Intra State Terrazzo & Concrete
Shellcrete In Sarasota, FL
Client Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
Intra State Terrazzo & Concrete is here to assist with any questions you may have, ensuring a smooth and informed experience for all our valued clients.
What is Shellcrete?
Shellcrete is a type of decorative concrete that incorporates crushed shells into the mix, offering a unique, coastal aesthetic. It’s popular in regions close to the sea, providing a natural, textured appearance to floors and walkways.
Where can Shellcrete be used?
It’s ideal for outdoor applications such as patios, walkways, and pool decks. Its unique texture and appearance make it a favored choice for enhancing outdoor living spaces with a touch of seaside charm.
What are the benefits of using Shellcrete?
Besides its distinctive beauty, Shellcrete offers durability and slip resistance, making it practical for high-traffic outdoor areas. It also provides an eco-friendly option by utilizing natural, locally sourced shells.
Customers Served
Our Shellcrete Installation Process
Shellcrete is the ultimate concrete surface for those who want to celebrate the calling to our beautiful Florida beaches. Installed using white Portland cement, sand and shell that is mined here on the west coast, it evokes walking on the sand, but no sharp shells or sand between the toes. Naturally cool surface that reflects the suns heat, it is a choice product for pool decks, patios, walks and even driveways.
01
Preparation
Substrate should be clean and free of cracks prior to installation. The surface should be prepared to increase adhesion by any of several means including chipping, scarifying, sandblasting to a minimum of 1/16 in. average depth. Alternatively, a new base slab should be finished with a coarse street broom.
02
Installation
ShellCrete topping is installed at a thickness of 5/8” to 3/4”. Intra-State recommends a minimum pitch of 1-1/2” in 10 feet. The matrix utilizes cement, sand, and shell and is placed within forms. The matrix is then seeded with additional shell which is floated just below the surface. Once setting begins, the top surface of the shell is exposed.
03
Control Joints
Control joints will be saw cut according to accepted industry standards. Joints in the existing substrate will be matched in the topping. Alternatively, metal stripping may be used as control joints to eliminate the saw kerf.
04
Finishing
After curing, the surface of the shell is lightly ground with a concrete wheel to remove sharp edges and burrs. It is normal to lose some of the surface shell during grinding due to vibration of the grinding wheel.
05
Cleaning
After grinding the surface is cleaned with a solution of muriatic acid and water to remove the cement film from the surface of the exposed shell.
06
Sealing
It is recommended to sealcoat the finished surface to help resist water and stains. A high solids solvent based acrylic sealer such as Conglaze, is the preferred product.
Benefits Of Shellcrete
Intra-State Terrazzo & Concrete ‘Signature’ topping is a decorative mix of concrete and shell often referred to as “shellcrete” or “shell concrete.” It is used to create unique and aesthetically pleasing driveway, walkway, patio, and interior flooring surfaces.
Aesthetic Appeal
The embedded shells create a unique and elegant visually appealing surface with a natural, beach-like appearance. The white, ivory, and pearly hue colors of shells are intensified by a range of natural shades from pale to a slightly deeper hue exhibiting browns, tan, sandy and earthy vibrant notes. These shells are often smooth and glossy with distinct patterns and attractive metallic sheen. Their polished and shiny tone surface strikes iridescent array of brightness.
Durability
Crushed shells can enhance the durability of the concrete mix, making it resistant to wear, cracking, and erosion.
Traction
The textured surface provided by the shells can offer better traction, making it safer for walking and driving, especially in wet conditions.
Environmentally Friendly
Using seashells in the mix can be considered eco-friendly, as it repurposes natural materials and reduces the need for additional aggregates.
Cooling Effect
Shellcrete may reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat compared to traditional concrete, resulting in a cooler surface in hot weather.
Why Choose Us
LICENSED AND INSURED
Your peace of mind is our priority. We are fully licensed and insured resulting in a secure and worry-free experience.
QUALITY ASSURANCE
We stand behind our work with a satisfaction guarantee.
TIMELY COMPLETION
We understand that time is of the essence. We work diligently to complete projects on schedule, minimizing disruption to your daily life.
Shellcrete Preparation
- Shell Selection: The first step involves a selection of suitable shells chosen for their natural appearance and durability. These shells are typically cleaned, crushed into smaller pieces, and sorted for uniformity.
- Concrete Mix: A standard concrete mix is prepared using cement, sand, and aggregate water. The specific mix ratio may vary based on the intended application outcome.
- Incorporating Shells: Once the concrete mix is ready, the crushed shells are added to it. The shells added can vary depending on the desired appearance, texture, and density which make up a portion of the aggregate in the concrete mix.
- Mixing and Placement: The shells are thoroughly mixed with the concrete mixture until they are evenly distributed. Then, the mix is poured or placed onto the prepared surface, such as the driveway, walkway, patio, or interior flooring.
- Sealant: A sealant is applied to create a protective barrier on the surface of the driveway that shields it from the damaging effects of weather and ultraviolet (UV) rays enhancing the durability withstanding the weight of vehicles, foot traffic, and other loads. The sealant intensifies the colors and preserves the beauty making it easier to maintain.
Expert Shellcrete In Sarasota, FL
Shellcrete Near Me
In Sarasota, at Intra-State Terrazzo and Concrete, we’ve harnessed the essence of our coastal environment to offer Shellcrete, an innovative, eco-friendly concrete option that brings the beauty of the sea to your doorstep. Shellcrete, a unique blend of traditional concrete mixed with locally sourced crushed shells, stands as a testament to our commitment to sustainability and local beauty. This special material not only offers a stunning, natural aesthetic that complements any outdoor space but also provides a durable, slip-resistant surface ideal for Sarasota’s climate.
Our expertise in Shellcrete applications spans a wide array of projects, from enchanting walkways that mimic the seashore to elegant patios and pool decks that echo the tranquility of the ocean. Each project is tailored to enhance the natural charm of your property while ensuring longevity and ease of maintenance. We take pride in our ability to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary seaside escapes, providing a serene and inviting atmosphere for homeowners and visitors alike.
Choosing Intra-State for your Shellcrete needs means selecting a partner who values craftsmanship, customer satisfaction, and environmental responsibility. Our team works closely with each client, from the initial design consultation to the final installation, ensuring that every detail reflects your vision and meets our high standards of quality. We are passionate about creating spaces that not only look beautiful but also contribute positively to our community and environment.
Utilizes natural, locally sourced shells
Offers coastal charm with a distinctive look
Maintains strength and longevity of traditional concrete
Shellcrete Company
Our Shellcrete solutions offer an opportunity to bring a piece of Sarasota’s stunning coastal landscape into your home or business, creating a seamless connection between your outdoor living spaces and the natural beauty that surrounds us. As we continue to innovate and expand our offerings, Intra-State Terrazzo and Concrete remains dedicated to providing the finest Shellcrete installations in Sarasota, making us the premier choice for those seeking a unique, durable, and environmentally friendly paving option.
At Intra-State, we recognize the unique character of Sarasota’s landscapes and aim to mirror this in the projects we undertake. Our Shellcrete installations are more than just construction projects; they are a homage to the local environment, blending seamlessly with the coastal ambiance that defines our region. This commitment to aesthetic harmony and environmental sustainability is what sets us apart, making us a leader in the Shellcrete industry in Sarasota.
Our approach is holistic, considering not only the immediate impact of our work but also its long-term sustainability. By choosing Shellcrete, our clients are making a conscious decision to invest in a material that is both beautiful and beneficial to the environment. As we continue to innovate and refine our techniques, Intra-State Terrazzo and Concrete remains dedicated to delivering Shellcrete solutions that exceed expectations, transforming ordinary spaces into stunning, eco-friendly landscapes that celebrate the natural beauty of Sarasota.
Provides a safer walking surface
Easy to clean and requires minimal upkeep
Allows for various designs and textures
Our Products
Terrazzo
Polished Concrete
Cement Finish
Stampcrete
Shellcrete
Rock Salt Concrete
Spray Deck
