Latest Concrete News
Browse our most recent blog posts below. They're filled with inspiration, tips and answers to questions we hear most from our St. Louis neighbors. If you have a topic you'd like us to cover, contact us! We're happy to share our expertise.
Gather Around: Custom Concrete Tabletops Made for the Holidays
Bellattex tabletops are handcrafted to combine artistry with everyday durability and provide a beautiful centerpiece for holiday celebrations and designed to remain part of your home long after the decorations come down.
Backyard Fire Pit Ideas for Fall Outdoor Living
With a fire pit from Ortmann Concrete, instead of heading indoors as soon as temperatures begin to drop, you can gather around your fire pit after dinner, invite friends over on a Saturday evening, watch the leaves come down, toast marshmallows with the kids, or simply sit outside with a cup of coffee and enjoy your backyard.
Celebrating 23 Years This Month! And You Know What?
Whether you’ve trusted Ortmann Concrete with a project, recommended us to a friend, or are considering working with us for the very first time, thank you for being part of our story.
The Practicality and Beauty of Landscaping with Retaining Walls
You may need to build a retaining wall if your property has elevation changes that are causing drainage, erosion, or usability problems. But retaining walls are more than just landscaping tools. They can turn a ho-hum yard into something of unique beauty.
Outdoor Living Trends for St. Louis Homeowners
What are the most popular outdoor living trends in St. Louis right now? The most popular outdoor living spaces in St. Louis combine functionality, comfort, and long-term durability. Homeowners are investing in custom concrete patios, attractive pool decks, outdoor gathering...
Ortmann Concrete: The Driveway Installation Experts in St. Louis
How do I choose the best driveway installer in St. Louis? Short answer: Look for driveway installers who prioritize prep work, show their process, and have proven local experience - not just a low price. What to look for: Clear explanation of their installation process...
Custom Concrete Tabletops in St. Louis: Elegant Dining For You
Are custom concrete tabletops a good choice for dining tables? Short Answer: Yes—custom concrete tabletops are durable, stylish, and fully customizable, making them an excellent long-term investment for dining spaces. Why homeowners love them: Extremely durable and resistant to...
Concrete Fire Pit Cleaning Tips for Long-Lasting Outdoor Spaces
How do I clean a concrete fire pit safely? How do I clean a concrete fire pit safely? Let the fire pit cool completely Remove ash and debris after each use Clean with mild soap and warm water Avoid harsh chemicals and pressure washers Reseal periodically to protect the concrete
How to Choose a Driveway Installation Specialist in St. Louis
What should I look for in a driveway installation specialist in St. Louis? When evaluating driveway installation specialists in St. Louis, homeowners should look for: Proven experience with local soil and weather conditions Proper site preparation, grading, and drainage...
The Beauty and Benefits of Stamped Concrete Patios in Arnold and St. Louis
What are the advantages of a stamped concrete patio? Stamped concrete patios combine the durability of traditional concrete with the beauty of natural materials like stone, brick, or slate. They can be customized with a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to match your...
Ortmann Builds Premium Custom Concrete Pool Decks in St. Louis
Why should I choose a concrete pool deck in St. Louis? It handles our hot summers and freezing winters reliably Safer with slip-resistant textures for family use Looks great without costing as much as stone or tile You can customize with patterns, colors, and stamps Requires...
Why Do I Need to Weatherproof My Concrete Patio and Pool Deck in St. Louis?
How can I weatherproof my concrete patio and pool deck? Seal the surface with strong, professional-grade products. Keep water out to prevent cracks and damage. Protect against freezing winters and hot summers. Block UV rays that fade and weaken surfaces. Add slip-resistance for...
How Do I Winterize My Concrete Driveway And Walkway?
Winterizing Tips For Fall Seal your concrete in the fall to help protect against freeze-thaw cycles. Clear snow promptly to avoid ice buildup and moisture penetration. Use calcium magnesium acetate or sand instead of harsh salts that can damage concrete. Fill small cracks...
Bellattex by Ortmann: The Beauty of Residential Concrete Countertops in St. Louis
What should I know about concrete countertops? Concrete countertops are customizable in color, finish, and shape. They are durable and long-lasting when properly sealed. Each countertop is handcrafted, so no two are exactly alike. Concrete can be polished for a sleek...
What Are Some Fun Ways to Use a Fire Pit in the Fall and Winter?
What are some fun and practical ways to use a fire pit in the fall and winter? Looking for ways to get more use out of your fire pit when the weather cools down? Here are a few ideas that can help you stay warm and make the most of those crisp fall and chilly winter nights:...
OCI in Action: 22 Years of Expertise in Concrete
On their first day in business on August 25, 2003, founders Doug and Jacqui Ortmann of Ortmann Concrete Inc. made the promise to themselves and to their clients that they would remain focused on quality service and beautiful results, giving their clients their best work every...
Concrete Pool Decks in Arnold and St. Louis by Ortmann Concrete
Summers in Missouri are best enjoyed near water—whether in a boat on the lake, swimming in one of our many beautiful rivers, or—even better—paddling around in a backyard pool surrounded by a well-designed pool deck. The right pool deck is the backdrop for everything surrounding...
A Driveway Extension & Concrete Patio Installation Near St. Louis
If you’ve ever wondered what goes into building a durable and attractive concrete patio or extending a driveway for added convenience, go on a ride along with Ortmann Concrete for a behind the scenes for a behind scenes look. The footage captures the meticulous planning,...
Maintaining a Concrete Fire Pit: A Guide for St. Louis Area Homeowners
Concrete fire pits are a stylish and functional addition to any backyard or patio, offering warmth, ambiance, and a central gathering place for friends and family. But just like any outdoor structure, they require ongoing care to keep them looking their best and functioning...
Ortmann Concrete: The St. Louis Flatwork Experts
Ortmann Concrete is back at work and happy to be there! In this video, our crew is showcasing why they are known as the St. Louis flatwork experts as they pour their first garage floor of 2025. This project highlights their commitment to quality and precision in every...
Custom Concrete Patio and Walkway Installation Ideas
For over twenty years, the designers and builders at Ortmann Concrete have had the pleasure of working with St. Louis area homeowners to create stunning outdoor features that reflect their personal style and meet their functional needs. With decades of experience, we can...
Building Serenity One Step at a Time: custom concrete stair designs
Join the Ortmann Concrete crew as they construct a beautiful set of stairs that lead to someone’s wooded retreat. We create some of the best custom concrete stair designs in St. Louis, specializing in outdoor staircases that are both functional and visually striking. With...
The Best Custom Concrete Tabletops in St Louis, Missouri
Over the last twenty years, creating unique, long-lasting surfaces has become a major trend in interior and exterior design. Homeowners and business owners aren’t just interested in furniture that looks good upon purchase. They are looking for things that will stand up to daily...
Ortmann Concrete: How To Apply Concrete Sealer to A Concrete Surface
Have a new driveway that you’re proud of and want to protect it against wear and tear but you aren’t sure how? What about an older driveway that’s in good repair, but you want to protect it from the elements? We’re glad you stopped by. The team at Ortmann Concrete has worked...
Winterizing Your Concrete Driveway and Walkway: Tips from Ortmann Concrete
As winter approaches, it's essential to prepare your concrete driveway and walkway for the challenges that cold weather, snow, and ice can bring. Ortmann Concrete is known across the St. Louis area for our stellar concrete flatwork, maintenance, and tabletops. More than that we...
Create Memorable Holiday Gatherings with Ortmann Concrete’s Bellattex Tabletops
The holiday season is a time of celebration, togetherness, and creating cherished memories with loved ones. Ortmann Concrete's Bellattex concrete tabletops offer an exquisite and versatile canvas to use as a backdrop for year-round celebrations. Whether you're hosting a festive...
Mastering Concrete Marvels: Season 2 Premiere Unveils Epic Project!
When it comes to construction projects in suburban St. Louis, one company stands out as a cornerstone of excellence: Ortmann Concrete. As you’ll get to see on this video, our team is laser focused on customer service, giving our customers not just what they asked for, but...
Ortmann Concrete: Elevating Your Kitchen with Bellattex Concrete Countertops
In the realm of modern interior design, the choice of countertops plays a pivotal role in shaping the aesthetics and functionality of any space, especially in the kitchen. While granite, quartz, and marble have long dominated the countertop market, a revolutionary alternative...
Ortmann Concrete in Action: Banter & Beauty
When homeowners are considering ways to transform the exterior of our homes, we often overlook one of the simplest elements—our walkway. The home itself could be beautiful and in a great location. But if the walkways are cracked and worn, we will detract from the first...
Crafting Elegance: The Beauty and Benefits of Custom Concrete Pool Decks by Ortmann Concrete
A well-designed and expertly constructed pool deck can transform your swimming pool area into a luxurious oasis where relaxation and entertainment go hand in hand. Ortmann Concrete, a company with more than thirty years of experience in of concrete craftsmanship, is leading the...
Elevate Your Outdoor Space with Bellattex Concrete Tabletops for Ortmann Concrete
The allure of outdoor living spaces has never been stronger, and homeowners are seeking ways to create functional and aesthetically pleasing environments in their gardens, patios, and outdoor areas. When it comes to outdoor furniture, Bellattex concrete tabletops, offered by...
Five Reasons to Replace Your Driveway This Spring
Have you ever driven by a home and thought “Wow. That’s a pretty driveway!” No? Just us then? That makes sense, really. We’re in the business. The crew at Ortmann Concrete thinks about things like that. If it’s doing its job, a driveway probably won’t attract much attention...
Ortmann in Action: Stamped Sidewalk Saga– Chaos & Beauty
Stamped Sidewalk Saga: Chaos & Beauty This month, we’re joining the Ortmann crew as they install a beautiful, custom stamped concrete walkway. Every job has its challenges, but this one came with extra features like flat tires, broken toes, and other concerns. Though as you’ll...
Types of Concrete Finishes for Patios and Walkways
It’s March in St. Louis and Old Man Winter is slowly packing up his things and moving on. To you as a homeowner, this means it’s a great time to give your patios and walkways a once over. Are they showing their age? Are you seeing trip-hazards in the form of cracked, uneven...
Ortmann in Action: Custom Concrete Stairs by Ortmann Concrete
Custom Concrete Stairs by Ortmann Concrete This month, we join the Ortmann Concrete Team as they construct a set of custom concrete stairs. We are joining them after they’ve torn out the old and are beginning to pour the new ones. The team at Ortmann Concrete is made up of...
Elegance Is Forever: Custom Concrete Tabletops and Countertops
For most of modern history, concrete has been relegated to basements, garages, parking lots, picnic tables, and sidewalks. When people went shopping for dining room tables or new kitchen cabinets, no one thought, “I sure wish I could find a beautiful concrete tabletop for my...
Ortmann in Action: Curved Walkway and Stamped Patio Installation
This month, we’re tagging along with the Ortmann Concrete crew as they tackle a challenging curved walkway and stamped patio installation with their usual humor and skill. Their first job was to remove an older deck and clean up the surrounding site. As you’ll see, they are...
Ortmann Concrete Presents: Custom Concrete Fire Pits
Are you looking to add some warmth and ambiance to your outdoor living space? How about a custom concrete fire pit built just for you by the team at Ortmann Concrete? If you live in St. Louis or in one of the outlying areas, we can help! Our team loves building these beauties...
Small Business Highlight: October 2023 ‘Images by Sandra’
Video Transcript: Jacqui Good afternoon. I’m Jackie Ortmann with Ortmann concrete and boss lady bricks. I’m here with Sandy Ferkel and Images by Sandra. She is one of our bricks of the community. We love celebrating small businesses and welcome Sandy. Sandy Well, thank you....
Ortmann Crews Take on a Mag Swirl Finish Driveway
Greetings from the Ortmann Concrete Crew! At this worksite, we’re creating a mag swirl finish driveway for a client with a circle drive. Tune in to watch us at work as we strive to make sure every detail meets with our high standards and satisfies our customers. Most concrete...
Let’s Finish The Driveway! (Part II)
Welcome back! Today we’re returning to the job site to finish the driveway we poured during our last episode. This is where we show you what sets the Ortmann crew apart from other concrete companies. While we often have fun while we’re working, we are dead serious about the...
Our Concrete Countertops and Tabletops Can Take the Heat!
We think differently about entertaining indoors vs outdoors. When we picture ourselves entertaining guests indoors, we imagine an elegant dinner party, well-dressed people sitting around a linen-covered table in a dining room or kitchen using the nicest dishes and glasses. And...
Ortmann Concrete Invites You To Join Us At The Jobsite (Part I)
Ortmann Concrete is proud to announce our new YouTube Channel, where you can follow us through some of our typical and not-so-typical days. See how we get the job done and still manage to have a little fun too! Get to know our crews by name and watch them work together to give...
Pool Deck Outdated? Maybe It’s Time for Ortmann’s Concrete Pool Decking
When you look at the swimming pool outside your home or business, what do you picture? Summer time fun with family and friends? Kids practicing cannon balls off the edge? Maybe just a personal retreat where someone can float around with a drink and a good book? Or are you...
Meet Doug Ortmann: The Concrete Guy
Your St. Louis Concrete Expert Doug and Jacqui Ortmann are the founders of Ortmann Concrete Inc. Over the next few months, we look forward to introducing you to this dynamic couple. Doug Ortmann is a man on a mission. His goal is to bring his custoomers the best commercial and...
For Your Business: The Best Commercial Concrete Solutions in St. Louis
Ortmann Concrete has been pouring concrete walkways and patios in St. Louis for homeowners for over 20 years. And with the recent introduction of our Bellattex™ line, we’ve added concrete countertops and tabletops to our long list of residential products and services. But...
Concrete Tabletops: Interior Design’s New Kid On The Block
As an interior decorating choice, concrete is the new kid on the block. In the last ten years, more and more interior designers have discovered that concrete is not just a utilitarian material. It’s no longer relegated to sidewalks, parking lots, and foundations. Concrete...
How It All Began
The Ortmann Bellattex™ Story Over the past year, we’ve been asked multiple times about how our founders, Doug and Jacqui Ortmann got their start in the concrete business - and how our new product division came to be. We’d love to share their journey with you! Doug and Jacqui...
Bellattex™ Concrete Tabletops Are Here!
Some of the most important conversations I've ever had occurred at my family's dinner table. Bob Ehrlich Jacqui Ortmann, co-owner of Ortmann Concrete, Inc, is proud to announce that we recently added handcrafted concrete tabletops to our line of existing products. This brings...
How to Clean Oil From Concrete Driveways
Are you looking to remove oil stains from concrete? This tutorial is an easy and environmentally friendly way to remove stains caused by oil, gasoline, diesel, or kerosene with Gray Out Waterless Oil Cleaner. Necessary Items: Concrete Driveway (Completely Dry) SealGreen...