Are
acid-stains dangerous?
Finished acid-stained floors are perfectly safe. The acid in the
stains is used to open the pores of the concrete to help it accept
the color more readily. Once this reaction happens, we neutralize
the acid, rendering it harmless. Then we clean the floor thoroughly
and seal it. Neither you nor your possessions ever come in contact
with the stain.
What
do acid-stained concrete floors look like?
This is really a tough question to answer forthright because no
two acid-stained floors look the same. Since the stains are transparent,
all aspects of a concrete slab’s appearance (such as color
variations, cracks, imperfections, trowel marks, etc.) show through.
These characteristics of a concrete floor give it its personality
when stained, making it unique and beautiful. Often, the finished
floors tend to resemble marble, slate or other natural stone surfaces.
Adding to
the beauty achieved through staining, we engrave or score designs
into the floor. Our most common designs are tile patterns and
borders. But we are not limited to those. We can put designs of
all layers of complexity into your floor, from simple shapes and
patterns to intricate artwork.
What
kind of floors do you stain?
We stain any existing concrete flooring, interior or exterior,
new or old. Our process is a great dressing for interior concrete
floors, garages, patios, driveways, pool decks, or walkways.
What
colors are available?
Acid-stains are manufactured by a variety of companies. Each company
has a different color chart, but a good representation of the
colors available can be found here.
How
much does it cost?
We quote each floor on a per job basis. However, our prices are
generally in the $3 - $5 per square foot range depending on the
intricacy of the design and the amount of cleaning of the concrete
required before staining.
What
do concrete countertops look like?
Concrete
countertops are warm and natural looking and tend to go well with
natural materials like wood, stone, and brick. Concrete countertops
will exhibit subtle variations in color and texture, which most
people feel contributes to its beauty. Each slab is hand cast
so no two will be identical. Coloring pigments, various aggregates,
grinding and polishing techniques, and sealers can give concrete
the look, texture, and feel of quarried stone such as marble,
granite, and limestone.
How do concrete countertops differ from other countertop
surfaces?
Concrete countertops are the most unique, personal countertop
option because they are made from scratch for each client. Often
people think that granite is too shiny, too formal, too common.
Synthetic solid surface materials look and feel like plastic.
Concrete countertops, on the other hand, look
natural and have character. This high-quality and hand-crafted
solid surface option offers a color or visual texture that’s
not available with other countertop materials.
What
colors are available for concrete countertops?
We
can construct countertops in just about any color. We do not buy
pre-mixed colored concrete. We mix each batch of concrete ourselves,
adding just the right amount of color to achieve the desired hue.
This allows us to create virtually any color to complement your
décor.
Do
concrete countertops crack?
Not always, but concrete countertops can develop hairline
cracks. These cracks are non-structural and result from the natural
shrinkage of the concrete.
We reinforce
our countertops with a high-tech carbon fiber grid developed specifically
for concrete countertops. We reinforce all overhangs and any sink
or cooktop cutouts with steel rebar. These reinforcements ensure
that no structural damage will occur to the countertops. Further
we use fiber and special additives in our concrete mix to ensure
that any hairline crack that develops will remain only a hairline
crack.
How
much do concrete countertops weigh?
A 1.5" thick standard concrete countertop has an approximate
weight of 18 pounds per square foot. (same as granite). One commonly
requested upgrade is a 2” slab which weighs approximately
25 pounds per square foot. Standard cabinetry will easily support
these concrete slabs as the weight of the countertops is distributed
over a large area.
Do
you pour the concrete in my house?
We
build our countertops in our shop, where we can control the conditions,
and keep the countertops in our possession while it is curing
and until it is adequately sealed.
How much do concrete countertops costs?
Concrete countertops are a custom crafted material for
high end and are often specified by designers or architects.
We quote
each countertop on a per job basis. Our prices are generally in
the $50 per square foot range. This price is considerably less
than what most concrete countertop manufacturers charge. Contact
us for a free quote.
Will
concrete countertops stain?
We seal all of our countertops to ensure water and stain resistance.
But this does not mean that they are totally stain proof. Acidic
substances such as lemon juice, vinegar, or red wine should not
be left on the countertop for more than several hours if spilled
to avoid staining. Cutting directly on the countertops or placing
extremely hot pots on the countertops may compromise the sealer
allowing liquids to seep in and stain the concrete.
Can
you cut on concrete countertops?
No, you should not. Cutting on the concrete countertop won’t
hurt the concrete, but will damage the sealer, which can affect
the sealers ability to keep out water and stains. Cutting boards
should always be used when chopping or preparing foods.
Can you put Hot pans on concrete countertops?
Placing hot pans on the concrete countertops should be avoided.
Concrete is very heat resistant, but the concern (like with cutting
on concrete countertops) is damaging and or discoloring the sealer.
We can build in trivets of stainless steel, brass, or copper.
This common upgrade is both functional and great looking. Otherwise,
you should use hot plates or a hot pad.
How
should I clean concrete countertops?
We suggest using some mild non-abrasive, non-ammoniated soap and
warm water for daily cleaning. Avoid abrasive soaps, cleansers
and abrasive pads.
