Everyone wants their deck or patio area to express their taste and to go with the design of their house. When most people hear concrete, they see something institutional, plain and dull. This is no longer the case. With a technique that has been gaining popularity since its introduction in the 1970′s, stamped concrete can be the perfect addition to your outdoor spaces.
What is stamped concrete? Well, it’s basically concrete that has been made to look like other building materials like brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile, and wood. Getting the real thing can often be cost prohibitive especially if it will cover a large area, but by doing a stamped concrete, you can get the same look for much less, without giving up any of the lasting properties.
Once you have decided on the style you want to go with, the company will color the concrete with a two step coloring process: the main color and the accent color. The base color will mimic the natural color of the material that you want, while the accent color will bring out the texture and patterns that you have chosen. People will be astounded at your flagstone walkway, and only you will know what it is really made of. More and more people are also forgoing the traditional asphalt driveway, by installing stamped concrete. As we all know, concrete is a very tough material, so it won’t have the wear and tear that many other driveway building materials might experience. Also, if you are looking to sell your home, these types of driveways add tremendous curb appeal which is very important in this housing market.
Though it is possible to do it yourself, it’s best to find a company that has experience with this type of material and they will do it for you. A good design company might also help you with landscape around your pathways and your patios to give everything one cohesive look. They will also have a wider variety of stamps and colors for you to choose from that you might not be able to get on your own.
Many people will put off repairing or putting in a patio or pool deck, mainly because of the expense. They also hold onto the myth that if they save money it won’t look very good. However, with this type of procedure, you can get affordability, durability, and something beautiful all in one. There’s not many things in this world that you can say that about.
www.onespecialty.com
Thursday, November 11, 2010
One Specialty Concrete, Xteriors, and Pools
If you need landscaping stone contractor work done for a home you are building or one you are remodeling, then one company that you may want to seriously consider working with is One Specialty Concrete, Xteriors, and Pools, LLC. One Specialty has been working in the Dallas – Fort Worth area for over fifteen years now; the company also serves the surrounding area. One Specialty Concrete, Xteriors and Pools, as the name implies, can handle a large number of landscaping jobs, thus saving you the trouble and expense of having to hire several companies to do the work that you need.
Custom Stone Applications:
If you need masonry work done for your yard or poolside, then there are many ways One Specialty can help you. If you know exactly what you need done, including measurement and what type of stones you want used, you can avail yourself of the free cost estimator on the company website. If, however, you are new to having landscaping and stone work done, then feel free to call the company at normal working hours. You can also peruse the gallery section of the web site and see the customized work that One Specialty has done for past clients.
One Specialty does a lot of stone water work – stone pool side waterfalls, stone ponds for the garden, stone fountains and stone coping and tiling work for the pool side. Other stone and brick work done by One Specialty includes, but is not limited to: stone grottos, decorative stone retaining walls, stone columns and stone patios. The company also works with bricks and flagstone, according to the customer’s preference.
Decorative Concrete Solutions:
If you need cement work done, whether it is building an outdoor living area such as a fire pit or outdoor kitchen, building a cement foundation, retaining wall, swimming pool deck or patio, then One Specialty can both design and build what you need, according to your specifications. The company can also do numerous types of cement flooring, whether you need polished cement floors, acid stained concrete floors, stamped concrete flooring, salt finish concrete and exposed aggregate concrete flooring.
It is a good idea to measure the flooring area, as this way you can use the free cost estimator on the website in order to see how much it will cost to have the flooring done according to your specifications.
Custom Swimming Pool Design and Install
If you need a luxury pool designed and built, then One Specialty can do an excellent job of it for you. The company specializes in luxury pools complete with a swimming pool slide or two, a custom made stone waterfall and a pool deck or patio. However, the company can also build simpler styles of pools as well as remodel existing pools according to your specifications.
For any contracting job that One Specialty undertakes, an on site manager is dispatched to the construction site to ensure that the work is going smoothly and is being done well. This policy makes things much easier for the customer, allowing for proactive communication and for the work to make good progress.
www.onespecialty.com
Custom Stone Applications:
If you need masonry work done for your yard or poolside, then there are many ways One Specialty can help you. If you know exactly what you need done, including measurement and what type of stones you want used, you can avail yourself of the free cost estimator on the company website. If, however, you are new to having landscaping and stone work done, then feel free to call the company at normal working hours. You can also peruse the gallery section of the web site and see the customized work that One Specialty has done for past clients.
One Specialty does a lot of stone water work – stone pool side waterfalls, stone ponds for the garden, stone fountains and stone coping and tiling work for the pool side. Other stone and brick work done by One Specialty includes, but is not limited to: stone grottos, decorative stone retaining walls, stone columns and stone patios. The company also works with bricks and flagstone, according to the customer’s preference.
Decorative Concrete Solutions:
If you need cement work done, whether it is building an outdoor living area such as a fire pit or outdoor kitchen, building a cement foundation, retaining wall, swimming pool deck or patio, then One Specialty can both design and build what you need, according to your specifications. The company can also do numerous types of cement flooring, whether you need polished cement floors, acid stained concrete floors, stamped concrete flooring, salt finish concrete and exposed aggregate concrete flooring.
It is a good idea to measure the flooring area, as this way you can use the free cost estimator on the website in order to see how much it will cost to have the flooring done according to your specifications.
Custom Swimming Pool Design and Install
If you need a luxury pool designed and built, then One Specialty can do an excellent job of it for you. The company specializes in luxury pools complete with a swimming pool slide or two, a custom made stone waterfall and a pool deck or patio. However, the company can also build simpler styles of pools as well as remodel existing pools according to your specifications.
For any contracting job that One Specialty undertakes, an on site manager is dispatched to the construction site to ensure that the work is going smoothly and is being done well. This policy makes things much easier for the customer, allowing for proactive communication and for the work to make good progress.
www.onespecialty.com
The Beauty of a Well Designed Pool
The actual pool design is key when creating a new pool, especially when designing luxury pools. One Specialty puts stock in the craftsmanship of the pools it creates. The whole idea behind having a unique pool design is to make it both outstanding to look at as well as complimentary to the house where it resides. One Specialty is dedicated to making luxury pools for individuals who want to evoke a sense of creativity with their pools and the landscaping that goes into the crafting of the pool itself.
The creativity of One Specialty is what sets it apart from other design companies. Rather than making generic pools, One Specialty takes the time to understand what the client wants, how to incorporate the architecture of the building into the design, how landscaping impacts the overall end result, and uses all of this information to sculpt award winning pools that both the designer and the owner can be proud of. However, it is not just artistry that goes into the pools’ design. The materials used are also the best available, and the building techniques are some of the best in the business, ensuring that the pool is not only aesthetically pleasing, but is also of good construction, meaning it will be enjoyed for years to come.
Professionalism is also important when it comes to designing pools, and One Specialty holds its employees to a very high standard. Every phase of the project is overlooked by an expert. The original idea for the pool is worked out in conjunction with artists to ensure the beauty of the pool, architects to make sure the final product works with the house, and landscapers to make sure the natural beauty around the pool is not lost. Also, expert concrete workers and pool makers oversee the actual planning and construction to make sure that the new pool is not only great to look at, but of good structural integrity as well. With all of these people working tirelessly to create a new pool, it’s no wonder that the pools designed by One Specialty have gotten rave reviews.
In addition to the pool itself, One Specialty looks at the parts of the yard that can be incorporated into the pools design. Bridges, waterfalls, hot tubs and coves are beautifully incorporated to make the overall feeling towards the pool a positive one. The details and planning that go in to designing these extras are what really set One Specialty apart. A poorly designed or executed waterfall will take away from the beauty of the pool, but One Specialty’s dedication to its designs make sure this does not happen.
Pool design is often overlooked today. Rather than simply jump on the bandwagon and put in a pool that is generic in design, One Specialty has created a unique approach to creating crafted pools by putting emphasis on the design of the pool and the combination of structural architecture and artistic beauty. This creates one of a kind pools that are pleasing to look at while also being enjoyable to swim in.
www.onespecialty.com
The creativity of One Specialty is what sets it apart from other design companies. Rather than making generic pools, One Specialty takes the time to understand what the client wants, how to incorporate the architecture of the building into the design, how landscaping impacts the overall end result, and uses all of this information to sculpt award winning pools that both the designer and the owner can be proud of. However, it is not just artistry that goes into the pools’ design. The materials used are also the best available, and the building techniques are some of the best in the business, ensuring that the pool is not only aesthetically pleasing, but is also of good construction, meaning it will be enjoyed for years to come.
Professionalism is also important when it comes to designing pools, and One Specialty holds its employees to a very high standard. Every phase of the project is overlooked by an expert. The original idea for the pool is worked out in conjunction with artists to ensure the beauty of the pool, architects to make sure the final product works with the house, and landscapers to make sure the natural beauty around the pool is not lost. Also, expert concrete workers and pool makers oversee the actual planning and construction to make sure that the new pool is not only great to look at, but of good structural integrity as well. With all of these people working tirelessly to create a new pool, it’s no wonder that the pools designed by One Specialty have gotten rave reviews.
In addition to the pool itself, One Specialty looks at the parts of the yard that can be incorporated into the pools design. Bridges, waterfalls, hot tubs and coves are beautifully incorporated to make the overall feeling towards the pool a positive one. The details and planning that go in to designing these extras are what really set One Specialty apart. A poorly designed or executed waterfall will take away from the beauty of the pool, but One Specialty’s dedication to its designs make sure this does not happen.
Pool design is often overlooked today. Rather than simply jump on the bandwagon and put in a pool that is generic in design, One Specialty has created a unique approach to creating crafted pools by putting emphasis on the design of the pool and the combination of structural architecture and artistic beauty. This creates one of a kind pools that are pleasing to look at while also being enjoyable to swim in.
www.onespecialty.com
Grill Mastered: Awesome BBQ Accessories!
These days, more and more people are investing in remodeling their current properties and changing up your backyard is one of the best ways to revitalize your home. Adding a new outdoor living area in your back yard is a great alternative to indoor living. But creating space for a fully loaded outdoor kitchen with all the new stainless steel appliances completely changes your outdoor experience by creating a year round functional space. Say hello to your ultimate outdoor kitchen…
Get Your Grill On
First thing’s first, a barbecue grill is the most essential element of any outdoor kitchen. Today’s barbecue grills come with all kinds of neat features that allow for different types of cooking. Many stainless steel grills come standard with rotisserie motors and stainless steel rods for rotisserie cooking. Sophisticated grease management systems make grilling less messy and temperature control systems allow for precision cooking. Optional smoker trays allow outdoor chefs to smoke their meat right on the grill.
Smokers like the Big Green Egg fire up quickly and use double wall ceramic to retain heat. One of the most attractive features of the Big Green Egg, however, is that it can act as a smoker, grill, or oven. Having both a regular BBQ grill and a Big Green Egg in your outdoor kitchen allows for the maximum amount of cooking.
Keeping Clean and Under Control
Any fully equipped outdoor kitchen will be wired with plumbing for stainless steel drop-in sinks. With adequate counter space, this gives you the option to prepare your food outside and right beside the grill. Having a sink also means easier cleanup once the party is over.
Temperature control units are one of the best ways to really optimize your outdoor kitchen. Outdoor refrigerators and ice makers come in an array of shapes and sizes and can be chosen to fit your outdoor lifestyle. Stand-alone mini-refrigerators can be installed into your outdoor kitchen unit but new style under grill refrigerators, refrigerated drawers, and drop-in coolers are alternatives to the standard shape mini-fridge and are great ways to store your cold sodas and beer.
Stainless steel warming drawers keep already cooked foods warm with controlled temperatures between 175 to 230 degrees. When the foods hot but it’s cold outside, free-standing patio heaters and built-in patio heaters in your outdoor kitchen unit are a great way to make your outdoor dinner more enjoyable during the cold seasons.
Stay Organized with BBQ Storage Units
Staying organized with stainless steel storage units is the best way to make your outdoor cooking easier. Access drawers for storage provide an access space to your LP tank and are a great place to store grilling tools, cutting boards and things like smoker chips.
Stainless steel dry pantries are sealed to keep temperatures controlled and to keep moisture out. These units are great for storing dry prep foods and condiments year round. With everything at your fingertips, you can enjoy what’s going on outside without having to run back in for a forgotten item.
And Other Outdoor Cooking
For other types of outdoor cooking, professional sealed side burners can be installed so stove-top dishes can be prepared right by the grill. Single or double burner configurations are available for traditional pot cooking or for Wok cooking. Griddles and deep fryers are other options for outdoor cooking. Weatherproof beer taps and bartending centers are also a great option for outdoor entertainers. With good food going on the grill, having a cold beer dispenser in your outdoor kitchen unit is a great top-off!
Written by Christina Gaona
www.onespecialty.com
Get Your Grill On
First thing’s first, a barbecue grill is the most essential element of any outdoor kitchen. Today’s barbecue grills come with all kinds of neat features that allow for different types of cooking. Many stainless steel grills come standard with rotisserie motors and stainless steel rods for rotisserie cooking. Sophisticated grease management systems make grilling less messy and temperature control systems allow for precision cooking. Optional smoker trays allow outdoor chefs to smoke their meat right on the grill.
Smokers like the Big Green Egg fire up quickly and use double wall ceramic to retain heat. One of the most attractive features of the Big Green Egg, however, is that it can act as a smoker, grill, or oven. Having both a regular BBQ grill and a Big Green Egg in your outdoor kitchen allows for the maximum amount of cooking.
Keeping Clean and Under Control
Any fully equipped outdoor kitchen will be wired with plumbing for stainless steel drop-in sinks. With adequate counter space, this gives you the option to prepare your food outside and right beside the grill. Having a sink also means easier cleanup once the party is over.
Temperature control units are one of the best ways to really optimize your outdoor kitchen. Outdoor refrigerators and ice makers come in an array of shapes and sizes and can be chosen to fit your outdoor lifestyle. Stand-alone mini-refrigerators can be installed into your outdoor kitchen unit but new style under grill refrigerators, refrigerated drawers, and drop-in coolers are alternatives to the standard shape mini-fridge and are great ways to store your cold sodas and beer.
Stainless steel warming drawers keep already cooked foods warm with controlled temperatures between 175 to 230 degrees. When the foods hot but it’s cold outside, free-standing patio heaters and built-in patio heaters in your outdoor kitchen unit are a great way to make your outdoor dinner more enjoyable during the cold seasons.
Stay Organized with BBQ Storage Units
Staying organized with stainless steel storage units is the best way to make your outdoor cooking easier. Access drawers for storage provide an access space to your LP tank and are a great place to store grilling tools, cutting boards and things like smoker chips.
Stainless steel dry pantries are sealed to keep temperatures controlled and to keep moisture out. These units are great for storing dry prep foods and condiments year round. With everything at your fingertips, you can enjoy what’s going on outside without having to run back in for a forgotten item.
And Other Outdoor Cooking
For other types of outdoor cooking, professional sealed side burners can be installed so stove-top dishes can be prepared right by the grill. Single or double burner configurations are available for traditional pot cooking or for Wok cooking. Griddles and deep fryers are other options for outdoor cooking. Weatherproof beer taps and bartending centers are also a great option for outdoor entertainers. With good food going on the grill, having a cold beer dispenser in your outdoor kitchen unit is a great top-off!
Written by Christina Gaona
www.onespecialty.com
Update Your Outdoor Patio Surface
Patios have always been (and will always be) a popular choice among homeowners because of the versatility of a patio space. In the past, many homeowners were limited to patios made of gray rectangular blocks of pressed concrete; however, styled patios that take advantage of different combinations of colors, textures, and materials, have become increasingly popular.
Patio Surface Options, More Now Than Ever Before
An easy way for homeowners to alter the visual aesthetic of their outdoor area, create new spaces for relaxation and entertainment, conserve water, and increase the property value of their home, is to install a new custom outdoor patio OR refresh an existing patio with one of many available patio surface materials.
Natural Stone patios are particularly attractive as they tend to combine a number of complimentary colors in a seemingly random pattern. Flagstone is sold in ‘broken’ pieces that are cut into unspecified widths and lengths. The thickness of flagstone tends to be variable, and pieces may have to be broken and trimmed during the installation process.Other types of chopped stone like limestones, sandstones, and cobblestone can also be used to create unique surface patterns.
Note: The irregular thickness of natural stone usually makes the installation process of natural stone patios particularly challenging and they usually require professional installation.
Decorative Concrete patios like stained and stamped concrete patios are popular among homeowners who want a unique looking patio but who have a smaller budget for material. After installation, these materials are protected with a sealer to withstand weather and extended use.
One option for decorative concrete is stamped concrete in which a specific pattern has been ‘stamped’ into a concrete slab. Patterns like brick, cobblestone, and flagstone are available and the concrete can be colored to create a realistic rendering of the desired stone, flagstone, or brick pattern.
Another option available to homeowners is stained concrete which involves a process in which a concrete slab is stained with a combination of blended acid stain-colors to create a truly one-of-a-kind patio surface. These patios can have salt added to create a rugged look or they can be scored to create freehand stone or geometric patterns in the concrete. Scored patterns with alternating color combinations are exceptionally visually appealing.
Written by Christina Gaona
www.onespecialty.com
Patio Surface Options, More Now Than Ever Before
An easy way for homeowners to alter the visual aesthetic of their outdoor area, create new spaces for relaxation and entertainment, conserve water, and increase the property value of their home, is to install a new custom outdoor patio OR refresh an existing patio with one of many available patio surface materials.
Natural Stone patios are particularly attractive as they tend to combine a number of complimentary colors in a seemingly random pattern. Flagstone is sold in ‘broken’ pieces that are cut into unspecified widths and lengths. The thickness of flagstone tends to be variable, and pieces may have to be broken and trimmed during the installation process.Other types of chopped stone like limestones, sandstones, and cobblestone can also be used to create unique surface patterns.
Note: The irregular thickness of natural stone usually makes the installation process of natural stone patios particularly challenging and they usually require professional installation.
Decorative Concrete patios like stained and stamped concrete patios are popular among homeowners who want a unique looking patio but who have a smaller budget for material. After installation, these materials are protected with a sealer to withstand weather and extended use.
One option for decorative concrete is stamped concrete in which a specific pattern has been ‘stamped’ into a concrete slab. Patterns like brick, cobblestone, and flagstone are available and the concrete can be colored to create a realistic rendering of the desired stone, flagstone, or brick pattern.
Another option available to homeowners is stained concrete which involves a process in which a concrete slab is stained with a combination of blended acid stain-colors to create a truly one-of-a-kind patio surface. These patios can have salt added to create a rugged look or they can be scored to create freehand stone or geometric patterns in the concrete. Scored patterns with alternating color combinations are exceptionally visually appealing.
Written by Christina Gaona
www.onespecialty.com
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