Watched an episode of Dwell this weekend on the Fine Living channel and they made note of precast concrete counter tops as an option to poured in place concrete counter tops. While I’ve some threads on the poured in place, and even read an article in FHB, I’ve not heard of precast in this use-area before.
Has anyone had the opportunity to work with (install) or use (themselves) with the precast form of concrete counter tops? I know there will be seems, but let’s presume this is an acceptable aspect.
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Find a copy of Cheng's books (Taunton Press) at a bookstore or library or buy one.
(I have the first one.)
Pre-cast is very common and thoroughly covered.
There was even an article recently in FH and it was for a pre-cast top.
Just to make sure we are on the same page ...
Precast meaning it was cast someone else, like in a factory, and not cast (poured) in my home.
Okey dokey, now that you clarified your original note.I'm sure there might be small operations but not aware of any factory-made.Sorry about the misunderstanding.
No problem. Until this past weekend I was completely unaware of such a thing.
I would think the manufactured or pre-fabricated tops would negate most of the appeals of concrete tops, mainly in cost.Might still be less expensive then let's say granite but the difference in cost would not be enough to forgo the maintenance advantages of going with conventional countertop material.I have my eyes on a second kitchen in our house which will get a 'practice' concrete counter.My plan is to first try a plain concrete top.
Next one would be with some ground/polished exposed aggregate for a terrazzo surface.
I do not know. Like I said, until this past weekend I didn't even know they existed. As to the cost, if I were to add in my $30/hour to the material costs I bet it wouldn't be all that cheap.
I would have thought the factory mass production relative to an individual homeowner would be sufficient to semi-automate manufacturing and reduce some of the costs.
I would have thought the factory mass production relative to an individual homeowner would be sufficient to semi-automate manufacturing and reduce some of the costs.-------Absolutely.
Except I'm not sure how well they would do.
Seems to me concrete tops, if purchased, is mainly from fabricators that charge specialty artisan prices.As for $30/hour, you may choose go with sweat equity after getting a quote from a premade source.I do agree the tops could be made cheaply in a factory setting if the demand is there.
You know what is interesting? I remember a thread over in the house-chat forum a few months back on the topic of concrete floor treatmens for options other than carpet or wood. The acid-staining afforded a marble-appearance. Up until this morning I had not thought about that approach to concrete when its a countertop.