By Emma Peterson.

From surface profiles and weather to product compatibility and site logistics, Jeffrey Wells goes over the issues contractors should address before work begins.

Installing patios or pathways, whether they're made of concrete, tile or some other hardscaping material, is a deceptively challenging process. From the logistics like leveling the ground to the customer service of making sure a vision becomes a reality, there’s a lot to manage. To learn about how outdoor contractors can create high-quality surfaces, Karol Weyman spoke with Jeffrey Wells from Super-Krete during an episode of OutdoorTalk.

Jeffrey, who has over 30 years of experience in the outdoor industry, said there were five main factors that he sees contractors overlook or struggle with when it comes to their hardscaping projects.

First, surface prep. In his words, “Failures or issues are not usually because of the products. The most common compromising factor is surface prep.” He went on, “I’ve seen it all, from situations where it’s not achieving the correct surface profile to situations where contractors try to do installations when the weather’s too hot, so it doesn’t set properly.”

Second, site management. Jeffrey emphasized how important preparation is to project success. He elaborated, “I've seen people get to a place and they didn't think about what their exit strategy was and they literally, if you will, hardscape themselves into a corner.” Other site management considerations include finding electrical and water sources.

Third, he highlighted system thinking. What does this mean? Jeffrey explained:

Lots of contractors have favorite products and want to incorporate them into their projects. But not all products work together, even if they should be in theory. Best practice is to stick with the manufacturer's recommended system to avoid any of those types of surprises.

Fourth, communication is key. You have to make sure everyone is on the same page, no matter what part of the process they are working on. This is easy when the crew is installing; what’s harder is keeping that communication going after they leave the site. As Jeffrey put it, “You want to make sure that you're talking to the people on site as well as the people who are not going to be on site.” He continued, “I’ve seen that same issue happen over and over. Everyone installing the products was on the same page, but then the people that came in the evening or super early in the morning were not on the same page. Next thing you know, somebody thought it was dry and there's footprints in your project.”

Fifth and final, Jeffrey said that client expectations need to be managed. The best way he recommends doing this is through mockups and visualizations. He shared, “A lot of clients have an image in their head, a Pinterest photo of whatever and if you don’t do some type of mock-up, I'd recommend a four-by-four-foot space, they won’t really be able to visualize the end result, their expectations will be off and they won’t be happy with the end work.”

Paying attention to details like the five that Jeffrey pointed out during his and Karol’s conversation is the best way to ensure your projects are installed to the highest degree of quality and you leave your clients satisfied.

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to learn more about managing successful hardscaping projects.

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how contractors can use Super-Krete products to build hardscapes that unite art with performance.  

Many people mistakenly treat hardscaping as an afterthought, seen as less complicated or maybe even less important than things like outdoor kitchens or pools. But what those people don’t realize is how much thought actually goes into hardscaping and how much of an impact hardscaping has on a space. In a new OutdoorTalk webinar, Jeffrey Wells shared some thoughts about how contractors and professionals can elevate hardscape work to be the showstopper that it truly is. 

Jeffrey, who has over 30 years of experience in the outdoor industry and currently works at Super-Krete, opened by sharing a bit about the many factors and elements that must be considered when designing a hardscape:  

A lot of people don’t know what they want. For example, they don’t usually have a color they describe as their goal. Instead, they have an inspiration, an example of something that resonates with them. And as hardscapers, we might not know if that example was porcelain or granite or any other type of natural stone or wood. All we know is that there was a pattern of something that the client liked and our job is to work to recreate it.  

Making things even more complicated, hardscaping is also not just about visual design; it is often an interactive element of the environment. So not only are hardscapers trying to replicate vague inspirations, but they are also, as Jeffery put it, “thinking about the difference in the textures so that it not only looks aesthetic, but it also feels good underfoot and performs.”  

This can be a lot to juggle, as it can be hard to find products that unite the performance that customers want (low maintenance, durable) and the look that they want. Luckily, Super-Krete develops products with this in mind. Jeffery explained, “We make advanced decorative concrete overlays. So, our products allow you to create an aesthetic on the outside while the concrete gives incredible durability and performance.” That performance includes crucial interactive qualities like anti-slip as well as aesthetic benefits like color stabilizers. 

Cause at the end of the day, Super-Krete knows how much work goes into a hardscape and how important hardscaping is when it comes to making your client’s outdoor dreams come true. As Jeffery put it, “It’s your artistry. And you need products that let you show off what you can do when given a canvas.”  

Listen to the whole conversation or Watch the webinar to learn more about hardscaping and Super-Krete products. 

Super-Krete's extensive portfolio has the products that contractors and other professionals need to provide lasting beauty and protection to concrete.   

The Coffee Shops™, the award-winning online communities where the industries meet for technologies, safety, information and education for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and outdoor living are pleased to welcome Super-Krete® Products into their community. 

For more than 30 years, Super-Krete has enhanced, protected and restored concrete installations worldwide with specialty concrete products. The company is a part of the Innovative Chemical Products Group (ICP Group), a leading specialty platform company in the coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers (CASE) markets. 

The story of Super-Krete starts back in 1985 when it was founded by John Holwitz. John was a contractor through the 1970s and early 1980s and is credited as the developer of “the first cementitious product to repair and resurface concrete.” This innovative product can still be purchased today, now sold as the ready-mixed, multi-use Bond-Kote!  

From there, the company continued to produce pioneering concrete overlays that could withstand a wide range of weather conditions from the icy winters in the Czech Republic to extreme humidity in the Pacific Islands and the blazing heat of the Western deserts.  

The next landmark moment in Super-Krete's history came in 2016 when they were acquired by Arizona Polymer Flooring (APF). Then in 2018, both APF and Super-Krete joined the ICP Group family. Today, Super-Krete is recognized for the quality of their products, the diversity of their offerings and the expertise of their staff. Their sealers, stains, colors, bonding agents and surfacing systems can be found all over the world, on everything from the famous pirate ship in Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest and the Legoland park to air force bases and even at the Vatican. 

The Coffee Shops are proud to welcome Super-Krete® Products.

S-9300 Bond-Kote Gray and S-9302 Bond-Kote White are the ultimate concrete repair, resurfacing and texturing product all-in-one! Bond-Kote virtually eliminates the need to remove and replace old, damaged concrete. It is a ready-mix formula. Just add water! Use Bond-Kote for crack treatments, curb and gutter repair, sidewalk resurfacing, driveway resurfacing and anywhere else there is concrete! Now you can texture Bond-Kote at 1/8”" thickness directly over properly prepared concrete substrates, and texture it to create the look of slate, stone, tile, brick or wood.

This multi-use product has an extended pot life of several hours. Bond-Kote was also the product used to create the famous pirate ship in Disney’s movie: “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest. The ship creators applied Bond-Kote directly over an existing 175 foot steel ship, and were impressed by its flexibility, its resistance to damage or deterioration after being submerged in salt water during the two year filming period of the movie, and their ability to easily create the appearance of aged wood with it. Apply by squeegee, gauge rake with 1/8"” cams, trowel, sprayer, brush or broom.

Learn more and find a distributor near you!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Contractors are using decorative concrete systems to create durable, customizable outdoor spaces that mimic high-end natural materials. 

The Coffee Shops™ have made it easier than ever for members of the roofing and construction industries to learn how they want, when they want, where they want with the Read Listen Watch® (RLW) initiative. Whether someone wants to read a transcript, listen to a podcast or watch a webinar, The Coffee Shops continue to provide flexible educational opportunities for industry professionals. 

In an upcoming OutdoorTalk™ webinar, Karol Weyman will meet with Jeffery Wells from Super-Krete to discuss how contractors can use colorants, stains, textures and sealers to transform patios, walkways, decks and water features into premium-looking outdoor environments. The webinar, titled “Concrete Techniques for Stunning Hardscapes,” will examine how decorative concrete systems can replicate the appearance of natural stone, wood and other upscale materials while offering greater flexibility and durability. 

The session is designed to help contractors better understand how decorative concrete solutions can create long-lasting outdoor entertainment spaces while reducing maintenance concerns for property owners. As more customers look for customized hardscape solutions that balance appearance, durability and cost, contractors are increasingly searching for systems that can deliver high-end finishes without the limitations associated with traditional materials such as wood or flagstone. 

Jeffrey will also provide practical insight into the installation process itself. He will also discuss proper surface preparation, environmental considerations and the importance of using complete systems designed to work together. The webinar will additionally cover how sealers and protective technologies can help contractors maximize the longevity of decorative concrete projects while improving resistance to wear and environmental exposure. 

Attendees can expect discussion surrounding proper protective equipment, safe material handling practices and compliance with local safety regulations. The webinar will also examine newer developments in decorative and restorative concrete, including faster curing systems, advanced overlays, lower volatile organic compound (VOC) materials and improved protective coatings designed to increase efficiency and design flexibility. 

Contractors looking to strengthen their hardscape capabilities will also hear recommendations on training opportunities, demonstrations and industry involvement that can help them continue developing their skill sets and expanding service offerings. 

Register for this RLW on June 3 and start learning how decorative concrete systems can help create durable, customizable outdoor spaces with premium finishes!

In this OutdoorTalk webinar, Karol Weyman is joined by Jeffery Wells from Super-Krete to examine how contractors can elevate their hardscape projects by incorporating colorants, stains, textures and sealers. With a focus on transforming patios, walkways and other outdoor surfaces into premium-looking spaces, experts will share tips on choosing the right materials and techniques, addressing common challenges and maximizing project longevity. Contractors will also discover key innovations in decorative concrete that are reshaping the industry and providing more flexibility and efficiency in design.

Register now!