On message: ‘Fun with concrete’

Concrete projects tend to conjure images of big guys in trucks. But executives at Quikrete are taking steps to make sure DIYers have plenty of project ideas for themselves.

The work is paying off in places like Pinterest and Facebook, according to Frank Owens, VP marketing for the Atlanta-based concrete industry leader. “We want people to know that our products are there to help them, and not just with filling cracks,” he said.

The company’s Pinter-est posts include DIY lawn ornaments, ranging from whimsical mushrooms to decorative stepping stones. And one of the company’s numerous “home inspirations” guides offers how-to advice ranging from staining concrete surfaces (intermediate) to making decorative block letters (beginner).

The company is also making a push for its decorative concrete stains. The vast majority of the concrete in and around the home is unstained, representing a huge opportunity for DIY home improvement.

The Quikrete family of companies includes Pavestone, Custom Building Products Flagstone Pagers and Veneerstone, among others.