In the past people may not have associated concrete flooring with striking artistic images, recycled metals, computer pieces and jewels, but the concept of decorative concrete has been the focus for local resident Rob Chaney for years, and it’s garnering more attention than ever before.
Chaney, who grew up in Bowser, founded a commercial concrete polishing company called Truglaze about five years ago and his work began getting recognized internationally. He and his staff installed floors in places like Dubai, Southern France and Chicago before selling the company to Antex Western late last year. He now manages the company’s Vancouver/Victoria market and he and his team continue to install glossy, decorative concrete floors locally, at places like Parksville’s Close to You Lingerie and Naked Naturals new location in Qualicum Beach.
The company specializes in the chemical and mechanical transformation of pre-and-post-installed concrete. They use architectural concrete and topical dyes in commercial spaces — as well as in some high end residences — and work with clients to create custom designs that have included glacier stones, beads and family heirlooms.
It’s a technology that has only been around for about 10 years and Chaney said it’s definitely the flavour of the month. Chaney has not only installed flooring in every major university around, but he has given old heritage flooring a second life.
“You’re able to go in and restore and resurface a concrete slab that’s 100 years old,” he said. “And you’re able to apply a mechanical finish that’s very, very aesthetically pleasing.”
Recently Chaney was one of 11 artists personally invited by the world’s concrete heavyweights to the World of Concrete in Las Vegas. The event was called Artisans in Decorative Concrete and had Chaney pouring his unique design while explaining it to spectators.
His piece represented the molecular structure of Jennite, a design he collaborated on with Coombs artist Sam Carniato. Chaney said he wanted the design to be about concrete, and Jennite is a mineral found in hydrated cement paste. His design incorporated aluminum, brass, automobile mirrors and windshields and holographic computer wafers, all of it recycled.
“We were pretty excited,” Chaney said about his personal invitation to the event, “it was pretty fun.”
Chaney was also recently invited by Bob Harris, renowned concrete author and concrete hall-of-famer, to have his work included in the new book Bob Harris’ guide to Polished Concrete Floors. Chaney’s work is on the cover and throughout the book which can be found at Chapters book stores.
Chaney said concrete is not an easy medium to work with, so those that work with it really have to have a passion for it. He said he likes the satisfaction of bringing a project to fruition, creating something that will last, and the ability to be creative.
“I love it,” he said, “And it’s neat to come back five years later to a floor and it looks the same or better than the day you left.”
Chaney said the initial cost of a polished concrete floor may be higher than other options, but annual maintenance costs are way lower and the life of the floor is limitless.
“As long as the client adheres to the maintainance schedule, it’s infinite,” he said. “The shine stays there forever.”
To contact Chaney email rob@antexwestern.com,
