Frequently Asked Questions - Concrete
Q. What sort of concrete work do you do?
A. We make very specialized custom pieces in concrete, usually counter-tops for
kitchens, bathrooms and bar-tops. We also do sinks, coffee tables, dining tables, pedestals, hearths, mantles and even
shower surrounds.
Q. Why concrete counter-tops?
A. Mostly aesthetic. Concrete is completely customizable. It can be molded, sculpted, textured, troweled, ground,
polished, stained and embedded with other materials or objects. You design it, we make it. Each piece is unique and
hand crafted with its own natural look and feel.
Q. Concrete vs. Granite?
A. Concrete is similar to granite in density, weight and cost. But, concrete
can do much that granite cannot. It can look like nothing you have ever seen.
Q. Can concrete counter-tops
chip or crack?
A. Yes, but you have to try
really hard. As with granite or marble, corners and edges can be vulnerable to damage. We recommend slightly rounded
edges. Hairline cracks may develop but they are not structural and are considered character and part of the material. Structural
cracks are rare and generally occur only over poorly built cabinets.
Q. Can concrete counter-tops
stain?
A. Much like marble, concrete can
stain if proper care is not taken. Acids such as red wine, lemon juice and hot sauce can etch the surface if not cleaned up
promptly. We use the best sealer systems available to avoid stains. But, over time, a natural patina can enhance the character of the surface like aged butcher block or stone. A stain can be more
a memory than a disaster. I am thinking of the evening of the pomegranate martinis.
Q. Can I cut on concrete counter-tops?
A. Cutting on your concrete counter-top may damage the sealer and possibly cut
into the concrete surface. Also, it will really dull your knives. We recommend a cutting board.
Q.
Is concrete heat resistant?
A. Concrete
is very heat resistant but subject to thermal shock like any other stone. An extremely hot pot may damage the sealer which
can be repaired.
Q. How does the concrete counter-top process work?
A. There are two basic methods of making concrete tops, precast and poured in place.
For precast concrete tops, we make templates from your installed cabinets, build forms, pour, flip them over and finish.
Then we install them in your home just like stone tops. There are some size limitations. For poured in place tops, we build
forms over your cabinets, pour and finish in place. We can pour and entire kitchen seamlessly. Either way we can
do integrally colored, acid stained or color overlay to produce color and texture like you have never seen.
