Go beyond gray. Polished concrete offers endless ways to express your interior design vision. With an infinite color palette thanks to stains, dyes and pigments, your floor can coordinate with any décor or vibe. Dyes offer more vibrant color options, while stains are semi-transparent and can be layered to add depth. Acid-based stains are typically earth tones, while water-based stains come in numerous hues.

Polished concrete can be scored or lined to create customizable patterns. Engraving or routing is another option to create unique lined patterns or designs. Businesses can even have their logo etched into polished concrete. Additionally, designs can be stenciled into the flooring with stains or dyes to achieve a decorative effect. Complementary or darker-color borders can enhance the room and add a touch of elegance.

Different things could be seeded into the concrete mix to add texture before polishing. Seashells, river stone, pieces of glass or marbles are used to enhance the floor as decorative additives. Your polished concrete flooring can be as distinct as you are. Let’s work together to achieve the floor of your dreams — trust Colonial Service to manifest your vision. Call 503-238-6564 to set up a consultation.

If you are looking for a gorgeous flooring option that is hypoallergenic, then polished concrete is an ideal choice. Dust mites are a leading cause of indoor allergies. By eliminating carpet that can harbor allergens like mites, pet hair/dander, and mold spores, you can greatly reduce problematic triggers for allergy sufferers.

On the subject of mold, damp or humid climates are very susceptible to growth outbreaks. Toxic mold and mildew in flooring can cause a variety of health issues. Polished concrete flooring is a great solution, as mold is not able to grow on the surface. Because concrete is so easy to clean and maintain, it does not harbor mold or bacteria like other floors.

Another potential issue involves VOCs (volatile organic compounds), chemicals that can be found in glues, padding, and other flooring materials. VOCs can be ongoing as materials release gasses or break down over time. When a polished concrete floor is stained with a nontoxic product and finished with a VOC-free sealer, the VOC emissions are mitigated. If you are concerned about allergens, give us a call at 503-238-6564 and we can walk you through all the benefits of polished concrete.

When you opt for concrete countertops, you probably expect they will last for years to come. That is the case… with the proper care and maintenance. The first line of defense is a high-quality sealer or combination of sealers to safeguard against stains or scratches. A layer of wax can add another buffer of protection, and it is recommended that much-used countertops or bars get a monthly re-wax.

When cleaning your countertop, use a mild, pH-neutral cleanser or soap and a soft cloth. Avoid using abrasive scrubs or pads that will wear down the sealer. While a properly sealed and waxed concrete surface will be resistant to stains, the occasional grease, coffee, juice or wine spill may leave a mark if not attended to promptly.

One of the appeals of concrete countertops is their rustic aesthetic that often improves with time. If you do not wish your surface to develop a natural patina, then routine maintenance will be important. But many customers like the character that comes with frequent use. If you have any questions about concrete countertops, give us a call at 503-238-6564.

Refinishing floors is a great way to modernize your residence, business or industrial space. Polished concrete or epoxy floors are extremely durable and look amazing. However, demolition and grinding creates a lot of dust that can coat furniture and walls, get into ducts, and generally cause a mess if not addressed properly.

Colonial Service specializes in OSHA-compliant dust control methods. When polishing concrete, we like to exceed compliance regulations to keep our team members safe and mitigate cleanup. Some procedures we follow include:

• Using water during grinding to control dust
• Deploying plastic sheeting to shroud the work area
• Extraction using a dust collector with 99% air filtration
• Dust removal with a HEPA-filtered vacuum

We pride ourselves in using state-of-the-art equipment to do the job right, and eco-friendly practices to keep our crews and our customers safe. Trust the experts at Colonial Service to complete your flooring project with dust-free processes and dazzling results. Give us a call today at 503-238-6564.

A hidden danger may be lurking in your old flooring. If you have certain vinyl composite tiles (VCT) and/or adhesives, there’s a chance they could contain asbestos. Many VCT made before the 1980s were crafted with asbestos fibers. Removal of these tiles can involve ripping, tearing or scraping that release the toxic fibers into the air. Once the top layer has been removed, the adhesive could also contain asbestos. Grinding or scraping that substance may release the toxin as well.

Breathing in toxic asbestos fibers can lead to long-term lung damage or cancer. The fibers can also land undetected on surrounding surfaces, which could go airborne if disturbed later. For these reasons, it is so important to your health and safety to partner with a professional like Colonial Service.

We can help identify problematic VCT flooring before beginning any demo. Our team will then assess how best to complete the removal and contain the asbestos. We have special protective gear, equipment and procedures to ensure proper handling of the removal. We are also certified to dispose of asbestos-laden materials properly. If you are looking to renovate your older flooring, give us a call at 503-238-6564.