Concrete & Masonry Guides
Books on Concrete Construction and
Masonry & Brick Construction Techniques

Acid Stain Concrete Video - DVD
Learn To Use Chemical Acid Stain For Unique Concrete Finishes
Welcome to the Wonderful World of Decorative Concrete. Learn how to use chemical acid stain to change boring concrete into a work of art! Join master artisan, Juan Romero, as he guides you through various techniques. Get the BASIC steps plus TIPS and solutions. Discover the magic of the chemical acid stain process. Watch plain concrete transform to look like marble. See how breakfast cereal and plant leaves can help you create a terrific special effect. This video makes acid stain easy for beginners and offers new ideas for professionals. Plus, this technique can be done for a minimal cost. This video is ideal for property owners, do-it-yourselfers, contractors, architects.

Anchorage In Concrete Construction
A Comprehensive Reference of Concrete Anchoring and Current Fastening Technology
A comprehensive treatment of current fastening technology including inserts, post-installed anchors, as well as power-actuated fasteners, in both concrete and masonry. The section "Fastenings in Concrete" describes in detail these elements together with their behavior and load-bearing capacities in cracked and uncracked concrete, while also considering the effects of corrosion and fire, as well as earthquake and shock loading. It concludes with an assessment of fastenings, illustrated by numerous examples. The "Fastenings in Masonry" section goes on to deal with different types of masonry and describes the load bearing characteristics with an assessment of plastic fastenings and injection-molded anchors, including criteria for selecting the correct fastening.

Bob Harris' Guide to Concrete Overlays & Toppings
Become an Expert in Concrete Overlay and Topping with This Practical Instruction Manual on Rejuvenating Concrete Floors, Driveways, Exterior Flatwork and even Wall Surfaces
Learn from this practical instruction manual how to rejuvenate concrete floors, driveways, exterior flatwork, and even wall surfaces. Offer your customers beautiful alternatives to costly removal and replacement of old concrete. Here you’ll find detailed application techniques for concrete on different surfaces, and how to select the most appropriate resurfacing system for each project. You’ll learn how to estimate materials, prep and prepare surfaces, repair cracks, and test for moisture-vapor transmission. Step-by-step instructions are included for obtaining different finishes – including the use of stamping mats, stencils, spray-downs, micro-topping, scoring techniques, working with gelled acid, polishing, and applying stains, dyes, tints, and even selecting and applying the right sealer.

Bob Harris' Guide to Stained Concrete Interior Floors
Learn How to Turn Concrete Slabs Into Works of Art Your Customers Will Cherish Rewarding You with Repeat Business
Learn how to turn concrete slabs into works of art your customers will cherish, and in return, reward you with a lifetime of repeat business. This new book shows you concrete design options available today, how to estimate costs of different techniques and compare those costs to other floor covering options such as carpet, wood floors, tile, or marble. Find out how to sell your services, write a contract for floor staining, then keep notes and records so you can repeat your performance. Large color photos show how to correct problem floors, test your stain before beginning, apply dyes, grouts and sealers, and specialty techniques. Full of charts, helpful hints and step-by-step instructions.

Bob Harris' Guide to Stamped Concrete
Become a Concrete Stamping Expert with Hundreds of Practical Tips from Bob Harris
Here you’ll find hundreds of ideas and sources for stamping designs. You’ll learn of site conditions affecting stamped concrete and how to avoid problems. Shows everything from preparing the subgrade to erecting forms, installing reinforcement, and placing the concrete. Gives different methods of stamping concrete, coloring stamped concrete, applying color hardener, release agents, installing expansion joints, and special techniques for finishing and sealing the concrete, Shows how to improve the durability of stamped concrete, and how to fix minor flaws. Explains how to write a fair contract for the work you perform and how to determine what to charge your customers for the finished job.

ConcreteCalc Pro - Concrete Calculator
The only Concrete Calculator Designed Specifically for Concrete Construction Pros!
Use the concrete calculator that is helping thousands of construction pro's save time, eliminate costly mistakes, and improve profits. The innovative ConcreteCalc lets you perform instant square-ups, layouts, accurately estimate material costs & volumes, and solve common construction problems like a pro. Why work another day without it?

Concrete at Home
From best-selling author Fu-Tung Cheng, the recognized master craftsman of residential concrete design, comes Concrete at Home, the follow up to his ground-breaking Concrete Countertops. In this new title, Cheng shows you the anything-is-possible flexibility of concrete, and gives you the step-by-step guidance and confidence to form, pour, and polish your own distinctive countertops, floors, walls, fireplaces, and more. Part design study, part instruction manual, Concrete at Home is packed with hundreds of photos .

Concrete Countertops
This book re-invents the countertop with a single material: concrete. Although this method of building kitchen and bathroom countertops is currently very popular, not one book on the subject exists -– until now. Enter Fu-Tung Cheng, master of design and construction. Here at last is a complete, start-to-finish book on creating concrete countertops. Cheng takes you step-by-step through the process of making a concrete countertop -- from building the mold and mixing and pouring concrete to curing, grinding, polishing, and installing the countertop.

Concrete Countertops Made Simple Book & DVD
Book and DVD Shows The Art of Making Concrete Countertops
With his first bestselling book, Concrete Countertops, designer Fu-Tung Cheng brought homeowners and contractors an affordable, attractive alternative to expensive granite, marble, and man-made countertops. Now, he takes his concrete revolution one step further with this remarkable DVD/Book set. In seven simple steps, Cheng takes the reader through the process of designing, forming, pouring, finishing, and installing a concrete countertop that will look great and survive the test of time. Explaining the process like a chef guiding you through a recipe, Cheng shows that even an amateur with the simplest tools can produce fantastic results the very first time.

Concrete Formwork
Complete Guide to The Safe Construction of Concrete Formwork
Presents information regarding the safe construction of forms for residential, light commercial, and heavy construction with detailed step-by-step illustrations. This new edition presents various aspects of form construction ranging from site preparation through concrete placement to stripping forms. The Appendix and illustrated Glossary provide reference material, such as ACI and OSHA guidelines and regulations and the use of surveying instruments.

Concrete & Formwork
This practical manual has all the information you need to select and pour the right mix for the job, lay out the structure, choose the right form materials, design and build the forms, and finish and cure the concrete, Nearly 100 pages of step-by-step instructions show how to construct and erect most types of site-fabricated wood forms used in residential construction.

Concrete Manual - Updated to the 2006 IBC and ACI 318-05
Fully Updated to 2006 IBC and ACI 318-05
Provides the inspector with an understanding of the scientific principles that underlie sound practices and will assist the inspector in making rational decisions. The Concrete Manual provides the guidance and information that inspectors and related professionals need to become more proficient in relating to concrete field practices and inspection. Increases the technical capabilities of jurisdictional inspectors in the performance of their inspection duties. The Concrete Manual serves as a valuable reference to assist the special inspector in performing the duties and responsibilities of special inspection for reinforced and prestressed concrete construction. (Hardbound, 356 pages) A valuable CD-ROM is included which contains the entire Concrete Manual in a PDF format.
Also Available >>> Concrete Manual Study Companion Workbook

Concrete Principles - Textbook
This full-color text provides a comprehensive overview of the tools, materials, and practices commonly used in the concrete industry. The content areas covered correlate with the established apprenticeship training programs. Each text contains an IBM-compatible CD-ROM in the back of the book that contains Chapter Quick Quizzes, an illustrated Glossary, and related web links to educational resources.

Concrete Principles - Workbook
Concrete Principles Workbook is designed to reinforce information presented in the text. Each chapter in the Workbook covers information in the corresponding chapter in the textbook above. Activities included in each workbook chapter correlate to chapter content and reinforce comprehension of related concepts and math principles.

Concrete Secrets Driveways and Sidewalks - DVD
Concrete video series contains form setting, expansion placement, grading, ordering Ready-mix concrete, pouring, tamping, bullfloating, using a Walking Edger, jointing, using a Fresno, hard troweling, using a Walking Trowel, patching, brooming and formula for ordering Ready-Mix concrete for 4in. 6in. and 8 inch slabs. Video & Instructions

Concrete Secrets Driveways and Sidewalks - VHS
Concrete video series contains form setting, expansion placement, grading, ordering Ready-mix concrete, pouring, tamping, bullfloating, using a Walking Edger, jointing, using a Fresno, hard troweling, using a Walking Trowel, patching, brooming and formula for ordering Ready-Mix concrete for 4in. 6in. and 8 inch slabs. Video & Instructions

Design and Construction of Concrete Floors
Introduces the Basic Principles and Importance of Successful Concrete Floor Design
Design and Construction of Concrete Floors outlines the key principles needed for the production of a good floor which can be relied on to not only support and restrain other parts of the building, but also to meet the needs of the user. The book covers: Uses of concrete floors, Structural design, Concrete used specifically for floors, Cracks and joints, Floor surface properties, This book is ideal for structural engineers and others in the building and design industry that want to use a balanced approach and look beyond structural strength in the design of a good floor.

DigiRoller Plus II
Digital Distance Measuring Wheel - Durable, Hi-Tech Design and Folding Kickstand
Easy, One-Person Operation - Get fast, accurate measurements for all your on-site linear, area and volume estimates. Built-in functions automatically calculate and store square footage, cubic volumes and more for up to 9 different areas. Works and converts in all U.S. and Metric units. Weighs just 3 lbs. and includes convenient kickstand.

Foundations and Concrete Work - For Pros By Pros
Details, Design Considerations & Specifications for a Solid Foundation
Foundation work is not the glamorous side of home building. It is hard, dirty work. But it's also the work upon which all other work rests, and so a good foundation is critical to every home," writes Fine Homebuilding editor-in-chief Kevin Ireton in the introduction to Foundations and Concrete Work. And whether you are planning to build a new foundation, shore up an old foundation, or pour a new driveway, this collection of articles from Fine Homebuilding magazine will .

HeavyCalc Pro - Heavy Construction Calculator
The Only Calculator Designed Specifically for Heavy Construction Pro's, Excavators & "Dirt" Contractors
Excavators, heavy construction, engineering and design pros will save time, reduce material and labor costs, and eliminate costly errors on all construction jobs. Built-in functions for area/volume/weight, slopes, swell, and shrink, cut/fill and more. Works in and converts between all building dimensional formats, including Yard, Feet-Inch-Fraction, and even Metric.

Insulating Concrete Forms Construction Manual
Concise Handbook on Using Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF's)
Insulated concrete forming systems (ICFs) provide many benefits to both contractors and homeowners. Hidden from view under sheetrock and siding, ICFs offer low labor costs; are easy to install; and are durable, energy-efficient, fire-safe, and virtually soundproof. Homes built with these systems look like any other, but under the standard covering lie solid, built-to-last concrete walls. Endorsed by the Portland Cement Association, this concise handbook gives contractors the hands-on information they need to use ICFs in the field

Reinforced Concrete Design - 7th Edition
Learn The Basic Concepts of Applying the ACI 318-05 Code Rules and Formulas
Now revised to ACI 318-05 code, this thoroughly updated Seventh Edition of Chu-Kia Wang, Charles G. Salmon, and José A. Pincheira's Reinforced Concrete Design incorporates the changes in design rules arising from the publication of the 2005 American Concrete Institute (ACI) Building Code and Commentary (ACI 318-05). Written for students and practicing engineers, the book explains the basic concepts you need to understand and properly apply the ACI Code rules and formulas. Throughout, the emphasis is on the ACI approach involving strength and serviceability "limit states" and factored loads. Detailed numerical examples illustrate the general approach to design and analysis.

Seismic Design of Reinforced and Precast Concrete Buildings
Learn The Basics of Seismic Resistant Design of Concrete Structures
Presents the basics of seismic-resistant design of concrete structures with a major focus on the seismic design of precast bracing systems.  This 848 page hard-cover manual covers the basic concepts, component behavior and design and systems design of reinforced and precast concrete buildings.

Simplified Design of Concrete Structures
The Primary Source for Design of Concrete Structures
For over sixty years, the primary source for design of concrete structures--now revised and updated. Simplified Design of Concrete Structures, Eighth Edition covers all the latest, commonly used concrete systems, practices, and research in the field, reinforced with examples of practical designs and general building structural systems. Updated to conform to current building codes, design practices, and industry standards. Simplified Design of Concrete Structures, Eighth Edition is a reliable, easy-to-use handbook that examines a wide range of concrete structures, building types, and construction details

Spray Coat Texture Video - DVD
Spruce Up Concrete Surfaces With Inexpensive Spray Coating Techniques
Welcome to the Wonderful Word of Decorative Concrete. In this video the technique of Spray Coat is explored. this can be one of the most inexpensive ways to add texture, color and design to existing concrete surfaces. This simple process creates a nice, durable surface that is especially popular for pool decks, patios, sidewalks and driveways. It is also a good technique for walls and other vertical surfaces. Get BASIC STEPS and helpful TIPS for basic application, continuous coverage, stencil designs, free hand designs, brick borders, sample boards, logo designs and more. Ideal for property owners, do-it-yourselfers, contractors, and architects.

Stamped Concrete Overlay Video - DVD
Learn The Art of Concrete Stamping For A Beautiful Finish
See how to stamp overlay and to stamp concrete in a fun and entertaining way. Watch boring concrete transform into a work of art. See how to bring designs to existing concrete surfaces. This video offers a real workplace experience. Come on the job with master artisan, Juan Romero as he guides you through this fantastic experience where technique and art are combined. Get the BASICS plus TIPS and solutions. This easy to follow video features a pool deck...one of the most challenging areas, a sidewalk porch combination, a large commercial area with various techniques, multiple patterns, and framing spaces.

Stamping Fresh Concrete Video - DVD
Learn How To Stamp Fresh Concrete To Create Terrific Designs
Welcome to the Wonderful World of Decorative Concrete. See how to stamp freshly poured concrete and create terrific designs that are true pieces of art. In this video you will go on the job with master artisan, Juan Romero. He will guide you through the real workplace experience of stamping freshly poured driveways, sidewalks, steps, pool decks, and more. See how to create borders as simple as basic bricks or as fancy as wild roses. Get BASIC STEPS and Helpful Tips. Ideal for property owners, do-it-yourselfers, contractors and architects.

Structural Concrete: Theory and Design - 4th Edition
Provides an Understanding of Concrete Design and Analysis, Updated to ACI 318-08 Code
New edition helps students make the bridge from concepts to problem-solving. The Fourth Edition of Structural Concrete: Theory and Design brings this text fully up to date while maintaining its acclaimed easy-to-follow, logical approach. Working with the text's numerous step-by-step examples, students quickly grasp the principles and techniques of analyzing and designing reinforced and prestressed concrete elements.  Moreover, the authors' emphasis on a top quality, economical approach helps students design concrete structures and members with confidence.

The Concrete House: Building Solid, Safe & Efficient with Insulating Concrete Forms
Learn to Create Energy Efficient Houses with Insulating Concrete Forms
Prospective homeowners will welcome this introduction to a durable, energy-efficient new building technology: insulating concrete forms (ICFs). Written by a top expert in the field, and organized in an accessible question-and-answer form, it will help homebuyers decide whether an ICF is right for them and how to get the most for their money. Every aspect of planning and construction is covered, from exactly what an ICF is to the intricacies of building a concrete house, from choosing a contractor to selecting a suitable design for the system.

Working With Concrete - For Pros By Pros
A comprehensive Guide to Building with Concrete
Whether you're pouring a concrete walkway or staking out the excavation for a basement foundation, doing the job right demands a thorough knowledge of concrete construction techniques. In Working with Concrete, veteran builder Rick Arnold explains everything from mix characteristics and formwork options to waterproofing details and repair procedures. You'll benefit from Arnold's years as a general contractor, framer, and foundation contractor as he offers time- and money-saving advice .

Brick Projects for the Landscape
Step-By-Step Guides for Creating 16 Easy to Build Backyard Brick Projects
Brick Projects for the Landscape shows how to elegantly enhance outdoor spaces with traditional brick, a universal building material that is more popular today than ever before due to its classic appeal and durability. In addition to basic techniques, the book includes 16 complete, easy-to-build projects, ranging from a simple garden bed edging to a Tudor-style garden wall with a grotto inset. Each project includes step-by-step photos and complete directions.

Building With Masonry
Get Expert Advice from the Pros on building with masonry, including brick, block and concrete. This book shows you how to estimate the job, layout the design, lay the brick or block, and finish the job.  It also addresses the basics of concrete including mixing concrete and mortar, pouring footings, and forming and pouring a sidewalk.

Complete Guide to Ceramic & Stone Tile
Time Saving Tips and Techniques for Every Tile Application Both Indoors and Outdoors.
Ceramic tile has been a premium building material for literally thousands of years. And for good reason-no material is more attractive or durable. Today, ceramic and stone tile is enjoying even greater popularity. Once the territory of skilled trade professionals, tile can now be installed with using modern thin-set adhesives, backer boards, and cutting tools that are easily usable by do-it-yourselfers of modest abilities. The Complete Guide to Ceramic & Stone Tile shows how to use these time-saving techniques and materials in virtually any tile application a homeowner is likely to encounter, both indoors and outdoors

Complete Guide to Home Masonry
The most comprehensive and useful guide to masonry for today's do-it-yourself homeowner.
It even includes natural stone-a material absent from many competitive titles. This book is the only resource on the market that provides clear step-by-step instructions and color photographs for building with the types of masonry materials that are in demand today, including stone veneer, glass block, concrete block, poured concrete, stucco, and brick.

Guide to Concrete, Masonry & Stucco Projects (Quikrete)
All New Visual Guide to the Most Popular Home Concrete, Masonry & Stucco Projects.
Endorsed by the biggest manufacturer of concrete products in North America. Readers can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars with this book, since concrete materials are one of the least expensive and long lasting of all building materials. Quikrete Guide to Concrete includes the most common home repairs, but goes a step further by offering some of the most exciting new techniques for building concrete countertops and form-cast landscaping features, as well as techniques for coloring and texturing concrete for designer finishes. 160 pages.

Masonry & Concrete Construction Revised
This is the revised edition of the popular manual, with updated information on everything from on-site preplanning and layout through the construction of footings, foundations, walls, fireplaces and chimneys. There’s an added appendix on safety regulations, with all the applicable OSHA sections pulled together into one handy condensed reference. There’s new information on concrete, masonry and seismic reinforcement. Plus improved estimating techniques to help you win more construction bids.

Masonry Instant Answers
The Easiest, Fastest Way to Answer Any Masonry Related Question
If you've been looking for a portable quick-reference that will help you do your job faster, better, and more economically, check out Masonry Instant Answers. Masonry Instant Answers delivers a no-nonsense, informational format packed with charts, tables, and figures -- just enough detail to get the job done. Perfectly sized for carrying on-site

Masonry Skills
Updated with the Latest Developments in the Masonry Trades
This book starts by introducing basic work principles, such as working with materials, bonds, brick, and concrete block, and progresses to advanced work such as building fireplaces, arches, and more. Within this wide range of coverage, readers have the opportunity to learn the skills necessary for a successful career in masonry. This revised edition includes emerging masonry technology and concepts that are relevant to today's masons, like SPEC MIX mortars, Mast Climbing Scaffolds, new corner pole projects, and new information on decorative concrete. Approved by The Brick Industry of America and field-tested by professionals in the field, this book is an ideal resource for anyone who wants to master the skills needed by today's masonry professionals.

Residential Construction Academy: Masonry, Brick and Block Construction
Explains Modern Residential Masonry Construction Procedures
A valuable addition to the popular Residential Construction Academy series, this book introduces and explains modern residential masonry construction procedures, as well as current building and construction industry safety regulations relevant to the field. Beginning masons, designers, homebuilders, students, and apprentices alike will benefit from the clear diagrams and step-by-step procedures. With technical information from nationally recognized trade associations like the National Association of Home Builders, Masonry Brick and Block Construction is a "must-have" for the aspiring mason.

Patios And Walkways
Easy and Stylish Projects That Increase Your Home's Curb Appeal
Patios and Walkways features easy and stylish projects that extend your homes living space into the outdoors and significantly increase its curb appeal. More than 300 step-by-step photos show you how to enhance your homes livability, style, and value. Projects Include Patios, Walkways, Garden Path, Low Voltage Lighting, Raised Beds, Concrete Steps, Entryways.

Stonescaping Idea Book
Stonework Designs Add Graceful Contours to Your Landscape
There's nothing quite as functional -- or as beautiful -- as nature's own building blocks. Often shaped and weathered by natural forces, each stone has its own unique look and feel. From cover to cover, this delightful book offers hundreds of practical design ideas illustrated with colorful photographs and drawings, all divided into six sections: Paths and Steps, Terraces Patios and Garden spaces, Walls, Pools Ponds and Fountains, Finishing Touches