Video: Concrete Countertop Institute President Shares News of a Boom

Live from World of Concrete 2013, President of CCI talks on the trends buoying the "architectural" concrete industry

February 6, 2013

Jeff Girard, PE, of the Concrete Countertop Institute comments on the growing use of glass-fiber reinforced concrete around the world. Decorative/architectural concrete contractors are getting busier, indicating a groundswell in the economy.

The CCI trains contractors on concrete architecture beyond countertops. Trends he's seeing are more outdoor applications like kitchens and fire pits.

Concrete Countertop Institute

Battery-powered roller screeds are suited for remote applications. They have no cords or hoses and can be easily operated in remote environments with a limited power supply.

Circular Concrete Pours: Tips on Pouring a Circular Foundation for a Grain Bin

When the job is a foundation for a grain bin, you can find limitations and unique challenges to such a remote setting. Investing in specialized equipment may save time and provide a long-lasting foundation.

Construction Site

7 Methods for Testing Concrete Strength

There are many different practices aside from cylinder break tests that can be used.

A World of Experience in Paving

A World of Experience in Paving

Meet the world's #1 brand of pavers and paving screeds, VÖGELE. See where VÖGELE can help you be successful in every climate, condition, and terrain.

There were 19 winners in the specials, buildings, and transportation categories; there were also 15 honorable mentions.

Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute Reveals Winners of the 2024 Design Awards

For 61 years, the PCI Design Awards program has showcased and recognized creative and innovative uses of precast concrete.

How to Marble Concrete

How I Make Concrete Marble

How Bradley Coomes, owner of Coomes Custom Concrete Creations, creates a marbling effect for concrete countertops and concrete tabletops.

When slabs on ground are polished, non-uniform exposure of aggregate is a result of high spots cause by slab curling. Deflection of many suspended slabs exceeds the upward movement at curled slabs, so polishing may result in even larger areas that exhibit such non-uniform aggregate exposure.

Why Polishing Suspended Concrete Slabs is More Likely to Disappoint Customers

Polished-concrete specifications are based on experience with slabs-on-grade, so contractors must help project owners understand how results will likely vary when polishing suspended slabs

Train The Trainer Training For Concrete and Masonry Contractors

How To: Skilled Labor Training

The OPCMIA provides concrete contractors, plasters, and cement masons a path on training and apprenticeship programs throughout the country - directly addressing the challenge of finding skilled labor.

For indoor or outdoor use, EZ Stain Premium uses nano-bonding technology and pigments to deliver a natural look that will not peel or flake.

Glaze N' Seal Offers EZ Stain Premium for Concrete Applications

For indoor or outdoor use, EZ Stain Premium uses nano-bonding technology and pigments to deliver a natural look that will not peel or flake.

3 Questions Contractors Need to Consider When Comparing Generator Types

3 Questions Contractors Need to Consider When Comparing Generator Types

Contractors have more generator options than ever before. But which one is right for your business depends on your needs, usage habits and more.

Based on solvent-free hybrid silane polyether technology, the non-shrink single-component products can be used on a range of substrates and bond to a range of construction materials.

CTS Cement Black Rapid Set Non-Sag Sealant and Adhesive and Self-Leveling Sealant

Based on solvent-free hybrid silane polyether technology, the non-shrink single-component products can be used on a range of substrates and bond to a range of construction materials.

How To Get Started With Color Hardener

How To Get Started With Color Hardener

Color hardener is not just old technology. There are countless stamped concrete contractors for end users to choose from, but the contractors that use color hardener seem to stand out from the crowd.

Best Practices For Exposed Glass Aggregate With Polished Concrete

Best Practices: Polishing Over Glass Aggregate

In search of a best practices standard for the surface broadcast of glass aggregate on concrete flatwork, a field study evaluated installation techniques, how to deal with adverse conditions, and the troubleshooting of and repair of common issues.

Your slurry management plan should address containment of slurry leaks and spills, such as the use of jute mesh, above, floc logs, and absorbent socks or pads.

How to Properly Handle Concrete Slurry

The rules governing the disposal of concrete slurry created during polishing, cutting and grinding can be murky without a set of guidelines to follow.

Proper surface prep includes removing any coatings or impurities on the concrete slab as well as leveling and profiling the concrete so the overlay can bond with the surface.

How To Prepare A Concrete Surface For Decorative Concrete Overlay

A decorative concrete overlay is only as good as the surface it is applied to. Use proper surface preparation to ensure a successful finished product.

Functionality That Makes a Difference | JLG®

Functionality That Makes a Difference | JLG®

From Smart Load technology to self-leveling innovations, helping you and your crew return home safely is more than our job – it’s why we’re here.

Rust-Oleum Innovates All-In-One Packaging System, World Of Concrete 2024

Rust-Oleum Innovates All-In-One Packaging System, World Of Concrete 2024

Alongside cutting-edge coating solutions, Rust-Oleum will introduce an innovative All-In-One Packaging system for two-component kits, designed to transform inventory management and streamline application processes.

Adobe Stock 190729587

Top 5 Trends in Concrete Flooring

Contractors should understand and embrace these five trends in concrete flooring to offer homeowners more than a functional flooring solution.

The World of Concrete will celebrate its 50th year during the World of Concrete 2024 show.

World of Concrete Celebrates 50 Years

Join us and the whole of the concrete industry as World of Concrete celebrates 50 years!

Dcc Awarrds Screencapture

Winners of the 2023 Decorative Concrete Awards

Announced during the American Society of Concrete Contractors Conference, here are the 2023 winners of the Decorative Concrete Council Awards.

Using polyurethane sealant technology, Wall and Cavity Foam is a spray ready, single canister solution with 2-Componenet spray foam versatility.

DAP Launches 1-component Broadcast Spray Foam

Using polyurethane sealant technology, Wall and Cavity Foam is a spray ready, single canister solution with 2-Component spray foam versatility.

Aaron Statser Joins Coval Technologies As General Manager - Flooring Division

Coval Technologies Hires General Manager - Flooring

Aaron Statser joins Coval Technologies as General Manager.

The National Veterans Memorial and Museum required more than 100,000 square feet of wall formwork – all curved.

A Look Back at a Few Ways Concrete Said Thank You to Our Veterans

In recognition of Veterans Day, here are three projects that commemorated the sacrifice and service of our nation's veterans.

US DOL Launches Initiative to Protect Workers From Silica Dust

US DOL Launches Initiative to Protect Workers From Silica Dust

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration launched a new initiative focused on enhancing enforcement and providing compliance assistance to protect workers against silica dust exposure.

Handleless rope brushes work well on large slabs and in confined areas where handles are awkward.

How to Avoid Broomed Concrete Finish Disputes

Best practices can protect contractors and minimize disputes between job owners and architects.

Case Study of Coval Polished Concrete Sealer On A Warehouse Floor

Case Study: Coval Polished Concrete Sealer Warehouse Floor

Houston-based decorative concrete and maintenance contractors Business Flooring Specialists put the Coval Polished Concrete Sealer through a beta test at a local warehouse.

Concrete's Sustainability Will Be Key to the Future of Construction

Concrete's Sustainability: Will Concrete Continue To Play A Role In The Future Of Construction?

As the industry reduces emissions and improve circularity, concrete’s persistence and strength will likely drive the continued use to build safe, durable, and resilient structures.

Visibility is the key to effective construction fleet management

Visibility is the key to effective construction fleet management

Get command-center visibility on drivers, assets, materials, and equipment for better decision-making, both in the moment and the long term.