Blogs

Friday, January 27, 2012 11:33 AM

Thinking of Spring?

Written by Diane Steele

Where IS the snow? With the lack of snow and the warmer temps this winter our focus has shifted to spring and the list of home and business projects we have been looking forward to working on. Are you considering a unique touch to your project? Thinking about that drab patio and how you can spruce it up? What about the worn countertops in your kitchen or bar area? We would love to help you with your dream projects! Our showroom has an assortment of examples to help you with your selection. Don't like what we have? Let our specialists take your ideas and bring them to life! Come see us where we will have exhibits at the Des Moines Home and Garden Show on February 9-12 and the Home and Remodeling Show March 9-11th. Can't make it to the shows? No problem, just call our office to schedule a free one-on-one appointment to discuss your needs!

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Tuesday, June 28, 2011 04:05 PM

Keeping the Faith in Finding a Killer

Written by Diane Steele

It saddens my heart when I think about the tragic death of real estate agent, Ashley Okland and the fact that the person who ended her life is still out there - somewhere. SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE knows SOMETHING. This is why staff at Legacy Golf Club in Norwalk decided to have a patio installed as a memorial and as a place to serve as a gathering place to remember Ashley. You see, Ashley was considered family to the many employees and club members at Legacy. She had started working there part-time while she attended Iowa State and remained working there while she pursued her real estate career. Speck USA was honored when asked to assist with the memorial. We designed the concrete walkway and patio which overlooks the course's sprawling fairways, a scene I'm sure Ashley viewed many times. This patio will serve as a daily reminder of Ashley and raise awareness of the need to find the person who did this. Speck USA is also working on concrete benches that will be installed at Legacy soon. The benches will also serve as a reminder of Ashley. Watch for photos to be added of the benches.

See "Stamped Overlay" under GALLERIES to see additional photos!

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Friday, June 10, 2011 12:43 PM

When can I drive across my new driveway?

Written by Diane Steele

The question comes up often. "When can I drive on my new driveway?" The answer is once it if finished curing. Curing is a very important step for new concrete. Curing increases the strength and durability immensely. How long to cure depends upon the type of concrete used. Length of time to cure depends upon the type of concrete used:hours.

4000 PSI - The most common type of concrete used is 4000 PSI, which needs to set for 7 days before being driven on. (4000 PSI is recommended for residential drives due to asthetics).
C4: Needs 3 days to cure.
M4: Needs 24 hours – is a product that cures quicker, but costs more.

As you can see, time and patience are necessary when waiting for concrete to set!

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Friday, May 13, 2011 08:51 AM

Ultimate Collegiate Fan Pub Tables

Written by Diane Steele

These custom tables are designed for any backdrop. They can weather the storm on your back patio, or add elegance to your game room. The one of a kind design brings distinction that no other collegiate fan can match...better start looking for bar stools!

Custom Concrete Tiger Hawk Pub Table/Custom Concrete Iowa State Pub Table

- Guaranteed one of a kind

- 36"x36"x42"H

- 14" stainless steel tiger hawk logo/ 14" stainless steel Iowa State logo

- 70% recycled glass (black/gold)/ 70% recycled glass (cardinal/gold)

- powder coated steel (silver vein)

- 100% stain resistant

- indoor/outdoor

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Thursday, May 12, 2011 09:52 AM

President Matt Mausser campaigns for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Man of the Year!

Written by Diane Steele

Each year, the Iowa Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) launches its Man & Woman of the Year fundraising campaign. The Man and Woman of the Year campaign is a fundraising competition among individuals in the community who vie for the honor of being the Man or Woman of the Year. Candidates are judged solely on their fundraising efforts—each dollar raised comprises one vote. The candidates who raise the most funds to help advance the mission of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society during a eleven-week campaign, beginning at the Kickoff Party and culminating at the Grand Finale Celebration, will be named the 2011 Man & Woman of the Year.

The announcement of the winners will be held at the Grand Finale celebration (5/21/11) where candidates and their guests will join sponsors and other prominent community members. They will celebrate the outstanding achievements of all candidates while participating in the excitement of live and silent auctions, fabulous food, cocktails and music.

Why is Matt running? He desperately wants to find a cure for blood cancers. Matt's father, Joe, died of Lymphoma in 1997 at the young age of 50. As a result, Matt's children never had the chance to meet their grandfather. Matt's dad never had the chance to bounce his nine (and counting) grandchildren on his knee. His sister's, missed out on every girl's dream of their father walking them down aisle. Lymphoma cut many of Joe and his family's dreams short. By Matt accepting this challenge as MAN OF THE YEAR, he hopes to raise awareness and raise funds to find a cure. HE IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE!

Matt's goal during this 11-week campaign is to raise $50,000. The money will go directly to LLS in support of its longstanding mission to find a cure for blood cancers and improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to his campaign. All donations are greatly appreciated. For more information, or to become a Champion of Hope, visit Matt's web page at http://ia.mwoy.llsevent.org/MattMausser.

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Thursday, May 05, 2011 02:23 PM

Speck USA Guest on The Big Show 5/6!

Written by Diane Steele

Exciting news: Speck will be a special guest of Bob Quinn on The Big Show - WHO Newsradio 1040. Friday, May 6th between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm make sure you tune in to hear what Jeremy Speck, Decorative Concrete Specialist has to say!

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Wednesday, April 20, 2011 06:01 PM

Gamble in Style!

Written by Diane Steele

Be the envy of your poker buddies with this custom made, concrete poker table! This table was custom made featuring name in center of table. This is for the avid poker players and is the ultimate man cave accessory.

Our custom concete designers have done it again!

If you are interested in a custom designed poker table, send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for further details.

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Wednesday, March 02, 2011 10:45 AM

Remembering a Friend

Written by Diane Steele

We had to say Goodbye to a special co-worker in January. He made a huge impact at Speck and left a big hole when he left us. His laugh will be missed the most in addition to his amazing disposition! We presented his family with a custom, decorative concrete garden bench - as a symbol of the incredible source of strength he was to us. Rick - we will never forget you!

"Rick would be so humbled if he knew the outpouring of love and friendship you all have shown for him. I think our John said it best when told of what you did for the kids and I. He summed it up in one word, "speechless". What a tribute you have given Rick and what a gift to us. It will be something that we cherish and will be a constant reminder of his "other family" that he cared so much about. Thanks to ALL of the Speck USA family from Rikki, John and I." Mari Lynn Barsetti

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Friday, February 18, 2011 02:04 PM

After the Thaw...

Written by Diane Steele

After the thaw....
Are you surprised by what you find in your parking lot after "the thaw"? Caring for and maintaining your parking lot annually will prolong the life of your lot. Taking care of small problems today is less expensive than putting them off until later. We at Speck can help you and give you advice for the care of your lot. Give us a call today and we can give you a free estimate!

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Wednesday, February 16, 2011 02:10 PM

Are you caring for your concrete properly?

Written by Diane Steele

You have invested in your decorative concrete, but are you taking care of it? We have included some helpful hints for care of your concrete:

Cleaning/Maintenance of Concrete Countertops, Fireplace Surrounds, Sinks, etc.

Recommended cleaning: Windex, Simple Green, soap/warm water

NOT Recommended: Anything abrasive, cleaners containing bleach, cleaners containing lemon juice (these products can be dulling to the finish.)

ACCIDENTS HAPPEN:

If damages occur, resealing affected areas is recommended.

Our concrete countertops are 100% stain resistant and heat resistance is 450 degrees.

Never cut or chop directly on surface (always use cutting boards).

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