Frequently Asked Questions
General Concrete Services
What services does your company offer in Akron, OH and surrounding areas?
We specialize in Decorative Concrete, Residential Concrete work, Retaining Walls, and Carved Concrete services. We serve Akron and the surrounding communities in Northeast Ohio.
Why choose concrete for my project?
Concrete is durable, long-lasting, and versatile. It can withstand heavy loads and harsh weather conditions, offering a great return on investment, especially when enhanced with decorative finishes.
Decorative Concrete
What is decorative concrete?
Decorative concrete transforms ordinary concrete into aesthetically pleasing surfaces. This is achieved through techniques like stamping, staining, and polishing to mimic the look of more expensive materials such as brick, stone, slate, or wood .
Where can decorative concrete be used?
It's ideal for:
- Patios
- Walkways and Sidewalks
- Driveways
- Pool Decks
- Interior Floors
Is decorative concrete more durable than standard concrete?
When properly sealed, decorative concrete is just as durable as standard concrete, but the sealant provides an extra layer of protection against wear, staining, and weather, which can actually help it maintain its appearance longer.
Residential Concrete
What types of residential concrete projects do you handle?
We manage a wide range of residential projects, including:
- New driveways and driveway repairs
- Garage floors
- Basement floors
- Slab pouring for sheds or additions
- Concrete steps and porches
How long does it take for new concrete to cure?
Concrete generally achieves sufficient strength to walk on within 24 to 48 hours. However, it takes about 7 days to reach about 70% of its final strength and about 28 days to achieve full strength. We advise limiting heavy vehicle traffic for at least seven days.
Retaining Walls
What is the purpose of a retaining wall?
A retaining wall is a structure designed to hold back soil and prevent erosion or downhill movement on slopes. They are essential for creating level areas on sloped properties, managing water drainage, and preventing costly landscape damage.
What materials do you use for retaining walls?
We primarily work with concrete blocks (modular/segmented systems) or poured concrete for their strength and longevity. Both can be customized with various textures or finishes to complement your landscape.
Carved Concrete
What is carved concrete?
Carved concrete is a specialized decorative technique where a fresh, top layer of concrete (often a specialized overlay mix) is applied and then hand-carved, shaped, and colored to create the realistic appearance of natural stone, wood, or rock formations .
How is carved concrete different from stamped concrete?
Stamped concrete uses pre-made mats to press a pattern into the surface. Carved concrete is an artistic, hand-sculpted process, allowing for deeper, more customized textures, unique shapes, and a highly authentic, natural appearance that cannot be achieved with stamps.
Where is carved concrete typically used?
It is often used for:
- Borders around patios or pool decks
- Vertical surfaces like foundation facades
- Custom rock features and boulders in a landscape
- Outdoor kitchen or fireplace surrounds