Latest news & featured product - Spring 2024
Glow Stone Technology
Introducing the newest addition to your night life... Concrete that glows in the dark! Light up your patio or sidewalk landscape with Glow Path Technology® and experience the ambience your glowing concrete gives off!
What is Glow Stone?
This luminescent effect is achieved by incorporating phosphorescent materials into the concrete mixture. These materials, such as phosphorescent pigments or aggregates, absorb and store light energy (from both natural sunlight and artificial sources) during the day or when exposed to light. As night falls, the stored energy is gradually released, creating a captivating glow.
Is there a difference in quality of glow stones?
Premium Glow Stones are 40%-60% brighter and offer longer glow performance than other glow-in-the-dark stones commonly found on the internet.
100% non-toxic and swimming pool chemical friendly.
Durability and Applications:
Glow-in-the-dark concrete can be used for various applications, including:
- Pool decks: Imagine a pool deck that glows softly at night.
- Driveways: Create a unique and eye-catching driveway that guides you even in darkness.
- Interior floors: Add a touch of magic to indoor spaces.
The glow effect lasts for several hours after exposure to light and gradually fades throughout the night.
Latest news & featured product - Winter 2024
In-Floor Heating
In-floor heating, also known as radiant floor heating, is an energy-efficient home heating system that turns entire floors into radiators. Unlike traditional forced-air systems that rely on convection, in-floor heating delivers a more uniform and comfortable heat distribution. At Central West Inc, we use Hydronic Radiant Floor heating systems. Here’s how they work:
Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating:
- In this system, hot water circulates through plastic tubing installed under the floor.
- The water is heated by a boiler or water heater.
- Hydronic systems can heat an entire house or specific rooms.
- It’s a popular and cost-effective way to provide warmth throughout a home.
The appeal of radiant floor heating lies in its invisibility—no clanking radiators, no whooshing vents, and no dust-spewing ductwork. Instead, you enjoy an even blanket of heat right where you want it. As the invisible waves of thermal radiation rise from below, they warm up objects in the room, which then radiate that captured heat in turn. Unlike forced-air systems, which can result in uncomfortable temperature stratification, radiant floors maintain consistent warmth without abrupt ups and downs.
Latest news & featured product - Fall 2023
Concrete Countertops
Choosing concrete countertops for your kitchen, bathroom, or any space in your home is a decision that combines aesthetic appeal with functionality. Concrete countertops offer a unique blend of modern sophistication and industrial charm, making them a versatile option for various design styles. Here's an informative guide to help you understand the benefits, considerations, and customization options for concrete countertops:
Advantages of Concrete Countertops:
- Customization: One of the most significant benefits of concrete countertops is their high level of customization. You can choose the color, shape, finish, and size to fit your space perfectly. Additionally, you can embed items like stones, shells, glass, and personal mementos to create a truly unique surface.
- Durability: Concrete is known for its strength and durability. When properly sealed and maintained, concrete countertops can withstand heat, scratches, and stains, making them a long-lasting addition to any home.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Concrete countertops have a distinctive look that can complement both modern and traditional decors. Their industrial vibe can be softened with the right finish or enhanced for a more authentic look.
- Sustainability: For those interested in eco-friendly materials, concrete countertops can be a green choice. They can be made with recycled materials and, because they are often fabricated locally, have a smaller carbon footprint compared to other materials that need to be shipped from far away.
Considerations:
- Weight: Concrete is heavy, so it's essential to ensure that your cabinets and floor can support the weight. This may require additional reinforcement, especially in older homes.
- Maintenance: While durable, concrete countertops do require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best. They need to be sealed upon installation and resealed periodically to prevent stains and water damage.
- Cost: The price of concrete countertops can vary widely depending on the level of customization and the complexity of the project. Generally, they are comparable to or slightly more expensive than high-end granite or quartz.
- Imperfections: Part of the charm of concrete is its natural imperfections, such as minor cracks and inconsistencies in color and texture. While these can enhance the material's aesthetic, they may not be for everyone.
Customization Options:
- Colors and Stains: Pigments can be added to the concrete mix, or the finished countertop can be stained to achieve the desired color.
- Finishes: Polished, honed, pressed, or troweled finishes can give your countertop a glossy, matte, or textured surface.
- Edges and Shapes: From simple squared edges to intricate custom designs, the edges and shape of your countertop can be tailored to your preference.
- Inlays and Embeds: Adding glass chips, stones, metal pieces, or personal items into the countertop can create a unique and personalized touch.
Concrete countertops offer a unique combination of practicality and aesthetic appeal, making them an excellent choice for homeowners looking for durability and style. With extensive customization options, they can fit any design vision, from sleek and modern to rustic and traditional. However, it's essential to consider their weight, maintenance requirements, and cost before making a decision. With the right care, concrete countertops can be a beautiful and long-lasting addition to your home.
Contact Us
Want to learn more about this product? Contact Central West Inc today and get the help of our expert construction team!
Latest news & featured product - Summer 2023
Embedded Step Lights
Lights embedded in concrete steps, often referred to as step lights or tread lights, are a contemporary and functional lighting solution that enhances safety, aesthetics, and ambiance in both indoor and outdoor environments. These lights are designed to be integrated directly into the steps, providing a seamless and elegant illumination effect. Below is an overview of their key features, benefits, installation considerations, and usage:
Features:
- Durability: Made to withstand heavy foot traffic and adverse weather conditions when used outdoors. Typically constructed from robust materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or reinforced plastics.
- Energy Efficiency: Many models are LED-based, offering low power consumption with a long lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements and saving energy.
- Waterproof and Weather-resistant: Outdoor models are designed to be waterproof and resistant to various weather conditions, including rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.
- Variety of Designs: Available in various shapes, sizes, and colors to match architectural styles and personal preferences. Some models offer adjustable brightness or color temperature.
- Automatic Operation: Equipped with sensors for automatic operation, such as photocells for dusk-to-dawn lighting or motion sensors for activation upon detection of movement.
Benefits:
- Safety: Illuminate steps to reduce the risk of trips and falls during low-light conditions, making them safer to navigate.
- Ambiance: Create a visually appealing and welcoming environment by highlighting architectural features and contributing to the overall lighting design.
- Versatility: Suitable for a range of applications, from residential properties to commercial and public spaces such as parks, theaters, and outdoor amphitheaters.
- Low Maintenance: Once installed, they require minimal upkeep, especially LED lights, which have a long service life.
Installation Considerations:
- Planning: Careful planning is required to determine the number of lights, spacing, and integration method into the concrete steps.
- Wiring: Installation typically involves running electrical wiring in compliance with local building codes and standards, which might require professional installation.
- Waterproofing: Ensuring proper sealing and waterproofing around the lights to prevent moisture ingress, which is crucial for outdoor installations.
- Control Systems: Considering integration with existing or new lighting control systems for ease of use and to enhance functionality, such as dimming or scheduling.
Integrating lights into concrete steps requires thoughtful planning and execution but results in a sophisticated and practical lighting solution that enhances both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Whether for a new construction project or retrofitting existing steps, these lights offer a blend of safety, durability, and design that suits a wide range of applications.
Contact Us
Want to learn more about this product? Contact Central West Inc today and get the help of our expert construction team!