Pools are great places for friends and family to gather. The fun is endless and the memories can last for a lifetime. The most common decking that you will find around an in ground pool is concrete. While concrete can be colored, stamped, and covered with numerous materials, there is no denying the amazing look of epoxy stone.

There are a few things to keep in mind about concrete. First, concrete is going to crack. There is no way around this. While the cracking can be minimized the subtle movements of the ground will lead to cracks. Second, concrete is going to discolor due to environmental issues. Our epoxy stone decking has the ability to reinvent your pools deck as well as beautify the area like nothing else.

Here is a great example of a pool deck that was in major need of rejuvenation. This deck was cracked in several places and severally discolored. In addition, this deck had what is known as a cantilever edge. This type of edge is unique since the concrete actually rolls over the edge of the pool. In most new installations the concrete is placed next to the pool coping. Cantilever pool decks can be very difficult to work with and requires a specific type of form and experience. 

In the following pictures you will be able to see a step-by-step example of how epoxy stone is installed as well as the many steps required to prepare the concrete for the installation of the epoxy stone.

BEFORE:

Cracks in the concrete can and will transfer into any other products that are placed over the concrete unless the proper precautions are taken. All cracks need to be ground out, coated with epoxy, covered with a fiberglass mat, and then coated once again with epoxy.

Loop locks are used to fasten the pool cover to the pool deck. In order to maintain the proper level of the loop locks we remove the loop locks and replace them at a height of approx. 1/2 inch higher. This allows the loop locks to remain useable. 

FORMING:

In order to add additional strength to the forms, metal ties are placed into the forms and then secured into the concrete.

Next, the edge of the pool deck is formed. These forms have been coated in wax so that they will not stick to the epoxy stone. These forms are secured with tap-con screws.

Once the concrete has been completely formed and prepared for the installation of the epoxy stone, all edges are coated with epoxy. This "double-coating" with epoxy will add strength to the edges and help reduce the likelihood of future breaks.

INSTALLATION:

Epoxy stone is mixed in 150 pound batches. 3 fifty pound bags of rock are mixed together with 1 gallon of epoxy. Our epoxy is a 2-part blend of hardener and resin and is mixed in 1:1 ratio. Stone Bond uses our own unique proprietary blend of epoxy on all of our epoxy flooring installations.

The epoxy stone is capable of being poured at any depth in order to level any unevenness that might exist in the concrete. However the typical depth of the stone is approx. 1/2 inch.

The stone is placed inside the cantilever form and then an edging tool is used to round the edge. 

THE FINISHED PRODUCT:


After the stone has set over night, the final steps in the installation can begin. The forms are removed from all edges. All expansion joints are cut into the stone using a diamond blade concrete saw. These saw cuts will be virtually invisible and they will allow the concrete to move without breaking the stone.

As you can see the pool deck has been completely rejuvenated and transformed. This entire process was completed in 2 days. Epoxy stone can be used in almost any place in or around your home. We regularly install epoxy stone on patios, porches, steps, walkways, carports, driveways, and garages. Our epoxy stone can also be installed in basements or any other area of your home.

If you would like more information about epoxy stone please call our office at 828-256-7915 and set up a time for your no cost estimate. You can also see more pictures of our work in the gallery section of our website.

Spring has sprung! As the weather warms and the days last a little longer, families are enjoying the chance to spend more time outside. The opportunity to enjoy the backyard is great but it often reminds us that there are many, many things that we would like to change or repair. 

Over the past week we have had the opportunity to bring some life and excitement back to one backyard. This backyard consisted of a small, brick paver, patio. Apart from the patio there was little more than grass. This family wanted a space that would allow them to entertain, relax, and add some beauty as well.

This project had several requirements as well as a few challenges. For this backyard transformation we installed a completely new stamped concrete patio with drainage system, decorative block wall, decorative steps, and a river rock walkway with concrete stepping stones.

Here are a few before and after pictures of the project. 

To view more pictures of our work please see our gallery. If you would like to schedule a no cost estimate on your next project, you can call our office at 828-256-7915 or you can contact us via email here on the website. 

This past weekend saw the annual Home and Garden show at the Hickory Metro Center in Hickory, N.C. We have been a proud member of this group for over 25 years. 

As the weather begins to warm and the days begin to last longer, the time for home improvement is quickly arising. What are your plans for your home this spring? 

The annual project of repainting the porch or the garage floor no longer has to consume your life. Instead of painting your concrete flooring why not cover your existing floor with beautiful epoxy stone or stamp overlay? Epoxy chip flooring is also a great option.

Perhaps you are looking to add a new feature to your yard such as decorative curbing. Curbing is a great option that can really make your home stand out. Curbing can be placed around your flowerbeds, trees, driveway, or you could design your own feature in your yard.

These options were all discussed this past weekend with hundreds of visitors to the Hickory Home and Garden show. For those that were able to make the event, thank you for taking the time to stop by our booth and to share your thoughts. We are as excited for the coming spring as you are. Not only does the weather warm but the opportunity to help homeowners is renewed. 

Whether you choose epoxy stone, epoxy chip flooring, stamp overlay, stamped concrete, or even decorative curbing, you are going to be excited with the outcome of your spring project. So what are you waiting for?

If you are interested in receiving a free quote on your next project, please do not hesitate to call our office at (828) 256-7915. We will be more than willing to explain every option that we offer.