Mix Designs

stampcrete

I was wondering what different mix designs are being used for stamped work. Do you guys use your own admixtures or do you order them with the load.? Maybe a stupid question but im curious what other guys do.
-Kirk

concretemasonry

Aggregates and weather conditions vary around the country, so there can be no set answer for everywhere.

Since you are selling a quality, exposed, labor intensive product, material cost is not that important if you get what works and sells more jobs. Try to find out what has worked using the local materials in your weather conditions.

Contact the local ready-mix supplier and lean on him to give you the best mix without trying to buy cheap. He does not want bad jobs and someone else adding the wrong "spit" and getting into the middle of a quality situation he had no part in.

Once you have the mix specs, then it is up to your skill to build your reputation and long-term profits.

If you know your competition well, contact him since he does not want someone giving away work at a low price OR do poor quality work that affects his future. - I was around the CT masonry business for a while and it seemed to operate that way.

__________________
Dick

Engineer, designer and consultant recently active domestically and internationally on construction and design in about 35 countries.

POOLMANinCT

concretemasonry.....
did your get the feeling the CT masonry biz is a "secret guild"......

stampcrete, I'm sure you know "joe peppers"

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......Less with the jaw & More with the paw.....

stampcrete

" joe peppers" I never heard of him or them , fill me in. -Kirk

concretemasonry

POOLMANinCT -

At the time I was in CT, it was definetly a closed group. This was around 1990. It probably (hopefully) has changed since then.

I was to monthly meetings of the contractors where they have "closed" meetings prior to the general meeting. General indusrty subjects were later discussed openly.

I also have been to the lunch meetings in New Haven (the old walled restaurant) and to the "Society" house south of Hartford (you had to wear either patent lather shoes or a flannel shirt). In about 1989, I was requested by contractors to attend the funeral of a promenent political/construction figure. This may be close to the "secret guild" you referred to.

Some material suppliers were advised to include either one or two $50 bills in an envelope with the driver depending on where the delivery was to go (lower CT, NYC or LI). - Apparently for someone on the other end - I assume it was a union thing.

That was a few years ago, but it was a firmly entrenched structure at the time. - Not a model of good construction practices.

I know the business practices have been changed and the international acquisitions have provided a more professional direction to business. The suppliers currently operating have a wealth of technical support and experience that should be used to complete a successful stamped concrete job.

__________________
Dick

Engineer, designer and consultant recently active domestically and internationally on construction and design in about 35 countries.

deco-art

If you want a good stamp mix. Do some research and find out what you need. I use Scofield colors and they recomand no less than a 4000 psi, and no more than 10% color to concrete ratio. Some stamp guides also say to use 1/2'' stone instead of 3/4'' stone. I like to use a 4000 psi and a powerscreed to get a bit more cream to the surface.