Concrete rivals or surpasses many common architectural materials when it comes to versatility of design and application. Its customizability is well-known, and more fabricators are starting to realize how they can capitalize on its versatility in expanding their market.
Author: Jeffrey Girard, P.E.
Special Considerations for Outdoor Cast Concrete
Outdoor kitchens are becoming more and more popular, and special considerations must be made in order to ensure concrete’s durability, longevity and aesthetics in these applications.
How Reflected Light Affects the Color of Sealed or Polished Surfaces
Light reflects off surfaces, and what an object looks like depends upon the material’s surface characteristics. Some of the light is reflected, some is scattered and the rest is absorbed, so we see different things depending upon how much light is reflected from the surface and how much is scattered. The color depends upon what is absorbed.
Dealing with Wastewater and Sludge from Concrete Countertops
Concrete-making uses water. Cleaning concrete-covered mixers, tools and buckets uses even more water. Add to that the sludge that’s rinsed out and you’re often left with a big mess. Everyone who makes concrete faces this dilemma: what to do with all that dirty water and gritty sludge.
Understanding Water in Regards to Concrete Countertops
There are some important, key factors that can help you be more successful with your concrete countertops. Here I will discuss a fundamental ingredient: water. We’ve all worked with concrete and water, but working with a material isn’t the same as knowing how it works.
Fluid (Wet-Cast) Countertop Mixes vs. Stiff Countertop Mixes
Are you new to countertops? Are you confused about what the term "wet-cast" means? Here’s a look at fluid concrete mixes for wet-casting as compared to stiff mixes for hand-packing, which is also known as "the Buddy Rhodes method."
Using Concrete Countertops as Beams: Where the Stresses Occur
A beam is a horizontal structural member that spans some open space and is supported near the ends. The beam can then support some weight placed on top of it somewhere between the end supports. A floor joist is a beam. Concrete countertops are also beams.
Decorative Concrete Tips: Considerations When Forming Concrete Countertops
When you install concrete countertops in a kitchen, there are many details to consider in addition to the countertops themselves.