In the eyes of architects, concrete has always had a certain cult following. Today, it is used in a wide range of projects and buildings, from infrastructure to residential, and gives an architect the freedom to create eye-catching textures. Q-Furniture is a famous concrete manufacturer in Vietnam, having exported products to fastidious markets such as the US, UK, Australia, and the Netherlands. With 11 years of experience in the industry, Q-Furniture is confident to meet all customer requirements for products as well as provide expert advice when necessary. Here is Q-Furniture’s advice on how to use concrete as efficiently as possible.

Q-Furniture Concrete Manufacturer – Consider its correlation with other factors

It is true that concrete is synonymous with “economy” because of its simple construction as well as the lack of any additional lining. However, it also requires certain care during use, especially when your concrete layer is directly exposed to all the weather elements. You need to consider whether factors from the outset and the impact they will have on your finished building. Above all, it is necessary to determine the composition of the concrete mix that you will use, allowing for optimal performance: minimal voids and gaps in the structure.

In cases where leaks or contamination with mold and other pathogens are possible, pre-application of fungicides, anti-microbials and sealants is indispensable. Design details will also play a part in protecting the structure against the elements. For example, the use of awnings to prevent rain and other problems can occur.

Use resin and preservative layer

Because concrete is a porous material, it is important to specify the resin, curing and waterproofing layer you will use to protect your construction against the elements of time and extreme weather. . There are many products available for your specific needs, seek help from a technical consultant for an optimal result. Some products have little or no effect on concrete while others may increase shine or durability. Some types of preservative only protect against water corrosion, while other coatings protect the building from acid rain, other airborne corrosives, and mold.

Choose a full structural framework for your project

This framework must support the mixture of cement, sand and water until it dries. When dry, the concrete will take the shape of the mold as desired by the architect and the client. Molds can be made from many different materials, creating a wide range of textures and appearances.

Wooden frames are widely used and are made up of boards or planks. In the past, you could take advantage of the natural wood finish or sand it flat for a smoother finish. The panels can be arranged optimally or compacted for a flatter and more even appearance. With good care, wooden frames can be reused (an easy way to save money on a project).

Metal frames offer optimal benefits over wooden frames as they allow for full re-use, better durability, and faster installation time. Metal also provides a smoother texture, which is recommended for larger projects as it allows for optimum yield in a shorter amount of time.

Keep in mind the right frameworks for your project

When building with concrete, always keep in mind the quality of the work when finished and the standards that affect it. This means, don’t just think about the technical aspects of the building, even if it sounds good. As noted above, do not forget to consider the exposure of the building to external factors, especially water which tends to drip through the cracks of the formwork. In Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, for example, Souto de Moura arranges forms diagonally in the roof of the building, so that, over time, a structure is formed in the shape of a tree.

Concrete gray or colorful?

Although concrete has a gray tint in its natural state, the use of additional color pigments is becoming increasingly common. With a wide range of red, yellow, blue, black, and cobalt blue colors, water-resistant colored concrete is becoming more and more popular in the market. Thanks to this, it’s easier than ever to make your work stand out. The furniture such as round concrete dining table, coffee table, table set, etc. with careful choice of color will bring to you an aesthetics space.

They do not affect the physical properties of concrete, these color additives maintain good quality when mixed into the dry concrete mix. It is best to use 2-5% color per kilo of the mix.

Attention to every little detail

During the implementation planning phase of the project, it is important that you consider every detail of the construction process such as metalwork, quantifying the composition of the concrete mix, predefining the structure along with awnings, gutters, expansion joints, etc. aspects that will allow you to avoid problems with the building in the future. Those Q-Furniture’s advice may help you on how to use concrete as efficiently as possible.