Blog & FAQ

Just wanted to write a brief thank you for a very well constructed training manual. I have gutted and restored my entire home, and recognize when I am getting knowledgeable well thought out / experienced advice. It is much appreciated, and a very good value for my money.

-Pat Killeen

Wilmington De.

I thought this email exchange with a do-it-yourselfer may help illustrate the importance of seams. My manual incorporates seams within the process, but I think there’s a resistance out there to actually use them. I can’t stress enough how they GREATLY reduce the chances of cracking, and when installed properly actually enhance the look of the project….

I have to say, getting involved with people’s projects half way across the country is a pleasure.

Peter, I appreciated speaking with you this morning. There is something to be said for a man who answers his own phone. I just did a quick skim of the manual and wanted to ask your advise. The job I am involved with is a large commercial bar top. It is 120 square feet, 45’ long and 3’ wide. It is down a tight stairwell with a 180 degree turn. Due to the size and entrance constraints I was thinking cast in place in three 15’ sections, but I am concerned with getting an even cure and the look of a trowelled finish. I have done some concrete finishing in my day, by I do not consider myself a pro. I was thinking about trowelling smooth and then tossing some baking soda on top to add texture. What are your thoughts? Is cast in place a disaster in the making for a first time project?

Let me know how I can help at greenleafdesignhouse@gmail.com

9.10.11

A quick excerpt from a recent email.

Pete,
Thanks for your quick response and helpful answers. I too have not found the books or dvds to have the answers. Yours is the first to address my questions. It has been worth the $29 already. How did you get around to writing this manual?Really, the simplest answer is I knew there was a need for this manual!!

I’ve been doing this for a good while now, and noticed early on the available information was either very expensive, incomplete, or a little of both.  I always tell people who are interested in it that there are just a few things you need to know to properly create a beautiful set of tops.  Once you have this information, the process becomes fairly straightforward.  So, why not keep things simple?

I’ve been really pleased to be helpful to so many projects out there, and hope to continue to provide the help!

For more info:

www.doyourownconcrete.com

Best of luck with your project,

Pete Hawes

There is no easy answer to this question.

There’s been a lot of discussion recently on what to charge for concrete work.  Artisans point out the fact that quite often they get undercut by newcomers who until very recently had been  pouring concrete driveways, but because of the slow economy, have been forced to go where the work is.  They feel they are forced to charge less, just to get work.  This of course has a cumulative effect, driving the price of what the public expects to pay down.

Unfortunately for the industry and some customers, quite often poor work is the result.  Pouring a driveway, and fabbing concrete counter tops are two very different things.

A few points to make here.

Granite.  Why do we always talk about granite?  The last time I bought a truck, the salesman said nothing about motorcycles or SUVs…he just sold me the truck because that’s what I wanted.  If you find yourself trying to convince a prospective customer that concrete is better, cheaper, cooler, more expensive but that’s because I do incredible work etc…STOP.  If your customer hasn’t already made the decision to go with concrete, show them your portfolio and give references, but let them decide.

So, what do you charge?  I don’t know…honestly.  I charge based on the quality of my work, what I’ve charged in the past, the profile of the job, whether I like the design, and what sort of jobs I have lined up.  I know that last part may ruffle a few feathers, but sometimes we all charge less when we need work, or maybe because the job is high profile.

It seems like concrete is really coming into focus these days, but at a time when the economy is down.  This timing coupled with the popular perception that concrete should be comparable in cost to granite (which is also taking a beating in this economy) often leads to grossly under bid jobs and marginal work.

In the end, you charge for the quality of your work, and do the best you can.  It’s a wonderful medium to work with.

Custom Sectional Concrete Table

I’ve noticed there is some hesitation or fear in starting your first concrete project.  You’ve bought the manual, but you’re not sure what style you want to go with…maybe pressed, maybe troweled?  Couple this hesitation with the fact that you’re not sure what your own skill set is.

I’ve got a remedy:  Practice…and make something great while you hone your skills. I’ve attached a photo of a sectional concrete coffee table.

Instead of loading a bunch of pressure on yourself, try a few pieces and finish them the way you want, letting yourself have fun with the process.  Design them so that when you’re finished, you can set them on a table base you found at the local thrift store.  This little first project will give you the momentum and confidence you need to get your kitchen counter tops finished beautifully.

Have fun!!

Pete

Integral Color

This was a fun project.  Lightly troweled top after screeding, then a paint brush to draw in the sun.  Stained and finished with lots of texture.

Great first time project if you are looking to get a feel for the process.  If you have any questions please email me @ greenleafdesgnhouse@gmail.com

And send me your pictures!

Have fun with it,

Pete