Frequently Asked Questions
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Is concrete for me?
We recommend concrete for those clients that are desirous of its characteristics and understand its constraints. More than ever, the general caveats and pitfalls of concrete have fallen away, to a large degree, thanks to modern concrete mixes that are tougher, and more resistant to stains than those of the past -- on par with, or exceeding, most other countertop materials, both natural and synthetic. Some specific admonitions could be made case-by-case, based on specific applications and/or on client expectations.
Concrete can be molded, sculpted and carved. Concrete can be colored integrally, or it can be stained. The surface treatment of concrete can range from roughly to subtly textured, or it can have a satiny smoothness, or the look of burnished leather. The forms and the scale that can be created with concrete are limitless. Concrete is an engineered admixture of natural materials that nevertheless retains its natural look and organic feel.
What is GFRC?
Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete is a composite of cement, sand and glass fibers, along with some additional ingredients that optimize the mix. The result is a material that can be formed into exceedingly strong and light configurations. GFRC’s compressive strength is three times that of standard concrete, and its flexural strength is up to four times greater. This material has been in use for decades throughout the world to sheathe the exterior of modern buildings, enduring and reliable, also making it an ideal material for countertops, furniture and sinks.
What experience do you have?
I have a background in design, sculpture and custom manufacturing. Starting in the mid-90s, I cut my teeth in the restoration and fabrication of large-scale sculpture. From there, I moved on to a production setting, where I set up and manufactured custom and short-run, engineered-to-order sculptural and architectural elements for theme parks, zoos, aquariums, museums and private individuals. From there, I have adopted concrete as a medium and have created hundreds of beautiful, durable GFRC objects.
Do I need a sealer?
For most applications, it is recommended. Modern urethane sealers, specifically formulated for concrete, are the secret sauce in our creations. Today’s sealer is highly impervious, durable, and relatively rapid to apply, making it an effective and competitive solution, compared to legacy products.
Our sealer is food-safe, UV resistant, and has been tested on a laundry list of stain-causing and household chemicals (click here to open the Testing Results PDF in a new browser window),.
Send us your question!
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