Concrete tiles are made of a mix of sand, stone, cement and water. The basic manufacturing materials of cement tiles make them undeniably strong. Although it is mostly preferred for its ability to withstand tear and wear, tile made of concrete has its pros and cons.

Pros

Durability

Concrete tiles are strong and capable of outliving humans. Durability is actually the major advantage of concrete tiles. Once you invest in these tiles, be confident that they will hold up for many years and give you value for money. Concrete tiles flooring is the most durable when compared to hardwoods. It also outlasts ceramic tiles. The durability of concrete tiles makes them ideal for high-traffic and business spaces. Nevertheless, these tiles are used to remodel or build homes too. Their durability is maximized by coating them with penetrating sealant that prevents staining while making their cleaning easier. When coated with a sealant, concrete tiles dry faster.

Easy Maintenance

When sealed, concrete tiles are easy to clean and sweep. Mild soap can be used to mop a concrete tiles’ floor. However, you should mop the surface dry more often to collect standing moisture so that it does not penetrate the concrete tiles. Concrete tiles are also used to decorate a space as fireplace accents or backsplashes. That’s because they require minimal maintenance.

Design Variety

There is a design for almost every home. Finding concrete tiles to match your home style won’t be an issue no matter what your inspiration is. There are modern, Moroccan, and Italian villa design trends to choose from. This variety makes concrete tiles ideal for both walls and floors in living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms, foyers, laundry rooms and bathrooms. They are also ideal for kitchen backsplash and island underside. You can also use concrete tiles to add unique artwork on your walls.

Eco-Friendliness

Natural materials are used to make concrete tiles. High-quality concrete tiles come with natural pigments that give them unique patterns. Generally, natural colors do not fade like non-mineral based colors. That’s why even the oldest concrete tiles maintain their extraordinarily vibrant look. What’s more, these tiles are not hardened through baking like other tiles. This makes them more energy efficient.

Cons

Structural Consideration

Concrete tiles need structural consideration because they are heavy. Therefore, before you strip out the old laminate or prep your building for new concrete tile flooring, ensure that the structure of your building can support their weight. Have your home assessed by a qualified engineer carefully.

They Change after Some Time

Concrete tiles patina after some time just like wood or leather material. In some cases, concrete tiles crack and chip because they are more brittle. Therefore, be prepared to have them change in terms of their look over the years.

Staining

Concrete tiles need extra maintenance because they stain. Essentially, you should reseal concrete tiles every 2 to 3 years. Resealing concrete tiles will slow down water absorption especially in the bathroom and kitchen. This prevents formation of permanent marks on concrete tiles.

Cold Underfoot

Washing dishes while standing on hard concrete tiles is generally uncomfortable because the material feels cold underfoot. Concrete tiles are also not ideal for places where kids will crawl and play on a floor. Concrete tiles are highly durable and customizable. This makes many people prefer them over other materials. But, to make an informed choice, consider these pros and cons of concrete tiles first.

The information & content in this article was provided by a local tile installation Winnipeg based company.

Add practical and stylish touches to your landscape with rocks and stone pavers. Natural stones are versatile elements for giving your landscape a makeover. Rocks and stone pavers add contrast and texture. They also serve as a long lasting ground cover that requires little maintenance.

Using sleek stones and large stone pavers around your trees will transform your landscape into an awesome relaxing space. But, to make your outdoor space well-balanced, you need a well thought out design. Therefore, take time to think how you will embellish your yard with trees, stones, rocks, shrubs and vegetation.

What Differentiates a Rock from a Stone?

Many people use the terms rock and stone interchangeably. However, a rock is different from a stone. A rock is a piece that has freshly been broken from a large ground mass through blasting out of a quarry. A stone on the other hand is a rock that has undergone water or weather exposure near the surface of the earth for a long period.

Nevertheless, when using rocks and stone pavers to decorate your landscape, you can use both stones and rocks to accompany trees. You can also use them as stand-alone elements in your landscape to add color, texture, and interest in a refreshing way.

Choose Rocks and Stone Pavers Carefully

When decorating the landscape around your trees using rocks and stone pavers, there are different types of stone pavers and rocks that you have to choose from. This implies that you have infinite design options. It’s therefore important that you take time to choose the types of rocks and stone pavers to use in your landscape. Also go for the trendiest ways to use stones and rocks to decorate your landscape.

Remember that the stone pavers and rocks that you use in your landscape will set a tone for your outdoor space. For instance, beach pebbles and river rocks will add warmth to your landscape. A shady part of the yard can be brightened up with white marbles.

If you want to decorate a tropical landscape, use terracotta stones. These can also blend well with formal gardens. A modern landscape will look great when decorated with black lava rocks. Essentially, choose the rocks and stone pavers to use depending on the type of the landscape that you want to decorate and its location. What’s more, choose stone pavers and rocks that make you happy when relaxing in your landscape.

The Bottom Line

Decorating the landscape around your trees with rocks and stone pavers is a sure way to create a budget friendly curb appeal. That’s because rocks and stone pavers take up the space where grass that needs watering can’t grow yet they create a striking pattern and appearance.

I want to thank a number of sources from which we have gathered a wealth of information from willing companies such as various tree services and landscapers to share some of their experience and ideas with us. One of their website’s is www.treeserviceregina.com, you can visit for more great ideas.

One of the most challenging yet rewarding decisions that you have to make as a homeowner is to select the color of your home’s exterior and the paving stone patio. Nevertheless, when you know the importance of this decision, selecting the right color for re-painting your home exterior to match that of the new paving stone patio becomes easy. Essentially, this knowledge enables you to stand a better chance of selecting a home exterior color that will match the new paving stone patio.

Basic tips

When selecting paint color, choose hues that harmonize your home with the new patio. For instance, if the paving stones have few lighter shades, make sure that the paint colors that you choose don’t bring in competition. Make sure that the paving stone patio still serves as the focal point of your home without causing confusion. For more information on selecting the optimal color visit http://www.sandmanpaintingwinnipeg.com/. They are very knowledgeable in color schemes and matching.

If you have a brick-colored paving stone patio, let it warm up your home by incorporating wood siding. However, this may not be an ideal option if you have a brick home. Mixing your brick home with a brick hardscape will create excessive red in the entire surrounding. However, you can pair a grey paving stone patio with a brick home.

If the new paving stone patio has natural tones, bear in mind that they can have gray, yellow, or pink hues. Irrigation water or sunlight can also accent these. Therefore, scrutinize your pavers carefully to ensure that you select the right color for re-painting your home’s exterior.

Decide on the effect to create

Do you want to create a tranquil effect or a vibrant space with more energy and colors? It’s imperative that you know the patterns that you want to create by re-painting your home’s exterior to match the new paving stone patio. You may as well want to create a more rustic or modern taste with the home exterior’s color and the paving stone patio. Therefore, consider the overall effect that you want when re-painting the exterior of your home to match the new paving stone patio.

Consider sunlight

In most cases, your new paving stone patio color will change on the basis of the sunlight amount that hits it. Therefore, check the new paving stone patio carefully during the day and at night when the landscape lights are shinning on your new paving stones. Decide on the color of the paint to use on your home’s exterior depending on the look that you want to create in your compound both at night and during the day.

Match the home’s exterior color with the new patio

For some people, matching the home exterior with the new paving stone patio is the best approach. That’s because this approach ties colors in the compound together. It’s important to note that if you opt for this approach, you don’t have to use colors that exactly match each other. Instead, select colors with similar hues. Perhaps, you can look at the pictures of homes that you admire online to determine whether this strategy is ideal for you.

When re-painting your home exterior to match your new paving stone patio, consider paint colors that you can change in the exterior of your home to achieve the desired look. Also determine whether you can tie color together by repainting rain gutters, downspouts, window shutters, and the front door.

Concrete, brick, cobblestone, and even rubber! When it comes to paver patio, you have many choices. A paved patio adds irresistible charm and texture to an otherwise boring yard. You can mix and match paver types to create your own backyard paragon. Below is some info on each type of patio paver.

Brick

Undeniably, bricks bring a classic character and durability to your hardscape. Thinner than typical building bricks, these paving stones are manufactured to support under heavy foot traffic. You can set brick pavers in statement intricate patterns. These are available in a variety of sizes, colors, shapes, and finishes for an old or new look.

Concrete

Concrete is a manufactured paver that can get you a waterproof, versatile and comparatively, durable patio. Brushed, acid washed, scored, interlocking and stamped; concrete pavers lend an impression of riches with multiple imaginative ways of finishing. Its long lifespan and low installation cost make it a popular choice among homeowners.

Cobblestone

Incorporate an old-world street look in your backyard by installing cobblestone patio paver. Cobblestone pavers give a nostalgic impression because these were used to lay down streets in old times.

Rubber Tiles

Usually made from recycled tires, rubber tiles give a completely different feel to patios. These pavers are designed to go with any surface. Their lightweight means you can use them on decks as well. Resembling concrete tiles in appearance with brick and terra cotta finish, rubber tiles are a brand new and trending concept in the market. They are non-slip and snap together with connector clips, but need regular maintenance.

Bluestone

Bluestone is a natural mix of sand and other particles that lend the paver its bluish gray shade.

Flagstone, Slate, and Marble

Flagstone, slate and marble pavers are cut from a stone quarry. These are durable and stay cool as they don’t absorb heat. They are perfect for a yard that catches direct sunlight. Check your local stone supplier for a cost-effective deal. You can opt for a cut or uncut stones; the latter needs an experienced pro to accomplish a good-looking patio installation quickly.

Travertine

Travertine pavers are, durable, more textured and filled with little holes.

Decomposed Granite and Pebble Pavers

Made from tiny granite pieces, these pavers offer an affordable way for a slightly crunchy texture underfoot. Since the surface may erode with time, you may need to refresh and replenish the patio or follow preventative maintenance regularly.

Need more ideas for a patio upgrade? Visit diynetwork.com. Happy paving!

Concrete driveway repairs are extremely common, due to the current complicated variations and designs available in recent years. Pavement is no longer a simple matter of white-top or blacktop. As a concrete contractor, I really know. Driveway Repair Facts – The common misconception is that most concrete driveway repairs can be done by property owners with ease. This is simply not the case. By the time that most visible cracks, erosions, and discolourations are identified, the concrete troubles are probably deeper than expected. (In addition, decorative concrete repairs involve design and pattern issues.) Oil and gasoline seep into concrete pavement and asphalt pavement, and damage the base, as well as the surface.

The same is true for water, which freezes in winter and expands amid the problem areas. As the frozen fluids expand, the damage also expands. This makes driveway repairs absolutely necessary, before bigger problems form. Driveway Solutions, crack Repairs, fortunately, there are numerous driveway solutions available to deal with driveway problems. It is best to analyze these potential driveway repair solutions before jumping into full driveway replacement scenarios. Often, particular areas of concrete pavement are viable for sectional concrete driveway repairs. This often involves cutting and replacing specific smaller areas of concrete. Sectional replacement is a safe and practical way to strengthen pavement and add to its functional abilities.

For driveways that are damaged in only particular sections, these repairs are the proper driveway solutions. In other cases, cracks can actually be addressed by filling them. However, it is not simply a matter of buying some concrete in a bag and pouring it in the cracks. Concrete driveway solutions and driveway repairs fall under the strategy of “an ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure.” It is far better to address needed driveway repairs when they are small, before their inevitable exponential growth. More paving tips and ideas coming your way.

Keeping a nice looking yard is essential to keeping your house looking nice. Curb appeal is a major factor in determining the selling price of a house, and many people make up a powerful first impression when they see your front yard. Even if you aren’t selling your house, people coming over will necessarily make an impression of your home based on how your yard looks. That’s why it’s important to keep it looking nice at all times. Of course, this isn’t the easiest thing to do, especially if you aren’t really into the whole gardening thing. But in this article, you’ll learn some basic tips that just may give you a few good ideas.

Take some time looking at your yard. Consider things you can add, or take away, that will make it look nicer. What colors can you add? Are there any trees or shrubs that you can add that will make it look nicer? Are there any shrubs or trees that are getting out of control? If you’re familiar with software like Photoshop, you can take some photos and play around with adding and taking away things.

The colour mix is very important. Especially if you have several kinds of flowers that bloom at several times throughout the year. Ideally, you’d like to have flowers blooming at various times throughout the year, and that have different colors that blend well with your yard. If you’ve got flowers that are all of the same colour, think about mixing it up a little bit. Of course, you are going to need to keep your budget in mind when making all these plans. It might be a good idea to figure out how much you can spend before you get started, so you don’t end up in a poor maintained house. Knowing your budget will help you select the appropriate plants.

Looking for Paving Stones? Are you looking to improve the overall presentation of your domain? Be the envy of your neighbours with a new driveway? Give your garden a facelift? If you are looking for a new and improved landscape you might be considering purchasing some new paving stones. Paving stones can really enhance the look and potential value of your property. When crafted from naturally sourced materials, paving stones can add a new aesthetic to your home or a different dimension to a tired garden without looking too obtrusive. There are many types of paving stone on the market and prices can vary considerably, therefore, selecting the right supplier and making a decision about your choice of stone shouldn’t be rushed. Well laid paving stone will last many years and should settle and age sympathetically with the surrounding environment.

What are Paving Stones? Alongside the aesthetic value, paving stones serve the purpose of securing a level outdoor surface and are ideal for driveways and gardens. They can be made of concrete and similar composites but for a natural, good looking finish, paving stones created from naturally colored sandstones are most frequently used. It can be bought in bulk from an importer and supplier online. Sandstone paving stones are available in an array of natural colors: Green, Brown, Yellow, Red and Grey. Thickness can vary and is dependent on general: thicker paving is more heavy duty or upon personal choice and purpose.

Where can I get Paving Stones? Any local stone provider will be the ideal place for you if you are looking for paving stones. They import natural Stone from major quarrying regions of all over, and should pride themselves upon the quality, finish, colour and choice of their product. They will most likely supply aged stone paving, standard stone paving, value stone paving and a range of calibrated paving stones in a variety of sizes and thicknesses designed to suit your needs.