Restoration and decorative concrete services can be a lucrative business if you have the right know-how and the right equipment. The concrete industry is a high-volume, closely-held market that experiences rapid fluctuations in demand due to the seasonal increase in consumer spending for retail as well as landscaping materials. However, it is also experiencing a rapid decline in volume due to the downturn of the global economy. If you are interested in getting started in the decorative concrete business, you will first need to find a provider of decorative and restoration concrete services who can effectively provide you with the necessary equipment to make your mark in the industry. Once you have chosen a company with whom you can do business, you can then start making arrangements for the necessary equipment and supplies.

Restoration and decorative concrete services entail a wide range of tasks that require specialized tools. Most decorative concrete finishing methods require the use of hammers, hand tools, and heavy equipment such as bulldozers. You may not be an expert in the field of construction or engineering, but you do have a few basic tools that you can invest in to get started in the decorative concrete business. Here are a few of these essential tools:

An assortment of hammers. As decorative concrete projects come in many different sizes and shapes, you will also need several different hammers that can best deal with the diverse architectural designs that you will encounter on the job. Hand tools will require you to purchase new ones every time you modify their shape or size to fit your particular project. For larger projects, such as a poured concrete slab or a poured column, it would be ideal to invest in heavy-duty concrete hammers that have diamond-tipped heads. These will keep your hands from becoming sore and your sawing strokes from being dull.

Concrete polishing chemicals. You will find several different types of decorative concrete polishing chemicals at your local hardware store. Some are specifically designed for cosmetic concrete services and others can be used for other purposes. It is important to research which chemicals will work best for your specific needs so that you will not waste your time or money on products that will not do the job right.

Decorative concrete repair tools. Although you may not think about them when you first begin looking into the decorative concrete repair industry, there are actually a variety of power tools that you will need to be successful at the job you are trying to complete. Some of these include concrete saws, angle grinders, rubber-tipped augers, and more. Each of these tools can be purchased separately or can be included in the comprehensive decorative concrete package that many companies offer. If you are interested in using power tools for any other type of construction or repair job, you will want to take a serious look at the comprehensive package that a company offers.

Restoration chemicals. These products can help make your decorative concrete services more effective, but they are also used to protect the underlying soil from further damage. Most of these restoration chemicals are designed to last for up to 10 years if properly maintained, although some will have a shorter warranty than others. The good news is that many of the chemicals used for decorative concrete services are safe for homeowners to use, but it is always a good idea to hire the assistance of a professional if you have any concerns about how a chemical may react with your existing water source or soil.

Construction supplies. Construction materials such as concrete and sand are very important to the decorative concrete process. You will need concrete paint, marking cement, and construction brushes to name just a few. There are also a variety of safety and surface coatings to choose from depending on the type of decorative concrete you are working on. You may want to contact several suppliers to get a full spectrum of products to consider so that you are not limited in what you can order.

Other services. Decorative concrete work can range from filling in cracks to applying a new topcoat or sealant. Concrete Contractor can help you evaluate all of your options so that you can choose the right products to meet your needs. It never hurts to get estimates from several providers to ensure you get full value for your investment.