Replies

1. 
   SamT | Jun 30, 2007 05:17am | #1

   ^
2. 
   junkhound | Jun 30, 2007 05:24am | #2

   Just myself DIY David, but not for hire <G>.

   Do you think a megamansion owner on FH would like the quality of the concrete countertop of my forge?   Probably not unless really into rustic.

   The black and white marble chip terrazo polished elevated hearth in own house may be of that class though.

    

    

3. 
   zak | Jun 30, 2007 05:37am | #3

   I know someone that might have worked for a concrete countertop place in seattle- my memory is a bit fuzzy, and I don't know the name of the place.  They guy I know worked for me a couple years ago, and it was a couple years before that when he did concrete counters.  I'll find out what he knows about it if you want me to.

   zak

   "When we build, let us think that we build forever.  Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone." --John Ruskin

   "so it goes"

    

1. 
   davidmeiland | Jun 30, 2007 05:52am | #4

   I got a couple of leads off the Cheng website, that's it. One local guy does them but then you have to deal with him.

1. 
   zak | Jun 30, 2007 06:13am | #5

   I'll give my friend a call this weekend and get back to you.zak

   "When we build, let us think that we build forever.  Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone." --John Ruskin

   "so it goes"

    

4. 
   Kowboy | Jun 30, 2007 06:19am | #6

   Do them a favor and talk your customers out of concrete. It's great for driveways and high rises, but sucks as a countertop. But the designers like it so that makes it cool.

   Is there anyone on earth that gaurantees concrete countertops from cracking? I thought not. Estone and solid surface have ten and fifteen year gaurantees.

   Kowboy

1. 
   sapwood | Jul 02, 2007 06:25am | #8

   Wood floors develop cracks during the dry winters, but that doesn't stop us from enjoying them. Some things are worthy of having even with their imperfections.

1. 
   zak | Jul 02, 2007 07:39am | #9

   I'll second you on that- I would so much rather have "real" feeling materials, with all their imperfections, than having acres of glossy, smooth, quartz. As long as people know what they're getting, concrete can be a great material.zak

   "When we build, let us think that we build forever.  Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone." --John Ruskin

   "so it goes"

    

2. 
   Kowboy | Jul 02, 2007 04:16pm | #10

   Ever notice how you never see concrete countertops in a food preparation or serving area in a restauraunt?

   That's because those "character cracks" harbor all kinds of unsanitary bacteria and the health department would shut them down. If that's O.K. for your home, have at it, but I won't be coming over for dinner anytime soon, thanks.

   Look for the NSA (National Sanatation Foundation) label on your countertops, your health inspector does and with good reason. You won't find it on concrete or granite.

   Kowboy

1. 
   sapwood | Jul 02, 2007 07:05pm | #11

   I was gonna make paella with lots of chicken, pork, and seafood..... and you won't come. Awww shucks...... and I had the dog lick the concrete really clean, too.

1. 
   davidmeiland | Jul 02, 2007 10:28pm | #12

   For those that don't know, Kowboy is a solid surface geek and he does make some good points about sanitary-ness... but the customer is pretty much always right when choosing finishes and I can 100% guarantee that she has chosen concrete.

   Thanks Zak for the lead, I will call him and blame you for it.

2. 
   sapwood | Jul 03, 2007 12:07am | #13

   okey-dokey...... I'll leave him be.

2. 
   Samhanwich | Jul 18, 2007 05:40am | #14

   A late word on concrete countertops. It's all about the fabricator. Each one has his/her own methods of mixing and finishing the concrete. The concrete can perform as good or better than granite or it can act like a sidewalk on your cabs. The concrete countertop industry has made great strides in terms of mixes and sealers in the last few years. If you do your homework you should be able to find a fabricator that can produce a top that is well sealed, crack resistant, and beautiful.

5. 
   zak | Jul 01, 2007 11:13pm | #7

   I'll email you with the name and number of a friend who's done quite a few concrete countertops.  Good guy.

   zak

   "When we build, let us think that we build forever.  Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone." --John Ruskin

   "so it goes"