Why get a concrete countertop?

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 catered to you
•You want something that looks natural and has personality
•You appreciate high-quality, hand-crafted items
• You think granite is too shiny, too formal, and too common
•You think synthetic solid materials look and feel plastic
•You need a color or visual texture that's not available with other countertop materials
If you agree with these beliefs, then concrete is right for you.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of concrete compared to other countertop materials?

Advantages:
•Custom: Concrete's biggest advantage is that it is completely custom. Your countertop will be unique and highly personalized.
•Versatile: Concrete is extremely versatile. It can enhance any style, from country to contemporary. Traditional to Modern. The possibilities are endless.
•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 the result of seasonal movement of the cabinets and the house itself. These should be considered part of the aesthetic charm of the concrete, and not a defect. Concrete exhibits natural beauty rather than plastic perfection.

Disadvantages:
•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 are a long lead time item. They take approximately 4 to 6 weeks to fabricate.

How much do they cost?

Even though it is a completely custom material, concrete is competitive in price with standard countertop materials. There are several different options available with a custom concrete countertop and we are happy to work with you and your designer to give you an estimate on your project. We can help you with options to fit your budget.

Where can I use concrete in my home?

•ICC makes concrete countertops for kitchens, bathrooms, fireplace mantles, tables, desks, and anywhere else countertops are required. Horizontal countertops must be at least 1.5" thick. ICC can make thicker countertops as well as fabricate front edge returns up to 6" 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 forming.
•Concrete can also be used in vertical applications such as backsplashes, shower surrounds and fireplace surrounds. For vertical applications , concrete is generally 1" thick.
•Maximum slab length for standard depth countertops is about 8 feet. Seams are located around sicks and cooktops, or wherever required for structural reasons. ICC will work with you to design seam placement that is both structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing. Seams are typically 1/16" 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.
•Concrete countertops can be used both indoors and outdoors.

What colors are available?

Any color! ICC has developed hundreds of colors including every color in the spectrum. Any color can be produced in a solid, speckled, or veined pattern. And, you can specify embedded stone, glass, or other objects. You can specify the color, size and density of embedments. Coupled with many color choices, you have myriad design options.

How much color variation can occur?

Concrete is a natural, handmade material. Many factors such as humidity, sand lot and cement lot can affect the final appearance ot the concrete. All of our color formulas record the type of sand, type of cement, and exact measurements of pigments to 1/10th of a gram. However, colors still vary because of the previously mentons factors.

Another factor that contributes to perceived variation is simply the size of the samples. A 3"x3" sample or even a 6"x6" sample, will look different than a whole countertop simply because the small sample does not capture all natural, random variations that will occur over a large surface. the color in a 3"x 3" sample may appear completely uniform, but a whole countertop in that exact same color will not appear as uniform. The same situation occurs with other natural materials such as granite. If you are looking for perfect uniformity, solid surface might be a better countertop option for you.

What edges are available?

For concrete, eding is formed and cast rather than cut like granite or solid surface. Therefore, edge choices depend on the availability of appropriate trim moulding. For example, ICC can do pencil, beveled, concave and reverse cove edging, and other custom trim edges may be available. Edging may be placed on top or bottom of the countertop. Bullnose edging is available for 2" thick countertop edges.

What kind of sinks can be used with concrete countertops?

ICC concrete countertops can accommodate all types of sinks including drop-in, undermount and apron front. The minimum lip of concrete around all sides is 3"; we recommend 3" for the back also, but 2" will suffice.

ICC can make integral concrete sinks pf almost any shape. Bathroom vanities are an excellent application of integral concrete kitchen sinks for engineering reasons. Kitchen sinks are deep and have angles that would put large stresses on the concrete and have high potential for cracking. Also, the size of kitchen sinks generally dictates a very thick concrete bottom that would be a probelm with standard plumbing and cabinetry.

Concrete vessel sinks are also possible, and concrete's versatility means thta the sink can be any color or shape.

What about backsplashes?

Backsplashes are cast and finished separately and deck mounted after the countertops are installed. Backsplashes are nominally 1 inch thick and can be from 3 inches high to full height. Outlet openings are cast in, not cut on site.