Local & Industry Related News By Neil Sullivan & Sons

How to Stain Concrete to Look Like Wood

Concrete is the optimal construction material, used for a variety of jobs because it’s durable and affordable, the only drawback is that it doesn’t offer the most attractive finish. That said, there are things you can do to get the best of both worlds. This month, Neil Sullivan & Sons are here to share with you some concrete beauty hacks, so you can achieve an attractive finish by painting your concrete to look like wood. Cleaning concrete before painting the surface: Use a degreaser to lift any existing dirt Use a straw brush to remove the dirt Rinse thoroughly with fresh…

How Polish & Dye Can Transform a Concrete Floor

Polish or dye can take a concrete floor to the next level, making it a style statement for any hotel, home, business, office, or showroom. Not only that, but polished concrete is becoming a popular choice to add a touch of elegance to flooring without relying on coatings or wax. All you need is the right equipment and the right know-how; in this article, we explore why you should get this sleek, unique look for your home or business using polishing, dying and engraving. What is Polished Concrete? The process of concrete polishing is simple and involves adding chemical densifiers to…

The Oldest Structures in the World

Today, massive structures can be built in as little as three years but that’s because we have cranes, lifters, bulldozers, dumpers, loaders, trenchers – you name it! But what about 4,000 years ago? How did the world’s oldest and most impressive structures come about? Neil Sullivan and Sons are here to talk you through the world’s most impressive buildings. Impressive and oldest structures around the world: The Great Pyramid of Giza Also referred to as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops, this structure is the largest and oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World* and is…

Concrete Clues About Stonehenge

You may have asked yourself how on earth was Stonehenge erected in 3000BC? Well, this is what we’re going to explore, through facts, recent research and specialist concrete knowledge. How much do the largest Stonehenge stones weigh? First of all, we know that Stonehenge’s largest stones measure in at around 30 feet high and weigh 22.6 metric tonnes! And that’s just a part of it. Stonehenge consists of 30 standing stones creating a circle – and 5 stones larger stones situated inside the circle. How and why was Stonehenge built? How: this large and cumbersome structure is said to have travelled…

House Extensions for Every Budget

The price of house extensions can vary massively, depending on the scale of the project, where it is, your location and how you’d like to embellish it. That’s why this month Neil Sullivan will be delving into the whole spectrum of home extensions and what you can expect to get for your budget. How much does a home extension cost? Depending on where you live in the UK, the cost of a home extension will vary depending on the labour costs of your area. £1,500 – £1,900 per SM for a basic extension £1,900 – £2,200 per SM for a moderate…

What is the Difference Between Concrete & Screed?

The primary difference between concrete and screed is that concrete is used for numerous high-strength applications, while screed is more commonly used as a top-level finish for flooring. Both are useful and popular materials for the construction industry, so let’s take a deeper look at the key differences between them. What are they? Simply put, concrete is a strong, durable material used in the construction and engineering industries to create walls, floors and other structures. It is created through bonding together cement, water and coarse aggregates, which together form a high-strength substance with multiple applications. Screed is a mortar substance made…

How to Build a Concrete Driveway

As a material, concrete is strong, long-lasting and affordable. All of these traits make it ideal for use in driveways. In this article, we’ll cover all the ins and outs of building a concrete driveway, mistakes you should avoid, and also the pros and cons of choosing a concrete driveway. What concrete should I use for a concrete driveway? Naturally, driveways will experience plenty of vehicle traffic on a daily basis. Not all concrete is the same, so discuss your plans with your chosen concrete supplier and they should be able to advise on a domestic concrete mix that is both…

How Do Weather Conditions Affect Concrete?

The beauty of concrete is that it can be poured in all weathers, though it’s worth being mindful of the effects that certain weathers can have on the concrete’s quality, its pouring ability, and its curing time. In this handy guide, we explore three common weather conditions, how you can expect them to impact concrete activities, and how you can address any issues that arise. Concrete in Cold Weather Pouring concrete in cold weather requires care and attention to avoid the final product being unusable. Low temperatures can affect the speed of chemical reactions that occur in the curing process, and…

Benefits and Uses of Interlocking Concrete Blocks

Slotting easily together without the need for mortar, interlocking concrete blocks are a straightforward, durable option ideal for temporary builds where time is of the essence and big costs need to be avoided. In this handy guide, we’ll explore what interlocking concrete blocks are, what they’re used for, and their benefits. What are interlocking concrete blocks? Interlocking concrete blocks are pre-cast with projections and depressions that allow them to fit neatly into the concrete block directly above, forming an interlocking design. This allows for easy, convenient alignment both horizontally and vertically, and they can be laid dry, without the need for…

Concrete Staining: A Fully Comprehensive Guide

Concrete staining is a type of flooring, which adds character to any area its implemented in, as it can completely transform the look of a dull, concrete floor. A concrete stain adds colour to the floor, as well as producing a beautiful opaque effect. When treating concrete floors and walls with the same method, it’s important to keep in mind that the result will differ slightly from area to area, due to a combination of factors such as: Composition of concrete Age of concrete Surface porosity Texture of concrete Environmental conditions Its distinctive look is often described as ‘vintage’ or ‘unique’…