior floors, resurfacing concrete, exposed aggregate, stamped concrete, imprinted concrete, vertical stamped concrete, concrete countertop finishes, and decorative faux designs.

Because of the transformation from dull grey concrete to beautiful decorative elements, decorative concrete has emerged as a top choice for many.  The advantages to using decorative concrete in you next project may include:  cost, custom design, versatility, durability, functionality, and also allows for each individual to add their own unique ideas into the design element.

Some of the popular uses for stamped concrete are on Patios, Driveways, Pool Surrounds, Vertical Walls, Stairs, Entryways, and Porches.  With new technology, there are also products that can be used inside to overlay and stamp interior floors, thus creating a natural stone pattern within your home or business.

Because of it's versatility, concrete allows for a perfect canvas to create a look and feel of a high end material while maintaing a unique, natural feel.

Concrete countertops are building in popularity among the artistic, custom, chic clientele around the globe.  Architects, Designers, and Custom Home Builders appreciate the premium finish, style, and craftsmanship associated with this material.

Concrete countertops can be cast in place, pre-cast, polished, stamped, and colored with a variety of different finishes to suit each installation and application.

Because of the handcrafted nature of concrete countertops, concrete countertops are typically priced at a premium, similar to granite, marble, and other natural stones.  Most of the cost comes from the experience and creativity of the artisan, their time spent to create unique details, designs, and of course for the set up, transport and installation of the countertop itself.


Advantages of Stamped Concrete

Speed of installation. Concrete can be rapidly poured or pumped into place and finished after the concrete form is built. For example, compare that process to installing clay brick pavers. With pavers, it's necessary not only to do the prep work of trenching, compacting the soil, and spreading sand, but then each paver must by hand placed individually, carefully following the pattern, be it herringbone, basketweave, or stretcher bond.

Seasonal maintenance considerations. Unlike asphalt driveways or sidewalks that need an annual seal coating, concrete only requires periodic cleaning and sealing, every few years or so. Natural stone and pavers require weeding but concrete joints don't have that disadvantage.
Number of colors and patterns. The number of colors and patterns with a custom imprinted concrete surface are limited only by the imagination. Custom logos or mosaics are available when working with a construction or installation designer.
Re-Surfacing Existing Concrete Surfaces

If an existing concrete patio, driveway, walkway, or swimming pool deck is cracked or just bland-looking, it can easily be resurfaced at a fraction of the cost of removing the old and starting from scratch.

Although each situation is different and unique, the process is fairly straightforward. The first step is to thoroughly clean the existing surface. Next, the cracks are repaired. This involves priming, reinforcing with a special repair fabric, applying an elastomeric base coat, and the coating with a polymer concrete mixture. Finally, the entire surface is refinished with a polymer coat, textured or stamped to order, and sealed.

Concrete is a Green, Sustainable Building Material

Concrete is green. Why? First, it usually only needs to be built once. There is no demolition and rebuilding because of termite damage or fires. Because of its thermal mass, it is very energy efficient with respect to heating and cooling. This makes it an excellent choice for interior floors.

For interior floor applications, it can be patterned and colored to resemble ceramic tile, natural stone like marble or granite, or even hardwood or laminate flooring planks. Maintenance on these floors is much less than it is on the materials they mimic.


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We also service Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Broomfield, Englewood, Lafayette, Littleton, Longmont,Westminster, Wheat Ridge 

Categories: Home&Garden | Home Repair&Improvement | Driveway&Sidewalk | Handy Person Services | Lawn&Garden | Landscaping | Business to Business | Construction&Real Estate

Tags: custom, concrete, patios, walkways, design, flagstone, driveway, decorative, stain, seal,

RETURN TO CUSTOM CONCRETE -&- FLAGSTONE;

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J's Custom Concrete serves all of Denver Greater Metro Area- we hope to have the opportunity to serve you.whether you live in Denver, Applewood, Arvada, Aurora, Belcaro, Berthoud, Boulder, Bonnie Brae, Brighton, Broomfield, Castle Pines, Castle Rock, Cherry Creek, Cherry Hills Village, Centennial, Commerce City, Congress Park, Conifer, Crestmoor, Dacono, Denver Country Club, Dillon, Englewood, Elizabeth, Erie,Evergreen, Federal Heights, Firestone, Fort Collins, Franktown, Frederick, Frisco, Genesee, Glendale, Golden, Greeley, Greenwood Village, Gunbarrel, Heritage Hills, Highlands Ranch, Hilltop, Keystone, Lafayette, Lakewood, Littleton, Lone Tree, Longmont, Louisville, Loveland, Mead, Morrison, Niwot, Northglenn, Roxborough Park, Parker, Park Hill, Saddle Rock, Silverthorne, Smokey Hill, Smokey Ridge, Superior, Thornton, Vail, Washington Park, Westminster, or Wheat Ridge CO


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The Custom Flagstone Patio Solution*
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From James Gray | J's Custom Concrete
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The patio is a nearly always present feature of the Colorado  home. By enlarging your living space, patios make the house feel bigger and unite the interior and exterior spaces. Patios give us an opportunity to enjoy the out-of-doors, especially when they are dressed up as an outdoor room.

And nothing enhances the look of a patio better than flagstone. A flagstone patio denotes hardiness, security, wherewithal and permanence. With its bluish coloring, flagstone also conveys a cool beauty, particularly welcoming during our hot summer months. A flagstone patio sends a powerful visual message.

Flagstone Patio: What is Flagstone?

In geological terms, flagstone belongs in the sandstone family. It is hard and relatively thin, making it a rugged, ready-made flooring choice. It comes in irregular shapes thus adding texture and interest to whatever space it covers. In fact, the laying of flagstone has been likened to putting together a puzzle.

Its fine-grained surface contains flakes and specks of mica, which makes it glitter and glimmer when the light catches it just right. Sometimes called bluestone or freestone, flagstone also works well for a retaining wall, built-in seating and planters.

Flagstone Patio: The Design Process

Since the patio functions as a transition space between your home and your landscaping, it plays a critical role in your garden landscape. A patio gives you an opportunity to display a personal touch and show off your own aesthetic. It also provides your family and friends with an interesting view out the windows of your home.

Your patio design can range from an airy arbor to an elegant and well-stocked outdoor kitchen, from the classical balance of a formal landscape design to the overflowing abundance of an English garden design. In making your design choices, remember to choose designs and materials that complement the architecture of your house. You also want the designs to reflect your personality, so that you can get maximum enjoyment from this personal and private space.

Patios are a type of hardscapes, the subset of landscaping categories that describe the non-plant material in your landscape’s design. Thus your material choices within that entire group need to be coordinated. Because of its durability and neutral palette, flagstone is a go-to choice for many hardscapes.

Flagstone Patio: Other Landscape Elements

A flagstone patio is a perfect setting for an outdoor water fountain as the water element breaks up the sea of stone and creates a focal point. This, or any other, focal point will draw the eye to it and will be the highlight of your patio. Flagstone also creates a pleasing backdrop for pots and planters in varying height, shapes and sizes that are filled with greenery.

Garden pathways lead your guests from the patio to the rest of the landscape, thus finishing off the patio design. Paths create interest and direct the eye across the green expanse of a yard. Flagstone is especially suited as a material choice for pathways.

Since flagstone is an impermeable surface, you will want to be mindful of your yard drainage. Consulting qualified drainage contractors is your best bet. Another professional to hire is a landscape designer or landscape architect who can capture your very best hopes and wishes for the space in a completely functional way.

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*SOURCE: Jeff Halper

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custom concrete patios walkways design flagstone driveway decorative stain seal flooring remodel remodeling landscaping retaining wall stamped acid pavement pavestone barbecue bbg outdoor kitchenhome improvement lifestyle repair

RETURN TO MAIN PAGE

J's Custom Concrete -&- Flagstone serves all of Denver Greater Metro Area so whether you live in denver, golden, wheatridge, morrison, littleton, englewood, castlerock, parker, brighten, aurora, arvada, westminster, broomfield, boulder, erie, longmont, louisville, lafayette, highlands ranch, evergreen, louviers, eastlake, commerce city, henderson, conifer, evergreen, franktown, buffalo creek, or elizabeth, J's Custom Concrete -&- Flagstone hopes to have the opportunity to serve YOU!
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The Beauty of Patterned Flagstone*
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From James Gray | J's Custom Concrete
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Patterned Flagstone looks exceptional in floors, patios, walkways, and foyers. Patterned Flagstone has a formal, yet rustic appearance, which is great for creating beautiful patios and walkways it will also add that special touch as flooring. The use of this material will add a special charm to you project, weather it is a walkway, driveway, flower bed border, or even a fenced wall. Having a stone walk way drive way and patio adds not only charm but value to your home and give you the chance to do something unique with a common aspect of every home.

Flagstone is a random shaped flat rock and has been used for flooring or paving for centuries. It can also be stacked up to build seat walls, retaining walls, flowerbed borders, veneer walls on houses and more.

Patterned Flagstone is sorted by thickness into various groups. It is sawn or chopped into squares or rectangles. It can be used in any flooring or paving application and will give a cleaner, formal look. Available in several color variations such as light buff, tan to medium brown to provide a natural color choices for your design.

This is a building material that is becoming very popular as a patio choice along with walkway and driveways. While laying a concrete sidewalk maybe easier and faster it does not add much to the atmosphere of your home. And should you ever need to repair the side walk it becomes quite and expense where as with flag stone you simple remove the damaged section and many times use the same stones to make the repair.

If you are designing a new home or maybe you are think of making some improvement to your home, incorporating flagstone into your design will not only provide that unique look it will add value as the end result.
Remember us at J's Custom Concrete -&- Flagstone when YOU want to add affordable charm, beauty AND VALUE to YOUR home!

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*Source: RR Smith
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Decorate Your Concrete Patio Walkway or Floor*
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By James Gray | J's Custom Concrete
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"Concrete floors are rather plain," perhaps you're thinking. And you'd like to know how patios or landings with concrete floors could be embellished to enhance their standing in your overall landscape. Fortunately, concrete design needn't be stark and uninteresting.

You know that concrete can be treated merely as a foundation layer for brick pavers or flagstone in the north, where the freezing-thawing cycle requires such a foundation to prevent surface cracking. But as much as you appreciate these hardscape elements, you want to avoid the expense of brick or flagstone. 

Sure enough, a number of options exist for decorating concrete floors that involve little trouble, and some are quite inexpensive, to boot. Most of these options do, however, require the use of some foresight on the part of the do it yourselfer. For, since concrete solidifies rather quickly, any patio design that involves manipulating the concrete itself must be implemented at just the right time in the course of the project. I will begin by listing a few of these options that require planning, before providing a couple of "afterthought" alternatives for those who are less organized. I'll then conclude by focusing on one particular concrete patio design solution that will catch the attention of novelty seekers.

Patio Designs for Your Concrete Floors:

After you have used a float to smooth out the concrete surface, stud the surface with small decorative stones. Lightly tap the stones into the concrete before it sets. 

Add concrete dye to your concrete and water as you begin to mix your concrete. If you section off the patio area with multiple forms, you can even dye the different sectors different colors. 

To mimic flagstone, use a jointer to divide your concrete into flagstone-shaped sections, after you have smoothed it with a float. Then, after the concrete cures, apply one color of concrete paint to some of these sections, and another color to the rest. 

Everyone is familiar with the impressions made from hands or feet being stuck in wet concrete. Based on this same principle, you can construct molds that will translate a given shape into the wet concrete, after floating. Apply a lubricant to the molds, so that they can be extracted from the concrete as it dries. If constructing a mold sounds like too much work, improvise with existing objects that you have on hand.

In cases where the foresight necessary to realize the above plans is lacking, there's still hope, in the form of: Concrete paint or Modular decking

After the concrete has cured, concrete paint can be applied to supply the patio floor with some visual interest.

Or if you wish to hide the concrete altogether, you can buy modular decking. The product is variously marketed as "snapping deck tiles," "interlocking deck tiles," etc. But the basic idea is the same: wooden tile units (approximately 1 square foot each) are snapped together Lego-style to form a flooring on top of your concrete patio. No glue, screws, or tools are required, and the flooring is easily disassembled for future use. To view a sample, click the picture (above right) to access the mini-photo gallery.

Concrete Patio Design -- A "Fire-Fern" Inlay:

Buy a few yards of inexpensive lead flashing.

Trace out shapes that you'd like to use in your concrete patio design, placing clear guidelines for cutting right onto the lead itself.

Using shears or snips, cut out the shapes.

First prime, then paint the shapes with the color(s) that you desire.

After smoothing the concrete with a float, inlay these shapes into the concrete floor at the desired places. Press firmly, so as to achieve good adhesion between concrete and lead.

At a later time, go back and apply a protective finish to the shapes, such as polyur-ethane.

Tip: If you have any doubts about being able to inlay the shapes into the concrete floor fast enough to outrace the hardening concrete, take a precautionary measure. Simply drill small holes at strategic spots in the shapes prior to working with the concrete, and insert short galvanized nails into these holes. Paint the heads of the nails the same color as the shapes. 

This way, if you don't get around to your inlay work at an optimal time, you will still be able to press the nails into the concrete. The concrete will adhere to the nails, while the nails will secure the shapes.

If you don't take this precautionary measure, the shapes may work their way out, eventually. And even if you do use nails, you'll probably find yourself having to touch up your concrete patio design, over time. If all this seems like too much trouble, there's always the option of using concrete floor paint, instead.

A final word: The before and after photos that accompany this article illustrate what can be achieved through such inlays. The "after" photo is at the top of this page; click on it to open up the photo gallery, where you'll see the "before" photo. The project captured in the photos is the same concrete patio floor project described in How to Build a Concrete Patio. I happen to have chosen a sun globe with sun rays shooting out as a patio design for my concrete floor, but the possibilities of concrete patio design are almost endless.

Remember us - J's Custom Concrete is Denver's BEST Design Concrete Home Improvement Specialist FOR LESS!

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Source: David Beaulieu
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J's Custom Concrete serves all of Denver Greater Metro Area so whether you live in denver, golden, wheatridge, morrison, littleton, englewood, castlerock, parker, brighten, aurora, arvada, westminster, broomfield, boulder, erie, longmont, louisville, lafayette, highlands ranch, evergreen, louviers, eastlake, commerce city, henderson, conifer, evergreen, franktown, buffalo creek, or elizabeth, JS Custom Concrete hopes to have the opportunity to serve you.