Concrete Walkways & Steps - Surprise, AZ
|
An easy way to enhance your home is to add a new CONCRETE WALKWAY or steps. They can be functional such as a walkway from your side garage to your backyard or more of the aesthetic variety to add some flare to existing concrete. Many times we have replaced old rickety wooden stairs from the back of a house with concrete stairs that not only look better but are safer than the janky wood it replaced. Contact us for a free quote.
(623)-526-2767 A beautiful walkway to a seating area where you can relax and read a book is a superb way to create a practical space in your backyard. Treat yourself to something fresh that will be there for a long time. A walkway from your new patio to a place with a view or a spot in your yard that gets good shade all day can be a simple joy. Check out some of our concrete pathway work then pick up the phone and dial us. (623)-526-2767 |
|
Colored Concrete
I will give you a quick explanation of colored concrete so that you have an understanding of what turns plain gray concrete into a colorful pallet. The main ingredient that gives concrete its color is iron oxide which was introduced into the scene in the 1950's.
A common misconception about colored concrete is that dye, paint or stain is added to the mixture to create different colors. In reality it is a pigment called iron oxide that gives concrete its color. It is mined or manufactured in plants and comes in liquid, powder or in the form of a grain.
The particles of the iron oxide pigment are 10 times smaller than the cement particles. So when they are combined the smaller iron oxide particles completely cover the cement particles giving the concrete the color you and I see.
The water to cement mixture is crucial in determining the final color so when our workers are mixing the two they use exact ratios so that one part of your slab does not turn out a different color than other parts.
You may have noticed that colored concrete is typically dark in nature, this is because the original gray cement gives it this tone. Lighter tones are achievable but they require the pigments to be mixed with more expensive white cement.
The final piece of the puzzle is the curing process that if done incorrectly will lead to shrinkage, cracking and overall strength loss of the concrete. Improper curing techniques when dealing with colored concrete will also lead to the final product having different shades of the color that was intended.
These are all factors Surprise Concrete Concepts is well aware of and pay close attention to when we are mixing colored concrete for our customers. Contact us with any questions.
(623)-526-2767
A common misconception about colored concrete is that dye, paint or stain is added to the mixture to create different colors. In reality it is a pigment called iron oxide that gives concrete its color. It is mined or manufactured in plants and comes in liquid, powder or in the form of a grain.
The particles of the iron oxide pigment are 10 times smaller than the cement particles. So when they are combined the smaller iron oxide particles completely cover the cement particles giving the concrete the color you and I see.
The water to cement mixture is crucial in determining the final color so when our workers are mixing the two they use exact ratios so that one part of your slab does not turn out a different color than other parts.
You may have noticed that colored concrete is typically dark in nature, this is because the original gray cement gives it this tone. Lighter tones are achievable but they require the pigments to be mixed with more expensive white cement.
The final piece of the puzzle is the curing process that if done incorrectly will lead to shrinkage, cracking and overall strength loss of the concrete. Improper curing techniques when dealing with colored concrete will also lead to the final product having different shades of the color that was intended.
These are all factors Surprise Concrete Concepts is well aware of and pay close attention to when we are mixing colored concrete for our customers. Contact us with any questions.
(623)-526-2767
