Background

As a former pool builder, I was often faced with the client's desire to have a custom pad installed that complimented their home or evoked a certain mood. My research lead me to a nearly 40 year old, proven industry of decorative processes that transform plain concrete into a myriad of choices. I became so fascinated with the realism these processes produce and the advantages it offers clients that it has become my primary focus. Even after 12 years experience in this field, I still get excited about what these products have to offer.

Job Standards

Job Standards A Sound Foundation Expansion/Control Joints 4,000 PSI Concrete Minimum Secondary and Primary Reinforcement Drainage Control

Designer-Crete offers its clients turnkey work, eliminating the clients' need to bring in sub-contractors throughout phases of the job. As owner-operators we are on the job-site and performing all of the stages through completion. This guarantees the strict job standards we maintain for our clients.

1. A Sound Foundation

   A home depends on concrete footings in the earth to provide a "sound foundation". Concrete flatwork has equally important demands in its own way. House footings are placed deep into the ground where minimal movement exists. In contrast, driveways and patios are traditionally placed on top of the ground where tremendous expansion/contraction exists due to temperature changes, moisture content, and varying soil types.

   Underneath all Designer-Crete jobs you'll find extensive preparations and a base that will minimize soil movement transferred to the concrete on top. This and the many other measures we take throughout the job ensure quality work and longevity.

2. Expansion/Control Joints

   Because concrete flatwork rests on top of the ground, a series of precautions are taken to protect it from the expansion/contraction of the ground beneath. Properly placed expansion and contraction joints provide flexibility in the concrete that absorb ground movement.

3. 4,000 PSI Concrete

   Designer-Crete always uses a minimum of 4,000 PSI concrete. This means the concrete can withstand 4,000 pounds of pressure per square inch when fully cured. The higher cement ratio in the concrete provides a harder product to help it resist deterioration from the forces of nature, wear from traffic, and to increase its strength. While 4000 PSI more than suffices for most installations, even greater hardness can be achieved when the situation dictates.

4. Reinforcement

   Concrete needs reinforcement to hold it together as one piece. Designer-Crete uses primary and secondary reinforcement in all jobs by combining steel rebar with fiberglass. These two elements, coupled with a series of additional procedures, help create the quality work you are looking for.

5. Drainage Control

   Where the water goes matters! That's why every Designer-Crete job is carefully laid out to avoid standing water after rains. From carefully sloped pads to custom drain systems, the water goes where it should.

Company Qualities Hands-on owners "Turnkey work" 12 years experience Good reference base Independent, offering more choices than franchised contractors

We are independent, non-franchised contractors. We deal with many national suppliers so we don't become limited to the choices we can offer our clients.

Every job is a unique, individualized design, fitted to our clients' needs and desires. From landscape uses to functional flatwork, our job is to enhance and transform the beauty of your property or home.

As a specialized, custom company, Designer-Crete will consider all jobs outside our locality.

Importance of Design

With 12 years experience solely in decorative concrete work, the fundamentals are squarely in place. It's good design that makes the difference. Our clients are faced with infinite color choices, patterns, and textures, not to mention the overall design of the project.

At no cost to our potential clients, we conduct a full consultation to illustrate what is possible. With your ideas and dreams in mind, we use our knowledge, artistic, and design skills to create anything from elegance to rustic "old world" charm. All projects will start with a scale drawing in your hands.