Q & A's about SciCrete

[Unicorn Jeff]

Generally speaking how does going the concrete (stamped, stained...etc) compare to other solutions? Two specifics I'm thinking of...
Stained concrete from SciCrete provides unique and beautiful floors (and other surfaces) in virtually all structurally sound concrete, old or new. Below are a summary of the many features and benefits of stained concrete and an overview of the installation process.
Ecological, affordable, in demand, easy to maintain.

Features • Beautiful & unique colored concrete, providing multi-hued, translucent, marbleized surfaces.
• Broad palette of both acid-stains and non-reacting stains in standard and custom colors.
• Acid-stains provide permanent, chemically etched-in color.
• Color intensity can range from light, semi-transparent to monochrome, full-saturation opaque.
• Acid-Stains work with and enhance the natural characteristics and variations in the concrete, often bringing out stone- and marble-like attributes of the surface.
• Strong, high-performance sealing & finishing systems provide long lasting durability, visual depth and gloss levels from matte to high-shine.
• Virtually unlimited color combinations using multiple separate-color, mixed color, and color-on-color options.
• Concrete scoring provides even greater design and coloring options.
Applications
• New construction.
• Existing concrete, any age.
• Residential.
• Commercial & industrial – retail, office, restaurant, showroom, warehouse, etc.
• Interior, appropriate for all rooms.
• Exterior – porch, patio, driveway, pool surround, etc.
• Above-grade and multi-level surfaces, lightweight concrete, engineered-concrete overlays.
• Walls, architectural, structural, cast concrete.
Benefits
• Turns a concrete slab into a beautiful sealed and finished floor with a virtually indestructible substrate.
• Ideal choice for both new & existing concrete of any age. Older concrete slabs with previous coverings / treatments are usually fine candidates for staining.
• Permanent color.
• Warm, natural, organic feel and look with all the advantages of hard surface flooring.
• Works with all design, decorating and furnishing motifs.
• Durable, long lasting, no-strip sealing and finishing systems.
• Low maintenance.
• Cured surfaces are inert and non-allergenic.
• Typically a sizeable cost benefit relative to other treatments/coverings, especially with new construction.


Description
A concrete surface that has been stained, sealed and finished with one of SciCrete Decorative Surfaces product systems will provide a stunningly beautiful floor that is durable, low maintenance and slip resistant. This is a brief introduction to stained and finished concrete, focusing mainly on the acid-staining process for flooring.

What is acid-staining? Acid-stains permanently color-etch the concrete slab giving a fluid, translucent, multi-hued “marbleized” look with different tones and intensities of color across the surface. Acid-stained concrete does not resemble the opaque coloring of painted concrete, nor the monochrome look of concrete stained with a conventional non-reacting stain.
The unique and beautiful look is achieved by a combination of acid and colorants in the stain reacting with lime and minerals within the concrete to chemically bond the color to the surface of the concrete. Additionally, the type, origin, composition and finish of the concrete itself are important variables in the process. Thus each acid-stained concrete surface will be unique with regard to color, intensity, patterning, etc.
The typical conventionally finished, cured concrete surface, old or new, is an excellent candidate for acid-staining. This includes slabs that may not be uniformly smooth-finished, and slabs that currently have other floor treatments such as carpet, vinyl, hard tile, etc.

What is the acid-staining process? On old or new concrete the process of staining and finishing a floor can be divided into four steps:
I. Demolition/Cleaning – Clean concrete is an essential prerequisite to a successfully stained floor. All concrete, new or old, “clean” or dirty, must be cleaned prior to staining. The first phase requires removal of current floor treatments if any, and deep cleaning the concrete to achieve a surface free of contamination that will be detrimental, structurally or cosmetically, to the finished stained floor. Such contamination includes paint, glue, lacquer, stains, chalk lines, dirt, drywall mud, marker lines, insulation and anything else on or in the concrete that shouldn’t be there. The Concrete Studio uses a versatile and safe water-based strippers and cleaners for most applications


Various tiles vs concrete?

Tiles like porcelain or red clay fired are just a veneer of color on the surfaces of the tile, unlike natural stone. Natural stone on the other hand is quarried from with in our earth and then shipped around the world to be produce by high energy waste systems. Unlike decorative concrete which is made using eco- friendly buy-products.

Which are made and by SciCrete Decorative Surfaces, having a psi rating of 6500 psi or more unlike tile impact rating. With Decorative flooring options, you can have flawless floors and have easy maintains control unlike tile which is mortar down to the concrete substrate and moves with the floor surfaces over time, and eventually creating air pockets and cracked tile with Decorative Concrete, the material applied is a cementious topping that flexes with the substrate and repairs are easier to produce then tile or natural stone.


Various counter tops vs concrete?

Concrete is Green. This installation is over 80% recycled content. Although Portland cement requires energy to produce, the rest of concrete is composed of commonly found local components. Ingredients including clay, sand, rocks and water can be sourced here instead of strip mining a limited resource of specialty rock, slicing it up, then crating and shipping it halfway around the world.
An environmentally conscious concrete contractor can incorporate recycled components in the product, reducing energy demand and keeping material out of landfills. Concrete can even be recycled to create more concrete, the ultimate in eco-friendly recycling.
These are some of the top reasons to select concrete – though more abound and we’ll be sure to share them on the blog in the future. In the meantime, tell us about your projects and dream homes.


If you’ve put concrete in a design lately – what were your reasons? If you didn’t, why did you choose granite or another material instead? What is stopping you from trying concrete?

Concrete is the new trend for home designers and builders looking for something new and unique for today’s industry homes and business.

Concrete Countertops and Tabletops
Features
• Custom patterns
• Made-to-order designs
• On-site or factory-set forming
• Unique styles and surface finishes
• Unlimited sizes, shapes, and colors
• Options include high-gloss epoxy sealant, and unsealed natural finish

Applications
• Concrete Benches
• Kitchen backsplash tile
• Indoor and outdoor patio
• Custom Concrete Tabletops
• Kitchen concrete countertops
• Landscape designs/fountains
• Bathroom Vanity concrete countertops
• Concrete Fireplace Hearths and Surrounds

Benefits
• Color control
• Robust and durable
• Lasting beauty and warmth
• Incredible structural integrity
• Flexible designs and color combinations

Description

Concrete Countertops and Concrete Tabletops from SciCrete Decorative Surfaces provide a fresh, durable surface in new homes, offices, and contemporary remodels. These attractive materials offer fundamental flexibility in colors, textures, and finishes. This design freedom creates design options from the home and office to the outdoor garden and patio spaces.
SciCrete Decorative Surfaces designs, installs, and finishes custom Concrete Countertops and Concrete Tabletops to exacting customer requirements.
All Concrete Countertops and Tabletops utilize the proprietary recipes for pre-cast GFRC material strength, hardness, and repeatable color matching.
Key features of our Concrete Countertops and Tabletops include our unique ability to generate an unlimited range of custom patterns, to meet demanding style requirements. Choose from existing designs or request made-to-order framework. The choice is yours.

[Unicorn Jeff]

Concerned with 3 main aspects
Durability-Stuff being dropped on it, scratches, can be used for cutting?...etc...etc

Here are all the question from my latest entry on my notes to published later this month on a new blog. Concerning all your questions and future questions .

Who would want concrete countertops?

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 shiny, too formal, 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 materials

If so, concrete countertops may be 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 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: SciCrete proprietary sealer 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. You can put hot pots on the countertop without trivets.


• 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. These should be considered part of the aesthetic charm of concrete, and not a defect. Concrete exhibits natural beauty, natural patina's rather than plastic perfection.


Disadvantages:

• Cutting boards: While the sealer is very durable, it is possible to scratch it. For example, in kitchens, you should use cutting boards on all types of countertops surfaces.


• Lead time: Concrete countertops are a long lead time item. They take approximately 4 to 6 weeks to fabricate. See the section on lead time for more details.



How much do they cost?

Even though it is a completely custom material, SciCrete is competitive in price with standard countertop materials. The price is competitive with high end granite, ranging from $45 to over $100 per square foot. We are happy to work with you and your designer to give you an estimate on your project, and we can help you with options to fit your budget.


Where can I use concrete in my home or commercial business ?

• SciCrete Decorative Surfaces makes concrete countertops for kitchens, bathrooms, fireplace mantles, tables, desks, and anywhere else countertops are required, both residential and commercial applications. Horizontal countertops must be at least 1.5” thick. SciCrete 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 in 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 sinks and cooktops, or wherever required for structural reasons. SciCrete 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 always common in are practice , unlike granite or quartz countertops.


• Concrete countertops can be used both indoors and outdoors.


• Concrete floors are a different application. SciCrete specialize in various types of concrete floors.


What colors are available?

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


What is the process for custom colors?

SciCrete specializes in custom color development. We can customize existing colors or match the color of an item such as a paint chip or fabric. The process takes about 3 weeks. We produce two or more 6” x 6” samples and submit them for your approval.

[Unicorn Jeff]

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 of 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, and we use specially developed software to calculate mix design. However, colors can still vary because of the aforementioned factors.

Another factor that contributes to perceived variation is simply the size of samples. A 3” x 3” sample, or even a 6” x 6” 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 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, edging 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, SciCrete can do pencil, beveled, concave and reverse cove edging, and other custom 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?

SciCrete Decorative Surface's concrete countertops can accommodate all types of sinks including drop-in, undermount and apron front. The minimum lip of concrete around all sides of sinks is 3”. Concrete can also accommodate drop-in cooktops. The minimum lip of concrete in the front of a cooktop is 3”; we recommend 3” for the back also, but 2” will suffice.

SciCrete can make integral concrete sinks of almost any shape. Bathroom vanities are an excellent application of integral concrete sinks. We do not recommend 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 problem with standard plumbing and cabinetry.

Concrete vessel sinks are also possible, and concrete’s versatility means that the sink can be any color and 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.


Will concrete countertops stain?

Bare concrete is very porous and will readily stain. Virtually all concrete countertops are sealed to prevent staining; however the degree to which these sealers works varies significantly. Commonly used sealers include wax and penetrating acrylic sealer. Both of these are inexpensive and easy to apply. However, neither offer significant stain or heat resistance, and both require frequent reapplication to prevent the formation of a “patina”. SciCrete sealer is different. We use a proprietary sealer that is exceptionally stain-resistant and durable.


Can I put hot pots on the countertops?

Yes. SciCrete's sealer is very heat resistant. Hot items up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit may be placed on the counters with no damage or discoloration, but with all surfaces, we suggest you use trivets for your pan's.


Will they scratch?

While the sealer is very durable, it can scratch if cut with a knife or subjected to very heavy, sharp objects dragged across the surface. Cutting on the concrete may compromise the integrity of the sealer and allow stains to permeate the concrete matrix. Cutting on the concrete will also ruin knives, requiring a professional resharpening to reshape the damaged edge. Remember, concrete is made with stone, the same thing used to sharpen knives (and will therefore dull them just as easily). If you do scratch a countertop, you can easily repair it yourself using the SciCrete's Touch-Up Kit.

[Unicorn Jeff]

How are concrete countertops made?

All of the slabs are precast in our shop and fully finished and sealed prior to installation.

When it comes to concrete countertops, there are two basic processes: cast-in-place and precast. Cast-in-place involves building forms and pouring concrete in place, directly on the cabinets. While this avoids the hassles of transporting heavy slabs, it does tie up the site for many days (or weeks), and it involves a messy process. In addition, cast (or pour) in place provides fewer options and less control over the finished product. Generally the only finish available is a trowelled surface, which is either acid stained or colored with pigments. The quality of the concrete, the finished appearance and ultimate performance of the countertop are all hampered by the fact that it’s all being done on site under a rushed time schedule.


Precast concrete countertops, on the other hand, move all of the processes off site into a controlled environment. In the structural engineering community, it is well known that precast concrete is superior to cast in place concrete, mainly because tighter quality control can be exercised. Curing, which is a critical step that is commonly misunderstood, can be closely monitored. Moving the process to a shop allows greater flexibilty in terms of the look of the concrete. Glass, stone and other objects can now be embedded; these require extensive wet grinding with diamond power tools to reveal the embedded objects and hone and smooth the resulting surface.


What is the lead time?

Although countertops are one of the last items to be installed, concrete countertops should be selected as early as possible. Here is an outline of the process:

1. Color selection

SciCrete Decorative Surfaces often performs custom color matching and submits samples for your approval. Allow about 3 weeks for this process. See the section on custom colors for more information.

2. Templating

Templating is done from finished and installed cabinetry, and it takes less than one day.

3. Fabrication

The typical time required to fabricate most concrete countertops, depending on their size and complexity, is 4-6 weeks. Note that the fabrication process may not start immediately after templating depending on how full our production schedule is. A good guideline is to contact SciCrete at the beginning of the project, or at the latest one month before cabinetry is scheduled to be installed, both to allow time for custom color samples and to secure a spot on SciCrete Decorative surfaces production schedule.

In the case of a residential project such as a complete kitchen remodel, homeowners are usually willing to wait longer for their custom-made, handcrafted concrete countertops. However, temporary countertops can be a way to minimize inconvenience. Temporary plywood countertops are one possible solution. Or, the contractor can preserve parts of the old countertop to provide some work surfaces.

4. Installation

Because SciCrete concrete countertops are precast and prefinished, installation generally takes less than one day.



How are templates made?

Concrete countertops are templated just like granite. Templating is done after any existing countertops are removed, or after new cabinets are fully installed. Your contractor needs to arrange for existing countertop removal. Almost all concrete countertops require physical templates from the finished and installed cabinetry.
In some cases, such as small or freestanding pieces, we can fabricate from CADD drawings instead of physical templates. We will advise on templating requirements for your project, and we provide your contractor with a templating checklist to help him prepare. All fixtures that penetrate the concrete, such as sinks and faucets, must be available at templating time.


How are the countertops installed?

Concrete countertops are handled and installed just like granite. Seams are caulked with a color-matched acrylic caulk. Your contractor needs to arrange for plumbing and electrical hookup no earlier than 24 hours after the countertop installation.


Are there any special structural considerations?

A square foot of 1.5” thick concrete weighs about 17 lbs; a square foot of 3 cm granite weighs about 16.5 lbs. Typically, no special considerations are necessary for standard kitchen or bathroom vanity countertops. Cantilevered slabs, bartops on kneewalls and similar situations sometimes require brackets or other structural supports for the countertops. SciCrete can advise on support requirements.



Do you offer a warranty?

Yes. SciCrete Decorative Surfaces warrantees both the sealer and 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. In addition, SciCrete decorative surfaces provides each client with an Owner’s Guide and a direct phone number for support from Victor Gonzalez and Jeff Havens .

[Unicorn Jeff]

..