GFRC Products

GFRC Shower Surrounds

Showers have become more than just a utilitarian box to get clean. They have become an oasis and important feature within a commercial or residential structure that adds comfort and relaxation not to mention helps to increase the re-sale value on a property or attract more guests.

Whether it is an outdoor or indoor shower, these luxurious bathing spots not only need to look the part, but they also must hold up over time. While natural materials look nice, they can be expensive and not environmentally friendly.

Using GFRC for Shower Surrounds

There is an alternative solution for creating a luxurious and unique shower surround without having to resort to depleting natural resources or running over budget. This alternative building material is called glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC). It is a type of concrete that uses glass fibers for reinforcement instead of steel so there is no need for a protective concrete cover to prevent rusting.

Plus, using less material, which is also commonly made from recycled materials and does not rely on natural resources, is an environmentally sound material to choose, especially if you are looking to feature an ecological, or green, building.

GFRC weights a fraction of traditional precast concrete so it is quick and easy to work with, transport, and install. In fact, it weighs 80-95 percent less than traditional concrete.

It is also easy to work with in terms of molding it into any shape and making it look like any type of material. For a shower, that means it can be made to look like exposed aggregate, such as, river rock and coral stone, as well as natural stone, such as travertine limestone, marble, and granite.

The material can also be made to look like any color, pattern, and texture, including polished sides and a honed floor to offer beauty and the practicality of a non-skid surface. This type of design freedom means you can make a beautiful shower surround that looks exactly like any type of natural stone without the hassle, time, and cost.

Another benefit of using GFRC is that it can withstand water, making it an ideal choice as a material for a shower surround. In resisting water, it is less likely to start breaking down over time. And, if you plan on adding any outside shower surrounds near a pool area, the GFRC shower surround can withstand all of the elements, including wind, storms, temperature changes, insects and more. This longer lasting material makes it a value-added choice for use with a shower surround. Additionally, it does not require maintenance, which could also involve considerable cost and labor over time if a traditional material was used for the shower surround.

Information and Estimates for GFRC Shower Surrounds

The team at Stromberg Architectural can work with you to create a custom GFRC shower surround for your commercial or residential construction project. Fill in our online contact form or call our experienced team at 903-454-0904 to get more information and a free estimate for your GFRC shower surround today!

GFRC Play Sculptures

Today’s playgrounds offer so much more than just a slide, swings, and set of monkey bars. As playground equipment has evolved, the idea of playscapes and very imaginative play environments have completely changed the look and feel of playgrounds. One new component now featured on playgrounds at schools, churches, resorts, hospitals and more is that of play sculptures. This article tells you what they are and the advantages that GRFC play sculptures have over those that are made with other types of materials.

Imagination at Work with Play Sculptures

Play sculptures offer so much more than just regular types of equipment when it comes to stimulating creativity and imagination in children of all ages. These sculptures are exactly what they sound – sculptures – but the only difference is that these play sculptures, unlike those found in a museum, are made to be climbed on and interacted with in different ways.

Play sculptures can be any type of object. Stromberg Architectural has many types, including animals, carousel horses, and mythical creatures like dragons just to name a few. The play sculptures can be buildings, including historical or fantasy structure, or items from nature like trees, logs, rocks and more. Depending on the theme of the playscape or playground, a set of play sculptures can be created to complement it.

Benefits of GFRC for Play Sculptures

All of the play sculptures designed and manufactured by Stromberg’s are made from glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC). Unlike other materials, GFRC provides a wide range of advantages when it comes to play sculptures, which are more likely to be placed outdoors in the harsh elements. Here are the benefits:

• GFRC play sculptures are resistant to elements like water, wind, temperature and UV rays.  This means they hold up for more years than those made with other materials.
• The play sculptures are strong and durable, which makes them resistant to constant use. This also reassures those that own the play sculptures that they will not crack or break, leading to an unsafe environment.
• The GFRC play sculptures are lightweight because the material does not weigh as much as other materials. This makes them easy to handle, transport, and install.
• This material is considered environmentally friendly, which means creating a greener playground that does not impact the environment while it was made or as it is used.
• GFRC is a low-maintenance material that also helps to keep the costs down when it comes to upkeep or replacement expense.

Custom GFRC Play Sculptures

The artisans at Stromberg’s have been part of The Stromberg Group, which has applied their decades of experience making and using GFRC for a wide range of applications and products for projects all over the world, including playgrounds. All play sculptures are custom designed to suit customer preferences, space, and budget. More than just ideas and designs, creating play sculptures with the company means that you get access to design assistance, on-site consultations, personal recommendation, information about safety and accessibility rules, plans and renderings and even professional installation, when necessary.

Every aspect of your play sculptures can be customized – from the texture and color to the size and shape. You are involved throughout the process to ensure that your play sculptures are exactly as you had imagined. The best part of all is that this imaginative and durable GFRC play sculpture solution costs similar to standard play equipment and play structures.

Get a Free Estimate for Custom GFRC Play Sculptures

Stromberg Architectural has a team of knowledgeable experts that are available to give you more information on GFR play sculptures and a free estimate. To get started on your custom GFRC play sculptures, please call our team at 903-454-0904 or send an email to [email protected].

GFRC Canopies

Playing in the outdoors provides kids with fresh air and sunshine, but there are times when it is good to also offer them some shelter from the elements, especially on a hot day. GFRC canopies from Stromberg Architectural offer a number of benefits that enhance the overall effect of a play area. Here’s why:

Protection and Beauty Provided by GFRC Canopies

With a frame and cover attached overhead, a canopy does more than just offer decoration for a play area. It provides protection from certain elements, such as UV to protect everyone from the sun’s rays and a sunburn, wind, rain and snow. The shade that it gives is a relief on a hot day while a cooler day offers shelter for kids and their parents.

Beyond the protection provided by GFRC canopies, there is the architectural beauty of creating something spectacular that ties the theme of a playground or play area together. Using versatile materials means that virtually any kind of shape, color, graphics or structure can be created to match the look and feel of the play area design.

For example, one of our GFRC canopies is a beautiful butterfly canopy. Perfect for applications like an arboretum, museum, park or school playground, the colorful butterfly has a canopy made to resemble a butterfly with outstretched wings as if it is about to take flight. Meanwhile, it provides protection from the sun’s rays and offers a stunning and magical addition to any park, playground, or entertainment fun center.

The Benefits of GFRC for Play Sculptures

Stromberg’s uses glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) to construct its canopies. As the basis for the canopy’s frame, GFRC has a number of benefits that ensure a long-lasting and beautiful canopy:

• GFRC resists water, wind, extreme temperature and UV rays.  The canopy frame is built to last for years to come while keeping that brand-new look with no cracking or breaking under pressure or continued use.
• A GFRC canopy is lightweight, which means that they are easy to transport and install on-site.
• GFRC is environmentally friendly, so creating a canopy from this material means you are creating a ‘green’ playground area that does not impact upon the environment like other materials.
• GFRC is low maintenance so it is easy to take care of over time.
• These benefits mean less time, labor, and expense over time while paying a similar price to standard canopies made from other materials.

Custom GFRC Canopies

Stromberg custom designs and makes each GFRC canopy as it does for its entire collection of playground elements and play sculptures. By working with a custom canopy company, you can get exactly what you want that suits your space and budget as well as color and design preferences. Beyond just the ability to customize the canopy, you also receive design assistance, on-site consultations, plans and renderings and help with installation.

Get a Free Estimate for Custom GFRC Canopies

Stromberg’s offers more information about how to design your custom GFRC canopy, including a catalogue of ideas and portfolio of examples. To get started on your custom GFRC play sculptures, please call our team at 903-454-0904 or send an email to [email protected] to receive more information as well as a free estimate.

We can create any type of mascot, big or small!

GFRC Brand Mascots

As one of the most flexible and adaptable building materials available, GFRC, also known as glass fiber reinforced concrete, is ever expanding in its list of applications. In addition to playground equipment, murals, play sculptures and playground accessories, GFRC is now being used to create brand murals. Here’s why brand mascots work as a great marketing tool and why GFRC is the ideal material for them.

The Business Benefits of Adding a Brand Mascot

Think about some of the brand mascots that we can instantly recognize and attribute to a brand. Geoffrey the Giraffe is from Toys ‘R Us; the Green Giant is on the package of every type of frozen vegetable; Buzz Bee is part of Honey Nut Cheerios; and Energizer Bunny keeps going because of those batteries.

This instant recognition is provided because the brand mascot creates an image in our minds that we enjoy, makes us smile, and provides entertainment. For the business that creates them, they get the brand recognition that they are seeking through their marketing efforts.

Things to Consider When Designing a Brand Mascot

When creating a brand mascot, consider the following:

• A cheerful brand mascot can bring out the same feelings in the customer or prospect that sees that mascot. Being able to make that person smile who sees your brand mascot will translate into a lasting memory about your brand and what it represents.
• That doesn’t mean your brand mascot has to be cute, but you do want it to have some personality and maybe even a little attitude. Think about the M&Ms featured on TV and in print ads that each has their own character traits. This infusion of personality can even be added to inanimate brand mascots to create an indelible memory in consumers’ minds.

The Benefits of GFRC for Brand Mascots

To create a brand mascot that can be displayed at your business – either inside or outside – GFRC makes a great material to create this symbol of your brand. Here’s why:

• GFRC is an incredibly versatile material that can be made into any shape and size, including everything from simple mascots to those that may have complex details. This makes the best material for making a completely custom brand mascot.
• GFRC is made to last just about anything. According to many laboratory and field tests, that means it can handle exposure to water, UV rays, wind, extreme temperature changes, fire and seismic activity. Even with continual contact with people touching it, a GFRC brand mascot can maintain its integrity, continuing to look as new as the day it was installed.
• Despite its durability and strength, GFRC is a lightweight material compared to other materials. This means that it can be easy to handle and install.
• Since your GFRC brand mascot will continue looking good over time, you won’t have to be concerned with maintenance.

Custom GFRC Brand Mascots

Each brand mascot that the Stromberg Architectural team makes is completely custom and based on your specifications. If you are not sure what you want, you can work directly with Stromberg’s team to create something that represents your brand, including getting design assistance from experienced artists as well as receiving plans and renderings to ensure that the brand mascot looks just as you had envisioned.

Get a Free Estimate for Custom GFRC Brand Mascot

Stromberg’s team is available to answer questions about how to develop your own brand mascot. To get started on your custom GFRC brand mascot and get a free estimate for design and production, please call our team at 903-454-0904 or send an email to [email protected] to receive more information as well as a free estimate.

This Squash Slide was custom designed and created in the highest quality GFRC.

Custom GFRC Playground Equipment

Whether it’s for a school or church or it’s an addition to a resort or fun center, playground equipment is a great feature to offer kids and their families. The challenge has been ensuring the playgrounds are safe and accessible as well as finding a product that fits space and budget requirements. By partnering with Stromberg Architectural, you can address all these challenges and more with custom playground equipment made from long-lasting and versatile GFRC.

Benefits of GFRC for Playground Equipment

Each unique piece of playground equipment made by Stromberg’s is made from high quality glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC). Referred to as Smart Concrete, GFRC has a number of benefits that are perfect for playground equipment. These benefits include:

• Weather resistance to handle the elements like rain, wind, extreme temperature changes and UV rays;
• Strength and durability to withstand constant use as well as provide for a safer environment where the playground equipment does not crack or break;
• Resistance to fire, smog, chemicals and acid rain; and
• Environmental friendliness.

With a material that goes the distance, the playground equipment will look like new for years to come while requiring very little maintenance. This also means that, on a value basis, the investment in this playground equipment is significant with no ongoing replacement costs over time.

Custom Playground Equipment

Using the company’s 30 years of experience with architectural design and experience with developing and using GFRC, the artisans behind The Stromberg Group have created The 4Kids, providing unique playground equipment that sparks curiosity, imagination, and cognitive development. It’s about making playscapes that excite and stimulate children of all ages.

Custom design services for playground equipment go beyond a website or catalogue of slides, climbing walls, and balance bars. It is about creating a unique creative play experience that matches a facility’s brand, image, space and budget. To get you started, The 4 Kids team offers:

• Portfolios of GFRC playground equipment projects
• Design assistance
• Information on safety and accessibility guidelines
• CAD details, plans, and scale models
• On-site consultations
• Professional installation

Every aspect of the playground equipment can be customized with choices for:

• Texture, including stone, wood, stucco, travertine, coral stone and fossil rock
• Shape
• Color
• Design and play elements

Besides the flexibility in customizing all playground equipment projects, the price is right as well. Because you can work directly with the manufacturer, there are no extra costs. Often, the price for a custom GFRC playground is similar to what other playground equipment companies charge for pre-fabricated play structures.

Located in Texas, every custom playground is built on-site by our artisans and shipped out within an average of 9-12 weeks or longer for more complex playground sets.

Learn More Custom GFRC Playground Equipment

The 4 Kids has a team of knowledgeable experts that are available to answer your questions, provide information and assistance on how to build your custom playground, and give you a customized initial estimate for free. To get started on your custom GFRC playground, please call our team at 903-454-0904 or send an email to [email protected].

GFRC Sills

With the impact of weather, chemicals, and water, external window sills can take quite a beating. This means that these sills may wear and erode over time. However, GFRC is changing that with an ideal alternative to traditional construction materials, offering durability, versatility, and beauty while also being environmentally friendly and cost effective.

When Sills Deteriorate

Window sills often take the brunt of external elements because they are located just below a closed window on the external areas of all types of buildings, including apartments, residences, and commercial structures and their job is to redirect water away from the window and the building.

Since window sills are often exposed to sunlight, water, chemicals, and more, the materials often used, like wood and aluminum, do not hold up over time. Over time, these sills can crack, corrode, or disintegrate. Not only does this take away from the beauty of the building’s façade, but this deterioration can also lead to safety and structural issues. Depending on the type of sill used, this may require replacement of the sill, if it is separate from the window, or if not, the entire window may need to be replaced.

Replacing all those windows and sills could get expensive, especially if wood and aluminum continue to be the material of choice. It will only be a matter of time again before the deterioration starts on the new sills. This is when a more durable material will help to keep remodeling to a minimum.

Why Use GFRC for Window Sills?

Unlike wood, aluminum, and other materials used for sills, GFRC is not as vulnerable and can handle the elements, including insects, fire, water, wind and extreme temperature changes.

GFRC is a strong material that has a higher tensile strength over steel but is lightweight for easy transport and installation while also minimizing the total building load. Besides being easy to work with in terms of its weight, GFRC is versatile in terms of its ability to be made to look like just about anything. This makes it perfect as a material for building facades. For any type of look or architectural style, GFRC it can be shaped and finished to look like brick, stone, wood and more. The GFRC sills can also be painted any color as well as have various textures added to them for further enhancement.

GFRC is also environmentally friendly, which makes it a great choice if you are trying to “green” your construction or remodeling projects. First, GFRC is made from natural materials and often uses recycled ingredients. In this way, it is not using up natural resources or creating waste. Secondly, it does not add to the level of pollution or emissions. Lastly, its durability means that it will not need to be replaced as frequently, further reducing the impact on the environment.

Information and Estimates for GFRC Sills

Stromberg Architectural can create custom GFRC sills for your structure. Fill in our online contact form or call our experienced team at 903-454-0904 to get more information and a free estimate for your commercial building.

GFRC address plaques are the perfect tool to ensure that your customers can easily find your place of business.

GFRC Address Plaques
Do customers know how to find your business? If you don’t have an address plaque, your customers or prospects may drive or walk past and straight into a competitor’s business. As a marketing tool, your address plaque plays a critical role in announcing where you operate. It should be attractive and readable as well as reflect your brand’s identity.

The History of Address Plaques and Building Markers
Signs have a long history, dating back to the Egyptians followed by the Romans to draw attention to the location of a tradesman followed by other types of businesses that developed over time. This became especially important when buildings began to be labeled because streets began to be named and structures on those streets then required numbering. As towns and cities grew, these building markers were the only way to find a business because there were now so many roads and buildings that looked similar.

Using GFRC for Address Plaques
Typically, address plaques are made of metal. While this makes for a professional look and is easy to read, time and weather change that pretty quickly. Weather elements as well as chemicals in the air begin to wear on the metal address plaque. Soon, the numbers begin to disappear. The sign is no longer attractive, but worse still is the fact that it may now be unreadable. This means your customers and prospects may not be able to find you as easily as when the sign was readable.

You want your address sign to last and be readable whether someone is walking past your building or trying to read it from their vehicle. That’s when you can opt for an address plaque made from GFRC.

GFRC provides the durability to withstand all kinds of elements, including water, chemicals, wind, fire and even seismic activity so it will remain readable and attractive for years to come. The risk of rust or corrosion on a GFRC address plaque is also minimized.

Another benefit with GFRC is that it provides the versatility to look like just about anything. That means a metal address plaque is not your only choice. Your address plaque could be made to look like wood, stone, brick or terra cotta in just about any color.

Also, if you are working towards a more eco-friendly business by greening your structure, GFRC is an environmentally friendly option. It is not made from natural resources. Plus, because your address plaque is made to order, waste is reduced as is the carbon emissions that were created in making it.

Best of all, GFRC is an affordable material that offers you beauty and durability for a lower cost than other materials. And, since it lasts longer than other materials, you are also gaining significant value.

Your Destination for GFRC Address Plaques
Stromberg Architectural can make an address plaque to order. Just fill in our online contact form or call our experienced team at 903-454-0904 to get more information and a free estimate for your commercial building.

GFRC wainscoting designed by Stromberg Architectural.

Stromberg GFRC Wainscoting
Wainscoting is a special architectural feature found inside and outside of many homes and commercial structures, including hotels and restaurants, which can be used across many architectural styles. It is an additional architectural product that is now being made with GFRC, offering a seemingly endless array of choices in how it can be designed and finished.

What is Wainscoting?
Wainscoting is usually wood, vinyl or stone paneling that is typically applied to the lowest third of a wall, often in a tongue-in-groove design. The wainscoting can range from three to eight feet up the wall from the ground, depending on the desired look. At the top of the wainscoting, there is often a piece of molding that is used to protect the wall as well as to provide an additional design element.

History of Wainscoting
Wainscoting was developed as a way to hide unsightly walls that suffered from dampness. Not only did it camouflage this damage, but it also helped to reinforce the wall. Now, thanks to modern construction practices, this dampness is no longer an issue. However, wainscoting has stood the test of time as an architectural feature sill used in many structures today. And, it’s not just for indoor applications. It is often found on the exterior of buildings.

Why GFRC Works for Wainscoting
While wood and vinyl panels and even stone have been used for external wainscoting, GFRC offers many more benefits as an adaptive and versatile material. Installing wainscoting can be time-consuming, complicated, and expensive because the wood or vinyl has to be cut and processed to fit and requires a very precise process. The panels also need to be kept level and securing them can be difficult. However, GFRC is easy to work with and install because it can be made to the precise size you need. GFRC moldings can also be created to finish off the wainscoting.

GFRC can be made to look like just about anything as well as finished to match any interior design with a wide range of finishes and textures that can be used. This makes it more versatile than wood and vinyl options, especially for outdoor applications. It is easy to paint any color desired as well.

GFRC is a more environmentally friendly option because natural resources are not being used like wood, which is rapidly being depleted around the world. Being made to order also reduces the amount of waste, labor, and carbon emissions that are involved in making this wainscoting. GFRC has also been tested to determine how well it can hold up over time. It is more durable and long lasting than wood and vinyl, offering greater value over time.

GFRC is also an affordable option, which provides for the ability to use it in more structures than wood or vinyl versions, which are often very expensive. Plus, it can withstand many of the outdoor elements, such as water and wind.

Free Estimates for GFRC Wainscoting
Stromberg Architectural is a pioneer in the development of GFRC as a versatile, adaptable, and durable material that works for just about every architectural project, product, and environment. To get more information for your remodeling or construction project that involves wainscoting or any other type of architectural product, please fill in our online contact form or call our experienced team at 903-454-0904.

GFRC Corbels by Stromberg

A corbel, also known as a console, is another architectural feature that can be made from many types of materials, including stone, metal, or wood. With the increasing use of GFRC, a corbel is another ideal architectural product that can benefit from the features of this construction material of choice.

What is a Corbel?

A corbel is used as a support feature for other parts of a building. It comes out from the wall and tends to hold the superincumbent weight for the structure. A corbel is very similar to a bracket in terms of its purpose.

This architectural feature has been used throughout history and was a common component of medieval architectural, classical architecture, and the Scottish Baronial style.

Corbels can be plain or decorated. Carved corbels often have some type of motif or symbol to represent the building they were attached to, including a real or imaginary animal, flowers or leaves, or human heads. Corbels can end in a point or have the appearance of forming a knot.

The Benefits of Using GFRC for Corbels

Since corbels are considered to be a supporting feature of a building, it is vital that they be made to last and be able to withstand many of the external elements that could impact that supporting role.

Although wood, metal, and stone are good construction materials, they do not have the durability and strength of GFRC. These other materials also tend to give into weather elements like rain and wind, extreme temperature changes, and seismic activity over time. Some, such as wood, are vulnerable to fire. However, GFRC does not rust or corrode. It is also more flexible so it can handle more pressure and stretching.

Unlike stone, metal, and wood, GFRC is much lighter so it does not add to the building load. The light weight makes it easy to transport and install, lowering labor costs and speeding project completion time.

GFRC can also be made to look like any of these other materials, offering extensive design freedom and the ability to be used on any type of building or architectural style. This is an ideal benefit if a certain type of material like wood is not available or if a project is looking to incorporate fewer natural resources and keep to a green building design.

The Stromberg Architectural Advantage

Stromberg Architectural is a pioneer in the field of GFRC development and use. With deep knowledge about GFRC, our team can create virtually any style of pool coping for your swimming pool construction or remodeling project. Additionally, they can create other pool and spa features with GFRC to maximize the benefits of using this material.

The team is adept at working with contractors on the design of these aspects of pools and spas. Stromberg offers everything from estimates and design meetings to on-site consulting to ensure that the project is completed as clients have envisioned it.

Estimates for GFRC Corbels

Contact us now to learn more about our GFRC corbel products and get a free estimate. You can reach us through our online contact form or by calling 903-454-0904.

GFRC pool coping provides lasting beauty and functionality.

GFRC Pool Coping
When you think about a swimming pool, most people think about the shape, the surface, and tile. However, another important feature in a swimming pool design is pool coping. This article introduces you to pool coping and how using GFRC can offer benefits for extending the life of this coping.

What is Pool Coping?
Also known as edging, swimming pool coping is found around an in-ground pool and spa. It looks like a cap and covers the concrete edges and rebar that comes from the pool water. This helps water from getting behind the pool shell and corroding this steel frame.

Other practical benefits include keeping the pool water flowing away from the pool when it is splashed out. It also helps those in the pool by providing them with a non-slippery surface to grab onto, if necessary.

The coping typically is designed to integrate with whatever style of pool decking you select, which can be anything from concrete and natural stone to brick or some type of synthetic material. The coping can also be embellished with stamping or some other type of decorative touch to add to the pool’s overall look.

The Benefits of Using GFRC for Coping
Since GFRC is known for its ability to be cast in thin sections and contains materials that do not rust or corrode, it is a perfect material for swimming pools where the coping repeatedly comes into contact with water. The material has also been designed to withstand numerous outdoor forces, including weather, extreme temperature changes, and seismic activity. It has also been proven to be fire resistant.

Additionally, GFRC is much lighter in weight. This means there is less load added to the pool shell that it surrounds, helping to keep that shell in place for years to come. Additionally, this benefit speeds the installation process and provides an environmentally-friendly element to the project.

The material is very flexible in terms of molding it into any shape. Offering design freedom, GFRC can also be made to look like a wide range of materials in an array of colors and textures. This provides a greater level of customization for the pool coping so it can fit the pool design and integrate with the entire outdoor landscape and adjoining structures.

The Stromberg Architectural Advantage
Stromberg Architectural is a pioneer in the field of GFRC development and use. With deep knowledge about GFRC, our team can create virtually any style of pool coping for your swimming pool construction or remodeling project. Additionally, they can create other pool and spa features with GFRC to maximize the benefits of using this material.

The team is adept at working with contractors on the design of these aspects of pools and spas. Stromberg offers everything from estimates and design meetings to on-site consulting to ensure that the project is completed as clients have envisioned it.

Estimates for GFRC Coping
Contact us now to learn more about our GFRC coping products and get a free estimate. You can reach us through our online contact form or by calling 903-454-0904.