Length - 03:38 Award-winning designer Fu-Tung Cheng shows us how to use trivet and rail strips in concrete countertops. He also discusses why these are used from a design and functional standpoint. Rubber rail and trivet strips are used during the mold-making process to create a relief in the finished countertop surface. After the concrete has hardened and cured, the rubber strips are pulled out of the countertop and filled with metal rails made from brass, copper, or stainless steel. The rubber strips are 5/16-inch wide. The metal rails that are eventually placed inside are 1/4-inch wide. The metal rails are used for two reasons. One, these metal rails are aesthetically pleasing. The metal set next to the concrete makes it look warm. When used over seams in the concrete these metal rails visually stitch together the countertop uniting the two pieces. Second, the metal rails are used to protect the concrete countertop from heavy abuse from pots and pans in kitchen. The metal rail or trivet strip is attached to the countertop using a two-part epoxy adhesive called PC-7. Be sure to mask off either side of the opening before applying the adhesive and inserting the metal strip. Find a Concrete Contractor 23 Services in 200 Metros -- U.S. and Canada © 2008 ConcreteNetwork.com None of this site may be reproduced without written permission |