Kip and Nesha are always available to answer your engraved concrete questions. If there's something you'd like to know that's not listed here, please contact them by email or call (913) 244-3414!
Realizing the importance of improving property value (not to mention adding pride to ownership) by giving life to concrete is essential. Realizing the right company to provide that value is imperative! Engraved Concrete Designs. From the subtle to the sublime, quality from start to finish!
1. Answer: The #1 benefit of using the innovative techniques of engraving concrete are simple. While other applications claim they're "good for a lifetime", ONLY engraving will ensure your design and color will last - for the life of your concrete! Why? Because it is IN your concrete. That's right - not on it, not over it - it is now an integral part of the concrete itself, thus ensuring it WILL last the life of your concrete!
Other benefits include the endless design possibilities and unique to engraving color combinations, never worrying about spills, fraying, cracking, spliting, discoloration...or any of the other concerns surrounding overlays, linoleum, carpeting, etc. For more information, contact Engraved Concrete Designs. (913) 244-3414
2. Nesha says: I don't know how much of this info you know or need but I guess you can use what you want and discard everything else.
Some info on the products we use:
Acid Stains
The acid in the stain reacts with the lime in concrete to produce color. Since the lime content in every batch of concrete is different, no one color turns out the same on any one conrete substrate.
So what that means is what one project looks like with one stain may be different from another project with the same stain.
Acetone Dyes
We use a powder dye mixed with acetone. The acetone makes it possible to use the dyes on indoor concrete because it can be absorbed through almost any "sealer" - which can be a number of things other than actual concrete sealer, ie, concrete curing compound.
A great thing about the dyes is that they come in about 25 different colors.
SimStain
This is a non-acid stain that comes in a variety of colors. The color of the dyes and simstains do not change as drastically as the acid stains do on different concrete substrates.
We do more than just chemical work. Diamond blade saws cut into the surface, allowing us more flexibility in your design work as in brick or tile effect, circles, etc. We use compressed air powered impact tools for lettering and more variety in your design's detail.
As with any chemical like kitchen or bathroom cleaning products, you don't want to inhale or consume the products we work with. Remember, though - we ARE professionals, we KNOW the effects and how our processes work. That just means it is our job to make sure you are fully aware of what's required from you, your family or clients or your pets while we put your vision in concrete. Safety and quality go hand in hand and as we apply quality to each and every project, your safety is never in question. We GUARANTEE it!
3. Kip's Response: What we do in a nutshell is thoroughly clean all dirt and all stains that can be removed from the concrete. Next, we either cut or stain, dye, or a combination of both then let it sit and work usually over night. After the stain has worked over night or 24 hours we neutralize it. Now we are ready for the first coat of sealer. After the sealer dries, overnight or the next day, we cut patterns, if not already done before. After all the staining, cutting, dyeing, etc, are done we clean a second time and seal again for the finish coat.
To maintain the luster of the newly completed job (if interior), we recommend a simple coat of wax as needed to maintain the beautiful final project. There are an infinite number of designs and patterns we can cut or engrave and thousands of ways to apply different colors/toppings/textures... so I guess explaining in a nutshell is quite impossible. Let me know what else I can answer for you! Kip
4. Answer: Engraved Concrete Designs is more than happy to provide folks with free estimates after a thorough assessment. What keeps us doing it for free, though, is that the requests come from only serious engraved concrete inquiries.
What's "serious"? Good folks, like you, who are really interested in improving their tired concrete and property values - and may not be sure what's the best application to use. When we come out and offer that estimate, we are not necessarily expecting to do the job. Some times, due to our relatively hectic schedule, it may not be feasible to do it as quickly as you wish it done. There are lots of contingencies like the level of detail, area(s) to be worked - what and when it will fit into your budget.
All we ask is that when someone (either for personal or business use) requests an estimate from us, they are actually seriously contemplating revamping ugly areas, covering up cracks, or just plain looking for the best method to alleviate the dull look of concrete.
If that sounds at all harsh or discouraging, think of it this way. You (as a home or business owner) expect vendors or contractors that come out to assess your concern as being "serious" in what they offer in their estimates, ideas, potential issues and the like. With that, we're sure you understand and by all means, shoot us an email if you have any questions in this area!
5. Answer: This is a "the devil's in the details" question! In offering a time frame, the level of detail required along with the size of area to be done may or may not add time to the two days required for drying and setting as mentioned in "What exactly do you do to my concrete?". Always feel free to contact us for a more specific answer to your concrete concern.
6. Answer: Although Engraved Concrete Designs is foremost one of the ultimate midwest experts in engraved concrete, we are proud to announce two new additions to our product line - Concrete Countertops & Vertical Wall Applications! Check out the luxury a matching counterop creates! Many luxurious designs available for countertops that can't be created through conventional methods.
The wall application will emulate riverrock, brick, dry laid stone, etc - making any wall surface come to life!
Kip adds: There is a definite advantage undertaking Engraved Concrete Designs with my decades of background in high quality construction. Remember, there is no such thing as a stupid question - especially if you don't know the answer! Feel free to contact me at any time. (913) 244-3414 or by email.
7.Yes, we're repeating ourselves (if you've viewed the previous question), but following a recent and rather intense training session at Bob Harris' Decorative Concrete Institute in Georgia, KIp & Nesha are elated to share this impressive product by also offering seamless, caulk free countertops and/or side bars! Engraved Concrete Designs is still foremost one of the ultimate midwest experts in engraved concrete, yet this enables their ability to exceed their already limitless options in order to give you THE perfect result!
Visit our home page for more or better yet, just contact KIp any time at (913) 244-3414 or by email. He's got all the countertop and engraved concrete answers!
8. Answer: Well, this one has stumped the webmistress and we'll just have to consider it a work-in-progress!
The one thing I do know is this - there is no mess when Engraved Concrete Designs is done. Only thing you'll be stuck with is the life-of-your-concrete-long richly satisfying design of your dreams. Do you really need to know more than that? Let me know!
9. Kip's Exact Words: "I strive for perfection and I am my own worst critic. We guarantee satisfaction and we will bend over backwards to make ALL customers happy with any work we do. We believe in the ten commandments and I think honesty really is the best policy."
'Bout says it all, don't you think?
10. Answer: The cost of any home improvement project is difficult to gauge as there are many variables to consider. However, using Engraved Concrete Designs for a free assessment on your concrete concern ensures you'll know upfront what your beautifully designed and crafted engraving desire will cost. Engraved Concrete Designs works with you, making sure to take any budget constraints into account when estimating.
Why not just give "specific" prices like pieces of lumber or carpet? Because this is NOT lumber, it's not linoleum or other standard flooring. It is a special yet cost effective series of processes guaranteed to last the lifetime of your concrete. With that, it's hard to put out an exact price without discussion on your creation! Think about it...you're not looking to build a tree house or carpet Aunt Martha's bedroom. If you were, you wouldn't be looking here...
11. Answer: You're asking what happens if you don't like the end result from Engraved Concrete Designs? I have to tell you, that's a darned good question. Why? Because in our year plus of providing folks with powerfully esthetic from subtle to sublime quality concrete design, we've never had someone NOT be pleased beyond belief!
At least half of the pictures on this website are from satisfied clients who were willing to have elements of their home published on a web page. We're members in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. Nesha, Tia and I made a solemn commitment to this business and satisfying our customers is critical to our nature.
In other words, should this ever happen to us - that someone doesn't love their finished product - THEN I'll come back here and have an answer. Quality from start to finish, but you'll never know how true that is until you've worked with us, Engraved Concrete Designs. Call (913) 244-3414 or write today for more information!
12. Answer: Does Engraved Concrete Designs travel? Oh, my, yes! Already on our slate are jobs in St Louis, Pittsburgh and Wichita. We realize folks everywhere desire the esthetic beauty of our processes but are often hard pressed to find a company of true quality & reliability that also guarantees their work as we do!
Engraved Concrete Designs also realizes the additional expense of our "room & board" needs to be upfront and included in the guesstimate quoted for the job(s) itself. I say "guesstimate" as without the actual/specific details/dimensions of the job, well, obviously it can't be a "to the penny" quote - yet we know our "room & board" so no surprises there!
What I require from all our travel customers is a conversation wtih me so you'll know first hand what all is involved to make sure YOU can make your vision real! Home or business, engraved concrete cannot help but add both a "blahs" to "ahs" environment AND increase the property's worth. Call me any time at (913) 244-3414 or write today for more information!
Note: "room & board" elements include mileage/gas and lodging as prearranged between the customer and Kip. Don't let the thought of an additional expense stop you from obtaining a bid - it may just be less than you think! Remember - guaranteed for the life of your concrete - one visit for a life time of value! Just ask...
Welcome to FAQs - Stamper Style!
Answer: Although Engraved Concrete Designs is foremost one of the ultimate midwest experts in engraved concrete, we are proud to announce two new additions to our product line - Concrete Countertops & Vertical Wall Applications! Check out the luxury a matching counterop creates! Many luxurious designs available for countertops that can't be created through conventional methods. 