A Comparison of Various Flooring Options on the Market

If you are on the market for flooring replacement options, you will find that there are many materials to choose from, all ranging in quality, dimensions, color, styles, textures, and more. For those looking for a cost-effective flooring option, decorative concrete is a popular choice among residential and commercial property owners looking for a cost-effective and modern upgrade.

Although you have several other options to choose from, there are many reasons to choose the concrete for your new floors.

Indianapolis Flooring Contractors
Indianapolis Flooring Contractors 317-454-3612

Choosing Decorative Concrete Flooring

Not only is decorative concrete flooring inexpensive and easy to install, it can be customized to mimic any style, texture, color, or look. Decorative concrete flooring can be stamped, stained, colored, died, treated, scored, polished, and so much more. This means that it can be designed to mimic higher in materials like tile, marble, cobblestone, brick, and slate, but cost less. The options are virtually endless, and only limited by your own imagination and creativity.

More Quality Flooring Comparisons

Tile:

Tile is expensive, and the options of styles and colors are limited. Also, tile requires a stricter care regiment in order to protect the grout lines and prevent cracking. If you are looking for high maintenance and high prices, tile flooring is right for you.

Brick:

Sure, brick is beautiful. In fact, it’s quite stunning; however, brick is incredibly high maintenance and prone to a long list of damages. This makes it a poor fit for an interior flooring option.

Natural Stone:

Cobblestone and other types of natural stone materials commonly used for flooring are high maintenance and high-priced. They are more prone to cracking and crumbling, and require strict care regimen in order to maintain clean grout lines.

Linoleum/Vinyl:

Linoleum and vinyl flooring are common options for both residential and commercial properties because they are inexpensive and low maintenance. On the other hand, linoleum and vinyl are often viewed as outdated, so many potential buyers are turned off by such flooring. This isn’t good for anyone who wishes to sell their property in the future.

Carpet :

Carpeting is highly susceptible to several types of damages, especially staining and foot traffic. It is also more of a challenge to clean and keep clean.  Carpets also retain dander and dust and other types of allergens, which can be irritating to those who suffer from upper respiratory illnesses and implications.

Wood :

Not only is wood expensive in its natural state, it is a challenge to maintain. Wood is a natural element, therefore it susceptible to scratches, scrapes, and discoloration, so often times, it needs restoration after a few years.

Indianapolis Floor Replacement Contractors

Call Restoration By L&B, LLC at 317-454-3612 if you are looking for licensed Indianapolis flooring contractors you can trust. Our general contractors provide a wide range of residential and commercial flooring services at the most competitive prices around. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to answer all your questions about home remodel planning, prices, and process. And don’t forget; we guarantee to BEAT any prices quoted by our competition!

Residential and Commercial Remodeling

Tips for Cleaning Concrete Counters

Everywhere traditional countertops are installed, concrete can be used in its place. Decorative concrete countertops are increasingly becoming a more popular alternative for kitchens, bars, bathrooms, garages, restaurants, salons, factories, and more. Whether you are just considering a concrete countertop addition, or have already had your concrete countertops installed, you need to know how to clean and care for them to protect your investment and prolong your enjoyment!

Continue reading to learn some important and helpful tips for cleaning decorative concrete countertops.

Indianapolis Concrete Contractors 317-454-3612
Indianapolis Concrete Contractors 317-454-3612

Benefits of Concrete Countertops

Decorative concrete countertops are highly admired for their plethora of unique qualities and benefits. Not only are the incredibly durable and long-lasting, they are resistant to heat, stains, scratches, fading, and discoloration. But the number one reason why so many people are opting for decorative concrete countertops over traditional materials is the cost-effectiveness and quality ratios they offer. Decorative concrete countertops can be customized to mimic any kind of texture, material, color, or pattern, including higher end materials. And compared to higher end materials, like marble and granite, concrete is much cheaper, easier to install, and easier to maintain.

Maintenance for Concrete Counters

In terms of cleaning and maintenance, there is really no difference. Concrete counters can be cleaned much in the same way as standard vinyl or laminate ones. Daily cleaning should simply involve warm water and mild dish washing liquid. Just be sure to use a soft washcloth or rag, and not a wire mesh pad or anything equally abrasive. You also want to avoid harsh soaps and cleaners. These can remove your sealant and leave behind scratches. You can also use store-bought cleansing cloths that are marked safe for concrete counters.

Some professionals recommend a routine waxing for period concrete countertop maintenance. Once a month, add a new layer of wax to ensure its level of resistance to heat, staining, scratches, and more. The proper method for waxing your concrete countertops will vary depending on several factors, so it is important to discuss these individual needs with your Indianapolis concrete contractor.

Indianapolis Concrete Contractors

Restoration By L&B, LLC offers superior decorative concrete installation and replacement for both residential and commercial properties in Indianapolis and its surrounding towns. Whether you are a home or building owner, our qualified and insured general contractors can provide a wide-range of tile flooring services; including replacements, removal, repairs, installations, and more. You name it, we can do it! Best of all, we offer the most competitive pricing around! Contact us at 317-454-3612 to request an estimate, today.

Residential and Commercial Remodeling
Residential and Commercial Remodeling

The 2 Primary Types of Concrete Stain

Decorative concrete is achieved through concentrated techniques that transform plain, grey concrete into something unique and beautiful. One of the most common and well-known processes for decorative concrete is staining. The process of concrete staining uses dyes and colors to add versatility and design to plain concrete. There are various types of materials used for concrete staining, including acrylic stains, integrated colors, dyes, and more. But the two primary types of stains used for decorative concrete are acid stains and water-based stains.

Continue reading to learn more about these two concrete stains, and who to call for professional concrete staining services you can trust.

Stained Concrete Contractors 317-454-3612
Stained Concrete Contractors 317-454-3612

Acid Stains

Probably the most common of the two would be acid stains. These are known to provide a rich, deep color that is lustrous and long-lasting. When acid stain is applied to cured concrete, the chemicals within react in a way that transforms the pigment of the concrete permanently. This transformation is best described as a marbleized or grainy leather look; but of course, no transformation is the same as another.

They are all unique since you can’t entirely control the way the chemicals react inside the concrete. But this is simply one of the many alluring traits of concrete staining. It is important to note however, that concrete stains do not cover blemishes and imperfections and concrete very well. The transformation is more translucent and sheer in comparison to integrated colors and dyes.

Water-Based Stains

Water-based stains are applied similarly to acid stains, however they produce a much different outcome since there is no chemical reaction involved. The transformation rendered by water-based stains are best described as semi translucent, since the stain seeps into the concrete pores much like a dye. In fact, water-based concrete stains are commonly called concrete dyes because the coloring processes are similar.

Water-based stains produce a more uniform look, offer a much broader range of colors, and they last much longer since they are penetrated within the pores of the concrete. There’s no risk of the color “flaking off” or chipping at any point in time. But keep in mind, they are similar to acid stains in that they do not completely cover surface blemishes and imperfections because they provide semi translucent finishes.

Indianapolis Concrete Staining Contractors

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional concrete staining in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial concrete services, ranging from concrete staining and stamping, to concrete repair, overlays, pressure washing, and much more. Best of all, we retain the proper resources, skills, knowledge, and equipment to accurately implement a flawless concrete staining project in a time-frame that’s convenient for you. Get started today by requesting an on-site estimate.

How to Care for Stamped Concrete

You’ve mostly likely seen stamped concrete before, whether at the mall, your favorite restaurant, or your friend’s new home.  It is so versatile, easily and affordably mimicking higher end materials like brick, stone, hardwood, and even marble! Stamped concrete is a very popular choice for flooring, patios, and driveways because it is visually appealing, functional, cost-effective, long-lasting, and low maintenance.

That’s right! Low maintenance! But just because stamped concrete is “low maintenance” doesn’t mean it doesn’t require any care at all! In fact, it is vital that you provide a certain degree of care for your stamped concrete floors and foundations in order for them to remain strong and stunning for years to come.

Continue reading to learn how to properly maintain stamped concrete flooring and surfaces.

Stamped Concrete Contractor 317-454-3612
Indianapolis Stamped Concrete Contractor 317-454-3612

Stamped Concrete Maintenance

Stamped concrete can be imprinted, impressed, engraved, and colored to resemble an infinite array of designs, textures, and styles. This is just one reason why this type of flooring is considered such an important asset to a home or property. In order to maintain quality and performance, you simply need to make the time.

Start with daily dirt removal. Use a leaf blower, broom, or vacuum to remove dirt, debris, and other solid particles from your floors. You should also rinse with clean water on a weekly basis to reduce grime and residue accumulation.

Also be sure to stay on top of stain removal. If your flooring or foundation has scuff marks, stains, or oil spots, it is important to remove them as soon as possible. Never allow stains, dirt, or debris to sit for long periods of time on stamped concrete.

It is important to have stamped concrete seal coated to provide an extra layer of protection against dirt and damage. Routine seal coating also protects against freeze-thaw cycles, expansion, buckling, moisture, and de-icing chemicals.

It is also important to hire a professional Indianapolis stamped concrete contractor for stamped concrete installation and sealcoating services. They have the experience, equipment, knowledge, and resources to provide accurate and safe service you can trust. Just be sure to choose a company that is licensed and experienced, and can offer estimates and advice anytime.

Indianapolis Concrete Stamping and Staining

Residential and Commercial Remodeling 317-454-3612
Residential and Commercial Remodeling 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional concrete stamping and staining in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. Our highly trained, qualified and insured general contractors provide services for complete project management and development, planning, design and build coordination, pre-construction services, and more.  And as a trusted source for concrete installation, we guarantee to beat any competitor’s price! Contact us at 317-454-3612 to request a written estimate, today.