Frequently asked questions.
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Concrete is an excellent choice when you want anything between a clean contemporary look to a complete one of a kind custom piece of art. With its versatility the range of possibilities is great.
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Absolutely! Our concrete starts off as an off white which allows us to dye the concrete before it is cast. This means the color goes through the entire piece unlike staining it. The colors we can create are nearly endless and we do have a great set of samples ready to show off. We can also create new samples just for you if you have something very specific in mind. Most color choices do not effect the cost but some do such as the bright reds and purples.
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Even though it is a completely custom material, concrete is in line with standard countertop materials. Base cost will fall around $110 a square foot. Additional cost for things like sink type, thickness, custom design, special edging, etc. Every countertop or project is different so don't hesitate to have us give you a baseline quote.
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Most of the time our countertops will be made off site in our shop. This keeps the mess away and allows us to control the process better resulting in a high quality finish. Sometime due to project demand or desired look an onsite cast in place is required.
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All types of sinks including but not limited to drop-in, under-mount and apron front. We can also integrate a custom designed sink. However integrated kitchen sinks is not recommended as they take the most abuse in the kitchen.
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Edging is formed and cast rather than cut like granite or solid surface. Therefore, edge choices depend on the availability of molding. If you have something in mind we are open to discuss.
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Integrated means it is physically connected as one piece. We do this by casting as one. The most common place you will see this is with our waterfall edges. If you don't see a seam then its integrated. The other instance would be an integrated sink. We even have one that has an integrated backsplash that goes into an integrated bar top!
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You should never see any large structural crack due to the amount of fiberglass reinforcement within these countertops. This is what allows us to cast a thin as 1 inch. Non structural applications could be even thinner.
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We use a high-performance food safe sealer that is exceptionally durable and provides excellent resistance to incidental contact with staining agents such as red wine, lemon juice and olive oil.
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Absolutely. Integrating a sink is an excellent way to customize your countertop. Common sink shape molds are available or we can even make our own molds in house. However kitchen sinks are not highly recommended as they see the most abuse in a kitchen.
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As with almost all types of countertop surfaces, it is best to use trivets. Concrete can micro-crack if exposed to high heat, and the sealer is not elastic enough to “absorb” these micro-cracks thus compromising the resistance to staining.
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While the sealer is durable, it can scratch if cut with a knife or subjected to heavy, sharp objects dragged across the surface. Cutting on the concrete may compromise the integrity of the sealer and allow stains to permeate the concrete.
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Outdoors is a great use of concrete countertops. Whether it's a covered or uncovered area the concrete will hold up. It is important to understand they will see more harsh conditions so it may be necessary to have them professionally resealed more than indoor pieces.
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Clean you countertops with a clean soft cloth and non-abrasive, pH-neutral cleaner. Simple Green products are recommended for heavier cleaning. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads. Avoid placing hot items directly on the concrete as this may damage the sealer. Avoid dragging sharp objects on the surface. Clean up acidic liquid spills (lemon juice, vinegar, wine, soda, tomatoes, mustard, etc.) quickly. Do not use harsh chemicals (ammonia, hydrogen peroxide).
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Our countertops will not have holes. During the processing step of creating the countertops we use a concrete slurry mix to fill all the pinholes in the countertop. This step is repeated as many times as necessary. Sometimes creating voids then back filling during the process can even be part of the design aspect.
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This all depends on the size and complexity of the project but a rough rule of thumb is 1-2 weeks from when we create our template.
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Our warranty covers the structural integrity of the concrete for one year after installation. We have been in business since 2019 and have reported no issues so far. Maintained countertops can last a lifetime.
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This all depends on the abuse and care the countertops undergo. The sealer could last multiple years with basic care. If you ever feel the need to reseal please reach out to us as it could likely but done in a single day.