Services

            Jim Ralston
        1+480.299.0704
     1+480.671.0474 fax
email-concretejim2@yahoo.com
Organic custom concrete elements for commercial and residential.
Countertops Kitchen and Bath
Stainless Steel Countertops
Kitchen/Bath/Entertainment Cabnets
Acid Stain and Overlays
Integral sinks
Farm house sinks
Fireplace surrounds
Bath tubs
Tub surrounds
Shower pans and walls
Water features
Tiles
Furniture
BBQ tops
Wall capping
Benches
Pier caps
Paver's
Commercial Signs
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Do Concrete Countertops Crack?
Imperfections are part of the appeal. In fact, hairline cracks and slight irregularities are a natural part
of the wear and tear and will not affect the structural integrity in the slightest (such fine cracks are
also too narrow to trap food and debris). And while hairline cracks can be patched, such attempts
often look far more obvious than the cracks themselves. Most people prefer the aged appearance that
this natural occurrence bestows—in contrast to the cold and unvarying smoothness of plastic products
such as Corian and Formica. No matter what reinforcing method is used, hairline cracks may still
occur. The hairline cracks are non-structural and should be considered part of the character of each
slab.



Why Would I Want Concrete Counters?
Cast concrete countertops have become the favorite of designers and architects because concrete
can give warmth and color depth not available in granite, marble or Corian. Hand finishing can give
them a finish as smooth as glass with a patina that improves over the years. Concrete can be used
anywhere that tiles, corian, slate, granite or marble are used. It can be used for contertops in kitchens,
bathrooms, vanity tops, islands, backsplashes, sinks, floor and wall tiles, fireplace surrounds and
mantles, and even window sills. Concrete is an exciting alternative to the more common marble and
granite surfaces. Concrete is a stone like material that has a natural warmth, it adds a richness to
both modern and traditional interior environments. They are a unique expression of who you are. They
also create a warm presence in any room of your home or business, and have the ability to
complement any interior whether classic or modern.



Who Can Install Concrete Counters?
Like any trade one must trust the professionals. Your concrete craftsman will most likely prefer to
install the finished product, but anyone who has experience installing granite and marble counters can
install the finished counter.



What Do Concrete Countertops Look Like?
Concrete countertops are a warm natural looking material that corresponds with the popularity of
more natural materials like wood, stone, and brick. Chemical stains, coloring pigments, various
aggregates, and epoxy coatings can give concrete the look, texture and feel of quarried stone such as
marble, granite and limestone. Terrazzo: Glass or marble chips worked into the background create a
two-toned mottled effect, adding textural interest under the smooth surface. It is important to review
samples so you know what you are getting.
Our concrete countertops are cast in a shop where lines and edges can be formed precisely and the
countertop can be cast, cured, and sealed under controlled conditions. Concrete countertops will
exhibit subtle variations in color and texture, which most people feel contributes to its beauty. Each
slab is hand cast so none will be exactly identical.



What Colors Are Available?
Urban Concrete Design offers our own unique standard and premium colors. In fact, cement will vary in
different parts of the country! There are different brands of pigments, stains, and aggregate colors, so
concrete countertops will always be unique.



How Can I Get Samples?
Standard color samples run in the $25-$50 range. Custom color samples runs $75-$150 and up.



What Are The Prices Of Concrete Countertops?
Consumers, in some cases think of concrete as being a cheaper alternative to other available
countertop surfaces. Concrete countertops should be sold (or bought) based on being a beautiful,
custom, hand made, relatively unique product. Customers going in thinking the countertops will be low
budget items will quickly find out otherwise. The price of the concrete countertop is composed of the
countertop construction, shipping (if required), and installation. Prices to Manufacture Concrete
Countertops Standard   1 1/2”thick concrete countertops range from $75 to $125 per square foot.
These items add to the cost:
Irregular or curbed shapes.
Integral Drain boards
Custom edges
Back splashes

Urban Concrete requires a dimensioned plan view indicating all back splashes (if any), sink cutouts, and
any other cut outs.



What Are The Thickness And Weight Of Concrete Countertops?
The standard slab thickness is 1.5". 2" slabs are also quite common. Larger thickness is also possible
and is done for aesthetic reasons. If a 6" slab is desired, however, the back and center are still 1.5"
thick and the front "grows" to the desired thickness. So it still looks 6" thick but is only 6" thick in the
front.
A 1.5" thick standard concrete countertop has an approximate weight of 18.75 pounds per square
foot. (Granite is approximately 18 pounds per square foot.) The countertop weight can be less if
lightweight concrete is used. .
Standard cabinetry will support the concrete slabs as the weight of the countertops is distributed over
a large area.



What Are The Installation Costs?
Installation, when done by Urban Concrete Design, runs in the 17 to 40 $ per sq ft, range. Other
installations, such as when the countertop has been shipped, should be done by a contractor
experienced in installing countertops. Rates for this would vary by region of the country. The
countertops arrive to the site in a completed state and there should be no modifications required.
Urban Concrete Design provides detailed installation instructions. Request these instructions and
make sure your installer understands the installation instructions prior to the countertops arriving on
the jobsite…these are custom, one of a kind products.



Can You Cut On Concrete Countertops?
No. Cutting on the concrete countertop won’t hurt the concrete, but will damage the sealer, which can
effect the sealers ability to keep out water and stains. Cutting boards should always be used when
chopping or preparing foods.



What Are Inserts?
Trivets for setting hot pans on the countertops are available (often to match the color of the
countertop) as are built-in sinks.



Can You Place Hot Pans On Concrete Countertops?
Placing hot pans on the concrete countertops should be avoided. Concrete is very heat resistant, but
the concern (like with cutting on concrete countertops) is damaging and or discoloring the sealer.
Urban Concrete Design can build in trivets of stainless steel, brass, or copper. Or you can use hot
plates or a hot pad.





Are There Any Size Limitations?
Size limit is 5 X 10 ft. Custom sizes are done on a job by job bases.



How Do I Clean Concrete Countertops?
Avoid abrasive soaps or cleansers.Urban Concrete Design  recommends a mild, non-abrasive, non
ammoniated soap for daily cleaning. They suggest Simple Green (dilute as suggested) or Dr. Bronner’s
natural soap (5 parts water, one part soap) Urban Concrete recommends a neutral pH cleanser and
warm water. They note to avoid using abrasive pads. In short, cleaning your countertop is not going to
be any more difficult than cleaning any other type of countertops.



How Are Concrete Countertops Made?
Many homeowners are taking advantage of concrete’s flexibility and its ability to incorporate other
functional features such as integral sinks, drainboards, and butcher blocks. Urban Concrete also
provides backsplashes and wet walls in complementary colors and textures.
Countertops are pre-cast in shop. Urban Concrete Design likes to pour in the shop where conditions
are controlled, we use special casting tables, and we have the countertop in our possession while it is
curing and until it can be adequately sealed. Countertops are made of cement, lightweight aggregates,
and a combination of additives. Additives such as fiber reinforcement, silica fume pozzolan, and acrylic
are often used. Some type of reinforcement is used such as structural steel, wire mesh, fiberglass,
and/or fibers. Sometimes more than one type of reinforcement is used. The countertops are cured.
Countertops are often ground. Urban Concrete, for example, grinds off the surface "skin" with
progressively finer diamond polishing stones. This achieves two important objectives, durability and
beauty. Countertops are always sealed. The type of seal, method and number of coats of sealer is
unique. These are the general steps in constructing concrete countertops.



Creating The Heart Of Your Home
The kitchen is often referred to as the “heart of the home” and for good reason. More and more
activities are taking place in the kitchen including cooking, entertaining, household management as well
as a place for hobbies. Besides bringing the largest return on your investment, a well appointed kitchen
can bring you the largest return on your happiness.
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ROC# 236336 K-05
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