Tuesday, December 22, 2009

2010 HOME & OUTDOOR LIVING SHOW


Overlay Solutions, LLC is very excited about attending the 2010 Home & Outdoor Living Show being held at the Charleston Area Convention Center on Feb 19th, 20th, 21st.

 Overlay Solutions had a great experience at the 2009 show and have totally changed their approach to decorative concrete. Overlay Solutions is a locally owned and operated Christian based company located in Summerville, SC. We offer many custom & extremely unique one of a kind works of art. We strive to take a more Artisan approach in all of our decorative concrete innovations.

  Overlay Solutions is not a production based company that bases our success on how many or how fast we complete our projects. We will not take on every job that comes our way unless we can satisfy our client’s needs to the fullest of their expectations. We have had the pleasure of working on elite projects from the Edmondston-Alston house on the Charleston Battery in historic downtown Charleston, SC to the beautiful blueridge mountains of Hendersonville, NC. Our company is based on solid integrity, intricate details, and creative innovations that most contractor type installers can't produce using basic decorative concrete installation practices or mix designs.

Overlay Solutions uses only high quality materials to complete our interior & exterior projects resulting in high end results. Our techniques incorporate a variety of colorizing and texturing techniques that give our creations the exact look that our clients want, whether that be an aged, weather-beaten boulder to complete the look of an outdoor paradise, or the smooth look of simulated flagstone on a patio.

While Overlay Solutions enjoys the opportunity to use our skills in smaller spaces, we are also excited to use our techniques on larger endeavors as well.

So whether you are looking to spruce up your walkways, porches, interior walls, fireplace surrounds, or patios, or want to resurface just about any solid substrate, give Overlay Solutions the opportunity to design and create a space to enhance your home or business. So please come by and visit with us at booth 1227 we look forward to meeting you.


    SHOW HOURS: Fri & Sat 9 AM - 5 PM    Sun 10 AM - 5 PM

Check Out our sites:
http://www.overlaysolutions.com/

http://blog.overlaysolutions.com/

http://overlaysolutions.blogspot.com/

http://www.youtube.com/user/OVERLAYSOLUTIONSLLC

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Decorative Concrete Water Fountain Charleston SC

 Hi I'm Jody Smith Owner/ Artisan of Overlay Solutions, LLC located in Summerville, SC. This was one of my very first projects that was completed in 2008. This was my very first attempt at stone carving and concrete texturing all together. I signed up to Nathan Giffins training site http://www.verticalartisans.com in 2009 and was blown away by the training he offered. I didn't understand the concept of creating stone until now and I'm still learning each and every day. If your getting started in stone carving I highly recommend joining the online training at Vertical Artisans.

 I have come a long way since my start in decorative concrete in 2007, but I still have so much more to learn. I enjoy seeing the many styles of Artisans and their creations at http://www.verticalartisans.ning.com/ sign up it's totally free so go enjoy this growing industry. I really enjoy my work and hope that you enjoy this HD remake of a video That I put out in 2008. This is a miniature weeping water wall that I created just so I would understand the concept on the bigger scale projects. Thanks for watching and please rate and subscribe to our YouTube channel. I will continue to create more videos and provide useful information to the channel.




Check Out Our Sites and Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel At:

http://www.youtube.com/user/OVERLAYSOLUTIONSLLC

http://www.overlaysolutions.com/
http://blog.overlaysolutions.com/
http://overlaysolutions.blogspot.com/

Monday, December 14, 2009

DECORATIVE CONCRETE DESIGN IN CHARLESTON, SC


  Hi I'm Jody Smith Owner/ Artisan of Overlay Solutions, LLC located in Summerville, SC. This was a decorative concrete overlay that was created in Goose Creek, SC.

   This was a fun project that was inspired from a magazine photo. The exterior brick had almost five different color tones that I incorporated into the overlay system. I used a product from Quality Systems, Inc called Perma-Crete on this project to insure extreme durability. I have been installing Perma-Crete for three years now and truly trust in the product.The colorations were fun to mix and I was able to achieve the exact look the homeowner desired.

  Our decorative concrete techniques at Overlay Solutions insures you a one of a kind finish with true realism. We enjoy serving Charleston, Summerville, Goose Creek, Daniel Island, Folly Beach, Mt. Pleasant, Isle of palms, James Island, Johns Island, Monck Corner, well truly the entire lowcountry. We have completed jobs in Hendersonville, NC located in the beautiful blue ridge mountains.

  Overlay solutions takes an artisan approach to decorative concrete and we are not a production based company. Thanks for watching and please rate and subscribe I will continue to create more videos and provide useful information to the channel.



Please Visit Out our sites:

http://www.overlaysolutions.com/

http://blog.overlaysolutions.com/

http://overlaysolutions.blogspot.com/

http://www.youtube.com/user/OVERLAYSOLUTIONSLLC

Monday, November 30, 2009

TIROLESSA MORTAR SPRAYER

"I wanted to pass along this Mortar Sprayer that I ran across online it seems like a great tool.  I plan on purchasing one very soon for some of my upcoming projects."  Jody Smith/ Overlay Solutions, LLC

The Hopper-sprayer makes Stucco-Cement-Lime-Papercrete-Clay and other Plaster application fast & easy!


Our stucco spraying tools are used to spray, plaster, stucco, small scale shotcrete, papercrete, GFRC, earthen mixes and more. They are used for traditional plastering and many alternative building methods like Straw bale, Earth bag, insulated panels and thin shell/ferrocement.

Our stucco sprayer (plaster sprayer) can often do small to medium sized stucco jobs just as fast as a stucco pump, when you count the setup and clean-up time of a stucco pump.



We can help you learn how to stucco with our stucco spraying tools. Please email or call us if you have any questions.

We want as many people as possible to start using, creating, and building with our mortar sprayers. Please email us us your project pictures. We really enjoy seeing what our customers have built. --Nolan Scheid

Email your questions to sales@mortarsprayer.com Or call: 541-683-4167

Check Out: http://www.mortarsprayer.com/

VERTICAL CONCRETE WALL



Hi I'm Jody Smith Owner/ Artisan of Overlay Solutions, LLC located in Summerville, SC. This is a makeover completed on a block wall in the beautiful mountains of Hendersonville, NC. This was a fun project to complete and it totally changed the look of the residence. I want to give special thanks to Nathan Giffin of http://www.creativerockforming.com/ and http://www.verticalartisans.com/ for his support and advice on this project. Nathan Giffin is a well known trainer in the Vertical Concrete industry and offers training in this art form at his http://www.verticalartisans.com/ site. Im a member of his training program and I recommend it to anyone who is interested in this industry. He is a world class trainer and continuously adds very useful updated training videos and data to his site. I would also like to thank Walt Tools for all the great texture tools and products. Check out their full line of products at http://www.walttools.com/ Thanks for watching and please rate & subscribe I will continue to create more videos and provide useful information to the channel.


Check Out our sites:

http://www.overlaysolutions.com/
http://blog.overlaysolutions.com/
http://overlaysolutions.blogspot.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/OVERLAYSOLUTIONSLLC

DISNEY WATER FEATURES AND ROCK WORKS



   Hi Im Jody Smith Owner/Artisan of Overlay Solutions, LLC a decorative concrete company based out of Summerville, SC. I wanted to share with my fellow concrete artisans some of the water features and rock works from Disney World in Orlando Florida. I use many different types of pictures and videos for reference to help my skills in this industry. I am a proud member and subscriber of the Vertical Artisans Forum and training site. The sites were created by Artisan Nathan Giffin of CreativeRockForming This site is dedicated to teaching the tricks of the trade and giving subscribers an inside look at the methods, styles and techniques of vertical decorative concrete. I enjoy seeing all of the pure talent and drive associated with the forum.

I highly recommend you check it out at http://www.verticalartisans.com/ if you enjoy the art of themed environments and vertical decorative concrete.
There are artisans on the Vertical Artisan Forum that create some of the most realistic replications of themed concepts that I have even seen, some even better then Disney.

Check out some of these pictures from the forum below:


Find more photos like this on Vertical Artisans Forum

  My family and I visit Disney's Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and MGM Studios every year. We enjoy all the rides, parades, food, fireworks and all of attractions of the Disney Theme Parks. Our past visit we stayed at the all star music resort and rode the Disney Bus & Monorail to and from the parks. We really enjoyed the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Buzz Light year, Peter Pan, Space Mountain, Lion King Show, Killimanjaro Safari, Back lot studios Lights camera Action stunt show, Expedition Everest, Tower of Terror, Rock n Roll roller coaster, Fantasmic ,Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Playhouse Disney, Disney's Mission Space, Test Track, just to name a few.

Thank You Disney for all of the endless excitement & magic that you bring to so many people!

To all my fellow artisans I hope these videos help you in your quest of creating the most realistic rock textures and formations possible.

Check Out our sites:
http://www.overlaysolutions.com/
http://blog.overlaysolutions.com/
http://overlaysolutions.blogspot.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/OVERLAYSOLUTIONSLLC

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

OVERLAY SOLUTIONS INSTALLS PERMA CRETE

Increase Your Home's Value
 "Overlay Solutions has been proud installers of the great overlay products of Perma Crete since 2007. Overlay Solutions has installed Perma Crete all over Summerville and Charleston, SC and we also serve the entire Lowcountry. We are very pleased with the quality products that QSI has to offer and have had no failures of any type on our projects installed to date. I want to personally thank George Henderson for producing and providing such a high quality product that I can depend on."  Jody Smith Owner/Artisan Overlay Solutions, LLC

            Here is some information on Quality Systems, Inc:

Quality Systems, Inc. (QSI) was founded by George A. Henderson in May 1990 after searching unsuccessfully for a quality product to resurface the area around his residence swimming pool.


  This search confirmed a long-standing belief by Henderson that a huge untapped market for resurfacing worn and deteriorated residential and high-traffic commercial concrete surface areas existed. Especially intriguing to Henderson was the fact that as large as this seemingly huge market was, it continued to become even larger after each winter freeze-thaw took its toll. Also significant to Henderson was the fact that the few existing products used to resurface new building structures, such as stucco, plaster and many other widely-used synthetic stucco products, contained little, if any, Portland cement content and were merely low-strength and unsealed cosmetic coatings. This offered an even greater incentive for Henderson to create a premium, high-strength resurfacing product for all types of surfaces, both new and old.

  Against this background, Henderson began working with several chemists for almost two years to develop the PermaCrete product line. As a result, PermaCrete, with its unique design as a non-porous, acrylic polymer cement compound of over 6,000 PSI compressive strength, was created which provides a new architectural, load-bearing surface that combines unusual strength, flexibility, and lasting beauty, even withstanding ballistic penetration tests!

 Henderson required thorough product development phases to be implemented as QSI installed thousands of square feet of the new PermaCrete product in several states for many commercial and residential customers before initiating QSI's Independent PermaCrete Dealer Program.

 Today, with over 1,200 successful PermaCrete Dealers worldwide, QSI continues to install many new Dealers each week from an expanding backlog of companies that have inquired about joining the PermaCrete Dealer Program.

 In actively responding to the dynamic business opportunities created by the surface industry's continued growth, as well as by constantly expanding its overall product line, Quality Systems, Inc. (QSI) has taken major steps to significantly increase its operations to better serve a growing PermaCrete Dealer base worldwide.

 As a result, in early 2003, Quality Systems, Inc. (QSI) announced the opening of its new, world-class PermaCrete corporate and operational facilities which contain all administrative, marketing and Dealer support services, including technical assistance, research, and quality control functions. Additionally, all order entry, processing, inventory, warehousing, manufacturing, packaging, shipping and distribution operations are also included in QSI's ultra-modern, three-acre corporate headquarters complex in Nashville, Tennessee.

 The 50,000 square foot main facility houses an exclusive chemical-testing laboratory, state-of-the-art mixing and production facilities, and enhanced, computerized order processing and shipping capabilities.

 This facility also features a Product Demonstration Center with ample interior and exterior, custom-equipped Dealer installation stations especially designed to facilitate individual, hands-on applications of a wide variety of exclusive vertical/horizontal PermaCrete products.

http://www.overlaysolutions.com/
www.youtube.com/user/OVERLAYSOLUTIONSLLC

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

TRU-PAK MORTAR CONVERT KIT


ALL NEW Tru-Pac Mortar Convert kit

This is only one of the many great products that www.walttools.com has to offer.


Finally, a high performance vertical concrete product that will allow you to practice your trade without breaking the bank. By combining one Tru-Pac decorative mortar conversion kit with one 60lb bag of standard bagged mortar found in home improvement stores everywhere, you get an 80lb batch of mix for the same or less as typical bag mixes. By keeping a supply of Tru-Pacs on hand you can conveniently pick up the bagged mortar locally and easily, saving big dollars on shipping.



Mix can be stamped almost immediately after smoothed onto the surface.
Extended set times allow significant carving time for full detail effects.
Lightweight design allows for build outs of up to 5 inches in strategic places with appropriate scratch coat.

Drys to a realistic buff gray.
Aggregates chosen to be nearly invisible in finished project.
Tenacious binding to standard mortar scratch coat.
Not to be used alone or in partial amounts.
20lb.




WALT TOOLS

In this ever growing art of wall cladding and vertical concrete design it's important to have great tools. I once heard from a craftsman " that a man is only as good as his tools" I agree.

I have used some other tools in the past that just didn't perform well and just truly slowed the production of the project. I heard about http://www.walttools.com/ from Nathan Giffin of http://www.creativerockforming.com/ & http://www.verticalartisans.com/ he spoke highly of their products. Nathan Giffin is one of the elite trainers in the world of decorative vertical concrete. Giffin has mastered the vertical art form and continues to add innovations to this ever growing industry.



I have order many tools and concrete products from http://www.walttools.com/ and would recommend them to anyone. They are at the top of my suppliers list and I always look forward to their new innovations and products. Their customer service is phenomenal and the products are geared to helping the contractor succeed. I have found that with their decorative concrete products the possibilities are truly endless. Walt tools offers you the products and tools to create your clients ultimate dreams & wishes. Contact them at cs@walttools.com or call 888.263.5895 anytime. Feel free to drop Don Ciesielski & Greg Walters a line to share your thoughts on the site, all comments are welcome.…

Concrete Acid Stain
Concrete Border Stamps
Concrete Chutes
Concrete Color Hardener
Concrete Countertop
Concrete Flex Forms
Concrete Float Bars
Concrete Integral Color
Concrete Overlay Stamps
Concrete Release Agents
Concrete Sealers
Concrete Stain
Concrete Stamping Rollers
Concrete Stamps
Concrete Tools
Decorative Aggregate
Decorative Aids
Decorative Overlay
Grout Tools
Seamless Skins
Step Inserts
Vertical Concrete


www.overlaysolutions.com
http://www.youtube.com/user/OVERLAYSOLUTIONSLLC

Saturday, October 17, 2009

DECORATIVE CONCRETE WATERFALLS CHARLESTON, SC


Poolside waterfalls are becoming very popular and Overlay Solutions, LLC is creating many custom built styles. Jody Smith Owner/ Artisan of Overlay Solutions based out of Summerville, SC is very excited about the custom additions that he is adding to his poolside enhancements. Smith will be adding real rock constructed waterfalls as well as his hand carved concrete creations. The hand carved features are created using techniques that Smith has been trained in, by some of the top concrete artisans in the world.

“I will be adding lighting, misting effects, remote controlled features, speakers, fire pits, and fire effects to the very intricate details of our poolside creations here at Overlay Solutions, LLC. I have a series of features that will consist of real stone along with simulated concrete boulders and stone effects. The features will be one of a kind and truly unique focal points for the poolside retreat.”

Smith is also in the design phase for a poolside cooler the will keep all your refreshments cool but unnoticed. He plans to complete this design project before spring of 2010 with a mind blowing design. Overlay Solutions, LLC services the entire lowcountry such as Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Daniel Island, Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, James Island, Goose Creek and West of the Ashley.

Smith has had the pleasure of working on elite projects from the Edmondston-Alston House located on the Charleston battery in historic downtown Charleston, SC to the beautiful blue ridge mountains of Hendersonville, NC. Our company is based on solid integrity and intricate details that most contractor type installers can't produce using basic installation practices or mix designs.

Please visit our redesigned integrated website http://www.overlaysolutions.com/ for the current & upcoming concrete innovations for 2010. Our website now offers our new Blog Cast and Photo Gallery.

Why have Ordinary when you can have Extraordinary?


Saturday, October 3, 2009

THE SOMETHING HEAVENLY TOUR

The Something Heavenly Tour kicked off at 7:00 pm Friday Oct 2, 2009 with Jason Gray, Addison Road, & Sanctus Real getting the crowd going at The Faith Assembly of God located in Summerville, SC.

My family and I attended the event and enjoyed the great food and welcoming staff. I want to personally thank all the event staff and The Faith Assembly Church for such a great evening.

There was praise and worship in the air as Addison Road took to the stage to perform their many hits. The self titled Cd Addison Road was the very first of my wife's christian Cd's that she purchased when we found Christ and changed our lives. We now own many and truly enjoy all of our Cd's from the nights featured artist. So we had a great time hearing some of our many favorites.

Each of the nights acts shared their own personal setbacks and strong faith values on and off the road. I found that all of these stories were filled with solid inspiration.



Jason Gray has an awesome style and approach in presenting the organization World Vision.


World Vision is a Christian humanitarian charity organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach
their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.

He himself along with all the other bands support this wonderful group that is truly changing the world. In meeting Jason Gray I shared my families support for World Vision and thanked him for such a heartfelt performance.

Sanctus Real took the time to sign my daughters Converse and poster after rocking the house. They are a solid group of guys that speak the words of Christ in high volumes and lots of energy.

I want to thank all of the bands and their members for such solid worship that personally touches and inspires the lives of so many people.



God Bless each and every one of you on your journeys in serving God.

Please visit the sites of these wonderful artist and show your support:


http://jasongraymusic.com/

http://www.addisonroad.com/

http://www.sanctusreal.com/

Click Here to help change the World:

http://www.worldvision.com/

Friday, August 21, 2009

DISNEY CONCRETE TEXTURES & VERTICAL CREATIONS

Hi Im Jody Smith Owner/Artisan of Overlay Solutions, LLC a decorative concrete company based out of Summerville, SC. I wanted to share with my fellow concrete artisans some of the creations and concrete textures from Disney World in Orlando Florida.


I use many different types of pictures and videos for reference to help my skills in this industry. I am a proud member and subscriber of the Vertical Artisans Forum and training site. The sites were created by Artisan Nathan Giffin of Creative Rock Forming, LLC. This site is dedicated to teaching the tricks of the trade and giving subscribers an inside look at the methods, styles and techniques of vertical decorative concrete. I enjoy seeing all of the pure talent and drive associated with the forum.
I highly recommend you check it out at http://www.verticalartisans.com/ if you enjoy the art of themed environments and vertical decorative concrete.



There are artisans on the Vertical Artisan Forum that create some of the most realistic replications of themed concepts that I have even seen, some even better then Disney.

My family and I visit Disney's Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and MGM Studios every year. We enjoy all the rides, parades, food, fireworks and all of attractions of the Disney Theme Parks. Our past visit we stayed at the all star music resort and rode the Disney Bus & Monorail to and from the parks. We really enjoyed the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Buzz Light year, Peter Pan, Space Mountain, Lion King Show, Killimanjaro Safari, Back lot studios Lights camera Action stunt show, Expedition Everest, Tower of Terror, Rock n Roll roller coaster, Fantasmic ,Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Playhouse Disney, Disney's Mission Space, Test Track, just to name a few.

Thank You Disney for all of the endless excitement & magic that you bring to so many people!

Check Out our sites:

Thursday, July 23, 2009

WHY DID I START OVERLAY SOLUTIONS?

Why did I start Overlay Solutions?
“I remember the summers as a child at Disney World in Orlando Florida I was amazed at all the huge stones all around the amusement park. I would wonder, how they could get all those stones up there so high? How did they stack the boulders so perfect inside the rides? How did they get the huge stones through the ride entrances? How do they make such beautiful floors & benches? I would then just say to my self Oh well it’s Disney and if anyone could find a way to do it Walt Disney could. Until one day I discovered that so much of what truly amazed me more then the rides themselves was man made replications. I was not disappointed but inspired that someone could achieve such realism that year after year I would ask, how did they do that? Now I know and I plan to create the same illusions that had me so amazed as a child and still to this day. My goals are to build Overlay Solutions with solid integrity and vast desire for this craft of illusion and replication to turn my client’s visions & dreams into reality.

Walt Disney once said,“If you can dream it you can do it.”


That pretty much sums up Jody Smith’s philosophy at Overlay Solutions. Inspired by the creations at Disney World as a child, Smith uses concrete to craft beautiful overlays transforming almost any surface from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether it is turning a mundane countertop into a stunning new old world stone looking kitchen centerpiece or a dull patio into a gorgeous gathering place, Smith can envision the finished product while designing it. Using his sixteen years of previous landscaping experience, Smith incorporates his ideas into the surrounding environment to create seamless designs. He will also take on an exclusive Landscape Design Installation project if needed to serve his clients evey need.

Depending upon the application and type of aggregate used, Smith applies a variety of designs and carvings to the product based on the clients’ desires. His finished product goes beyond conventional concrete stamping methods, and its beauty lies within the intricate details ingrained in each project. Smith also uses a variety of colorization techniques including flakes of bronze or copper that can give clients more of a classic look. Smith views himself as an artist whose canvas is concrete, and sees his projects as works of art. Smith enjoys taking a much more personal approach by helping his clients create their own visions with him. “I want my clients to have exactly what they are seeking in any of the many services that Overlay Solutions has to offer. Overlay Solutions provides quality work with concrete results and takes great pride that our only limitation is your imagination.
http://www.overlaysolutions.com/

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Overlay Solutions YouTube Channel



Overlay Solutions would like to Welcome & Invite you to our YouTube Channel. We will be posting videos of our decorative concrete projects and upcoming service additions. We look forward to bringing more and more videos of all types of decorative concrete projects from Vertical to Horizontal. Jody Smith of Overlay Solutions is very excited about the changes being made and truly looks forward to sharing with all of his fellow decorative concrete artisans. Join us on our channel, also we welcome you to please rate and subscribe to our videos so that we can keep you posted and improve our videos.



Monday, July 20, 2009


Vertical Stone Facing is an art form, with no limitations in creation. It is becoming extremely popular because of the endless possibilities that can be achieved in texture, coloration, size, shape and stone style. Manufactured products just can not give our clients the versatility that true hand carved stone simulations can produce. There are no stamp sets that can create the true realism that Overlay Solutions can achieve by the many advanced techniques used on our projects. Jody Smith Owner/Artisan of Overlay Solutions has been trained in this art form by the best in the industry. Smith has searched for the best training, products and tools that the industry has to offer. To help in his quest and efforts to create one of a kind works of art and illusions on each and everyone of his projects. Smith has realized that not just everyone can carve stone from a hand textured concrete canvas. It takes countless hours of practice and precision to turn faux into a the illusion of true reality that satisfies his client's visions & dreams.
In the last few years homeowners, architects and designers are becoming more aware of what is becoming a mainstream decorative concrete phenomenon. Vertical Stone facing can offer so much more for the home or business then boxes of factory made stick on stone. You can do so much to the interior & exterior of your home or business, interior walls, refurbish fireplaces, hot tub surrounds, outdoor grilling islands, exterior hardscapes and much more.

Overlay Solutions adds the extras to our creations such as intricate details, quality products, shadow painting, 3D lichens, stunning minerals, real geode inserts, and authentic amethyst clusters. In the starting stages of Overlay Solutions adventure in stone facing they had to make a decision on fast production or perfection and Smith choose perfection for his business. "Yes stamping and other stick and go methods are a lot faster until you see the finished product that lacks the intricate details of hand carving.

The faster the production the quicker you reach that threshold that rest between the caliber of quality and scanty performance. I want to build a name for myself the same way any artist produces art, one distinguished piece at a time" Smith Says.


Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Decorative Concrete Hand Carved Tiki

Concrete Artisan Jody Smith of Overlay Solutions, LLC is carving a concrete tiki at one of his clients request. The tiki will be placed along with others around an island style pool paradise. Some simulated boulders and a tiki bar are also being created by Overlay Solutions, LLC. Smith says that the project is a first for him but found it fun to create the tiki. Smith used a photo that the client gave him and he carved in all the intricate details of the photo. Smith was also able to create the aged look of the tiki by using different coloration techniques. The concrete mix used is a light weight vertical mix that Smith creates in house.

This is Smith's long term vision for his company by giving the little extras to his clients by thinking outside the box. Trying new methods to enhance the clients request and taking decorative concrete ideas to the next level. Smith has a lot of new ideas and decorative concrete concepts in the works and plans to continue creating decorative concrete art all over the Charleston, Summerville, Mt. Pleasant, Isle of Palms, and surrounding areas.

"I want to give my clients one of a kind creations that no one else has. I do this by listening to their wants and needs instead of looking at the project on a production time scale. I do feel that every project needs to be completed in a timely manor without sacrificing quality. I enjoy my job and like the creative side that I take by adding the extra details when it's possible without adding cost to client. If I see something that would take the project to another level I just do it. I do this knowing that word of mouth can carry a company to great heights. This I learned being in the Landscape design industry for 16 plus years. If you want to make a name for yourself you have to earn it and that doesn't happen cutting corners." - Jody Smith

Visit Our Site: http://www.overlaysolutions.com/ to see some of our many decorative concrete services.

21 EAST BATTERY BED & BREAKFAST

This privately-owned luxury bed and breakfast is nestled within the urban compound of Charlestons historic 1825 Edmondston-Alston House, one of the first dwellings constructed along the High Battery facing Charleston Harbor. 21 East Battery was built in 1825 during the tenure of the property's first owner, Charles Edmondston. Later, in 1838 second-owner Charles Alston extensively remodeled the house adding significant Greek Revival details. The rear dependency originally served as a stable and livery for the wealthy rice planter's fine horses and handsome town carriages. The quarters once housed the servants who helped make 21 East Battery one of the city's showplaces of style and gracious entertaining. Today, the property once again welcomes visitors to the city where hospitality has always been an art. Overlay Solutions LLC, was proud to have the opportunity to work on this Historical Treasure.
Jody Smith said "This was the most peaceful job that I have ever completed, and to be on the Charleston battery working on history was a great privilege. I would recommend this bed & breakfast to anyone who is looking for that true Charleston get away.
The carriage house layout is amazing and I love the way 21 East Battery Bed & Breakfast was able to preserved the look and feel of this priceless piece of Charleston history. I truly enjoyed the challenge of making the newly fixed areas look untouched to match the aged existing facade."

"Jody Smith from Overlay Solutions was extremely personable to work with. Not only did he present the facts professionally and quickly, the result, using techniques we never thought were possible, exceeded our expectations. We are very happy with this repair and expect all the future guests that visit this historic building to appreciate his work."
-Abigail M.General Manager of 21 East Battery Bed and Breakfast

Friday, June 12, 2009

THE OVERLAY SOLUTION IS DECORATIVE CONCRETE

In the past when someone mentioned concrete, people rarely got excited. Concrete was usually seen as dull in appearance, somewhat expensive, and an unwise choice for a paving material given the harsh abuse of mother nature. When it came to flatwork around the home, home-owners usually ended up settling for asphalt driveways and hoped they could afford traditional masonry for their sidewalks, patio or pool deck.

Thanks to new advances, concrete is quickly redefining it’s role in the residential marketplace. Today, concrete can be made more durable with overlays applied in a wide variety of finishes and colors offering the homeowner endless design possibilities. With new tools and practices it can even acquire the look and feel of brick, slate, tile, or cobblestone for a fraction of the cost of the real material. Builders and homeowners alike are now realizing that concrete overlays can add tremendous value, flexibility, and curb appeal to their projects while allowing them to stay within budget.

“A homeowner can now have that brick or stone looking driveway and still have enough money left over to enjoy it.” says Jody Smith, Concrete Artisan & Owner of Overlay Solutions, LLC a company that specializes in decorative concrete installations in the Charleston / Summerville SC area. This material is being looked at in so many new ways. Not only are we getting more calls from general contractors, but now we’re getting just as many calls from homeowners, architects and designers asking us to consult on new design possibilities.

It’s an exciting time to be in this business. ”Builders and developers of large commercial projects have long taken advantage of the beauty and flexibility of decorative concrete. To these budget-conscious professionals, it is seen as a perfect alternative to traditional masonry due to the savings in material costs, installation time, and overall maintenance. “Anyone who has been to Disney World, Six Flags Amusement Parks, or Las Vegas has probably walked all over those old cobblestone streets, slate and brick sidewalks for hours on end, never realizing it was actually concrete, that is the true beauty of this industry" says Jody Smith. Unfortunately, people in our area have been slow to pick up on these advances. They’ve been hesitant to use concrete creatively given the abuse it can receive during a harsh winter. Smith says this is unjustified. “Decorative concrete can be stronger and more chemical resistant than ordinary concrete with a higher cement content, advanced reinforcement materials, surface hardeners and protective sealers.

Using these materials and proven cold weather placement techniques, there is no reason why a professionally installed concrete job here should not last as long as it would in any other climate.” In the past, decorative concrete was usually limited to a mason scoring a flagstone-like design, or embedding sticks, leaves and even coffee cans into the surface to achieve a desired effect. Today, the leading edge of concrete is a process called thin stamped overlays or decorative overlays. This involves stamping or impressing three-dimensional pattern tools into a polymer cement material with molds made from actual brick or stonework. When the stamping is complete, the product is then stained and sealed, highlighting the colors and providing greater stain and weather resistance.

The result is a surface that combines the beauty of masonry with the durability of concrete. There are over 40 different colors to choose from, ranging from natural earth tones to bright pastels. Pattern choices include slate, brick, granite, cobblestone, tile, flagstone, and more. Although thin stamped overlays are a little more expensive than ordinary concrete work, a savings of more than 50% over masonry costs are common. Thin stamped overlays can also be placed in a fraction of the time and there are no individual units that will shift or allow grass to grow in the joints. Feel free to call Overlay Solutions, LLC
at (843) 871-7747 for more information or visit their website http://www.overlaysolutions.com/

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

OVERLAY SOLUTIONS, LLC -DECORATIVE CONCRETE OVERLAYS

In the past when someone mentioned concrete, people rarely got excited. Concrete was usually seen as dull in appearance, somewhat expensive, and an unwise choice for a paving material given the harsh abuse of mother nature. When it came to flatwork around the home, home-owners usually ended up
settling for asphalt driveways and hoped they could afford traditional masonry for their sidewalks, patio or pool deck. Thanks to new advances, concrete is quickly redefining it’s role in the residential marketplace. Today, concrete can be made more durable with overlays applied in a wide variety of finishes and colors offering the homeowner endless design possibilities. With new tools and practices it can even acquire the look and feel of brick, slate, tile, or cobblestone for a fraction of the cost of the real material. Builders and homeowners alike are now realizing that concrete overlays can add tremendous value, flexibility, and curb appeal to their projects while allowing them to stay within budget.



“A homeowner can now have that brick or stone looking driveway and still have enough money left over to enjoy it.” says Jody Smith, Concrete Artisan & Owner of Overlay Solutions, LLC a company that specializes in decorative concrete installations in the Charleston / Summerville SC area. This material is being looked at in so many new ways. Not only are we getting more calls from general contractors, but now we’re getting just as many calls from homeowners, architects and designers asking us to consult on new design possibilities. It’s an exciting time to be in this business. ”Builders and developers of large commercial projects have long taken advantage of the beauty and flexibility of decorative concrete. To these budget-conscious professionals, it is seen as a perfect alternative to traditional masonry due to the savings in material costs, installation time, and overall maintenance. “Anyone who has been to Disney World, Six Flags Amusement Parks, or Las Vegas has probably walked all over those old cobblestone streets, slate and brick sidewalks for hours on end, never realizing it was actually concrete,” says Jody Smith.
Unfortunately, people in our area have been slow to pick up on these advances. They’ve been hesitant to use concrete creatively given the abuse it can receive during a harsh winter. Smith says this is unjustified. “Decorative concrete can be stronger and more chemical resistant than ordinary concrete with a higher cement content, advanced reinforcement materials, surface hardeners and protective sealers. Using these materials and proven cold weather placement techniques, there is no reason why a professionally installed concrete job here should not last as long as it would in any other climate.” In the past, decorative concrete was usually limited to a mason scoring a flagstone-like design, or embedding sticks, leaves and even coffee cans into the surface to achieve a desired effect. Today, the leading edge of concrete is a process called thin stamped overlays or decorative overlays. This involves stamping or impressing three-dimensional pattern tools into a polymer cement material with molds made from actual brick or stonework. When the stamping is complete, the product is then stained and sealed, highlighting the colors and providing greater stain and weather resistance. The result is a surface that combines the beauty of masonry with the durability of concrete. There are over 40 different colors to choose from, ranging from natural earth tones to bright pastels. Pattern choices include slate, brick, granite, cobblestone, tile, flagstone, and more. Although thin stamped overlays are a little more expensive than ordinary concrete work, a savings of more than 50% over masonry costs are common. Thin stamped overlays can also placed in a fraction of the time and there are no individual units that will shift or allow grass to grow in the joints. Feel free to call Overlay Solutions, LLC at (843) 871-7747 for more information.