Source: TOOLS OF THE TRADE Magazine
Publication date: March 9, 2006
By TOOLS OF THE TRADE Editors
Twenty-five years ago concrete countertops were the domain of artisan contractors and high-end clients, mostly in California, looking for a one-of-a-kind surface. Today, homeowners nationwide request concrete for the same reason.
I've spent my career working with concrete and I agree that it's beautiful, unique, and a medium that enables builders to offer truly signature work. But working with concrete requires advanced trade skills. Though it may look temptingly easy to build forms and screed a countertop, take some laps around the learning curve before working with it or even before you sub it out.
Installation Method. The debate among concrete countertop contractors is about the best way to install them: cast-in-place or pre-cast. For my money, cast-in-place (CIP) is the way to go. Unlike pre-cast, with CIP all work is completed on site and tuned–on-the-spot–to the existing space. CIP also eliminates templating, moving countertop pieces (several times), and joining separate pieces.
The trade-off, however, is that getting the right finish takes practice and experience. To keep the work on track and help prevent cracking or callbacks, focus on four main areas : precise form assembly, protecting the work area (you're working directly over installed base cabinets), the right concrete mix and reinforcement, and finishing skills.
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