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Forming grids for laying the concrete
An integral concrete sink in a countertop is created using a "hand pressed" technique with a stiff concrete mix.
Concrete is being mixed in a paddle style mixer.
In this process the concrete surface is going through wet grinding with diamond tooling.
The terra cotta orange concrete has embedded metal gears with blue concrete inside them.
A wine glass stem has been embedded in this concrete surface.
A sleek, contemporary kitchen with soft gray countertop and full-height backsplash.
In general, my recommendation for custom concrete countertops is that you seek out a qualified, experienced concrete countertop manufacturer in your area and develop a referral relationship. Concrete countertops are not for everyone, and any experienced manufacturer knows this and will know when to recommend that a potential client consider granite, quartz or solid surface. Likewise, for those clients who seek a hand-made, earthy and trendy material, concrete countertops can be suitable options. The Web site www.concretenetwork.com has a listing of companies that make custom concrete countertops, by state and region. The Web site www.concretecountertops.net has information about how to evaluate a custom concrete countertop manufacturer.
The growing popularity of concrete countertops may not be a threat to solid surface and stone materials, but instead a boon to creativity and specialization among surface fabricators. Whether you choose to add concrete countertop fabrication or manufacturing to your business or seek out a concrete countertop craftsman, this article should help you understand and appreciate concrete countertops.
About the author: Jeffrey Girard, P.E., is a licensed professional civil engineer. He is president and founder of The Concrete Countertop Institute, whose mission is to raise the standard for concrete countertops through training, information and outreach.
For more information, visit www.ConcreteCountertopInstitute.com or call 888-386-7711.
