Stamped concrete has evolved over the years into a versatile, durable, and beautiful building material that is relatively inexpensive. The construction and paving processes involved in creating stamped concrete are fairly simple—each involves the creation of a decorative texture on a concrete slab.
But what really makes stamped concrete hit the mainstream is its aesthetic value - bringing upscale, high-end designs to homeowners of all incomes for both interior and exterior use. But stamped concrete San Francisco delivers more than just aesthetic appeal; it also comes with a whole host of other benefits - let's examine five of these benefits in more detail.
1. Low MaintenanceStamped concrete is incredibly low maintenance compared to other building materials like natural stone pavers or brick pavers. It's one of the easiest surfaces to keep clean and maintain. If you're tired of sweeping sand out of the cracks between your brick pavers or replacing missing stones that have become uneven, stamped concrete may be right for you!
2. Greater DurabilityStamped concrete is more durable than most paving materials. Its dense surface doesn't allow moisture to penetrate easily, making it resistant to cracking during freeze/thaw cycles and when exposed to salt. It's also resilient against extreme weather and heavy traffic loads, making it an ideal choice for driveways, patios, and pool decks. And because it's so durable, stamped concrete is also a great choice for outdoor areas that are subjected to heavy use. The same material can be used to cover a patio or walkway that leads from your front door to your driveway.
3. Aesthetic ValueStamped concrete is one way to make your home or business stand out from your neighbors. Its versatility allows it to imitate other materials such as stone, wood, slate, tile, brick, etc. The most common styles include cobblestone, ashlar slate, and wood plank. Some other popular looks include natural flagstone and even tile! With so many options available and unlimited color combinations - you can create whatever look you desire for your property.
4. VersatilityWith stamped concrete, you can achieve many looks and feels. Stamped concrete can be made to look and feel like pavers, cobblestone, flagstone, slate, and other natural materials. Also, you can create a hardscape design with various shapes and patterns. With stamped concrete, you don't have to settle for just a plain grey slab or one-size-fits-all hardscape design. You can get as creative as you want or play it safe; it's up to you!
5. Easy to InstallStamped concrete is easy to install. It can be installed by either a DIY homeowner or a professional contractor. If you are installing it yourself, it is important to check your work as you go along. Stamped concrete can be damaged easily if not laid correctly.
A professional contractor will know how to install stamped concrete properly and will be able to provide the best advice on what type of stamped concrete is required for your project and help you select the best patterns, colors, and designs.

Running a concrete pumping business can be a profitable venture - but only if you know what you're doing. From typical concrete pumping jobs - like repairing a pipe or pouring a foundation - to complex projects like pouring a driveway, it is imperative that you deliver a high-quality product. Otherwise, you risk angering your customer or ruining your reputation - a no-no for any contractor. But how do you avoid the usual human error that often leads to structural flaws?
By investing in volumetric mixers! These machines are like old-school cement mixers on steroids; they mix everything from sand and gravel to water and additives in the precise amounts needed for a particular project. All without the need for batching plants and other equipment. Of course, this isn't the only benefit of using volumetric mixers...
1) They're Incredibly VersatileBecause volumetric concrete mixers are mobile units, they can be used virtually anywhere. This makes them ideal for construction sites that are off-grid or otherwise difficult to access. Concrete pump owners can also use them to create unique blends of concrete with specific properties (e.g., strength, density, etc.). This kind of versatility opens up all sorts of new opportunities for getting work - and saving money - done right.
2) No WasteWhen you use a traditional ready-mix truck, it is virtually impossible to completely empty the truck's contents at each job site. This results in waste, which reduces your bottom line. But when you use volumetric concrete mixers, they are capable of creating and delivering the exact amount of product needed for each job. This means no money is wasted on overages, and no time is wasted on trips back to the shop for more products.
3) AccuracyVolumetric mixers are able to measure out concrete in one cubic yard increments. This allows the user to get an accurate measurement of the amount of concrete they will need. In addition, this means that the user can order exactly the right amount of concrete for each job.
This way, you will not have any excess concrete at a site or have to go back and get more because you did not have enough. Either way, you will save money on concrete costs, as well as time and money on labor costs, by eliminating the need for workers to go back to get more concrete or spend time working with excess material.
4) ReliabilityWhen you are working on a construction project, you want to be sure that the materials you are using are reliable. When it comes to concrete, there is no better option than a volumetric mixer.
Volumetric mixers allow you to get fresh concrete right on the spot. This means that you will not have to worry about your concrete drying before it even gets to the site of your project.
Another benefit of using volumetric mixers is that they will ensure consistency. With volumetric mixers, you can be sure that each batch of concrete has the same composition as the batch before it. This is important, especially when dealing with big projects that require a lot of concrete.
5) They're Cost-EffectiveUsing a volumetric concrete mixer often means that you'll need less concrete to complete a project. With the concrete being mixed on-site and the precise measurements, you can have confidence that you have exactly what you need and no more. There's also no risk of pouring excess cement down the drain or having to pay for disposal fees for extra waste. The savings add up quickly!

Concrete remains one of the modern era's most versatile and commonly used construction materials. Its application knows no bounds, from building roads and bridges to creating sidewalks to building homes and commercial buildings. Its universal appeal can be attributed to its aesthetic appeal, durability, versatility, and concrete's relatively low cost compared to other building materials. But beyond this, concrete boasts other attributes that make it quite an "in-demand" material. To give you a taste of what concrete can do for you, here are five cool things you can do with it.
1. Transform Your Kitchen with Concrete Kitchen Countertops. Your kitchen is the heart of your home, the place where family and friends gather to share a meal, catch up on each other's lives, or just watch you cook.
You want your kitchen to be functional but also a beautiful space that reflects your personality and sense of style. Concrete countertops make this possible with their versatility and durability. There are several ways to incorporate concrete into your kitchen design, including building custom sinks, molding entire islands, or installing precast countertops in your existing cabinets. By choosing the right color and texture of concrete, it will beautifully complement any color scheme or the design theme you have in mind. Concrete countertops offer both form and function and will be a welcome addition you'll enjoy for years to come.
2. Add a Touch of Color to Your Home with Stained Concrete Floors. If you're looking for a modern alternative to carpets and tiling, stained concrete floors may be just what you're looking for. Available in many different colors and hues, they can add depth and dimension to any room in your home - living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms - even the patio. Easy to maintain and clean, concrete floors will save you time on routine cleaning chores while making your home look great!
3. Add Warmth and Beauty to Your Bathroom with Polished Concrete Floors. Your bathroom may have a beautiful tile floor or a laminate floor that looks like ceramic tile, but there's nothing quite like the look of polished concrete. It's smooth, sleek, and warm under your feet. The reflective surface bounces light around the room making it seem larger than it is. If you're tired of staring at your ugly old bathroom floors, polished concrete may be just the thing to give your bathroom new life.
4. Create an Inviting Walkway Using Stamped Concrete. One of the most beautiful ways to enhance your home's curb appeal is with a stamped concrete walkway leading from the street to your front door. Stamped concrete can look as elegant as tile or brick without the high price tag. You can also use stamped concrete to add beauty to your back patio or pool area without raising your home maintenance costs.
5. Get Yourself a Concrete Ping-Pong Table. We know what you're thinking: concrete ping-pong table? Won't that be a bit cold and brutal?
Actually, no. Concrete ping-pong tables are not just cold and brutal, they're also warm and inviting.
It's all in the finishing. With a concrete ping-pong table, you can do anything from a smooth glossy surface to a rustic rough finish. You can also use dyes and stains to give your concrete table any color you want. Black is one of the most popular choices for concrete ping-pong tables because it has a modern look and it's easier to see the white ball on black than on any other color.
And if you're up for some DIY fun, you can even make your own concrete ping-pong table.

Concrete is unarguably one of the most durable and versatile materials out there. But in the past, concrete was restricted to utilitarian uses - like sidewalks, driveways, and patios. With the rising popularity of rustic architectural designs and even interior designs, concrete has become a popular choice for decorative designs. And these patterns are as diverse as the countless colors available. Here are 5 of the most popular stamped concrete patterns being installed in 2022 - including the most popular and the most used designs. If you are planning on renovation or remodeling your home, these patterns are worth considering!
1. Ashlar Slate:Ashlar slate stamped concrete is a versatile pattern that can be used for either traditional or modern styles. The pattern resembles the look of natural stone, with a square or rectangular shape and irregular edges.
While ashlar slate is available in a variety of colors, it's particularly popular in gray tones because these are most similar to the natural color of slate. You can also use two or three different colors to create the look of different stones.
2. Wood Plank:The wood plank pattern is a very popular stamped concrete design. It is a great choice when you want to create a non-slip surface that looks like wood without all of the maintenance work required for real wood.
There are many different options available for the wood plank pattern. You can choose from any number of different types of wood and stain colors. Some people even use two or three different colors to give their patio or pool deck a distinctive look that sets it apart from others.
Don't forget about using stamp patterns to add the look of joints in between your "wood" planks. You can use a stone pattern to simulate grout lines, or maybe even use a brick pattern to simulate the space between wooden boards. If you have any questions about what would work best with your stamped concrete project, be sure to ask your contractor!
3. Arizona Flagstone:Transform your patio or pool deck into a rustic Italian villa with an Arizona flagstone pattern. This type of stamped concrete is characterized by its earth tones and irregular shapes, which makes it look incredibly natural. The mottled, natural appearance of this pattern gives it a certain ruggedness that is perfect for driveways and large pool decks.
4. Seamless Skin:This is one of the most popular stamps used today because it gives you the ability to create a high-end look without paying a fortune. It works great with any color combination and can be applied over existing concrete or new construction. The seamless skin allows you to "stamp" random stones without having to purchase each individual stamp. You can get everything from cobblestones, slate, flagstone, rock, tile, or even wood plank effects all from one single seamless skin stamp!
5. Craftsman Slate:For those who want a more upscale look for their patio or driveway, the Craftsman Slate stamped pattern offers an Old World slate appearance that creates a timeless look for years to come. The Craftsman Slate stamp is so realistic many people will think you purchased slate tiles and had them installed on your patio or driveway.

​Concrete is the backbone on which most major architectural and industrial buildings are built. From sidewalks to bridges, concrete is everywhere you look— and that's just the world's built environment. And being an established concrete company, you are bound to be facing stiff competition. But does that really mean that you have to be among the struggling companies? Of course not! If the competition is giving you a hard time, or if you're just looking for ways to climb up the value chain, here are five tips that will help you become one of the best concrete companies San Francisco. From better understanding your market to streamlining your services, follow these five simple tips, and you will be among the very best in no time!
1. Buy or Lease Equipment: Before you can claim to be one of the best concrete companies in San Francisco, you will need to have the right tools and equipment. If you are just starting out, your finances will be limited. This is why it is highly recommended to lease or rent equipment, especially when you are taking on small jobs that don't require heavy-duty equipment. Buying the right equipment is a huge investment, but renting is much more affordable, especially for those who are just starting out.
2. Set Appropriate Goals: You don't want to set the bar too high, but at the same time, you don't want to set goals that are too easy to achieve. Set appropriate goals that will push you to work hard but aren't unattainable. If you're a new San Francisco concrete contractor, your first goal might be to get your first customer. From there, as you gain experience, you can set more appropriate goals such as getting ten customers in a month or becoming one of the top concrete contractors in San Francisco.
3. Stay Organized: When it comes to running a business, the organization is essential for success. With so many different aspects of your business that need attention, it's easy to lose track of things if you don't stay organized. Write lists and make schedules for yourself so that you know what needs to be done each day and each week. This will help keep things from slipping through the cracks and keep your business running smoothly.
4. Monitor Your Progress: You will be amazed at how quickly your skills improve when you start tracking your progress. Use a simple spreadsheet to track how many articles you write each day, how well your articles perform, and where you get published. This information will help you pinpoint areas where you need to improve, as well as identify your strengths so that you can play up those skills for future clients.
5. Hire the Best People: A lot of businesses today will hire average employees just because they are cheap and available. But when it comes to customer service, which most small businesses pride themselves on, you need high-quality employees who really care about making their customers happy. When hiring new staff members, really spend some time interviewing them and finding out if they would be a good fit for your company. Don't rush the process because it could end up hurting your business in the long run.

Foundations serve a wide array of purposes, such as transferring loads from the structure to the ground and retaining soil. It also provides support for the entire structure, enabling the house to withstand the elements. So, it's critical that you employ the right contractor for the job; otherwise, it can cost you a small fortune - and in the worst-case scenario, it could cost you and your family's life.
To help you minimize this risk, we have compiled the following list of features to look for in a good foundation contractor. These are qualities you should demand from your contractor in order to get a better outcome for both your home and your wallet.
1. Do They Offer a Warranty:It's important to have a warranty on your home repairs, particularly if they involve the foundation. Warranties can protect you from having to pay more money than you should for mistakes made by contractors. They can also protect you from having to pay for damages that are done to your home. Typically, you will want to look for a warranty that lasts at least one year and covers any sort of damage that might result from the work done on the foundation.
2. Check Their Client and Building Inspector Reviews:You want a contractor that has both a good reputation and good working relationships with building inspectors. These are two very different things, but they go hand in hand. You want to be confident that your foundation contractor can get the job done right. That means a quality foundation job you can count on for years to come. Be sure to read client reviews on their website and other review platforms such as Google Reviews, Yelp, Yellow Pages, and Better Business Bureau. And if you have any doubts about the quality of their work, ask for references from previous clients and talk to them about their experience with the company.
3. Make Sure They Have Insurance:Many homeowners are surprised to find out that their contractor has no insurance or is grossly underinsured. This lack of insurance can be costly for you. Your home is the largest investment you will ever make, and it is vital that you protect your investment from any mishaps that may occur.
It is essential that you ask your contractor for proof of insurance before beginning any work at your home. You should also check with your contractor's insurance agent to ensure that the policy is up-to-date and in good standing.
By making sure your contractor has proper insurance, you are ensuring protection for yourself, your contractors, and their employees.
4. Do They Have Any Affiliations:Often, trade organizations demand quality assurance in exchange for accepting a contractor as a member. These organizations usually have educational requirements, as well. The National Foundation Repair Association (NFRA) and the Structural Engineer's Association of Texas (SEATX) are two such trade organizations. If your contractor is a member of these groups, you can be sure that their work will be backed by industry standards. Also, keep an eye out for membership with the Better Business Bureau.
5. Do They Communicate Transparently:When you take on a home project, it's a big deal. You're trusting someone else to do something important and potentially expensive inside your home. That's why it's essential that you work with professionals who communicate transparently with their clients.
What does transparent communication look like? It means that the contractor is willing to explain the process of your foundation repair in terms you can understand. They will also be happy to answer questions about the repair and long-term maintenance of your home. If a contractor seems secretive or unwilling to talk about your foundation problems, then they're not the one for you.

​Your home is your castle; it's the place where you live with your family, friends, and pets. So, it's critical that you hire the right contractor to build it; otherwise, it could end up costing you a wallet-breaking fortune. However, finding a good and reputable concrete contractor often poses a daunting task for first-time homeowners. In fact, it's one of the most daunting tasks involved with home construction because, in as much as you want to find the best contractor for the job, you want to make sure you're not being ripped off. But don't worry; it's not impossible to find a quality contractor for your project. To assist you, below we present five tips on how to find good concrete contractor San Francisco:
1. Look for an Experienced Concrete Contractor. The experience is what separates reliable concrete contractors from unreliable ones. An experienced concrete contractor will know all about building codes and permits required for the job at hand and will be able to advise you on the best way to do things without breaking any rules or laws regarding construction. So be sure to look for concrete contractors with more than ten years of experience in this field so that they can handle your project professionally from beginning to end.
2. Check for Licenses and Insurance. Another way to find a good concrete contractor is by ensuring they have all the necessary licenses required to do their job and that they are insured. This is extremely important because it protects your project from any damages or accidents that may occur during construction. Hence, before hiring any concrete contractor, make sure they are licensed with your state's licensing board and insured by a credible insurance company. Also, ensure that the license and insurance certificates are up to date.
3. Ask for Referrals, Asking for referrals is one of the best ways to find a reputable concrete contractor. The advantage of doing so is that it allows you to get real-time feedback from people who have experience with the company or individual you are considering hiring. You can either ask your friends, family members, co-workers, and neighbors, or you can check out online review sites such as Yelp! and Angie's List. Most of these sites offer free reviews from people who have used the services of the contractors in question; hence, if the reviews are positive, then you know that the contractor does good work.
4. Check their website, If you want to know if a contractor is reliable, the first place you should check is their website. A good contractor will have a professional-looking website that includes pictures of their work and testimonials from clients. Also, they will have an FAQ page where they answer all the questions you may have about the project. You can even contact them via the website and ask for more information or to get a quote. However, if they don't have a website or their website looks like it was made in 1990, this is not a good sign because it shows that they're not serious about their business. So, if you come across such a contractor, move on to the next one.
5. Measure Your Interactions: How do you feel about the contractor? Are you comfortable around them? Can you see them working in your yard or around your home? If you are uncomfortable with them, then that is a red flag. There might be something off about their personality that could lead to miscommunication. Or worse, they could be unfriendly, unprofessional workers. They may also charge too much for their services because they know they are the only ones in town and that people will pay no matter what price they ask.

Driveways serve many purposes. Apart from aiding in vehicular traffic, it serves to protect your home from unwanted guests and vandals. It also provides an attractive canvas for aesthetic appeal. But a poorly designed or maintained driveway can render your home look shabby and unkempt—a sure way to scare off potential buyers or tenants in the future.
So, to help you impress and awe your visitors, here are some tips on how you can transform your concrete driveway San Francisco from plain to stunning. From furnishings to art installations, these ideas range from inexpensive to expensive; however, they all have one thing in common: they are all effective at upgrading the look of your concrete driveway San Francisco.
1. Add Some Color:Adding color to your driveway is another cost-effective way to make it look great, no matter what type of material it's made of. If you have concrete, consider adding colorful paint or stain in a pattern or design that complements the rest of your home's exterior decor. If it's made of asphalt, try lining the edges with brick or stone pavers to create a border that defines where the driveway begins and ends. You can even go one step further by installing pavers over top of the asphalt, which makes it look like a beautiful brick or stone surface.
2. Add Some Contrast:Using dark-colored limestone pavers will make your home stand out against the light concrete or other materials that surround it. On the other hand, if your home is dark, you might want to consider using lighter-colored limestone pavers. This will create contrast with the darker exterior of your house and give it a great look overall. You could even go with two different colors of stone — one lighter, one darker — around the edges of your driveway for additional interest.
3. Balancing Green and Concrete:Don't get us wrong here; concrete is great for driveways. It's durable, it's reliable, and it provides excellent traction for cars and pedestrians alike. But there's no reason why you can't also have some greenery on your driveway!
You can create a beautiful blend of green grass and concrete by planting a border of grass along the edges of your driveway. Then, you can seed or sod the middle part with concrete. This will give you a wonderfully green driveway that still has all the benefits of the traditional concrete driveway.
4. Add Some Lighting:A well-lit driveway can make your home appear open and inviting while also providing safety for you and your visitors as you enter your home at night. Installing lights along the sides of the driveway is an easy outdoor landscaping project that can make a big impact on your home's curb appeal. It's best to have a professional electrician add exterior outlets, so you don't have to worry about running an extension cord across your lawn every time you want to turn on the lights. You can also consider adding solar lighting that doesn't require any electricity at all!
5. Try Concrete Stamping:An easy way to make the surface of your driveway more visually appealing is with concrete stamping. This is where a pattern is stamped into the concrete before it has fully dried, leaving an imprint in the shape of the pattern pressed into it. There are plenty of different patterns to choose from, including classic brick or stone patterns and more modern styles like Moroccan tile or decorative leaf patterns.

5 Reasons Why you Need to Hire Professional Concrete Contractor Near MeAlthough concrete is an excellent long-term option when it comes to floor treatments, it can also be tricky to work with without the right training or experience. After all, the last thing you need is a floor of bubbles, cracks, or unevenness, which could throw your whole room off.
History has shown us that many homeowners, business owners, and contractors have had bad experiences with DIY concrete projects. And while some of these bad experiences may be due to lack of experience or training, oftentimes, the problems result from the improper use of materials. Either way, the outcome of a bad concrete project can be catastrophic, resulting in serious health and safety risks.
So, if you are planning to tackle a concrete project alone, here are some reasons why you need to hire professional concrete contractors. Boasting their expert knowledge and experience, professional contractors will ensure that your project is done right the first time, so you won't have to stress about another failed attempt in the future. So, without wasting any more of your time, here are five reasons why you should hire professional concrete contractor near me.
1. Professionals Knows How to Mix:There are a few things that can make a concrete job hard to do, and the right amount of water is one of those things. It may sound like an easy thing to remember, but it's not. When you mix concrete yourself, you'll probably get the proper amount of water in the mix by trial and error. Professionals know how much water to use and what kinds of cement and additives to use so that the concrete will set up correctly. Professionals can also make a concrete mix more durable, which means that it won't crack or crumble when it's exposed to stresses over time.
2. Professionals Have Decades of Experience:Many homeowners have very little experience with concrete projects and repairs, which is why it is a good idea to hire a professional. Concrete contractors have many years of experience and have handled many different kinds of concrete projects. They know how to get the job done quickly and efficiently, which means the job will be done right the first time. They also have all of the tools needed to complete any job, which means you do not have to spend money on expensive tools that you may not use again for a long time.
3. Professionals Will Do the Job Right:Another reason why you need to hire a professional contractor is that they will ensure the job is done correctly. If you try to do it yourself, there is always an increased chance that something could go wrong. If this happens, then the problem will only become bigger, which means it will cost more money and take more time to fix the mistake. When you hire a professional contractor to do the job for you, there is much less risk of something going wrong.
4. Reducing Liability:When you are tackling a concrete installation or repair project, there is going to be some liability involved. First of all, if any of your neighbors get injured or if their property gets damaged during the project, they could sue you and seek compensation. Additionally, if any of your employees get injured while working on the project, they could also sue you and seek compensation.
By hiring professional concrete contractors, you can reduce the liability that comes with handling such projects on your own. When you hire professionals, they will come with their own insurance policies that will help protect them in case anything goes wrong during the project. This means that when something happens during the project, and someone gets hurt, or something gets damaged, their insurance policy will cover the costs instead of yours. This can save you a lot of money in the long run and can also protect your reputation as well.
5. Saving Time:Concrete contractors have done this kind of work many times before, and they can complete the job fast than an ordinary homeowner would do. If you want your driveway or patio done quickly and correctly, then it's a good idea to hire professionals as they know exactly what they are supposed to do and how to go about it without wasting much time.

Winter can be a treacherous time for construction workers. But it's not just about the workers - the concrete can also be adversely affected. Since it's subject to freezing temperatures, it tends to harden more quickly, creating problems for the concrete mix. This makes it even more critical that contractors understand a few best practices when it comes to concrete pumping during the winter... So, before you embark on a concrete pumping project or contracting job this winter, here are some important questions you should ask as well as educate your employees on. This article will help ensure that your work is completed in a timely manner and with high quality.
1) Understanding The Importance of Monitoring:It is critical to monitor weather conditions and temperatures throughout the day. The process of concrete curing is a chemical reaction, and that chemical reaction requires a certain temperature and humidity for the best results. When temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the chemical reactions in concrete are slowed down. This is known as cold weather concreting.
When the air temperature drops, it causes concrete to cool off more quickly, which in turn affects hydration. When you have a slower hydration process, it causes the concrete to be more susceptible to damage from freezing or drying out too fast. This can be very problematic for your construction project as it can cause cracking or even lead to failure in the end result of your project.
2) Air-Entrained Concrete May Be Necessary:Air-entrained concrete is essentially concrete that has microscopic air bubbles that are intentionally added to the mix. While these air bubbles can be harmful when it comes to strength, they do have their place. The air bubbles act as small chambers that absorb some of the water in the concrete. This can help prevent the water from freezing during a freeze/thaw process which could lead to cracking. Let your employees know what type of concrete you will be using, and if it is air-entrained concrete, make sure they are aware of its properties and how it may be used.
3) Using Admixtures & Modifications:Often when pouring in cold weather, the use of admixtures and modifications to concrete is needed. These admixtures can help improve the workability of the fresh concrete, increase strength, and even reduce bleeding and segregation.
4) Adequate Insulation Will Be Needed for New Concrete:It is important to ensure that your concrete is properly insulated and heated during cold weather. This will be necessary for any new concrete you are pouring as well as any curing concrete you already have. If this is not done correctly, it can lead to your concrete cracking and breaking apart when the temperatures get too cold. To ensure this doesn't happen, you need to plan your project in a way that provides the proper heat source for your concrete and make sure you have plenty of insulation materials available to keep the heat from escaping.
5) You Might Want to Increase the Amount of Portland CementWhen you're working with cold-weather concrete, you can increase the amount of Portland cement in your mix to help it cure faster. If you add more Portland cement, it will create more heat when it cures, which means that your mix will be more likely to stay above 40 degrees Fahrenheit while it cures. However, if you do this, you will have less room for error when it comes to calculating your water-cement ratio. Therefore, only make this change if absolutely necessary and proceed with caution.