Why should I entertain concrete as a material for interior applications like kitchen or bathroom counters?
Concrete is an extraordinary material that is practical, expressive, and aesthetic all at once. From a primal and formless slurry, you can transform it into virtually any shape that becomes a solid mass. The possibilities for creative expression are endless. You can grind, polish, stamp, or stain it. You can embed meaningful objects within it.

What are the advantages of concrete countertops over marble and/or granite?
The biggest advantage of concrete is that it is completely customizable; you can sculpt, mold, and texturize it to your own desire. No other piece will ever be cast exactly the same. Concrete can be designed to incorporate special features such as cutting boards, drain boards, decorative tiles and trivets. These features can add functionality to your home and add personality. No other material can do that.

How does concrete compare to granite in terms of both cost (per square foot) and texture?
If you have a concrete kitchen or bathroom counter made for you, the cost will be based on the complexity of the form, the mold-making process, and the desired finish, rather than the size. Concrete can be the same or more expensive than granite. Concrete is not a commodity product like granite or marble. Each piece is custom made for individuals’ tastes.

Do concrete countertops have an application in more traditional kitchens?
Yes, absolutely. Style is dictated by design; concrete can adapt to any look. For example, edge detailing and decorative inlays can help a concrete counter blend into more traditional environments.

Can I use concrete countertops in a commercial kitchen?
Yes, but in Florida you should check with your local health department official first before starting any commercial project.

Would concrete countertops be good for outside use—as in an outdoor barbeque countertop? How will a colored concrete counter hold up in the sunshine?
Outside use is possible, but you need to consider and address efflorescence problems which can be tricky. In addition, there are issues of wear and tear from weather and natural elements.
Most iron-oxide pigments are color-fast, including the reds, yellows, browns, and oranges (as far as black, synthetic black oxide is more colorfast than carbon black). Greens are a bit more unpredictable, and blues (except for very expensive cobalt blue) are especially unpredictable when subject to UV rays.

Can I use concrete countertops as a cutting surface?
As with marble or granite, we do not recommend cutting directly on a concrete surface, as it could result in scratches and gouges in the finish of your counter as well as harm the blades of your knives. An integrated cutting board can be built into the countertop surface which can be removed for easy cleaning.

Can I put a hot pot directly onto a concrete kitchen counter?
Concrete is heat-resistant but is subject to thermal shock if a red-hot object is placed directly upon it. Like granite, the exposed area may flake or chip away if too much heat is applied. In addition, the heat could damage the sealer and wax applied to the surface. We recommend using trivets for hot cookware. Trivets either copper, brass or stainless can be strategically placed within the countertops to set items on and add a decorative design.

Can concrete countertops chip, flake, or crack?
As with marble and granite, concrete corners and edges can chip if struck by a hard object. Sealing and rounding the inside corners of the mold with silicone will ease the edges and prevent chipping. Hairline cracks can also develop, but these are not structural failures; rather, they are inherent characteristics of the material.

Do concrete countertops stain?
Concrete has approximately the same porosity as marble. Acids (especially red wine, lemon juice and vinegar) will etch the surface if not cleaned up right away. Our Sealer and Finishing Wax will help resist stains, but they aren't acid-proof and won't make your counter impervious to stains. Luckily, like aged butcher block or marble, a patina on concrete countertops can actually enhance the character of the surface, so a spill is not necessarily a disaster.

How thin or thick can I cast my countertop?
Thicker countertops give the concrete a sense of mass, something that you just can’t get with Corian or Granite. Thicker tops also allow you to include a bailing-wire-and-rebar support system in the piece. (Putting bailing wire and rebar into a piece that is less than 2 inches thick may cause ghosting-a slight discoloration in the surface of the concrete along the lines of the wire or rebar.) If you decide to cast thinner countertops or panels, they should be of moderate size (not too long and narrow), and require additional care when handling and installing them.

How much do they weigh?
Our countertops are typically poured at 2’’ thick, weighing approximately 25 lbs per square foot. A 1.5’’ inch thick top weighs approximately 18.75 lbs per square feet. Versus granite which weighs approximately 18 pounds per square foot for a 1.5 inch thick top.

What are my color choices?
See our color palette.

What kind of finished textures can I get with concrete?
Concrete can be ground, polished, sealed and waxed to result in mirror-like finishes or left rough for a more natural effect. We can inlay stones, beach glass, beads, tiles and even family heirlooms into the surface of the concrete before pouring it.

What about the shape of the countertop?
This is one of the real advantages of using concrete in that in can be sculpted into any shape you desire.

How long does the process take?
Once we have received a deposit, we will come out to your home to create exact templates of your space. Once we have created the templates, the lead time on custom countertops is 2 to 6 weeks.

I have decided to purchase. What do I do?
A representative from our company will work with you on the design of the countertops. A 50% deposit is required upon the commencement of the work. We will come out to your home or business to create a template.

Maintenance
How do I clean concrete countertops?
Washing your countertop with mild soap and water is the best method of cleaning. Be wary of cleansers and abrasive pads as they may have solven .ts and abrasives that can harm, scratch, or etch the surface of your countertop. Ultimately, prevention is the best defense—be sure to wipe up any potentially acidic liquids like wine, vinegar and other substances like lemon or tomato juice immediately.

What sort of routine maintenance is required to keep a nice finish on my concrete countertop? How often do I re-apply the finishing wax?
Ideally, for maximum protection and beauty, we recommend that wax be reapplied every month. This is something that can be done by the homeowner. With each coat of wax, your countertop will develop a naturally hard, protective coating to help repel against staining as well as remove fingerprints and add a lustrous sheen. Realistically, many owners only wax their countertops once a year or less, and then some never do at all. Without upkeep and maintenance, your countertop will patina and stain but this is only cosmetic and will not affect the durability of your countertop. As long as you like the aesthetics of your countertop, the countertop itself can be virtually maintenance-free and provide many years of enjoyment.