“It’s just basically the natural look and feel of concrete
that is so appealing to many.
And the design aspect is limitless. You can manipulate it
to do whatever you want – you can do things
you just can’t do with other materials.”
—SHAWN VAN DRIESSCHE, Two Stones Design, Port Byron, Illinois
Table of Contents
The Kitchen Remodel:
A Recipe for a Great Investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Concrete Countertops:
Versatile and Unique. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Color Options:
Concrete Offers Limitless Hues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Gaining the Edge with Concrete
Details, Inserts, Special Shapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Make it One-of-a-Kind with Concrete
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Concrete’s Perfect Everywhere –
Even for the Kitchen Sink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Kitchen Islands:
Concrete is Tops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Integrating Concrete Into Your Total Kitchen Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9
Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
About The Concrete Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Eight Tips for Hiring a Concrete Contractor
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Read More Online about Concrete Countertops at www.ConcreteNetwork.com
FRONT COVER
PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE)
COURTESY OF:
BUDDY RHODES STUDIOS,
GET REAL SURFACES, SONOMA
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The Kitchen Remodel:
A Recipe for a Great Investment
1
Americans are remodeling like never be-
fore. In terms of dollars spent, the most
popular room in the house to remodel
is the kitchen.
The kitchen is the hub of the house
– the heart and soul, serving a variety of
functions. It’s an area where the family
prepares meals and the hot spot where
your guests will visit and mingle. Kids
sit at the island to do their homework
and hang out. You pay your bills at the
computer nook, island or kitchen table.
Kitchens are easily the most important
room of the house. Any real estate pro
-
fessional will tell you that the kitchen can
make or break a sale. So it’s no wonder
Americans want to make their kitchens
as functional and stylish as possible.
Overall remodeling expenditures hit $214 billion in 2001.
More than 4 million kitchens were upgraded or remodeled
to the tune of $14 billion.
Remodeling your kitchen not only provides your family
with a source of enjoyment, increased functionality, and
a signature sense of style, but it also is an investment
– a good remodeling job will return a good chunk of the
money you spend on it.
In fact,
Remodeling Magazine, in its 2002 Cost vs. Value
Report, says the average American will recover about 80
percent of the amount they put into their remodeling up
-
grades. In some parts of the country the yield is more than
100 percent.
“For individual owners, investing in their homes
this way not only improves their comfort
and safety, but also their ability to
build wealth and achieve financial security.”
— FROM THE REPORT,
MEASURING THE BENEFITS OF REMODELING,
by the Joint Center for Housing Studies
at Harvard University.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DEX STUDIOS
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When it comes to remodeling the kitchen, one of the major
considerations is the countertop.
There are a handful of countertop materials on the market
today. But many homeowners feel confined by the harsh
limitations of materials like granite or want a more natu
-
ral, customized look that laminates and other products don’t
provide.
But there is an answer – many have discovered concrete
countertops. What’s the appeal?
2
Concrete Countertops:
Versatile and Unique
Concrete’s irresistible appeal can be attributed to four
things: its versatility, its look of distinction, its natural quali
-
ties, and the display of superior craftsmanship.
Versatility
Few materials are as versatile as concrete. You can mold
concrete into any shape, color it to match virtually any hue,
and you can make it smooth or rough. Its versatility lends to a
range of design styles from contemporary to classic.
Concrete countertops can be left looking natural to
complement materials like wood, stone, and brick. Or,
concrete can be treated with chemical stains, coloring
pigments, aggregates, and epoxy coatings that allow con
-
crete to mimic popular materials like marble, granite, and
limestone.
“The best thing about concrete
is the versatility of shapes
and colors you can make.
Concrete holds characteristics
that can enhance any interior
design and become a centerpiece
in any home or office.”
—STEVE EYLER, Eycon Surfacing,
Myersville, Maryland
PHOTO COURTESY OF KALDARI
“Concrete is versatile, rugged, elegant and unique.
We use it as our medium because it is an adaptable
and natural material with a wonderful, silky feel ...
We consider each finished product an original work
in an unusual medium, created to fit your needs,
aesthetically as well as functionally.”
—ROBBIE HARRISON, Concrete Canvas,
Greenville, South Carolina
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A Look of Distinction
Concrete’s creative possibilities are endless. Each concrete ar-
tisan approaches his or her craft personally, achiev
-
ing a distinct look by building their own forms,
developing special casting techniques, and using
proprietary materials and coloring methods.
Because each piece is usually made to order,
customers can be a part of the creative process.
“We’re doing something different
all the time.
Each project is a prototype.”
—GERRY SANTORA, Soupcan Inc.,
Chicago, Illinois
Natural Qualities
While products like Corian are popular, many
opt for concrete because the look is more natu
-
ral. For some people, concrete has more tactile appeal than
granite, marble, or ceramic tile.
“We have been told by many of our clients
that the end product exceeded
their original expectation.
They often comment on the depth of color
and how the finish is smooth to the touch.”
—CRAIG SMITH, DEX Studios, Macon, Georgia
Superior Craftsmanship
Most concrete artisans are passionate about their work and
take great pains to achieve superior results.
To make sure clients are pleased with the final
product, many artisans will produce samples for custom
-
ers so they can evaluate the color, texture, and finish. This
great care and attention to detail cannot be duplicated in
mass-produced products. But even though the work is cus
-
tom, quality control and consistency in the manufacturing
process are not overlooked.
3
“We have created textures, edge treatments,
embedded objects and even made
terrazzo-style countertops.
We custom make our products from drawings
and make specialty molds.
We make the designs and ideas
of our clients come to life.”
—HANNAH BLACK,
Architectural Concrete Specialties,
Scottsdale, Arizona
PHOTO COURTESY OF COUNTERCAST DESIGNS, INC.
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Color Options:
Concrete Offers Limitless Hues
One of the many benefits of concrete is the wide range of
colors and hues available. Is it cobalt blue you’re after? May
-
be a spicy pumpkin or deep eggplant, an earthy terrazzo or
rich jet black? Whatever your pleasure, concrete can accom
-
modate.
Concrete countertop contractors offer their own unique
standard and premium colors.
Samples will always be different; each contractor has their
own secret recipe for constructing the countertops and em
-
ploying different types and amounts of cement and aggre
-
gates. There are different brands of pigments, stains, and
aggregate colors, so concrete countertops will always be
unique.
Color matching is in no way an exact science. Samples of
custom colors or requests for matching a particular color
will always be more expensive than samples of standard
colors. In most cases, the price of samples is applied against
the cost of the order.
How To Get Samples
Each concrete countertop contractor has standard samples and
offers custom color samples.
Standard color samples (and remember, each contractor’s sam
-
ples will be different) run in the $25-$50 range. Custom
color samples run from $75 to $150.
“We offer unlimited colors, textures
and finishes ranging from the cool gray
industrial and designer-sleek taupes
to rustic multi-colored slabs ...
Our latest new colors include ‘Electric Blue’
and ‘Think Pink.’”
—STEVE DVORAK,
Spirit Ridge Concrete Creations
4
PHOTO COURTESY OF
GET REAL SURFACES
PHOTO COURTESY OF EYCON
PHOTO COURTESY OF MELD USA
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Another one of the many benefits of concrete countertops is
the broad choice in the types of edging. Many concrete con
-
tractors offer a selection of standard edging, like these six
below from Buddy Rhodes Studio. Many contractors will
also work with you in achieving a custom look.
Gaining the Edge with Concrete:
Details, Inserts, Special Shapes
5
Trivets or stainless steel heat racks (top photo) can also be
built into concrete countertops.
In addition, most concrete contractors can make L-shaped,
V-shaped, and curved countertops. Buddy Rhodes studio
created this curved countertop (bottom left photo).
PHOTO COURTESY OF BUDDY RHODES STUDIOS
PHOTO COURTESY OF SOUPCAN INC.
“Many of our customers have challenged us
to find ways to incorporate concrete
in places where you’ve never seen it before.
We’re continually working with our clients
to deliver a functional and aesthetic result
that truly exceeds expectations.”
—MICHAEL BUSTIN, Meld USA,
Raleigh, North Carolina
PHOTO COURTESY OF MELD USA
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Make it One-of-a-Kind with Concrete
Because concrete can be molded into virtually any form
and shape and comes in an unlimited palette of colors,
you can have a unique countertop - one that none of your
neighbors will have. You can even custom-tint your con
-
crete countertops to match an existing color scheme. But
one of the most special attributes of concrete is the ability to
express your individuality through personal embellishments
like embedded artifacts and personal mementos or special
treatments.
Buddy Rhodes’ signature is creating a “veined” surface on
his countertops. These resemble two-toned marble, achieved
through pressing the concrete into a special mold, then fill
-
ing the veins with different colors. He then grinds the con
-
crete down to reveal the aggregate and the veins.
“Concrete is just getting stronger,
lighter weight and the selection
of colorants is phenomenal.
We are going to see more and more
concrete which will be available
and affordable to everyone.”
—WANDA ELLERBECK,
Grotto Designs
Jeff Girard of FormWorks often works with homeowners
who want metals, seashells, broken bottles, and even staples
from moving boxes embedded into their countertop. He even
had a unique project in which the homeowner wanted old
bottle fragments excavated from the historic home’s back
yard to tie the rich past with the new countertop.
Craig Smith of DEX Studios specializes in terrazzo finishes.
He brings his countertops to life by integrating colored glass
and aggregates, and then polishing the surface down to reveal
the color. Below, Soupcan Inc. creates a beautiful leaf im
-
pression in a countertop.
Michael Bustin of Meld USA, is redefining the way the
public thinks about and experiences concrete by casting its
own architectural material - extremeconcrete™. Utilizing
a proven manufacturing process that blends state of the art
concrete technology with hands-on forming and finishing,
every product Meld makes is engineered to deliver years
of predictable performance and stunning visual appeal.
The company is the nation’s exclusive manufacturer of ex
-
tremeconcrete™ products, an architectural material that is
manufactured from a mixture of concrete, and fused with
color and textures. “We really embrace technology from
the selection of our raw materials and ad mixtures to the
use of computerized systems,” says Bustin. Computers are
used to design, transfer information, and create the shapes
out of concrete.
6
PHOTO COURTESY OF SOUPCAN INC.
PHOTO COURTESY OF COUNTERCAST DESIGNS, INC.
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Concrete’s Perfect Everywhere –
Even for the Kitchen Sink
As many homeowners and designers find that concrete
countertops are a perfect fit for achieving a distinctive-look
-
ing kitchen, the next question that follows is what type of
sink to install.
One option is to extend the concrete to the sink. Because
concrete can be poured to shape any form, concrete fits the
bill for any type of sink imaginable, whether it’s integrated
into the countertop or farmhouse-style sink.
Some companies, like Sonoma Cast Stone, offer numer
-
ous styles of kitchen concrete sinks.
The Farm Sink has become the rage. These large and deep
sinks can hold several of the largest pots and pans and still
have room for a party full of dishes.
7
With the Chef Sink you get all of the beauty of a hand craft-
ed concrete sink, and you get the clever utility of a sliding
drain board. The stainless drain board slides over the sink
to become a large strainer. Pasta, vegetables and fruits can
be rinsed and prepared directly over the sink.
And Sonoma Cast Stone’s latest offering is the prep sink – a
secondary sink dedicated to food preparation.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BUDDY RHODES STUDIOS
PHOTO COURTESY OF INTERIORS
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Kitchen Islands:
Concrete is Tops
If you’re reluctant to make the plunge and commit
to concrete completely, a great way to try it out is
by installing a concrete countertop for your island.
Or, create a new small island with a concrete top to
use as additional prep and storage space.
Kitchen islands are more popular than ever, serving as
multi-functional, aesthetically pleasing must-have fea
-
tures for a growing number of homeowners.
The National Kitchen and Bath Association says more
than half of the kitchens created today have islands.
With the different materials out
there, there are many opportunities
to use more than one.”
—ANTHONY MCGILLVREY,
Vice President of Marketing,
Valley Countertops Industries
Along with sleek appliances, simple cabinetry, and plenty
of custom touches, the island is among the requirements
of today’s ideal kitchen.
One of the great things about a concrete island is that it
blends well with other materials. So you can select con
-
crete textures and treatments to complement your existing
kitchen materials.
Designers and manufacturers are even touting more than
one countertop surface in the same kitchen.
“We’re also encouraging the use
of a variety of countertop materials
in the same kitchen.
8
PHOTO COURTESY OF KALDARI
PHOTO COURTESY OF TTO DESIGNS
PHOTO COURTESY OF DEX STUDIOS
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Integrating Concrete
Into Your Total Kitchen Design
If you’re undergoing a total kitchen re-
model, then it’s a perfect time to work in
concrete, whether it’s a countertop for your
primary work space, a top for a new or exist
-
ing island, or a concrete sink.
You can select concrete colors and textures
that will blend well with new appliances,
new flooring, and can be the inspiration
for new wall colors and lighting fixtures.
Many companies that specialize in concrete
countertops have the added advantage of experi
-
ence in kitchen design.
For example, Soupcan Inc., began as a mill
-
work kitchen and bath company. The com
-
pany introduced concrete, which is now
the mainstay of the business. This back
-
ground provides the benefit of peripheral
kitchen and bath issues, like the electrical,
plumbing, and design issues related to coun
-
tertops and sinks.
Other companies, like Countercast Designs
Inc., specialize in integrating concrete coun
-
tertops into the total design of a kitchen.
“Eighty percent of the work
is in the mold-making and design
process.
It really has very little to do with concrete.”
—KAREN SMITH,
Countercast Designs,
Surrey, British Columbia
9
PHOTO COURTESY OF CONCRETE INTERIOR
PHOTO COURTESY OF BUDDY RHODES STUDIOS
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Frequently Asked Questions
How are concrete countertops made?
Every concrete countertop contractor has his or her own pro-
prietary construction method. Some of the common points and
issues include:
• Countertops are sometimes made on site, but more often they are
produced in a shop, where conditions are controlled. Contractors
use special casting tables and then keep the countertop in their
possession while it is curing and until it can be adequately sealed.
These “pre-casters” say they can produce higher quality products
and flatter surfaces, which are then easier to install.
• Countertops are made of cement, lightweight aggregates, and a
combination of additives.
• Additives such as fiber reinforcement, silica fume pozzolan, and
acrylic are often used.
• Some type of reinforcement is used, usually structural steel,
wire mesh, fiberglass, and/or fibers. Sometimes more than one
type of reinforcement is used.
• The countertops are cured.
• Countertops are often ground. For example, Jeff Girard, owner
of FormWorks, grinds off the surface “skin” with a series of pro-
gressively fine diamond polishing stones. This achieves two im-
portant objectives – durability and beauty.
• Countertops are always sealed. The type of seal, method and
number of coats of sealer is unique to each concrete contractor.
“The aspect of our tops
that are the most attractive to people
are that we hand finish
all of our countertops in place
giving them a truly unique
and imperfect look.”
—PATRICK M. ROGERS,
Summit Professional Builders Inc.,
San Rafael, CA
How thick are concrete countertops?
The standard slab thickness is 1.5 inches. Two-inch slabs are
also quite common. It is possible to make a thicker countertop,
and is usually done for aesthetic reasons. If a 6 inch slab is de-
sired, the back and center are still 1.5 inches thick and the front
“grows” to the desired thickness. So it still looks 6 inches thick,
but is only 6 inches thick in the front.
How much do concrete countertops weigh?
A 1.5 inch thick standard concrete countertop weighs about
18.75 pounds per square foot. (Granite is approximately 18 pounds
per square foot.) The countertop weight can be less if lightweight
concrete is used. But some countertop contractors will not use light-
weight concrete because it has less strength.
Standard cabinetry will support the concrete slabs as the weight
of the countertops is distributed over a large area.
How much do concrete countertops cost?
Concrete countertops are a custom-crafted material for high-
end use.
Some consumers think of concrete as being a cheaper alterna-
tive to other available countertop surfaces. But when you think
about buying a concrete countertop, you should do so based on its
beauty, artistry, and customization.
The price of the concrete countertop is broken down into
countertop construction, shipping (if required), and installation.
Standard 1.5 inch thick concrete countertops range from $65 to $125
per square foot.
These items add to the cost:
–Irregular or curved shapes
–2 inch thick concrete
–Integral drain boards
–Custom edges
–Back splashes
What about shipping and installation?
Countertop contractors in almost all cases install their own
product in their market area, eliminating shipping expenses. Ship-
ping method and carrier, for those firms that do ship, varies by con-
tractor. Discuss this with the contractor.
Installation, when done by the countertop contractors,
runs in the $40-$50 per hour, per person, range.
Other installations, such as those when the countertop has been
shipped, should be done by a contractor experienced in installing
countertops. Rates vary by region. The countertops arrive to the
site in a completed state and no modifications should be needed.
Most of the concrete countertop contractors provide detailed
installation instructions. Request these instructions and make sure
your installer understands the installation instructions prior to the
countertops arriving on the jobsite.
Will my concrete countertop stain?
Concrete countertops have sealers applied for water and stain re-
sistance. (Left in its natural state, unsealed, concrete is porous
and will stain.)
Soupcan Inc. makes their countertops more permeable
—meaning less stain resistant - by adding water conditioners
to their countertop mix formulation. This affects the capillary
structure of the concrete itself.
10
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11
Jeff Girard at FormWorks has created a countertop that doesn’t
stain. His sealing system uses a heavy-duty industrial-grade sealer
that is food-safe, colorless and non-yellowing.
He’s even put the sealer up to a grueling test, slathering tur-
meric spice and oil, ketchup, mustard, balsamic vinegar, cof-
fee, and lemon juice all over the sample, letting it sit for more
than 100 hours. The sealer did not stain. He’s also placed a
450-degree pan directly on the sealer without scorching, burn-
ing, or bubbling.
How should I care for my concrete countertop?
• Don’t cut on concrete countertops. It won’t hurt the concrete, but
it will damage the sealer, which keeps out water and stains.
• Always use cutting boards when chopping and preparing foods.
• Avoid placing hot pans on concrete countertops. Concrete is
very heat resistant, but, again, the concern is damaging or dis-
coloring the sealer.
• Consider asking your contractor to build in trivets (before the
countertop is installed). Some will build in steel, brass or cop-
per. These type of trivets not only contribute to the total design
of your countertop and kitchen, but they’re functional, too.
• Avoid abrasive soaps or cleansers. ConcreteWorks Studio recom-
mends a mild, non-abrasive, non-ammonia soap for daily cleaning.
They suggest Simple Green (diluted as instructed) or Dr. Bronner’s
natural soap (five parts water, one part soap). Soupcan, Inc. recom-
mends a neutral pH cleanser and warm water. They say you should
avoid using abrasive pads.
• Follow the instructions provided by your concrete contractor.
What else should I expect with a concrete countertop?
Like any other material, concrete has properties that require
special care and attention. One of the biggest questions that
comes up is whether concrete countertops will develop cracks.
The answer: Not always, but concrete countertops can develop
hairline cracks. The cracks tend to be non-structural and result
from the natural shrinkage of the concrete.
But many view this unpredictable, imperfect quality as one
of the many assets of concrete.
Each concrete countertop contractor has his or her own rein
-
forcement method. For instance, Soupcan Inc.uses fiber reinforc-
ing technology. They believe their proprietary formulation drasti-
cally reduces the chances for both structural and hairline cracking.
The conventional wire mesh and rebar reinforcement acts only
after cracking has occurred.
Other contractors have success using rebar, mesh, fiber rein-
forcement, and/or other methods of reinforcement.
No matter what reinforcing method is used, hairline cracks,
which are non-structural, may still occur.
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About The Concrete Network
The Concrete Network (www.concretenetwork.com), lo-
cated in Yucaipa, Calif., is the largest and most compre-
hensive resource online for concrete information. Over 1
million people visit the site each month to read articles,
get design ideas, and to search its extensive directory for a
concrete contractor in their area.
Established in 1999, The Concrete Network’s purpose
is to educate homeowners, contractors, builders, and
designers on popular decorative techniques and appli-
cations. With thousands of articles, photographs, and a
comprehensive directory of concrete contractors, The
Concrete Network is a repository of information about
the industry’s products and services, including stamped
concrete, stained concrete floors, concrete countertops,
polished concrete, and much more.
The site excels at connecting buyers with local contractors
in their area through its Find-A-Contractor service. The
service provides visitors with a list of decorative concrete
contractors throughout the U.S. and Canada, and is fully
searchable by 23 types of decorative concrete work and
200 regional areas throughout North America. The direc-
tory is organized by area and specialty, such as patios,
pool decks, driveways, countertops, floors, stamped con-
crete, and water features, among many others.
Site visitors can choose their local area and view concrete
contractors and concrete products, obtain full contact infor-
mation for the listed businesses, and contact them directly.
The Concrete Network was founded by Jim Peterson,
a former Vice President of a major concrete company
in Riverside, Calif. During the 1999 World of Concrete
Trade Show in Las Vegas, Peterson had the idea to cre-
ate an industry portal on the World Wide Web for all
things related to concrete.
Eight Tips for
Hiring a
Concrete Contractor
U
se this guide to make sure you’re prepared when it comes to hiring a contractor. These 8
simple steps are your key to knowing what information you should look for, what ques-
tions you should ask, and to understanding some vital do’s and don’ts during the process.
Your preparedness can make a difference in how smoothly your project gets installed. Print a copy
of this diagram and refer to it through each step of your project. Before you know it, you’ll be en-
joying your new concrete too!
12
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