Do Concrete Countertops Crack?
Imperfections are part of the appeal. In fact, hairline cracks and slight irregularities are a natural part of the wear and tear and will not affect the structural integrity in the slightest (such fine cracks are also too narrow to trap food and debris). And while hairline cracks can be patched, such attempts often look far more obvious than the cracks themselves. Most people prefer the aged appearance that this natural occurrence bestows-in contrast to the cold and unvarying smoothness of plastic products such as Corian and Formica. No matter what reinforcing method is used, hairline cracks may still occur. The hairline cracks are non-structural and should be considered part of the character of each slab.
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Are Concrete Countertops Considered A Green Product?
Yes. The countertops we make can be made with up to 30% recyclable material content. LEED points can be earned by using concrete for your project.
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Why Would I Want Concrete Counters?
Cast concrete countertops have become the favorite of designers and architects because concrete can give warmth and color depth not available in granite, marble or Corian. Hand finishing can give them a finish as smooth as glass with a patina that improves over the years. Concrete can be used for countertops in kitchens, bathrooms, vanity tops, islands, backsplashes, sinks, floor and wall tiles, fireplace surrounds and mantles, even window sills. Concrete is an exciting alternative to the more common marble and granite surfaces. Concrete is a stone like material that has a natural warmth and adds a richness to both modern and traditional interior environments. They are a unique expression of who you are.
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Who Can Install Concrete Counters?
Like any trade one must trust the professionals. Your concrete craftsman will most likely prefer to install the finished product, but anyone who has experience installing granite and marble counters can install the finished counter.
What Do Concrete Countertops Look Like?
Concrete countertops are a warm natural looking material that corresponds with the popularity of more natural materials like wood, stone and brick. Chemical stains, coloring pigments, various aggregates, and epoxy coatings can give concrete the look, texture and feel of quarried stone such as marble, granite and limestone. Terrazzo: Glass or marble chips worked into the background create a two-toned mottled effect, adding textural interest under the smooth surface. It is important to review samples so you know what you are getting. Our concrete countertops are cast in a shop where lines and edges can be formed precisely and the countertop can be cast, cured and sealed under controlled conditions. Concrete countertops will exhibit subtle variations in color and texture, which most people feel contributes to its beauty. Each slab is hand cast so none will be exactly identical.
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What Colors Are Available?
Camelot Concrete offers our own unique standard and premium colors. In fact, cement will vary in different parts of the country. There are different brands of pigments, stains and aggregate colors, so concrete countertops will always be unique.
How Can I Get Samples?
Standard color samples run in the $25 to $50 range. Custom color samples run $75 to $150 and up.
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What Are The Prices Of Concrete Countertops?
Consumers, in some cases think of concrete as being a cheaper alternative to other available countertop surfaces. Concrete Countertops should be sold (or bought) based on being a beautiful, custom, hand made, relatively unique product. Customers going in thinking the countertops will be low budget items will quickly find out otherwise. The price of the concrete countertop is composed of the countertop construction, shipping (if required) and installation. The prices to manufacture countertops that are standard 1.5" thick range from $75 to $125 per square foot. These items add to the cost: Irregular or curbed shapes, integral drain boards, custom edges and backsplashes. Camelot Concrete requires a dimensioned plan view indicating all backsplashes (if any), sink cutouts and any other cutouts.
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What Are The Thickness And Weight Of Concrete Countertops?
The standard slab thickness is 1.5". Two inch slabs are also quite common. Larger thickness is also possible and is done for aesthetic reasons. If a 6" slab is desired, however, the back and center are still 1.5" thick and the front grows to the desired thickness. So it still looks 6" thick but is only 6" thick in the front. A 1.5" thick standard concrete countertop has an approximate weight of 18.75 pounds per square foot. (Granite is approx. 18 pounds per square foot). The countertop weight can be less if lightweight concrete is used. Standard cabinetry will support the concrete slabs as the weight of the countertops is distributed over a large area.
What Are The Installation Costs?
Installation, when done by Camelot Concrete, runs in the $20 to $40 per square foot range. Other installations, such as when the countertop has been shipped, should be done by a contractor experienced in installing countertops. Rates for this would vary by region of the country. The countertops arrive to the site in a completed state and there should be no modifications required. Camelot Concrete will provide detailed installation instructions. Request these instructions and make sure your installer understands the installation instructions prior to the countertops arriving on site.
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Can You Cut On Concrete Countertops?
No. 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.
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Can You Place Hot Pans On Concrete Countertops?
Placing hot pans on the concrete countertop should be avoided. Concrete is very heat resistant, but the concern is damaging or discoloring the sealer. Camelot Concrete can build in trivets of stainless steel, brass or copper. You can use a hot plate or a hot pad.
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What Are Inserts?
Trivets for setting hot pans on the countertops are available (often to match the color of the countertop) as are built-in sinks.
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Are There Any Size Limitations?
Size limit is 5 x 10 ft. Custom sizes are done on a job by job basis.
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How Do I Clean Concrete Countertops?
Avoid abrasive soaps, cleansers and pads. Camelot Concrete recommends a mild, non-abrasive, non-ammoniated soap for daily cleaning. They suggest Simple Green (dilute as suggested) or Dr. Bronner's natural soap (5 parts water, one part soap). They also recommend a neutral pH cleanser and warm water. In short, cleaning your concrete countertop is not going to be any more difficult than cleaning any other type of countertop.
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How Are Concrete Countertops Made?
Many homeowners are taking advantage of concretes flexibility and its ability to incorporate other functional features such as integral sinks, drain boards and butcher blocks. Camelot Concrete also provides backsplashes and wet walls in complementary colors and textures. Countertops are pre-cast in shop. We like to pour in the shop where conditions are controlled. Special casting tables are used and we have the countertop in our possession while it is curing and until it can be adequately sealed. Countertops are made of cement, lightweight aggregates and a combination of additives. Additives such as fiber reinforcement, silica fume pozzolan and acrylic are often used. Some types of reinforcement are used such as structural steel, wire mesh, fiberglass and/or fibers. Sometimes more than one type of reinforcement is used. Countertops are often ground. Camelot Concrete, for example, grinds off the surface 'skin' with progressively finer diamond polishing stones. This achieves two important objectives, durability and beauty. Countertops are always sealed. The type of seal, method and number coats of sealer is unique. These are the general steps in constructing concrete countertops.
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Creating The Heart Of Your Home.
The kitchen is often referred to as the 'heart of the home' and for good reason. More and more activities are taking place in the kitchen including cooking, entertaining, household management as well as a place for hobbies. Besides bringing the largest return on your investment, a well appointed kitchen can bring you the largest return on your happiness.
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