How long have you been in business?
ArtistiCrete has been in continuous operation since 1993. The same two principal crew members have installed each and every job. A magazine article about the company's origins can be found on our Articles and Information link.Why should I choose ArtistiCrete over another contractor?
Please click the Why We Are Different link for some very good reasons to choose ArtistiCrete!Do you subcontract any of the work?
We do not subcontract. Our crew will perform all aspects of the job from excavation to final sealing.Why should I choose stamped concrete over pavers or a wood deck?
Decorative concrete has several advantages over the other options. Foremost is flexibility of design. Options such as pattern, color, and shape are virtually unlimited with concrete, and unlike pavers you won't need to use herbicide to kill weeds growing up through your patio. You also don't have to worry about individual stones settling as the ground shifts during freeze/thaw cycles, or when animals and insects burrow under your patio. In addition to being more durable than a wood deck, concrete involves no splintering or yearly re-staining. To top it off, concrete is usually the least expensive option!How much does decorative concrete cost?
Costs vary depending on many factors. These include: location, accessibility for a concrete truck, square footage, the layout and slope of the property, fencing, irrigation, the need for steps or stairs, etc.Will you come to my home to provide a free estimate?
We are happy to visit your site for a free estimate. However, we ask that you first submit information through our confidential Ballpark Estimate Form. See next question for details.What is the Ballpark Estimate Form?
To get a good idea of what your particular job may cost, please visit the Ballpark Estimate Form link. Rest assured that ArtistiCrete never shares information with any third party, so your personal data is safe with us. The ballpark estimate is usually highly accurate and will give you a preliminary idea of cost. The form can expedite the bidding process and helps the environment by saving fuel. After receiving your ballpark estimate, if you are still interested in our services we are happy to visit your site for a formal quote. *Please note that the ballpark estimate does not provide an instantaneous response* Steve will figure it up and contact you with the results.Why does decorative concrete cost more than regular concrete?
The main reasons for the cost differential are additional labor and materials. Due to the timing of the various steps involved, even the smallest decorative concrete project takes a minimum of 2 days to complete. Contrast this with regular concrete which can be formed, placed, finished, and sealed in one day. The special tools and materials used for decorative concrete also add significantly to the cost.Does the shape of the patio affect the price?
Not really. Usually it costs the same for a curved edge and rounded corners as it does for straight sides and angular corners.Does the pattern affect the price?
The only time the pattern affects our pricing is when we have to rent or buy a set of stamps or a roll of stencil that we don't already own. Depending on the job, sometimes a texture skin finish (stone-like texture but no discernable pattern) is cheaper than pattern stamping or stenciling.Do borders cost extra?
We usually charge a bit more to add a border. Cost is dependent upon color and complexity.Do steps and stairs cost extra?
Yes. Because the faces of stairs will be exposed, they need to be finished too. This takes extra time, materials, and expertise. The same can be said of any exposed vertical surface, such as the edge of an elevated patio.Do you stamp or stencil over the top of existing concrete?
No. Certain products exist that can be installed over existing concrete, but as a rule we do not apply them. Our work is typically done in fresh, full-depth concrete. With the exception of acid staining, our work usually requires removal and replacement of your existing concrete. A second exception is that if conditions are favorable for such an option, we can sometimes pour a 2 inch (or thicker) cap over existing concrete.What is the difference between stamped and stenciled concrete?
Besides being installed by different processes, these two types of decorative concrete are essentially the same thing. All the same materials are used, and they are both done while the concrete is still workable. The main difference you would notice is that with stenciled concrete, you get realistic- looking gray mortar joints between the stones, whereas with stamped concrete the joint is whatever color is used for the antiqued highlights. In some cases, stenciled concrete may be a bit flatter in profile and more slip resistant. Stamped and stenciled concrete cost the same unless the job has a special feature which would make one option less expensive. For more detailed information, click the Processes link.Do you have a showroom?
We do not have a showroom in a fixed location. However, we have done so many installations that we're very likely to have a nearby job you could visit. In addition, every photo on our website is work that we have personally installed, but only a fraction of our portfolio is shown on the website.Can you help design my patio?
We are happy to offer help with design, layout, and color & pattern decisions. We are also perfectly capable of installations based on your professionally drawn landscape plan.How do I pick a color?
If you prefer, we can help you choose a color. We try to pick colors that look natural. It is usually best to choose a pattern and color which complement each other. For instance, you would probably not want a flagstone pattern in a brick red color. It simply wouldn't look natural. gChoosing a color is done by selecting from a color chart. This can be provided at the time of the on-site visit. Be careful when choosing colors from online photos or color charts because they are seldom accurate due to differences in computer monitors.Is the color all the way through, or just on the surface?
It depends on what coloring method you use. We can color your concrete with integral color (mixed into the concrete so its all colored) or color hardeners (a surface treatment). There are advantages and disadvantages to each method. Check out our Processes Explained link for more information.Does the color fade?
The pigments used are colorfast. However, they can begin to appear faded or washed-out if not properly maintained with sealer. When a neglected surface is re-sealed with a quality clear sealer, the original color is restored.Can you match the color of my house?
There are colors available to match or complement virtually any decor.Why does the color on the finished project look different from the color chart?
There are multiple causes for this. First is the fact that raw gray concrete is different colors in different locales. Coloring agents added to concrete can only be approximated by a color chart. Another reason is that usually decorative concrete contains two colors; a base color and an antiquing or highlight color. The finished slab shows both colors and countless combinations of those colors. See our Processes link for details on coloring methods.How thick is the concrete?
The concrete we pour is normally 4 inches thick; the same as a regular concrete driveway or sidewalk. It can be poured thinner or thicker depending upon the application.What kind of concrete do you use?
ArtistiCrete uses a minimum 4,000 psi, air-entrained concrete with synthetic fiber added.What type of reinforcement do you use?
We reinforce our concrete with synthetic fiber and steel rebar.How does decorative concrete hold up over time?
Decorative concrete usually holds up better than regular concrete due to the maintenance steps taken. When someone spends the extra money on decorative concrete, he typically wants it to remain attractive. Therefore, he keeps it sealed which prolongs its life span.Does decorative concrete crack?
Decorative concrete is still just concrete. It will do everything that regular concrete will do, including cracking. We attempt to prevent and control cracking by use of low-slump concrete, a well-compacted subgrade, fiber and rebar in the concrete, and by properly placing expansion and contraction joints. For an informative discussion of why concrete cracks, please visit our Articles and Information link.Is there a warranty against cracks?
There is no warranty against cracking. See above for the attempts ArtistiCrete makes to minimize cracking. No reputable contractor can or will guarantee against cracking.Can a crack be repaired?
There are sometimes ways to hide a crack, but there is no way to actually repair a crack in exterior concrete.Can my concrete be patched if its damaged?
Pop-outs, chips, or gouges can be patched; cracks can sometimes be hidden.What maintenance is involved?
A periodic washing and re-sealing with clear sealer is all that is required to keep your concrete in good shape. This can be easily done by a novice. The frequency of re-sealing is on an as-needed basis. It all depends upon traffic, weathering, and the amount of direct sunlight to which the sealer is exposed. A general rule of thumb is to re-seal about every third year.Does decorative concrete have to be re-sealed?
You don't necessarily have to re-seal, but it prolongs the life of the concrete and keeps the color from looking washed out. See above for more information on sealing.Is decorative concrete slippery?
If properly installed, decorative concrete is not unusually slippery. Proper texturing and use of skid- resistant additives in the sealer can make even wet concrete slip-resistant.What kind of sealer do you use?
Decorative concrete is usually sealed with a solvent based, high-solids acrylic sealer. This type of sealer greatly enhances the color and gives the concrete a glossy sheen. Other types of sealers are available which provide a more natural appearance.How do you get concrete into a backyard?
Unless we are lucky enough to have access for a 20 ton concrete mixer truck, we move concrete to the backyard by means of wheelbarrows, a power buggy, a rubber-tracked bobcat, or a concrete pump. The chosen method is dictated by jobsite conditions.Will construction damage my yard?
While we make every attempt to minimize yard damage, construction is not a no-mess proposition. Installing decorative concrete is a very dirty job and occasionally the lawn may sustain some damage. However, we always try our best to leave your yard in a presentable condition.My basement floor contains carpet, paint, tile, etc. Can the floor be acid stained?
Acid staining requires that the surface be free of anything which will inhibit stain penetration. Therefore, any sealer, glue, paint, mastic, or anything else on the floor would need to be removed prior to staining. ArtistiCrete does not typically remove floor coverings or coatings. We prefer to stain only floors which have never been covered, or have been stripped by someone else. See our Processes link for more informationWhat is the best time of year to install decorative concrete?
Because of temperature issues, Indiana's climate dictates that exterior decorative concrete should only be placed from about March to December.How far do you travel to do a job?
It all depends upon the size of the job as to whether or not its worthwhile traveling. We have worked as far north as Fort Wayne, as far west as Terre Haute, as far south as Santa Claus, Indiana, and as far east as Greensburg. As a general rule, we work mainly in Central Indiana.How far in advance should I get on your schedule?
You should contact us as early as possible. We schedule on a first come, first served basis. Once we receive your deposit, your job is placed on our schedule and we work toward it. The timeframe in which your job is completed is based upon weather conditions and our current workload.Once you start, how long will it take to install my patio?
It depends on the size and complexity of the job. A typical residential patio is usually completed in about 3-5 days.Will you pull off my project to work elsewhere before my project is completed?
We try to work on one project at a time.How are concrete countertops made?
ArtistiCrete's tops are usually cast-in-place. Please see our Processes Explained link for details.How much do concrete countertops cost?
It varies depending upon the size, location, and complexity of the job. However, they usually cost about the same as, or more than granite.What are your payment requirements?
We accept cash or personal checks. We do not take credit cards. Our terms are: a 10% non-refundable deposit to place your project on our work schedule, 40% the day work begins, and the remaining 50% immediately upon completion. We also offer incentives such as paid referrals, member discounts, etc. Please call for details.