CMCT PE - Custom Made Concrete Tops

Backsplashes are cast and finished separately and deck mounted after the countertops are installed. Backsplashes can be from +100mm high. Outlet openings are cast in, not cut on site.

CMCT - PE warrantees the structural integrity of the concrete for one year after installation. The countertops will of course last a lot longer than a year, but if any problems were to occur, they would occur in the first year. We subject the concrete to much larger stresses while handling it than clients ever could once it is installed.

Concrete is a natural, handmade material. Many factors such as humidity, sand lot and cement lot can affect the final appearance of the concrete. However, colors can still vary because of the aforementioned factors.

Another factor that contributes to perceived variation is simply the size of samples. A 150x150mm sample will look different than a whole countertop simply because the small sample does not capture all of the natural, random variations that will occur over a large surface. The color in a 150x150mm sample may appear completely uniform, but a whole countertop in that exact same color may not appear as uniform. The same situation occurs with other natural materials such as granite.

•CMCT - PE makes concrete products for kitchens, bathrooms, fireplace mantles, furniture, house signs and anywhere else custom concrete is required. Horizontal countertops must be at least ±39mm thick. CMCT - PE can make thicker countertops as well as fabricate front edge returns up to 100mm 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 ±39mm thick.

•Maximum slab length for standard depth countertops is usually 2.5m, but can be longer. Seams are located around sinks and cooktops, or wherever required for structural reasons. CMCT - PE will work with you to design seam placement that is both structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing. Seams are typically 2mm wide, similar to tile grout lines. However, it is important to realize that concrete countertops are hand-made and hand processed; they are not machine cut, so tolerances for seams are more generous than with granite. Seam appearance is minimized by using color-matched acrylic caulk.

•Integral and vessel sinks are possible. See the section on sinks for more information.

•Concrete countertops can be used both indoors and outdoors.

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: The sealer we use 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. If staining occurs, due to the deteriation of sealer, it will in most cases only be temporary and disappear after a while, for example watermark, etc. In such a case, which is rare, we will come in and re-seal the top. Self-maintenance is the best prevention. Which is very inexpensive. Directions will be given with every purpose.

•Imperfections: We believe that this is an advantage. Concrete countertops are hand made and hand finished. Since concrete is a heterogeneous 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. This does not mean they will crack, but that they may crack. 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 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.

•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 takes approximately 2 to 3 weeks to fabricate. Due to the fact that concrete have a 21 days curing time.

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:

•you want something unique and personalized

•you want something that looks natural and has character

•you appreciate high-quality, hand-crafted items

•you think granite is too formal or too common

•you think synthetic solid surface materials look and feel like plastic

•you need a color or visual texture that’s not available with other countertop material

If so, concrete countertops may be right for you.