Frequently Asked Questions


Q: How does concrete compare to granite aside from being used as a countertop surface, concrete and granite are tough to compare. Granite is a solid stone and is cut to size and installed. Granite is a commodity so when you buy granite you are paying for a square foot of that cut stone.

Concrete on the other hand is made up of a matrix of stone, sand and cement. Each piece is hand crafted to order through a process of forming, casting and finishing. This allows us to create functional features with ease because they are molded into the surface, not cut into the surface. It also allows us to customize each piece specifically for our clients. The material cost of concrete is fairly minimal, however the price is a direct reflection of the labor and craftsmanship that goes into the piece.

Q: What is a ball park figurer per sq. ft. for concrete? Depending upon the surface finish and thickness, the square foot price varies per order. If you are budgeting it in to your project, you can figure in anywhere from $85 Dollars per square foot and up. More exotic surface finishes, such as acid staining, recycled glass and exposed aggregate will be more expensive because they are more laborious to produce.

Q: Does it scratch more than other surfaces? And what can I expect to see from normal wear and tear/usage?
Concrete does not typically scratch more than other surfaces, but sometimes the sealer can lightly scratch. This is easily rectifiable with a light buffing or reapplication of the sealer. Concrete has about the same porosity as marble, so it must be sealed to protect it from stains and etching. The major staining culprits of concrete are Acids and Oils. Our sealer will protect the surface moderately, but you must be aware and not let staining elements sit on the countertop for extended periods of time.

Q: Where and how can concrete be used? Our product can be used for floors, counter tops, sinks, anything else. Concrete can be used for fireplace surrounds, outdoor furniture, outdoor kitchens, backsplash tiles, tabletops, furniture, and whatever else you can dream up!

Q: Can small areas be done? Small bathroom for example; small areas are a great spot for concrete!

Q: What kind of personal things can be done or incorporated into my piece to make it a one of a kind piece?
We can embed any object that is hard, flat and water resistant. Coins, stones, and metal mementos are just some of the things we have incorporated. We have also personalized pieces by imprinting hand and footprints into the concrete.

Q: Concrete resurfacing of an existing countertop in another material (i.e.) Formica? It can be done (called an overlay), but we do not do it. We only craft real deal concrete. Your Formica countertop can be removed and the concrete can be installed on existing cabinets, but we do not do overlay work, as it is only a temporary fix.


Q: What do I do to receive a quote on the fabrication and installation of a concrete countertop? To get a rough quote, we can work off measurements. You would need a drawing (pencil or architectural rendering) with measurements and placements of the sinks, stove, etc. We would also need the thickness and surface finish you are considering. Any other information regarding the color, features and personal touches you are considering is helpful. We would also need the job site information, your contact information, and your expectations of project timelines.
Once we receive the information, we require up to 48 hours to give you an estimate. If you would like to move forward, we require up to a 50% deposit of the estimated cost with the balance plus any changes and additions due upon installation. Accurate measurements will be taken upon the site visit/template.

Q: How long on average does it take to complete a project once everything is firmed up by all parties? Our timeframe is 4-6 weeks from time of template to delivery, dependent on workload and weather.

Q: What areas do you cover demographically?
We cover all of Rhode Island, Eastern and Central Connecticut, and Massachusetts from Worcester out to the cape and Islands. We can and have made countertop for residents in New York City and Long Island, however you must have a competent contractor to install the pieces under our direction.

Q: I have never seen concrete countertops before. Do you have a showroom? 
Our showroom is located adjacent to our production space at 85 Industrial Circle in Lincoln, RI. We are open to the public by appointment only.

Q: What can be made out of concrete? Does it look like a sidewalk? 
Our concrete will most certainly NOT look like a sidewalk- unless that is the look you are going for. Our concrete is refined and smooth to the touch. We build countertops, sinks, tubs, fireplace surrounds, outdoor accents, and furniture all made with concrete.

Q: Why should I choose concrete over granite or corian?  
Concrete is handmade just for you. If you appreciate creativity and craftsmanship, concrete is for you. Any shape, surface finish, and color can be crafted specifically for your project. No other piece will ever be cast exactly the same. Concrete can be designed to incorporate special features such as drainboards, cutting board slides, integral sinks, and trivets. These features can add functionality to your home and enhancements to your life. No other material can do that.

Q: How are your counters made? Will you have to make them in my kitchen?  
We will not be pouring concrete in your kitchen. Our concrete is formed in our production studio, where we have a controlled work space and curing environment. The counters are cast upside down, so the surface quality of the finished piece is far superior. This casting style also allows us to mold features and custom designs into the countertop. Once fully cured, we schedule a time to bring the counters out to your home to be installed.

The one exception to this method is for one of a kind sculptural pieces that are just too massive to move. These must be cast in place as they are usually permanent fixtures to the structure. For example, a sculpted fireplace surround or complex water features.

Q: How long does the process take?  
Once we have created the templates, the lead time on a custom countertop, vanity, or sink is 4-6 weeks.

Q: Will the concrete stain?  
All natural stone surfaces will stain if untreated. We use two different sealing systems depending upon your preference. One is more effective against elements you will see in the kitchen. The second provides some protection but will leave the concrete susceptible to the patina weathering. Through the years the countertop will experience a few stains, but the natural patina weathering that happens over time can be quite beautiful. Countertops are integrally colored so even decades later the countertop can be refinished to its original luster.

Q: What kind of routine maintenance is required?  
Our typical sealer has a life of 20 years and does not require maintenance. If the surface is abraded, the sealer can be repaired.

For those who like the natural, weathered concrete look, we use a penetrating sealer and carnauba wax. A periodic waxing (3-6 months) with Carnauba Wax will provide an additional protective layer and add luster to the stone. The counters will also need to be resealed every 2 years or so.

For both finishes we recommend the use of a neutral, non-ammoniated, non-abrasive cleanser such as diluted Simple Green. This will keep your counter beautiful for years to come.

Q: How does concrete compare to granite in terms of cost?  
Concrete can be less, the same or more expensive than granite. Concrete is not a commodity product like granite or marble. Each piece is custom made for individual tastes. Granite and corian are the wall-to-wall carpets of the industry. Concrete is the Persian rug.

Q: Will these countertops crack?  
We guarantee our products against structural cracks. Our countertops are reinforced with a state of the art reinforcement technology that eliminates structural cracking. Hairline cracking can occur overtime, however these are extremely rare and only enhance the timeless beauty of the material.

Q: How much do they weigh?  
Our counters are poured at 1 ½" thick, weighing approximately 18.5 lbs per square foot.

Q: Will the countertop have seams?  
If the countertop length is over 8' long, the countertop will have a seam. However, due to our casting process, we are able to design the seam into the piece to be a feature as opposed to something to hide. We can also move the seam to the least conspicuous spot if visual continuity is important. Seam tolerances are 1/8" and are sealed with a clear silicone sealant.

Q: Can I place hot pots on the concrete?  
We don't recommend it. Concrete is heat resistant, but the sealer and wax are not. Continued exposure to heat will result in ugly marks in the surface. If this is something you are used to, we recommend designing a trivet into the countertop next to the stove.