Concrete
Studio
provides exquisite concrete finishes for residential and commercial
projects. Whether it be sinks, countertops or fireplace
surrounds, we demand superior design and craftsmanship. If you
aim to achieve a contemporary or a traditional look in your next
project, we can assist. Regardless of you or your client’s
style, we believe that bringing products formed from nature helps
create a feeling of balance often overlooked in our fast paced
world.
We
take pleasure in working one-on-one with designers, architects and
builders to develop ideas for creating luxurious environments that
allow their clients to enjoy the fruits of
success.
Q:
Why should I choose concrete over granite or
corian?
Concrete is handmade just for
you. Any shape, surface finish, and color can be crafted exactly the
way you want it. No other piece will ever be cast exactly the same.
Concrete can be designed to incorporate special features such as
drainboards, cutting board slides, integral sinks, and
trivets. These features can add functionality to your home and
enhancements to your life. No other material can do
that.
Q:
How are your counters made? Will you have to make them in our
kitchen?
Because concrete is such a
versatile building material, the quality and process of concrete
countertops varies. Some countertop makers make what is called pour
in place. This is where the counter is formed right on the cabinets
in your home. As you might imagine, there are many disadvantages to
this process.
Our concrete is formed in our
production studio, where we have a controlled work space and curing
environment. The counters are cast upside down, so thesurface
quality of the finished piece is far superior. This casting style
also allows us to mold features and custom designs into the
countertop. Once fully cured, we schedule a time to bring the
counters out to your home to be installed.
Q:
How long does the process take?
Once we have received a
deposit, we will come out to your home to create exact templates of
your space. Once we have created the templates, the lead time
on a custom countertop is 4-6 weeks.
Q:
Will the concrete stain?
All natural stone surfaces
will stain if untreated. Our countertops are treated with a dual
process sealing system that will resist most household stains. This
is not to say that they are stain proof. Through the years the
countertop may experience a few stains, but the natural patina
process that happens over time can be quite beautiful. Countertops
are integrally colored so even decades later the countertop can be
refinished to its original luster.
Q:
What kind of routine maintenance is
required?
We recommend the use of a
neutral, non-ammoniated, non-abrasive cleanser that will keep your
counter beautiful for years to come. A periodic waxing
(3-6 months) with Carnauba Wax will provide an additional
protective layer and add luster to the stone.
Q:
How does concrete compare to granite in terms of
cost?
Concrete can be the same or
more expensive than granite. Concrete is not a commodity
product like granite or marble. Each piece is custom made for
individualtastes. Granite and Corian are the wall-to-wall
carpets of the industry. Concrete is the Persian
rug.
Q:
Will these countertops
crack?
We guarantee our products
against structural cracks. Our countertops are reinforced with a
state of the art reinforcement technology that eliminates structural
cracking. Hairline cracking can occur overtime, however these
are extremely rare and only enhance the timeless beauty of the
material.
Q:
How much do they
weigh?
Our counters are poured at 2”
thick, weighing approximately 24 lbs per square
foot.
Q:
Will the countertop have
seams?
If the countertop length is
over 7 ½' long, the countertop will have a seam. However, due to our
casting process, we are able to design the seam into the piece to
be a feature as opposed to something to hide. We can also move
the seam to the least conspicuous spot if visual continuity is
important. Seam tolerances are 1/8" and are sealed with a
clear silicone sealant.
Q:
Can I place hot pots on the
concrete?
We don't recommend it.
Concrete is heat resistant, but the sealer and wax are not.
Continued exposure to heat will result in ugly marks in the surface.
If this issomething you are used to, we recommend designing a trivet
into the countertop next to the stove.
Q: I
have decided to purchase, what do I
do?
A representative from our
company will work with you on the design of your countertop. A 40%
deposit is required upon the commencement of the work. We will then
come out to your home or business to create a
template
***Proudly
serving ND, SD and MN, if you are located in other parts of the
country, please contact us for more
information