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.
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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.

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http://www.overlaysolutions.com/

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.

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www.youtube.com/user/OVERLAYSOLUTIONSLLC

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

Visit us at: http://www.overlaysolutions.com/

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/

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.