Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does cast concrete cost?
Due to the custom nature of the product and the infinite options in color, texture and design, we bid each job according to its own specifications. In general, concrete countertops are competitive with natural stone products.
Q: What color options do I have?
We generally work from paint, tile, wood, and fabric samples to formulate a color that will integrate seamlessly with the interior décor. At an additional cost, we can even color match our products to the Benjamin Moore color wheel.
Q: Do you pour-in-place, or do you precast and then install?
We almost always precast in our shop. Everything we need for a successful, high-quality casting is available in our shop. In addition, we can use our vibrating casting table and control the environment for proper curing. Theoretically, there could be circumstances that would make cast-in-place a better option, but we haven’t encountered that yet.
Q: How much does concrete weigh?
Concrete weighs approximately 150 lbs per cubic foot, or 23 lbs. per square foot for a 2” thick concrete slab.
Q: Will there be seams?
eams can often be avoided, but at times, the design dictates the need for a seam. We always show where we intend to place seams for approval prior to casting. With a little creativity, the seams can become a design element rather than an inconvenient necessity.
Q: Is concrete a “green” product?
Due to its durability and the fact that the labor and most materials are available locally, concrete has long been viewed as an environmentally sound option. Concrete’s weakness has always been the Portland cement content. We use low carbon cement (calcium silica aluminate) and post-industrial pozzolans (vitreous calcium aluminosilicate) to replace up to 30% of the Portland cement content in our mix designs.
Q: How do I maintain my interior and exterior concrete?
Although extremely durable, concrete is not maintenance free (Very few things are. In fact, I can’t think of any). Depending on how carefully our concrete products are used and cleaned, they will last many years before requiring maintenance. At that time, it is relatively easy to lightly polish and reseal.
Exterior decorative concrete will require a reseal every 2-3 years to maintain its beauty, more often if a shiny, newly sealed look is desired. It will not hurt your decorative concrete to go longer between reseals, but the sealer will wear off with use and UV exposure over time, eventually leaving your concrete looking dull.
Q: (With a concerned expression, voice sounding a little nervous)…When do you add the rocks? It is exposed aggregate…right?
It can be a little disconcerting to homeowners, unfamiliar with the process, to see us transform the concrete for their exposed patio into a perfectly smooth, garage-floor-like slab. Rest assured, the stones are in there. We typically spray sugar water on the smooth troweled cream to retard the set on the surface and allow the concrete underneath to harden. When the time is right, we will wash the surface cream off, exposing the beautiful aggregate underneath.
Q: When can I step on my concrete?
We recommend staying off the concrete at least 24 hrs before allowing light foot traffic. If the concrete is to be acid washed or sealed, any foot traffic will need to wait until the project is complete. Sealer should cure at least 24 hours before allowing light foot traffic.
Q: When can I drive on my new driveway?
We recommend waiting at least 10 days before allowing residential vehicular traffic and 28 days before allowing heavy commercial trucks.