| CRETE-UNIQUE Concrete Design Studio |
| © 2007 Crete-Unique |
| Custom Concrete Countertops and Furniture |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who would want concrete countertops?
Concrete countertops are the most unique, personal countertop option because they are made from
scratch for each client. To determine whether concrete is right for you, think about whether you believe
that:
o you want something unique and personalized
o you want something that looks natural and has character
o you appreciate high-quality, hand-crafted items
o you think granite is too shiny, too formal, too common
o you think synthetic solid surface materials look and feel like plastic
o you need a color or visual texture that’s not available with other countertop materials
What are the advantages and disadvantages of concrete compared
to other countertop materials?
Advantages:
Custom:
Concrete’s biggest advantage is that it is completely custom. Your countertop will be unique to you and
highly personalized.
Versatile:
Concrete is extremely versatile. It can enhance any style, from French Country to Contemporary. From
Arts and Crafts to Industrial. From Traditional to Modern. The possibilities are endless.
Practical:
Crete-Unique’s sealer provides a surface that is extremely stain-resistant and low-maintenance.
Common food items will not stain it. The sealer does not degrade, and therefore does not need to be
reapplied every year like many other sealers. The sealer also exhibits great heat resistance. You can put
hot pots on the countertop without trivets.
Imperfections:
We believe that this is an advantage. Concrete countertops are hand made and hand finished. Since
concrete is a mixture of many different ingredients, subtle variations in color, shade, texture and overall
appearance should be expected. All concrete is susceptible to harmless hairline cracks. They will
sometimes appear months or years after installation, and are generally a result of seasonal movement
of the cabinets and the house itself. These should be considered part of the aesthetic charm of concrete,
and not a defect. Concrete exhibits natural beauty rather than plastic perfection.
Disadvantages:
Staining:
Concrete countertops actually behave similar to granite and marble in this regard. Granite countertops
are also porous and have to be sealed and maintained. Most people don’t realize this, because granite is
usually too dark and patterned to show stains. Food, acids and oil will not stain your countertop if wiped
up immediately, and if left on for a longer period of time, they will cause only a light spot whose
appearance can be minimized with a touch-up kit.
Scratching:
While the sealer is very durable, it is possible to scratch it. For example, in kitchens, you should use
cutting boards on concrete countertops.
Lead time:
Concrete countertops are a long lead time item. They take approximately 1 to 3 weeks to fabricate. See
the section on lead time for more details.
Where can I use concrete in my home?
Crete-Unique makes concrete countertops for kitchens, bathrooms, fireplace mantles, tables, desks,
and anywhere else countertops are required. Horizontal countertops must be at least 1.5” thick. Crete-
Unique can make thicker countertops as well as fabricate front edge returns up to 6” deep.
Concrete countertops can be straight, curved, notched, multi-level, etc. Unlike granite, which would
drastically increase in cost for curved shapes, creating curved concrete shapes simply involves some
extra complexity and labor in forming.
Concrete can also be used in vertical applications such as backsplashes, shower surrounds and
fireplace surrounds. For vertical applications, concrete is generally 1” thick.
Integral and vessel sinks are possible. See the section on sinks for more information.
Concrete countertops can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Custom designed furniture is possible, from tables to chairs. The possibilities are endless!
Concrete floors are a different application.
What colors are available?
Any color! Crete-Unique has access to hundreds of colors including every color on the spectrum. Any
color can be produced in a solid, speckled or variegated pattern. And, you can specify embedded stone,
glass, or other objects. You can specify the color, size and density of embedments. Coupled with the
many color choices, you have myriad design options.
What edges are available?
For concrete, edging is formed and cast rather than cut like granite or solid surface. Therefore, edge
choices depend on the availability of appropriate trim moulding. For example, Crete-Unique can do pencil,
beveled, concave and reverse cove edging, and other custom edges may be available. Edging may be
placed on top or bottom of the countertop. Bullnose edging is available for 2” thick countertop edges.
What kind of sinks can be used with concrete countertops?
Crete-Unique concrete countertops can accommodate all types of sinks including drop-in, undermount
and apron front. The minimum lip of concrete around all sides of sinks is 3”. Concrete can also
accommodate drop-in cooktops. The minimum lip of concrete in the front of a cooktop is 3”; we
recommend 3” for the back also, but 2” will suffice.
Crete-Unique can make integral concrete sinks of almost any shape. Bathroom vanities are an excellent
application of integral concrete sinks. We do not recommend integral concrete kitchen sinks for
engineering reasons. Kitchen sinks are deep and have angles that would put large stresses on the
concrete and have high potential for cracking. Also, the size of kitchen sinks generally dictates a very
thick concrete bottom that would be a problem with standard plumbing and cabinetry.
Concrete vessel sinks are also possible, and concrete’s versatility means that the sink can be any color
and shape.
What about backsplashes?
Backsplashes are cast and finished separately and deck mounted after the countertops are installed.
Backsplashes are nominally 1 inch thick and can be from 3 inches high to full height. Outlet openings are
cast in, not cut on site.
Will concrete countertops stain?
Bare concrete is very porous and will readily stain. Virtually all concrete countertops are sealed to
prevent staining; however the degree to which these sealers works varies significantly. Commonly used
sealers include wax and penetrating acrylic sealer. Both of these are inexpensive and easy to apply.
However, neither offer significant stain or heat resistance, and both require frequent reapplication to
prevent the formation of a “patina”.
Crete-Unique’ sealer is different. We use a high-performance sealer that is exceptionally durable and
provides excellent resistance to incidental contact with staining agents such as red wine, lemon juice
and olive oil. Complete care instructions are included in your Owner’s Guide. Touch-up of any marks that
do occur is simple and easy. The sealer you choose is up to you.
How are concrete countertops made?
All of the slabs are precast in our shop and fully finished and sealed prior to installation.
When it comes to concrete countertops, there are two basic processes: cast-in-place and precast. Cast-
in-place involves building forms and pouring concrete in place, directly on the cabinets. While this avoids
the hassles of transporting heavy slabs, it does tie up the site for many days (or weeks), and it involves a
messy process. In addition, cast (or pour) in place provides fewer options and less control over the
finished product. Generally the only finish available is a trowelled surface, which is either acid stained or
colored with pigments. The quality of the concrete, the finished appearance and ultimate performance of
the countertop are all hampered by the fact that it’s all being done on site under a rushed time schedule.
Precast concrete countertops, on the other hand, move all of the processes off site into a controlled
environment. In the structural engineering community, it is well known that precast concrete is superior
to cast in place concrete, mainly because tighter quality control can be exercised. Curing, which is a
critical step that is commonly misunderstood, can be closely monitored. Moving the process to a shop
allows greater flexibilty in terms of the look of the concrete. Glass, stone and other objects can now be
embedded; these require extensive wet grinding with diamond power tools to reveal the embedded
objects and hone and smooth the resulting surface.
How are templates made?
Concrete countertops are templated just like granite. Templating is done after any existing countertops
are removed, or after new cabinets are fully installed. Your contractor needs to arrange for existing
countertop removal. Almost all concrete countertops require physical templates from the finished and
installed cabinetry.
In some cases, such as small or freestanding pieces, we can fabricate from CADD drawings instead of
physical templates. We will advise on templating requirements for your project, and we provide your
contractor with a templating checklist to help him prepare. All fixtures that penetrate the concrete, such
as sinks and faucets, must be available at templating time.
How are the countertops installed?
Concrete countertops are handled and installed just like granite. Seams are caulked with a color-
matched acrylic caulk. Your contractor needs to arrange for plumbing and electrical hookup no earlier
than 24 hours after the countertop installation.
Who would want concrete countertops?
Concrete countertops are the most unique, personal countertop option because they are made from
scratch for each client. To determine whether concrete is right for you, think about whether you believe
that:
o you want something unique and personalized
o you want something that looks natural and has character
o you appreciate high-quality, hand-crafted items
o you think granite is too shiny, too formal, too common
o you think synthetic solid surface materials look and feel like plastic
o you need a color or visual texture that’s not available with other countertop materials
What are the advantages and disadvantages of concrete compared
to other countertop materials?
Advantages:
Custom:
Concrete’s biggest advantage is that it is completely custom. Your countertop will be unique to you and
highly personalized.
Versatile:
Concrete is extremely versatile. It can enhance any style, from French Country to Contemporary. From
Arts and Crafts to Industrial. From Traditional to Modern. The possibilities are endless.
Practical:
Crete-Unique’s sealer provides a surface that is extremely stain-resistant and low-maintenance.
Common food items will not stain it. The sealer does not degrade, and therefore does not need to be
reapplied every year like many other sealers. The sealer also exhibits great heat resistance. You can put
hot pots on the countertop without trivets.
Imperfections:
We believe that this is an advantage. Concrete countertops are hand made and hand finished. Since
concrete is a mixture of many different ingredients, subtle variations in color, shade, texture and overall
appearance should be expected. All concrete is susceptible to harmless hairline cracks. They will
sometimes appear months or years after installation, and are generally a result of seasonal movement
of the cabinets and the house itself. These should be considered part of the aesthetic charm of concrete,
and not a defect. Concrete exhibits natural beauty rather than plastic perfection.
Disadvantages:
Staining:
Concrete countertops actually behave similar to granite and marble in this regard. Granite countertops
are also porous and have to be sealed and maintained. Most people don’t realize this, because granite is
usually too dark and patterned to show stains. Food, acids and oil will not stain your countertop if wiped
up immediately, and if left on for a longer period of time, they will cause only a light spot whose
appearance can be minimized with a touch-up kit.
Scratching:
While the sealer is very durable, it is possible to scratch it. For example, in kitchens, you should use
cutting boards on concrete countertops.
Lead time:
Concrete countertops are a long lead time item. They take approximately 1 to 3 weeks to fabricate. See
the section on lead time for more details.
Where can I use concrete in my home?
Crete-Unique makes concrete countertops for kitchens, bathrooms, fireplace mantles, tables, desks,
and anywhere else countertops are required. Horizontal countertops must be at least 1.5” thick. Crete-
Unique can make thicker countertops as well as fabricate front edge returns up to 6” deep.
Concrete countertops can be straight, curved, notched, multi-level, etc. Unlike granite, which would
drastically increase in cost for curved shapes, creating curved concrete shapes simply involves some
extra complexity and labor in forming.
Concrete can also be used in vertical applications such as backsplashes, shower surrounds and
fireplace surrounds. For vertical applications, concrete is generally 1” thick.
Integral and vessel sinks are possible. See the section on sinks for more information.
Concrete countertops can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Custom designed furniture is possible, from tables to chairs. The possibilities are endless!
Concrete floors are a different application.
What colors are available?
Any color! Crete-Unique has access to hundreds of colors including every color on the spectrum. Any
color can be produced in a solid, speckled or variegated pattern. And, you can specify embedded stone,
glass, or other objects. You can specify the color, size and density of embedments. Coupled with the
many color choices, you have myriad design options.
What edges are available?
For concrete, edging is formed and cast rather than cut like granite or solid surface. Therefore, edge
choices depend on the availability of appropriate trim moulding. For example, Crete-Unique can do pencil,
beveled, concave and reverse cove edging, and other custom edges may be available. Edging may be
placed on top or bottom of the countertop. Bullnose edging is available for 2” thick countertop edges.
What kind of sinks can be used with concrete countertops?
Crete-Unique concrete countertops can accommodate all types of sinks including drop-in, undermount
and apron front. The minimum lip of concrete around all sides of sinks is 3”. Concrete can also
accommodate drop-in cooktops. The minimum lip of concrete in the front of a cooktop is 3”; we
recommend 3” for the back also, but 2” will suffice.
Crete-Unique can make integral concrete sinks of almost any shape. Bathroom vanities are an excellent
application of integral concrete sinks. We do not recommend integral concrete kitchen sinks for
engineering reasons. Kitchen sinks are deep and have angles that would put large stresses on the
concrete and have high potential for cracking. Also, the size of kitchen sinks generally dictates a very
thick concrete bottom that would be a problem with standard plumbing and cabinetry.
Concrete vessel sinks are also possible, and concrete’s versatility means that the sink can be any color
and shape.
What about backsplashes?
Backsplashes are cast and finished separately and deck mounted after the countertops are installed.
Backsplashes are nominally 1 inch thick and can be from 3 inches high to full height. Outlet openings are
cast in, not cut on site.
Will concrete countertops stain?
Bare concrete is very porous and will readily stain. Virtually all concrete countertops are sealed to
prevent staining; however the degree to which these sealers works varies significantly. Commonly used
sealers include wax and penetrating acrylic sealer. Both of these are inexpensive and easy to apply.
However, neither offer significant stain or heat resistance, and both require frequent reapplication to
prevent the formation of a “patina”.
Crete-Unique’ sealer is different. We use a high-performance sealer that is exceptionally durable and
provides excellent resistance to incidental contact with staining agents such as red wine, lemon juice
and olive oil. Complete care instructions are included in your Owner’s Guide. Touch-up of any marks that
do occur is simple and easy. The sealer you choose is up to you.
How are concrete countertops made?
All of the slabs are precast in our shop and fully finished and sealed prior to installation.
When it comes to concrete countertops, there are two basic processes: cast-in-place and precast. Cast-
in-place involves building forms and pouring concrete in place, directly on the cabinets. While this avoids
the hassles of transporting heavy slabs, it does tie up the site for many days (or weeks), and it involves a
messy process. In addition, cast (or pour) in place provides fewer options and less control over the
finished product. Generally the only finish available is a trowelled surface, which is either acid stained or
colored with pigments. The quality of the concrete, the finished appearance and ultimate performance of
the countertop are all hampered by the fact that it’s all being done on site under a rushed time schedule.
Precast concrete countertops, on the other hand, move all of the processes off site into a controlled
environment. In the structural engineering community, it is well known that precast concrete is superior
to cast in place concrete, mainly because tighter quality control can be exercised. Curing, which is a
critical step that is commonly misunderstood, can be closely monitored. Moving the process to a shop
allows greater flexibilty in terms of the look of the concrete. Glass, stone and other objects can now be
embedded; these require extensive wet grinding with diamond power tools to reveal the embedded
objects and hone and smooth the resulting surface.
How are templates made?
Concrete countertops are templated just like granite. Templating is done after any existing countertops
are removed, or after new cabinets are fully installed. Your contractor needs to arrange for existing
countertop removal. Almost all concrete countertops require physical templates from the finished and
installed cabinetry.
In some cases, such as small or freestanding pieces, we can fabricate from CADD drawings instead of
physical templates. We will advise on templating requirements for your project, and we provide your
contractor with a templating checklist to help him prepare. All fixtures that penetrate the concrete, such
as sinks and faucets, must be available at templating time.
How are the countertops installed?
Concrete countertops are handled and installed just like granite. Seams are caulked with a color-
matched acrylic caulk. Your contractor needs to arrange for plumbing and electrical hookup no earlier
than 24 hours after the countertop installation.
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