Q: Why concrete countertops?
A Cemented Concrete countertop is a one-of-a-kind sculptural form. We design and build countertops that reflect not only the style of the rooms in which they reside, but also the personality of our client. What are your interests? Water features, wood cutting boards, trivets, custom inlays, color variations, texturing, and whatever your mind can imagine, you can have it in your concrete countertop. Surprisingly as well, your concrete countertop will not only be unique in every way, but will also be a very “warm” surface. The soft edges and color variations create a feeling of warmth unlike other solid surface materials.
Q: How long does it take for my countertop to go from design to installation?
Approximately 4 weeks. We begin by coming to your site and making a detailed template. Then, an exact mold of your counter is fabricated and prepared for the concrete pour. Once the mold is filled, it is allowed to cure in a climate-controlled environment. This time is crucial for the success and durability of the product. During that period, the concrete is ground and polished many times until it becomes the desired smoothness. There is a tremendous amount of time and labor spent with your countertop to produce a product that will truly be a sculptural centerpiece.
Q: How do Cemented Concrete countertops compare on price?
The cost of producing a custom concrete countertop is competitive with most solid surface material and relatively affordable when you take into consideration the uniqueness of the product. Remember, due to the individuality of concrete, no one will ever have the same countertop as you. And most likely, you’ll be the only person in the neighbourhood who even has this type of countertop. The complexity of the form, the mold making process, finishing, and installation, all contribute to the overall pricing.
Q: Can I order a Concrete countertop in a custom color and finish?
Yes. Any design is available in a palette of standard colors and just about any color of the rainbow as a custom feature. We currently have the facilities to produce over 1500 colors! For custom colors, we require a test piece to be produced for visual confirmation, which may add 2 weeks to the delivery date. Of course, edge details and accessories are available as well.
Q: Which sinks and faucet fixtures may I use with my countertops?
Any. The customer specifies the number of standard knockouts for faucets, soap dispensers, air gap, or water filters as well as sink choice.
Q: Do I need to reinforce the supporting cabinetry in order to accommodate the weight of a concrete countertop?
Generally speaking, no, when using a quality cabinet. If the supporting cabinets are particleboard, vertical plywood reinforcements may be necessary. A 1.5″ thick standard concrete countertop has an approximate weight of 20 pounds per square foot and will be dispersed over the entire cabinet structure.
Q: Can I choose the inlays that are cast into the countertop?
Some of our clients enjoy placing inlays into their countertops including bits of interesting stone, stainless steel, drain boards, etc. Inlays offer a fantastic opportunity to tie the countertop into the overall design of your room..
Q: Can concrete be used as a cutting surface?
Cast concrete is not a substitute for a cutting board. You will not hurt the concrete if you cut on it but, you will dull your knives and possibly damage the sealer. If you are interested in introducing a cutting surface into the kitchen design, we can integrate a custom cutting board into your design.
Q: Can concrete chip, flake, or crack?
Our proprietary concrete mix is specifically designed to minimize any chipping or cracking. Microscopic hairline cracks may develop but are a rarity and would be all but invisible. These are not structural failures, they are inherent to the property of the material.
Q: Can I put a hot pot directly onto a cast concrete counter top?
Concrete is very heat resistant but can be 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 and the sealer may lose its effectiveness. We recommend using trivets for hot cookware. If you desire, cast-in rails can be incorporated for just such a function.
Q: Do concrete counters stain?
Concrete has approximately the same porosity as marble so we seal our countertops at the factory to greatly reduce staining. We offer two sealers depending on the look you are after. Our new high performance sealer is a product which has revolutionized the industry by providing the best protection against staining. This sealer actually makes our countertops more resistant to staining than most granites. Our regular sealer will allow the concrete to patina over time which on a cast concrete product, can actually enhance the character of the surface.
Q: How thick are concrete countertops?
Concrete countertops can range in thickness but Cemented concrete tops come in 1.5 inch standard thicknesses. We can custom make any thickness by adding a faux front onto the countertop.
