We need to finalize the design on our exposed concrete floors.  The design we need to establish (decide on) includes the following elements:

1. The color, if any, of the concrete;
2. How that color is set in the concrete (stain or integral);
3. The finishing of the concrete (grind into the aggregate or just into the ‘cream’);
4. The sealant (if any); and
5. The level of polishing.

Reviewing Alternatives

Bryan spoke with Bill Clyne, who explained the differences in the various alternatives facing us, including the maintenance and other issues.  Bill recommended that we visit Safeway’s new ‘The Market‘ store in downtown San Jose.  The floor in this store is stained, sealed and polished, and has received accolades from many people.

Bryan visited the store and was fortunate to meet with Safeway’s product manager for the The Market line.  Safeway has two The Market stores, with the first store opened in southern California (Long Beach) and the second store in San Jose.

The stained and polished concrete looked great in the store.  it was a warm ’earth tone’ and not a cold gray concrete.  Jo-Anne wants our floor to have a warm earth tone and not gray concrete.

(Bryan received permission to take photos of the stained and polished concrete floor in The Market.)

Stained and polished concrete floor with saw cuts to control cracking.

Grace integral color chart against the stained and polished concrete.

Floor area with a deeper grind, exposing the aggregate.

Section of signs identifying the 'green' features of The Market.

With the rebar in place, the forms are being set in the locations where the concrete will be at 3 inches and where it will be at 5.25 inches.

Bill Brown visits our job site to review progress and discuss the findings relating to finishing the concrete.

Uponor 5/8 PEX on an uncoiling spool, ready for installation by Matt Jung (88HVAC) on the weekend.

Scott Andersen and Sue Therrien are in California for a couple days and carved out some time to review our progress.  Scott has been involved in this project since the start and led the conceptual design.

Reviewing Progress

Scott liked the progress and thoroughly enjoyed testing the bridge.  We walked the around the site for over an hour, so Scott could get a good feel for the space.

Sue needed to do some shopping in Old Town, so Scott and Bryan slipped over to Whole Foods in Cupertino to take a look at the finished concrete floors there. 

Back to Los Gatos and to the Rose Collection.  We engaged Cherie Rose to put our color palette together so we thought Cherie should meet Scott.  Fortunately, Cherie was in her store on North Santa Cruz and Bryan was able to introduce Cherie to Scott and Sue.

We went back to 1621 Rebel Way where Jo-Anne made dinner.  Bryan and Scott agreed to meet tomorrow morning at Hotel Los Gatos for a design session.

Sue and Scott arrive, right on schedule, to review our progress.

Scott testing the bridge. He approved.

Scott reviewing the stained and polished floor in Whole Foods, in Cupertino.

More polished concrete in Whole Foods. This section is just 'in the cream' of the concrete and not in the aggregate. This is a nice looking finish.