FAQ

About Designer Concrete Surfaces

A technically progressive company specializing in industrial and residential installation of highly decorative specialty concrete over concrete and wood. Decorative overlays are the perfect aesthetic and durable choice for commercial, residential, exterior and interior applications. Limitless patterns, textures and colors. All overlays resist freeze/thaw, salt, alkali, fading and staining. Our product is stronger than concrete and will provide long lasting service even in severe weather conditions.

Are overlays stronger and more durable than concrete?

Yes, conventional concrete is 2500-4000psi., where overlays are 5500-7500psi. The result is a beautiful elegant high performance permanent bond on your existing surface.

Will the value of my home or commercial property increase?

Yes, improved aesthetics and functionality are key elements in today's market and Designer Concrete Surfaces' overlays will definitely improve any home or project, adding significant economic and aesthetic value.

Do I have unlimited design and color options?

Yes, unlimited possibilities of shape, surface texture, and color combinations in slate, tile, coble stone, random stone, simulated wood decking, brick designs, logo's and much more.

Can I have a seamless overlay?

Yes, installers lay the new surface right on the job site. We do not pre-manufacture sheets for installation. Every project is custom made on site at a fraction of the cost of most conventional flooring, be it stone, granite, slate etc.

Will the color last?

Yes, the colors we use are industrial colors with a sealer integrated into the formula. The colors are not conventionally painted on the surface, therefore our process becomes part of the surface itself. We use an additional industrial sealer over the entire surface to reflect 99% harmful UV rays and protect the overlaid surface from chemical attacks and stains.

Can I match my existing color scheme?

Unlimited color combinations. Designer Concrete Surfaces starts with our 30 standard colors then mix to develop the color you desire.

I love the elegant overlays. Can I have this new surface applied to any concrete or wood surface?

Yes, Designer Concrete Surfaces' overlays are applied to any stable concrete slab or wood substrate.

Are overlays slip resistant?

Yes, Designer Concrete Surfaces' overlays are slip resistant. We can modify the surface for a higher slip resistance if required, such as for medical centers. Slip resistant surfaces have been time tested and used by STATE DOT'S and other larger commercial contractors on hundreds of various applications.

Are overlays cool on the feet?

Yes, 10-20% cooler than concrete, 20-30% cooler than brick, 30-40% cooler than epoxy stones, 40-50% cooler than wood decks, terrazzo and tile, 50% cooler than vinyl and urethane.

SCI overlays look so expensive, are they inexpensive?

Yes, pricing varies for each project, however Designer Concrete Surfaces is less expensive than conventional flooring and you have more control of the pattern, texture, color and overall appearance of the decorative overlay.

Can overlay be installed during new construction or cold weather?

Yes, Designer Concrete Surfaces' systems can be installed at any time during new or old renovation processes which allows other renovation or construction aspects to be completed without fear of damaging or wearing the new surface.

Where have Stonecoat, Inc overlays been installed?

Designer Concrete Surfaces' systems have been installed and specified for an extremely wide range of customers and amongst the better know hotels, automobile dealerships, restaurants, gas stations, architects, concrete ready mix companies and municipalities all over the world.

Can my architect specify your overlays easily?

Yes, very simple to specify as we provide full specification documentation which includes technical data sheets on the component materials used to install the finishes, test data, references and step by step instructions.

Can Designer Concrete Surfaces' overlays be installed on a second floor?

Yes, anywhere tile can go, decorative concrete can go. Designer Concrete Surfaces decorative concrete flooring is an extremely versatile flooring system. It can be applied on any floor in the house because of it's lightweight properties and durability. The biggest problem with high-end flooring is that most clients will purchase what they can afford, not what they really want. The versatility of Designer Concrete Surfaces decorative concrete allows our clients to get what they really want.

Can I have my existing stone or my concrete driveway sealed to look better and stop deterioration?

Yes, Designer Concrete Surfaces' industrial sealer will protect your existing stone work or driveways from harmful elements and provide a luster to bring out the natural look or colors back to life.

Can I have my existing concrete look like new with just a thin resurfacing?

Yes, resurface, repair, level, beautify new or old concrete and or wood designed to resurface pitted, flaked, deteriorated or poorly finished concrete that would otherwise need to be torn out and replaced. Finished applications look as if new concrete was poured, yet offer increased levels of performance including resistance to chemicals, salt, petrochemicals, UV, water resistance and more. Because of the inexpensive cost of this application, this overlay is becoming the standard for surface repair. Developers and residential owners are saving thousands going this preferred resurfacing route. You can't believe your eyes when this application is complete, an entirely new look and industrially sealed at a fraction of the cost.

What is stamped concrete and can I have colors compliment my property?

Yes, unlimited variety of stamped textures and colors can be achieved through stamping, troweling, stenciling, staining and other techniques to compliment or match your architectural surroundings and design elements. When looking at flooring such as slate, stone, tile, wood or other traditional hard surfaces, overlays are an excellent alternative to achieve that custom tailored highly elegant look at a substantial savings. Colors are custom matched to meet your architectural elements. A sample is provided before installation upon request.

What is Eggshell texture I keep hearing about and is it smooth enough for indoor application?

Yes, Eggshell is a texture, designed to provide a highly elegant unique look. Eggshell has become one of our most popular overlays. Colors are applied in multiple layered 3 dimensional effect with a smoother finish. Match your architectural surroundings and are perfect for residential and commercial exteriors and interiors.

What is antique staining and can you antique stain with no abrasive chemicals?

Yes, antique staining creates a one of a kind masterpiece that can not be replicated. Antique Staining transforms bare concrete into luxurious surfaces which lends a warm, inviting feeling of translucent color shades similar to natural stone. The staining process reacts chemically with the concrete to form a permanent, decorative surface that will be as permanent as your concrete! Create custom designs without being inhibited by cost constraints. The system is tremendously more affordable than stone, marble or hard tile.

I have a sidewalk and driveway that is not level can an overlay fix the problem?

Yes, Designer Concrete Surfaces' overlays can be built up to 7" thick. This process helps in drainage and overall aesthetics.

I have a concrete surface that has pitted, flaked and has large sections removed, can this be overlaid?

Yes, in most cases, if there are no structural issues that are still pushing slab apart.

Are Indoor overlays easy to maintain?

Yes, overlays are no more difficult for the homeowner to maintain than a hardwood floor. It can be cleaned with any floor cleaning product like Mop & Glo. The floor can also have a wax finish applied if the homeowner wants.

Are overlays resistant to stains and spills like oil and grease?

Yes, once the floor or any surface is sealed the surface can be impervious (not allowing entrance or passage) to many chemicals including: salt, petrochemicals, UV radiation, and water. This makes decorative concrete flooring an excellent choice for any interior or exterior especially driveways and garage floors. Of course you don't want to leave any spills on the surface for a long period of time.

Can I have an overlay on my driveway?

Yes, you should remind the plow operator not to scrape the driveway clean, but to leave a thin layer of snow. The sunshine after the storm should finish the job and this reduces the risk of damage to your driveway. Snow plow's damaged regular non overlaid concrete on a continual basis.

Is there a warranty with overlay?

Yes, standard 1 year materials and labor included, however optional 5 year and 10 year warranties are available.

Is maintenance minimal?

Yes, lets start off with all flooring requires maintenance such as standard cleaning and or wax. Most overlays just require a water rinse and wax or sealer. Designer Concrete Surfaces carries top of he line sealing products for much longer lasting results. If you happen to get something that is hard to get off use a mild cleaning agent.

If for any reason something happens to the overlay can it be fixed?

Yes, not likely, however Designer Concrete Surfaces' overlays can be fixed, however with a 5000psi - 7500psi compression strength on every overlay the fix has been only to the sealer. Average price for sealer is 0.50 - 1.50 per foot. The overlay by mix design is much stronger than concrete.

My concrete is not sealed and we get snow every year, should I be worried?

Yes, unsealed concrete will absorb water. Any Water + Traffic + Time = Wear and the disintegration of the concrete starts. As the top surface wears, the aggregates (stones inside of the concrete) begin to expose, chip crack and spalling will start. This effect is most commonly seen on concrete city sidewalks and roads. Sealing the surface is a simple and inexpensive process that will solve this problem.

I have real natural stone with grout. Do I need this sealed?

Yes, the grout will always continually have to be replaced if not sealed, and when sealer is applied the luster will also be restored and a much longer life.

Are overlays thin in thickness?

Yes, overlays are only 1/16" to 1/2" as a standard. Thicker applications applied only to level.

Are overlays easy to clean?

Yes, overlays are very easy to clean most cases use just rinse or wipe with water.

Can I walk on overlay while in progress?

Yes, many decorative applications can be walked on in as little as 2 hours.

No more ugly concrete!

FAQ