Over 250 inspiring images and engaging text cover the techniques necessary to successful sculpt any hillside and enhance backyards with concrete. Contractors will feel empowered to unleash their inner artists. Designers will become inspired to create hillside expanses. Among the projects explored are beautiful, curved stairways, lit walls, raised patios, fire pits, and built-in seating that transform bland backyard slopes into view-commanding getaways. Further inspiration is provided by a gallery of spectacular completed projects. For the contractor, Ralston shares wisdom from years of business experience and training to help readers navigate the various challenges they face. The author explains design development, bid building, and suggests how to translate those into contracts. Also emphasized here are ways to make projects profitable by keeping them in line with the initial bid. Also reviewed are ways to keep clients happy by involving them throughout the project, and how to document your work as you go.

Concrete countertops are on the cutting edge of todays interior design and outdoor kitchen trends. Kitchen designers, contractors, architects, and homeowners alike can use this book to learn the detailed process of creating amazing concrete countertops. Here Ralston shows how to plan, execute, and complete a concrete countertop cast-in-place for ease and convenience. This book is a great inspiration for anyone interested in concrete countertop fabrication. Beautiful images of kitchens both indoors and out will inspire you, and step-by-step imagery will walk you through the process of creation.