Concrete Countertops
Concrete isn’t just for sidewalks anymore...it's invaded the kitchen. Concrete countertops, also referred to as cement countertops, don’t look anything like the concrete sidewalks and parking garages you see every day. Rather, they can literally become works of art as innovative yet very functional work surfaces. Yes, the very versatile material once used by the Romans centuries ago has made its way into the kitchen. The concept of concrete as a countertop material may seem to some a bit far-fetched but you have to dispel your common notions of what concrete looks and feels like. Concrete countertops can be as smooth as polished natural stone or solid surface and just as colorful. What Should I Know About Concrete Countertops?
Where To Get Them
What Should I Know About Concrete Countertops? | |  | | | Photo Courtesy Of The Slab-Lab Concrete Studio |
Concrete countertops are different than other types of countertops in a number of ways but most distinctively because in most instances they are not mass-produced. Each countertop is formed to a customer’s specifications and in essence, is a unique creation. There are two basic methods of getting concrete countertops in your home. It can either be poured and formed in place right in the home or pre-cast at the fabricator’s workshop and then moved to your home and installed much like a granite countertop. If it’s made at the fabricator’s shop there are transportation issues that have to be considered in order to get the countertop to your home. Make sure you understand how any shipping damage will be handled. The cast-in-place process involves some mess and the time for the concrete to cure which could be several days. Concrete countertops need to be reinforced just like concrete used in the construction trade. Several reinforcement materials are used including wire mesh, fiberglass and steel. Concrete is also susceptible to cracking and is a function of the fabricator’s experience coupled with the type of cement and reinforcement used. Most cases of cracks are usually reported as small hairline cracks that have no impact on the structural integrity of the countertop. Concrete also needs to be sealed since it is very porous. Some fabricators use epoxy while others use a penetrating sealer followed by several topcoats of wax.
Style And Design Flexibility
The beauty of these types of countertops is that they can be made to just about any design criteria you specify. Besides color and thickness you can choose whether to have features built right into the surface such as drain boards near sinks and trivets next to stove tops for hot pans. | Photos Courtesy Of The Slab-Lab Concrete Studio |
They can even incorporate inlaid items of interest such as precious stones, shells, fossils or whatever your imagination can dream up. | Photos Courtesy Of The Slab-Lab Concrete Studio |
Regardless of the overall design, the quality and look of your cement countertop ultimately comes down to the capability of your fabricator. They choose the type of reinforcement, the method of forming, the sealers and the constituents of the concrete mix itself. Their experience will play a big role in the quality and longevity of your concrete countertops. Make sure you know the experience level of your fabricator. Obtain references and/or testimonials and check them out.
Where To Get Them Here’s a list of fabricators for concrete countertops to help you get started if you’re serious about this type of surfacing for your home. Most of them make custom countertops made to your specifications and they ship nationwide, some across the globe. While it may seem a little unconventional to order countertops ‘site unseen’ so to speak, it’s not that uncommon. It’s not that different from ordering a granite countertop when you’re not able to actually visit the quarry or wholesaler. In many instances you’re left with choosing your stone based on a 12” x 12” sample, providing your dimensions and then waiting for delivery. The process is essentially the same with some of the concrete fabricators listed below. One final thing to keep in mind before settling on an out-of-town fabricator is the talent pool within your own community. We talked earlier about how concrete countertop construction is dependent on the mix and reinforcement used and ultimately the talent of the fabricator. There may be contractors in your own area that can do the job and do it well. Check local kitchen design firms as well as your building contractor to see if they can provide references for a good fabricator. If there are none, take a look at the list below. They have established a reputation within this niche and are well worth checking into.
| Fabricator | Buddy Rhodes | | Where To Find It | Countertops are available directly from the Buddy Rhodes studios | | Comments | The Buddy Rhodes Studio produces concrete countertops and other items ranging from tiles to sinks and tubs made from concrete. Countertops are made from custom molds however the maximum slab size is limited to 7’ x 3’ for structural reasons. Larger countertop surface areas can be made using several slabs however there will be grouted seams where the slabs meet. The molds are created based on a template you provide to the studio. The template can be made from plywood or other similar material. You provide information on the template for items such as sink and faucet cutouts, finished edge locations and which edges will abut walls. Countertops are crated at the studio and prepared for shipment. Buddy Rhodes Studios indicates they have shipped all over the United States as well as to international destinations. They recommend installation be accomplished by individuals experienced with stone countertop installations. Three standard finishes are available: - Pressed (veined effect)
- Hand Trowel
- Ground
The methods used to produce these different surface finishes result in varied textures and looks ranging from a marbled coloration with veining to monotone. Samples of the concrete material are available upon request. Visit their website for contact information. | Website | www.buddyrhodes.com |
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| Fabricator | Cheng Design | | Where To Find It | Countertops are available from Cheng Design in Berkeley, California. They also have a network of dealers in various states within the US that is searchable from their website. | | Comments | Cheng Design is a company specializing in kitchen and bath design in addition to custom home and commercial product design. It was founded by Fu-Tung Cheng, author of several books on the use of concrete in the home including a book specifically about concrete countertops. Cheng Design offers a trademarked countertop product line called Geocrete™. It’s available in 8 solid colors. Maximum length of any given piece or ‘module’ is 8 feet though modules can be pieced together and the joints sealed with silicone. Samples are available for a charge that is deducted from any countertop purchase you make. The countertops are manufactured in the Cheng Design facility and can be shipped to your location with installation by your contractor. One of the interesting aspects of the Cheng Design Geocrete product is the availability to incorporate inlaid objects into the countertop surface. You can provide them yourself or let Mr. Fu-Tung Cheng do the choosing which offers an interesting and creative aspect to your countertop. Another aspect of Cheng Design is the Cheng Concrete Exchange™ (www.concreteexchange.com). It’s geared toward broadening the exposure of concrete countertops and products and offers information and products for do-it-yourselfers and building professionals wanting to learn more about making concrete countertops. | Website | www.chengdesign.com/page/concrete-countertops/ |
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| The Slab-Lab Concrete Studio |
| Fabricator | The Slab Lab Concrete Studio | | Where To Find It | Countertops are available directly from the Slab Lab. Their website has contact information. | | Comments | The Slab Lab Concrete Studio is a small artisan shop located near Boston, MA. They serve eastern Massachusetts and surrounding communities. The Slab Lab creates custom concrete objects including countertops, sinks, fireplace and bathtub surrounds, art objects and other architectural elements. The focus at the Slab Lab is customization and personalization. Each project is approached with the intention of creating the perfect match for the client and the space. The range of colors is nearly limitless. The Slab Lab offers a number of different finishing techniques to further personalize each project. Samples of concrete are available for a charge that may be deductible from any purchase. The Slab Lab Concrete Studio installs countertops in eastern Massachusetts and surrounding communities but does not ship countertops outside this region at this time. Call or email using the contact information on their website to schedule a consultation and showroom visit. | | Website | www.slab-lab.com |
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| Fabricator | Sonoma Cast Stone | | Where To Find It | You can order products directly from the Sonoma Cast Stone factory or through select dealers within the US. Their website provides search capability for dealers in your area. | | Comments | Sonoma Cast Stone produces two varieties of concrete countertops –- Custom Countertops
- CounterTiles
The Custom Countertops are made to order based on your specifications that you provide. They are then crated and shipped to your location. There are 40 colors to choose from and samples are available for a nominal charge. CounterTiles are pre-made concrete countertop “blocks” that are laid next to each other to form a full countertop surface. The block sizes are 24” x 25.5” x ¼” and are offered in 4 colors. Because they’re pre-manufactured they cost less than the custom countertops and can be obtained quicker. They can conveniently be purchased online via their website. Probably one of the niftiest things about Sonoma Cast Stone products is their “Love ‘Em or Leave ‘Em” policy. Recognizing that once you get a product it may not be all that you were hoping for, they will give you a full refund and even pay the freight if you want to return it. This is applicable only to the re-stockable items and not the custom countertops. | | Website | www.sonomastone.com |
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| Fabricator | Soupcan Inc. | | Where To Find It | Countertops are available directly from Soupcan Inc. Contact information is available from their website. | | Comments | Soupcan Inc. is a Chicago-based company specializing in countertops, cabinets and sinks and offers pre-cast countertops made to your specifications. Counter:culture™ is the division of Soupcan Inc. that manufactures the countertops. Their lineup has 15 colors standard although custom colors can be developed for you. The countertop thickness is precast at 1 ½” but their website states that other thicknesses are possible. They also offer custom integral concrete sinks. Standard maximum slab sizes are 10’ long although slightly longer slabs are available for additional cost. The company also makes backsplashes in thicknesses equal to the countertop thickness. Samples of concrete colors are available for a charge that’s deductable from your purchase. Soupcan Inc. will ship anywhere in the US as well as outside the US. They recommend installation by experienced countertop installers and indicate that they will work with your installer as necessary to ensure proper installation. | | Website | www.soupcan.com |
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| Fabricator | Brooks Custom | | Where To Find It | Countertops are available directly from Brooks Custom. Their website has contact and price quote information. | | Comments | Brooks Custom, located in Mt. Kisco, NY, specialize in metal, concrete, wood and glass countertops as well as other home products. Concrete countertops are fabricated from specifications you provide and which are shipped to your location when completed. Their countertops come in 29 color varieties however custom colors can be developed. One of the interesting things about Brooks Custom concrete countertops is that they will match any color from the Benjamin Moore® color chart reference number. Samples are available for a charge that is deductible from any purchase. Brooks Custom makes their countertops in a range of thicknesses from ¼” up to 4 and 6 inches thick. | | Website | www.brookswood.com |
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| Fabricator | FormWorks | | Where To Find It | FormWorks serves the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina however they can locate other fabricators possibly in your area that utilize the same process and techniques they do. | | Comments | FormWorks was founded by Jeff Girard, a professional civil engineer who brings the knowledge of concrete from that profession to the kitchen countertop, in a literal sense. Mr. Girard also founded the Concrete Countertop Institute which specializes in training other in-trade fabricators the techniques of concrete countertop construction. FormWorks offers a wide range of colors and specializes in doing what it takes to meet your specific desire. Their colors range from solids to more interesting aesthetic effects such as veigning and variegated or speckled finishes. They even have the option for “embedments” or objects that can be incorporated right into the surface of the concrete. Custom color matching requires a deposit that is applied to an order of $2500 or more. | | Website | www.homestead.com/formworks/ |
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