The first stamped concrete that I saw up close was in a cemetary. The design included a wooden cross. I was impressed that the templates have become so much more creative. The next one I saw was in a playground. Very colorful. It was a path that ended with a animated sunflower. I have had many conversations about stamped concrete with a friend that works in the concrete bussiness. He explained the process and is amazed at all that can be done with this type of hardscape. I asked exactly about the chipping,cracking,fading etc... He had not seen or heard that this had happened he thought it would take alot to chip or crack. But you never know. Not much of an answer I would agree. All in all he likes the rubber stamps the best. He also agreed about negotiating a project. He believes that the reason it is so expensive is because it is so popular. Also the process of adding the dye as well is a factor. We both had an eye rolling moment on that part. His advise is to use a contractor that has done this and is picky. Ask to see the work they have done. Ask the age of the project that was done. It will give you a good idea as to the durability of an aged and well done job. You don't have to have a gaze, however you will need to seal the area. As far as the cleaning goes. Spray down with a garden hose. I'm curious to the post about the rings from the pots on the patio. White I belive I read. Is it calcium or lime deposite? If so the contractor for this should beable to help. Stamped concrete is relativly new here. Meaning the concept is slowly picking up. I myself am looking to do my front entry patio. So this has been great to read all the posts. Keep it comming as I would love to hear the patterns used and the different ways to use stamped concrete. Also color combos would be welcome. Good luck to you all.

I think you should have gone with a wood stove, your garage is ideal for that,brick walls, small size, and no insulation up top. I have 25'x22'x8' garage with only insulated walls and lots draft from my big garage door. I use 30"x17"x20" wood stove and within 40 mins I can work very comfi and it gets better as time passes. I installed my chimney by myself and found it very easy to do if you are handy with a miter or skill saw and own a drill. It was my first installation and hardly any challange to it. I wouldn't consider any other type of heating in my garage. Used wood stoves are cheap and easy to find.You don't need to spend more than a 100-150 for a good used one. The chimney, you buy as a kit ,which will give eveything you need to install it up to code. The most important part is building a frame for the chimney support. The rest is just putting stuff together. The basics of operating "safely" a wood stove is something you learn in a week and in time you will get better and become real good at it. You should install a damper in your stove pipe, for better use of the heat produced by the stove and a fan behind the stove will help you alot. If you or anyone else need more info just ask. Vic

The only reason you would be concerned about installing stone on a floating floor is if the cabinets are installed on the floating floor. Which they should never be. The fridge, range, dishwasher all go over a floating floor. But not cabinets. The floating floor should be installed around the cabinets with enough space for expansion/contraction. Cabinets are installed directly over nailed or glued product. Engineered stone weighs about the same as granite so there is no significant difference in any issues caused by the weight of the product. It sounds as if may not have knowledgeable people assisting you in your install.

I talked with Molly at Adams! She was very nice and super helpful. We went through ALL the options. ;) i liked the self storing unit as well, but we have large windows and the cost kept climbing (mahogany, priming, painting, shipping). They do have an RTA (ready to assemble), but we weren’t willing to take that on. One of the main hiccups was they didn’t have installers or someone they worked with in our area (this applied to Quanta as well). Our contactor thought we were crazy to keep the old windows (HCOL area and most houses are gut renovated and expanded). Our architect was supportive and through one of his other clients we found someone who installed Mon-Ray . i liked the Mon-Ray units (we saw a sample), but the upcharge for a custom color was crazy. Our contactor was willing to measure and install, but his price reflected the learning curve. We really wanted someone who could measure and install who did this consistently. Old windows aren’t necessarily square, the angle of the sill needs to be correct and there is the center rail that needs to line up with the sash meeting rail, etc. i finally found someone south of us who was willing travel.