There are several choices artisan made Concrete Countertops, furniture and surfaces!
What’s special about artisan concrete is that it’s handcrafted, unique, versatile and custom. Concrete is not your typical, characterless material and no two surfaces are alike. One of the most alluring features of concrete is that it is crafted by an artisan rather than mass-produced in a factory. The craftsmanship, skill and labor that go into it are what make it special. Concrete is uniquely human and achieved with very little processing. The sculptural properties of this malleable material added into the finishing details, surfaces and furniture in your home will create an environment that is uniquely your own.
Cast-in-place vs. Precast Concrete Countertops
Cast-in-place
We have developed a Cast-in-place technique that has some unique benefits, this method allows for:
Seamless Kitchen design, concrete is continuous and installed as a solid slab.
Quick installation, our cast-in-place countertops are installed in 2-3 days
Cost effective, this method allows for cost savings over traditional installation.
Unique color, pattern and texture choices, Cast in pace is the preferred technique when recreating stone patterns and unique textures.
Precast
Traditional precast concrete is beautiful and durable. It allows for different finishing options and sealer choices than our cast-in-place system. Precast concrete offers a denser finish and durability. Precast concrete countertops will age and patina over time. For many homeowners the look and feel of precast concrete is what draws them to this technique.
Beauty and durability
Greater Sealing options
Dimensional aspects for linear change from slab to edge
Durability and life expectancy
Edge Profile and Thickness
Our standard edge thickness is 1.5” or 2.0” however concrete can be cast to any size thickness and is available for custom order.
Decorative edging
Once of the unique options available with concrete countertops is decorative edging. A hand chipped, woven, rope form, fractures or quarried edging detail can add interest and character to your countertop or furniture.
Cement Mixes
Marble Sand mix: Made from very fine marble sand, this mix is best used when a smooth clean modern look is desired. This mix is best used with the polished surface finish.
Base Sand Mix: This is our main cement mix; it has a slightly larger grain of marble, about the size of playground sand. When ground and polished the sands show through giving visual interest and added depth to stone patterns. This is the mix used in the smooth cast finish or riverbank finish.
Shell Mix: Made from recycled oyster shell, this mix is an option with the ground and polished finish. Oyster shell aggregate will show through in whites, pinks and mother-of-pearl. This mix looks very good in black or mixed in a stone pattern with other colors. This mix will mimic a stone cut from a sea side quarry and can be used in rustic, Tuscan, or even modern applications.
Fiber Mix: This mix is all about stone pattern, granite, or split faced stone. This mix incorporates a cellulose fiber that gives that concrete a granite appearance. This is a good choice when a traditional granite or stone look is needed but a custom color, dimension, thickness or seamless look is desired. For example we can create bright vivid colors in this pattern like pinks, reds, greens, blues that do not occur in nature. Another possibility would be in furniture use or countertops when expensive split stone would not be feasible.
Terrazzo: In terms of green living, there is no surface that compare with terrazzo. Some of the earliest terrazzo surfaces created almost 10,000 years ago still exist today. Terrazzo is comprised of recycled glass and cement, then polished to expose the aggregate locked in the concrete. Our terrazzo concrete countertops are beautiful, durable and limitless in color and glass choices.
Sealers vs. Densifiers
Concrete sealers offer stain resistance protect to your countertops and enhance the color of your concrete countertops. Care must be considered with concrete sealer, this is the barrier between your kitchen and your countertops. Never cut, or places hot item directly on sealed concrete countertops. Always use plastic bristles or pads to clean sealed concrete. Warm soapy water is best for cleaning or washing. Never use bleach or ammonia to clean. Always clean up after acids are exposed to your countertop, like lemons, limes or any other acidic liquids.
Densifiers allow the concrete to have a more natural feeling, increased scratch resistance and will patina or age or darken over time. Care instructions are similar to sealed countertops, especially with regards to acids. This sealing method is considered by many in the industry to be the most maintenance free and high-end option available for concrete countertops