The look of brick on the entryway of a home looks classic, refined, and inviting. Brick also looks great in driveways, and exterior commercial plazas. But brick isn’t exactly the most affordable option for exterior surfaces. If you are considering brick as the surface for an exterior construction project, you might want to weigh your options.

Did you know that you can get the look of brick but at a fraction of the price with concrete? It’s true! Concrete overlays allow you to pave an exterior surface with concrete, then stamp it to make it resemble brick. This is more affordable because the process is done onsite, unlike masonry work with requires a truck to haul mass quantities of brick to a job site, then you have to have a mason lay each brick. Talk about labor-intensive! Concrete stamping is a wonderful, affordable way to achieve the look of brick.

Learn more about decorative concrete stamping.

Before you start a new decorative concrete project, it’s vital to have the proper tools and concrete supplies. Sure, you may be the best concrete contractor in your area, but you’re really only as good as the decorative concrete products you use. For example, we get emails all the time about how contractors or DIYers screwed up a concrete project because they choose cheap concrete mix over high-quality concrete mix. This is not a mistake you want to make! By choosing the most inexpensive products, you are run the risk of your mix design drying too soon, or worse, it takes too long to dry and someone ruins the slab by stepping onto it.

Another tip to keep in mind with it comes to decorative concrete products, is it’s typically best to use products from the same line. Concrete products manufacturer, SureCrete Designs, specifically creates concrete products to work in tandem with one another. For instance, their specially formulated concrete sealer was created to work their line of concrete stains. So when possible, try to always purchase concrete products from the same line. And don’t cheap out! Get the good stuff!

Learn more about this national concrete supply store.

Concrete countertops and vanities are becoming more and more popular. They last for years, look trendy and sleek, and are an eco-friendly alternative to natural stone countertops. If you are looking to add concrete to your kitchen or bathroom, here are some maintenance tips:

How to Clean and Care for Your Concrete Countertop or Vanity:

1. Clean up countertop spills as soon as they happen. Just a light dish soap will do the trick -- avoid harsh chemicals on your concrete countertop.

2. Every month, wax your concrete surface. This will build a thin, protective layer over time that will keep your countertop looking great.

3. If you feel it necessary, once a year apply a penetrating concrete sealer to your countertop. This will prevent staining. 

Concrete countertops are simple to maintain. You just need the right supplies. For more information regarding concrete countertop maintenance, check out this great decorative concrete supply store!

If you are in the early stages of, or at least thinking about, adding a swimming pool to your backyard, you already know all the choices you have to make: in-ground vs. above ground pool, swim spa or regular pool, location and position of the pool, chlorine vs. salt water... the list goes on and on! One of the main choices you will have to make is deck material. A great option that is gaining in popularity across the country is concrete.

A concrete pool deck is affordable, long-lasting, and looks great. Some concrete decks have sun protection factor built right into them, so you can be sure your cement won't fade over the years. Other cement-based pool decks come with a top layer of texture, so they are slip-resistant for safety purposes. 

So when the weather warms up and you're ready to get started on your backyard swimming pool project, look into a concrete pool deck over a wood deck. It will last longer, and look better. Learn more about concrete swimming pool decks.

Min Yoshida’s expertly designed custom concrete pools are the talk of the town in Los Angeles. Their beautiful craftsmanship combined with their spot-on customer service has made them a favorite amongst those looking for the perfect L.A. custom pool. 

Pools in Los Angeles are definitely not a rare item, but designing and installing a true custom swimming pool makes all the difference in the world. Min Yoshida’s expert team of skilled artisans will transform your ideas and dreams into a reality. Their unique pool designs are breathtaking, from the ultra modern, to the classic, they can do it all.

Min Yoshida can have you swimming in the custom swimming pool of your dreams in no time, let them help you design your Los Angeles custom pool today.

Learn more about LA’s best concrete pool designer.