Why use concrete?

 What is the cost?

 Can you cut (prepare food) on concrete?

  Can you place hot kitchen utensils directly on the surface?

  Will concrete stain?

 What kind of sealant is used on the concrete?

  Will concrete crack?

 What about weight?

  Will the counter top have seams?

 Concrete allows you to design your own unique sculpture whether it is a counter top, fireplace surround, water feature – one that is truly yours and yours alone. There few materials that allow you the creative artistic range that concrete does. The concrete sculpture will dramatically define the design of the space, whether it is commercial or residential. Due to the inherent nature of concrete it is impossible to duplicate all the small nuances that occur in the casting of each concrete piece. 

 Like any hard surface, natural or man-made, it is not advisable to cut directly on concrete. Disposable surfaces like wood or plastic cutting boards should be used to cut on, both for the sake of the concrete but also for your knives!

 While our concrete counter tops can withstand temperatures in excess of 350 degrees, there is always a chance of thermal shock weakening the counter top. For this reason, the use of hot pads or trivets is recommended. In fact, trivets can be designed into the counter top for both protection and design considerations.

 Concrete, like all other natural stones, is a porous surface. You should always wipe up any foreign substances as quickly as possible on any porous surface.  See “What kind of sealant is used” below.

  Here at This Can’t Be Concrete, we have worked hand in hand with some of the most advanced technologies that the world has to offer in the dynamic field of concrete and sealers. The technologies that go into our products, and into your home, have been tested and developed with the family in mind.

First and foremost in our considerations of the family and the environment was to help develop a environmentally friendly, non toxic, and USDA approved product that is food safe.  Durability is a main concern for long term use in the home, so we have helped to make some of the most advanced abrasion resistant technologies available.  We are committed to not altering the natural feel and appearance of the concrete, as this is one of the reasons you are going with this high end product.  Some will advertise that they have “Stain-proof Concrete” when in reality they have simply covered the surface with epoxies and urethanes, making the surface of the concrete plastic in appearance and unnatural in feel. We are committed to staying on the cutting edge of advanced technologies and training so that the products we put in your home are built to last and stand the test of time. We would not accept anything less in our home, so we do not expect you to accept anything less. That is why you have retained us in lieu of others.

Based on the above we can guarantee that water and most household foodstuffs and liquids will not stain your concrete countertop. Regardless, common sanitary procedures would dictate that all spills, etc. should be cleaned up immediately

 Our counter tops are made with the most structural integrity available. We absolutely guarantee against structural cracks. Hairline cracks may develop over time, however, these are extremely rare, and only enhance the true inherent beauty of concrete. Our proprietary concrete mix uses the most advanced reactive pozzolans, water reducers, Portland cement, fibers, and additives available.

 Our standard 2” thick counter top weighs about 24lb per square foot. Most standard cabinets can easily handle the weight of concrete. We can confirm after visual inspection.

 We only do pre-cast concrete slabs. We feel that concrete can best be poured in our shop, vibrated properly, and finished in the manner you want it. Seams on a counter top will be placed where they become part of the over all design.  Seams are also usually placed around sinks and cook tops. 

Colors

We use only the finest OEM automotive and aircraft pigments in our countertops. These pigments are UV stable and resist fading unlike industrial pigments. We can color match as close as possible any of the Benjamin Moore Designer Classic colors. You can check benjaminmoore.com for a preview of the colors possible. Due to the nature of concrete color and texture may vary. However, this variation is part of the uniqueness of concrete. Our price per square foot is based on the color chosen in addition to other variables.

Visual Texture

We offer three different visual textures or a combination of each one depending on your choice of textures. Cement Finish- Essentially polishing the surface so that most of what is seen is the concrete color.Sand Finish- Light or medium grinding to expose the sand particles slightly or more pronounced.Aggregate Finish- Heavy grinding to expose not only the sand but the beginning exposure of the aggregates to the extent desired.