Why Concrete?

Why concrete as a countertop?
Whether it is pre-cast or poured-in-place the biggest advantage over other surfaces is color. Concrete can be made to match the palette you wish to work in. Culloton Design loves to do custom color as it is a challenge and it immediately expands the number of colors available to future clients.

Poured-in-place allows you to experience a seamless countertop, one that eliminates grout lines or seams.

Both PC and PIP allow for fabricated rounds, organic curves, massive returns, 90 degree seamless corners, and a myriad of architectural elements quarried stone can only dream of.

Fireplace and tub surrounds, sinks, tabletops, back splashes, tiles, water elements, and any sculptural or decorative element you can think of is applicable to concrete fabrication.

Concrete for bath tub or sink?
Concrete can be cast to be waterproof and can remain so even in an unsealed state with the addition of water proofing additives into the actual mix.

An epoxy coat or a comprehensive sealing and waxing will eliminate chlorine stains that unsealed concrete may develop.

Can I have a high gloss finish?
Yes, there are many ways to achieve a high gloss finish; however, we recommend a satin finish so as to capitalize on concrete's warm, organic luster.

Will the concrete stain?
This is actually a yes and no answer. Yes, if you prefer a more natural unsealed look, and no, if your prefer a satin or gloss finish.

The biggest factor is how you care for the top, and if you wax it or not. Waxing periodically will create a top with a fantastic resistance to oils or citrus and will provide you with the time you need to clean up any spills before they become a problem. There are sealers and polishers for every level of use. We work with our clients to provide the information needed to have a sealing scheme that best suits your needs.

Is concrete expensive?
Concrete is comparable to other solid surfaces with more options allowed to the client than other materials. Culloton Design starts off its basic pricing at $75.00 a square foot for 1.5" thick tops. Vastly cheaper than most other companies without sacrificing quality.

Inherent properties of concrete.....
Concrete will not produce hairline cracks if cast in reasonable lengths usually 8' x 2' or 8'x3'(pre-cast)is a golden rule: however we have accomplished 10' x 4' with zero cracks (poured in place).

When you are talking about poured-in-place tops the trade off from not having grout lines or seams is that at some point where the piece transitions from a large surface area to a small one hairline cracks might appear. As the concrete cures, it shrinks, which in turn creates tension between the larger piece and the smaller one. The smaller piece will cure faster, this can be almost eliminated with controlled curing, so the hairline is hardly visible.

Hairline cracks are not a concern as that can be sealed and usually do not grow to create any sort of problem, they are tighter than any grout line. Remember, this only occurs when there is a vast difference between the sizes of the cast in place pieces.

Intentional decorative control joints can be fabricated into the piece flush on the surface with 1/8" metal such as a stock stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, or even glass. This eliminates the hairline completely and can add to the look of stainless steel faucets or or sinks.

Concrete can weigh 25 to 35lbs depending on the aggregate used. It is usually lightened up with pumice, recycled plastic or per-lite for free-standing mantels or shelves. Most cabinets can handle the overall load of poured-in-place concrete with addition of a strong sub top. Properly cured pre-cast can span the widths of cabinet drawers if needed and Culloton design has safely cantilevered bar tops to 12 inches.

Concrete in any environment will change its appearance with the surrounding light and color. It does not reflect light like granite, marble, travertine, limestone, or Caesar stone. So light and ambient color can change the hue of a piece as the daily progression of sun-light occurs. If you are desiring a specific color in a top that gets little day light and is illuminated by lights you might want to think about choosing your sample while viewing it in that specific light.

Concrete will age and patina. The compressive strength will grow as the piece gets older and the appearance will actually become more natural, and in our opinion more beautiful. This is something you would only recognize if you compared photos about 5 years apart from each other.

Concrete is not specific to any one building style or period, although in line with the principles of Modernism such as clean lines and bold use of raw materials, it has a hand in all genres from Post-Modernism to turn of the century Victorian or Craftsmen. Its ability to be fabricated from scratch with a desired look in mind remains its most attractive feature to clients, the possibilities are endless.

Enjoy the perfection of imperfection as concrete is not corian or monolithic cultured stone. It is an artisan-made product with flaws no matter how microscopic, anyone who tells you different is lying and is sugar-coating their product.

Tim Culloton
915 Mateo St. unit 209
Los Angeles, Ca. 90021

323.422.8703 Office
213.483.8480 Fax

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