Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for concrete contractors that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For ARP Hardscape, the key to keeping clients happy is simple: use top-quality materials and techniques to give them the results of their dreams. “We work hard to meet our clients’ needs and provide them with beautiful concrete products that last for years,” says owner Alex Ramirez. “By listening to their ideas and being respectful of their wishes, we’re able to make sure they have great experiences.”

ARP Hardscape has been providing concrete services for residential and commercial clients in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties since 2018. The company work with all types of concrete (including exposed aggregate) to build everything from retaining walls and fire pits to countertops and sidewalks, and it can also use paving stones to create unique landscaping elements.

Unlike concrete contractors that hire inexperienced day laborers to handle most of their work, ARP Hardscape maintains a team of highly skilled and experienced technicians who have been with the company for years. “I’m also on every jobsite working alongside my crew, which gives our clients more peace of mind,” adds Mr. Ramirez. “If I make a promise, they can trust that it’ll happen because I’m right there making sure everything is going according to plan.”

Another distinguishing attribute of ARP Hardscape is its dedication to implementing industry-best installation methods on every project. For example, its base material is always at least three inches of base rock without wires, which makes it more durable and prevents it from cracking. “We’ve done a lot of work with pavers and concrete, so we know how to give our clients the best results,” affirms Mr. Ramirez. “We take the time to make sure everything is being done correctly, and if there’s an issue, we’ll do what it takes to make it right.”

Keep your colored concrete looking like new with proper maintenance techniques.
Regardless of its quality, all colored concrete starts to fade over time—black concrete tends to fade fast and turns into plain colored concrete within five years, while more pastel shades of concrete hold color better and last longer. Keeping your colored concrete looking like new is dependent on three things: periodic pressure washing, resealing and recoloring.

Pressure washing removes any mold and other buildup that can accumulate on concrete surfaces in the shade. For homeowners who like a glossy look to their concrete, pressure washing is recommended every two years. Sealing is also recommended every two years to make the color last longer and protect it from the elements. There are several different options available when it comes to resealing concrete, from clear sealants to tinted sealants that enhance color vibrancy. Recoloring is usually reserved for concrete that has already faded.

If you’re installing colored concrete, it’s important to make sure your contractor has the right experience to work on your project. Inexperience can lead to poorly mixed concrete that’s the wrong color or areas that fail to dry completely. “Another issue is when the contractor doesn’t clean their truck properly between jobs, which leaves behind grease or differently colored concrete,” adds Alex Ramirez, owner of ARP Hardscape in San Leandro. “That can ruin your concrete installation and lead to an expensive repair.”

As an alternative to concrete, consider using paving stones for your driveway or walkway—they’re more resistant to fading and cracking than concrete, and their relatively small size makes them difficult to crack. The main issue that can arise with paving stones is settling, but that can be fixed by removing settled stones and adding more base underneath.

When paving stones are first laid, the gaps are filled in with fine sand and the whole system is sealed to lock it in place. However, if the area doesn’t get resealed every two years, weeds will start growing between the gaps. This can be remedied by pressure washing, followed by resealing. Resealing not only inhibits the growth of weeds, but it also retains the aesthetic qualities of the paving stones, contributes to their longevity and keeps water from penetrating them.

Q: Should I choose concrete or paving stones for my hardscaping project?
A: It depends on the design you want and how much you want to spend. If you plan to live in your house for a long time and you have a larger budget, we recommend pavers. They’re more expensive than concrete, but they last longer and they’re easier to repair, so they may be a better option if your budget and long-term plans allow.

Q: Can you install colored concrete?
A: Yes. We can color the main concrete or add color after the concrete has been poured. We’ll talk to you about your options for colors and applications before any work begins.

Q: Should I seal my new concrete or paving stones?
A: Yes. Sealers prevent stains and other damage, so we recommend them. There are different kinds of sealers, so we’ll recommend the best type for your concrete or pavers so you don’t accidentally damage the surface.

Q: Do I need to worry about the slope of the concrete and where water drainage will go?
A: No, we’ll handle all of that. We’ll check the elevations with a laser, and if your driveway or patio needs more drainage, we’ll make sure the water runs off into the grass, not your foundation.

Q: Can I see the materials before you install them?
A: Absolutely. We actually recommend that for all of our clients. Even when you show a contractor a picture or pick out a color, the actual material might not look identical when it arrives. It’s hard to pull up material after it has been installed, so you should always see it before it goes in so you can confirm that it’s what you want.

Q: Should I be concerned about material delays?
A: There’s a bit of a delay on concrete pavers right now, but it depends on the material you choose. We’re always upfront about delays—as soon as you pick a material, we’ll call the manufacturer to make sure it’s available, and if it’s not, we’ll order it right away. We won’t start the job until all the materials have arrived, so you won’t have to deal with unexpected delays or half-done work.