We have created this FAQ list to help you quickly navigate this website. 

Our products are hard, but we’re not! Our website is designed to assist and educate.

1. Why consider Colour for Concrete for your project?
2. Are your manufactured products available to the public? 
3. What range of paving do you have?
4. What is the average cost of supplying and building a patio?
5. Have you examples of work and products that I can inspect?
6. How do your prices compare?
7. Do you have a design/consultancy service?
8. What types of building stone do you recommend?
9. What types of edging/kerbing?
10. What types of decking?
11. What types of walling/fencing?
12. What are the differences and merits of both natural stone paving and hand cast paving?
13. Can I upgrade my old patio?
14. Can you assist me with my own self-build project?
15. Does you have an environmental and social conscience?
16. Please look at our terms and conditions just to avoid any misunderstandings and issues in connection with product lifespan, etc.

• Why consider Colour for Concrete for your project?  – Our philosophy over the last 40 years has always been based on seeking positive results.  Supported by a dedicated, friendly team who can offer their knowledge in assisting you in arriving at an appropriate solution for most garden and outdoor landscape construction projects.  

• Are your manufactured products available to the public?  – Yes, they can be, however, due to seasonal fluctuations and demands, our stock levels can vary and ordering in advance is advisable.

• What range of paving do you have? – We hand mould and cast an extensive range of paving which includes a variety of finished textures and colour hues.  We have concrete paving, natural stone paving, brick paviours and speciality items, including decorative borders.  Our recommendation to you is to visit our display gardens where you can inspect all our product ranges in situ and avail of the advice and guidance of our experienced design team. 

• What is the average cost of supplying and building a patio? – This is not a very easy question to answer.  It’s a bit like determining how much your living room is going to cost to decorate based on the price of the flooring material you choose to use.  If it’s just a basic patio with no accessories, such as steps or walls, etc., then you are looking at an average price of €120-€150 per square yard supplied and fitted.  The average price range of patios supplied and installed by competent paving contractors is between €4,000-€10,000.  These could include accessory features like raised flower beds, rotunda inserts, steps, decorative borders, barbeque areas, retaining walls, etc.  

• Have you examples of work and products that I can inspect? – We strongly recommend you visit our display gardens where you can see at first-hand how many of our products and design ideas are displayed.  With over 40 years of constructing patios and creating landscaped gardens we have a portfolio of many satisfied clients.  However, we do not encourage private viewing of our clients’ gardens.  Many of our private clients have given us permission to use images of completed works. 

• How do your prices compare? – Our prices are based on the quality of products and service we provide.  Discounting or selling cheap (see reference to cheap paving slabs article) has never been part of our philosophy.  To give good products and service a fair monetary value has to be placed on same. 
• Do you have a design/consultancy service? – Our experienced Design Team offer a wealth of knowledge on the appropriate use of the various products and their applications in garden design.  In certain situations, depending on the scale of the project, we suggest instructing our recommended professional garden designers that offer a full horticultural and scaled design plan service. 

• What types of building stone do you recommend? 

Natural quarried stone – We can source various styles and colours of building stone sourced from different stone quarries around Ireland.  A visit to our display area is advisable to view as stocks are not always readily available due to seasonal demands and fluctuations.  

Hand cast Reeshig dry stone walling – Our unique range of hand crafted dry stone walling recreated in finest detail for maximum authenticity.  Reeshig walling is a simple, easy to build dry stone walling system for the professional or DIY enthusiast.  Hand crafted from selected stone and designed to create the most natural and realistic DIY dry stone walling.  Choose from a selection of ten different patterns and specially selected natural colours including half blocks, double and single ends.  Reeshig dry stone walling is almost indistinguishable from the real thing. 

“So easy to build with

…instant transformation”

See our website photo gallery for given applicationsGallery

• What types of edging/kerbing? – We hand cast a diverse range of standard and decorative edgings.  

• What types of decking? – Definitely, definitely no timber decking!  Why not? – Experience has taught us timber decking is not suitable to our Irish climate as many people have learned to their cost over the past number of years.  We do have a solution for those that would like to have that timber deck look to their patios.  We hand cast a long lasting, durable concrete timber look alternative.  This product is exclusive to Colour for Concrete.  Visit our display gardens to see at first hand.

• What types of walling/fencing? – When it comes to walling/fencing we have a large selection of moulds that we can choose from.  See products listed below or click on to view.

• What are the differences and merits of both natural stone paving and hand cast paving?

• Hand cast paving – is created through the process of combining natural stone and sand aggregates in combination with cement, super plasticisers and sealers, either compacted or vibrated in moulded forms that can replicate the appearance of quarried flagstones.  Hand cast paving and stone products carry many advantages. 

• Cost
• Uniformity of size and thickness
• Reproducible and repairable
• Easier availability
• No air or shipping miles
• Local manufacturing job creation
• Ease of handling
• Variety of colour/Vibrant colour hues
• Softer foot friendly edges and surfaces (safer for younger children)

Hand cast concrete products and concrete has been in existence for over 100 years and has a proven durability and track record.  (See links x 2 history of concrete and about concrete

Natural stone paving – Most of the natural stone paving that is presently sold in Ireland is sourced from either India or China.  The natural stone paving from within Ireland comes primarily from Co Clare as in black/grey Liscannor paving.  Kilkenny limestone, Donegal quartz, Achill quartz, Carberry – unfortunately, the high cost associated through the extraction of these products can often times be cost prohibitive.

Advantages of Natural stone paving

• Natural as geologically created
• Very durable – natural stone pavements have been under man’s feet going back into antiquity
• Can sometimes have natural visible fossil features with
• Choice of clean cut edges or fettled quarried edges
• Variety of colour/Vibrant colour hues
• Each individual paving stone has its own unique characteristics

The main disadvantages both concrete and natural stone exhibit is their ability to handle Irish weathering conditions, especially in relation to our damp climate, which causes both these products to discolour and mould and algae blackening, especially in the winter time.  See our valeting article on sealing patios. We highly recommend using annual or bi-annual cleaning, valeting and sealing.  This will help maintain that fresh and appealing look to your paving.  Also note that when cleaning patios, especially with the concrete paving that you do not use an over powerful pressure washer as this can inhibit the concrete’s resistance to wearing and can lead to surface damage.

• Can I upgrade my old patio? –   Yes you can.  With our over 40 years of patio construction, we have continuously come across situations where old patios, or improperly installed patios were in need of upgrading.  To solve this problem we offer a patio valeting and upgrading service which can incorporate our newly developed Colour for Concrete staining system.  Every project requires a different solution as the exhibiting characteristics will vary.  For further information we recommend you read our article “Benefits of repair and valeting”. We recommend an onsite evaluation to advise on possible options that will lead to the most appropriate solution for you. 

• Can you assist me with my own self-build project? – Yes we can.  We offer a comprehensive self-build and assist service.  This begins with friendly and helpful advice from our experienced design team.  We believe in our tag line “inspiring ideas, solutions that work”.  For more information on our professional assist service please see our website. 

• Do you have an environmental and social conscience? – Yes it does.  Historically, Ballygarvan Stonecraft began its life within the old family farmyard.  Although some people’s perception of concrete can be quite negative, we at Colour for Concrete like to think that concrete, and in particular, hand-cast concrete, has its place in the modern world that we live in.  Even though we have downsized our production facilities, we continue to benefit from the human input in our manufacturing processes.  The joy and satisfaction obtained from interesting work, we believe to be uplifting to the human spirit.  Down through the years Ballygarvan Stonecraft had been an outlet for healthy, manual summertime work for students and many of those young people have gone on to greater successes in their careers.  On the environmental front, because the original business began on the family farm at Ballinreeshig, we have not forgotten our roots.  Since the early 1990’s, Ballinreeshig Nature Farm has benefited from financial support from the success of Ballygarvan Stonecraft and now Colour for Concrete.  This working relationship has resulted in the planting of over 20,000 native trees, the enhancement of native flora and fauna, preservation of natural habitats and a safe abode for birds and wildlife, as well as native cattle breeds, horses and goats.  Also, because of the biodiversity of plant life on the farm, it has become a source for biodynamic healing herbs and fruits, with regular education workshops and guided nature walks.  

• Please look at our terms and conditions just to avoid any misunderstandings and issues in connection with product lifespan, etc.  

With over 40 years of experience in this business we have learned what is possible and feasible and what is not.  Sometimes the expectations of customers are impractical and it is very important for all our customers to make themselves aware of our terms and conditions, so as to avoid any misunderstandings that could arise.  At all stages we endeavour to produce and provide the best service and product range.  However, we do not make the claim of perfection     Sometimes our best efforts may not meet everyone’s expectations.  We always appreciate feedback from our valued customers.  See the following links to our terms and conditions pages.

What we do is carried out by Humans

If we make a mistake

Please tell us, not Tripadvisor

Contentious Items

• Advice and quotations – Colour for Concrete will not be bound by any clerical or arithmetical errors occurring in any tender, quotation, invoice or brochures issued.  All advice is given in good faith regarding the suitability and performance of its products and services.  Full terms and conditions on request.

• With regard to samples or products on display – Samples or products on display are indicative of the type of goods quoted.  Pre-cast concrete and stone products are likely to vary in colour and shape due to the nature of raw materials, general weathering and production processes.  Exact matching to samples is not possible.  Pre-cast or stone products, correspond to current stock or future stock, or goods yet to be manufactured. 

• Problems associated with transportation and delivery – As a result of the moulding processes and transportation of our products.  Edges may become frayed.  Apparent distortions will attract attention when individually viewed, but one installed and combined within the whole installation, this usually resolves the issue of appearance and often times can add positively to the overall effect.  Through sensible usage of products, unnecessary replacement can usually be avoided.  We recommend customers inspect off loaded goods immediately, prior to the delivery vehicle leaving.  If a vehicle has to return to collect off-loaded goods, a collection, re-delivery and re-stocking charge of 30% will be incurred.  A waiting period may also apply.

• Shade variation, colour of paving and products in general – Due to the specific nature of raw materials, general weathering, production and storage processes, concrete and stone and especially coloured concrete will vary in shades.  Therefore, when installing products, it is advisable to intermix from the various packs.  This will help enhance the overall aesthetic appearance of the various colour shades and replicate what occurs naturally in stone.  As a result of the moulding processes and transportation of our products.  Edges may become frayed.  Apparent distortions will attract attention when individually viewed, but one installed and combined within the whole installation, this usually resolves the issue of appearance and often times can add positively to the overall effect.  Through sensible usage of products, unnecessary replacement can usually be avoided. 

• Hairline fractures in wall panels and concrete decking – Hairline fractures may occur in steel reinforced wall panels and concrete decking.  This does not affect their overall performance and durability.    Hairline cracks occur in concrete panels due to weight considerations (health and safety) in their manufacture.  To minimise hairline cracks the product would need to be manufactured to a thicker dimension.  This would in turn have the adverse effect of making the product too heavy for manual handling and because of health and safety lifting regulations, we are not permitted to manufacture concrete products that exceed safe lifting guidelines.

Replacement of products is not necessary and if required will incur a replacement delivery charge.  A waiting period may also apply.  Also note we cannot guarantee any replacement panel will not have similar defects. There could also be issues with matching the batch colours.

• Deliveries – Delivery persons are not obliged to do more that off load goods as near as possible to the delivery vehicle.  Time of delivery cannot be guaranteed.  All reasonable efforts will be made to adhere to estimated delivery times.  Ballygarvan Stonecraft or its agents accepts no responsibility for any damage to gates, gate piers, walls, manholes, household services (gas, electricity, water, etc.) on approaches or on site while delivering goods.

• Product lifespan – Although concrete has been in existence for thousands of years as in most man made products, a duty of care is essential to the lifespan and its functionality.  Key areas that need attention:

• See below for a full list of terms and conditions. 

Guidelines in Relation to Products and Services

1. Be aware that the nature of the raw materials and processes involved in the production of pre-cast concrete products are such that they are liable to vary in colour or texture or size or shape or occurrence of minor defects. Samples which are provided for the purpose of selection are indicative of the type of goods quoted for and no guarantee of appearance or quality is given or implied. Printed catalogues, specifications, etc., are for general guidance only.

2. Colour For Concrete cannot guarantee that all deliveries will be identical in colour or texture or size or shape or occurrence of minor defects as the properties of pre-cast concrete products are likely to vary as a result of change in raw materials and process variation. It is advisable to inspect the goods prior to offloading from our delivery vehicles as the return of off-loaded goods will incur a collection, re-delivery and re-stocking charges of 30%. A waiting period may then apply.

3. Colour For Concrete shall not be under any liability for loss or damage resulting from advice or representations given in good faith regarding estimates or quantities or regarding time of delivery, the use, performance or suitability of its goods.

4. Colour For Concrete liability for defective goods is strictly limited to free replacement of the goods. In no circumstances whatsoever shall Colour For Concrete be liable in contract or tort to a set-off or otherwise for any consequential or indirect damage or loss howsoever caused. No liability for defects will be accepted if the defect has been caused by the buyer. No complaint regarding appearance, size or shape will be considered after the product has been installed. No claim shall be entertained in respect of general weathering of goods supplied.

5. No representation or warranty is given as to suitability or fitness of the goods for any particular purpose and the buyer shall satisfy itself in this respect and shall be totally responsible, therefore. Buyer expressly acknowledges that for all purposes the ability and expertise of the buyer in the use of the goods in evaluating any description of or information as to the goods is equal to that of Colour For Concrete and the buyer has not relied on the skill and judgement of the seller in selecting the goods for any purposes.

6. Time of delivery shall not be of the essence. Colour For Concrete will make all reasonable efforts to adhere to the agreed delivery programme, if any (subject to satisfactory processing and manufacturing of the goods). Colour For Concrete shall not be liable for any losses, costs, damages or expenses suffered by the buyer or any other person, howsoever arising, whether caused directly or indirectly out of any failure to meet the date of delivery.

7. Buyer will provide safe and unrestricted access to the delivery address on hard roads suitable for heavy vehicles for the purposes of off-loading and undertakes to ensure that there is adequate level stocking area for the purpose. Buyer undertakes to reimburse the seller for any demurrage charges incurred as a result of delays in unloading. Any packaging supplied is intended for delivery to site and off-loading only. It is not designed for onward transportation on or from site and the buyer is responsible for any subsequent movement of goods.

8. No responsibility accepted by CFC for damage to gates, gate piers, walls, manholes, water, sewerage, gas mains, driveways, etc or on approaches to or on site while delivering loads.

9. Hairline fractures in wall panels and concrete. Hairline fractures may occur in steel reinforced wall panels and concrete decking. This does not affect their overall performance and durability. Hairline cracks occur in concrete panels due to weight considerations (health and safety) in their manufacture. To minimise hairline cracks the product would need to be manufactured to a thicker dimension. This would in turn have the adverse effect of making the product too heavy for manual handling, it is not recommended to manufacture concrete products that exceed safe lifting guidelines. The products with these slight defects can be used in the lower sections of walls and as end cuts where applicable in paving. Replacement of products is not necessary and if required may incur a replacement delivery charge. A waiting period may also apply. Also note we cannot guarantee any replacement panel will not have similar defects. There could also be issues with matching the batch colours.

Honour Clause

It is a basic condition of the acceptance of this Tender(v)/ Quotation that it is intended and agreed that the conduct of “Colour for Concrete “ and “ The Barn Store Landscape Design Studio at Ballygarvan Stonecraft Ballinreeshig Ballygarvan Co. Cork and everything done in connection therewith and all arrangements related thereto (whether mentioned in these tender’s , quotations, or educational literature or to be implied) and this Tender(v) and all agreement’s or transaction entered into or payment made by or under it shall not be attended by or give rise to legal relationship, rights duties or consequences whatsoever or be legally enforceable or the subject of litigation, but all such arrangements, agreements and transactions are private and binding in honour only.

Aftercare – Provided all the appropriate installation procedures are adhered to, concrete and stone products should give many years of wear. The main problems that can arise with ground surface laid paving products, is that of accumulation of dirt, mould and algae, specifically due to the nature of our long, wet damp Irish climate. The Irish climate contributes greatly to the discolouration of all outdoor products. The best way to protect against these climatic conditions is by the application of outdoor sealants. Sealants work by providing a protective layer which repels the penetration of the mould and algae. This protective layer also helps the ease of cleaning when washing off the accumulation of these residues in the springtime. Annual application of sealers is highly recommended. Please also note that heavy duty power washing is not advisable as can cause deterioration and decrease the lifespan and colouration of outdoor products.