Concrete InteriorsFor those who want a look that's perfectly imperfect"Concrete countertops in the kitchen or bath is a fairly new design trend, and has caught up with homeowners looking for something beyond the basics," says Terry Stogner, president of Concrete Interiors in Martinez, Calif. "We have discovered the quality that lures so many to grace their interiors with concrete. It's perfectly imperfect." Concrete Interiors helps put the WOW into your project, whether it's a newly remodeled kitchen or bath. People want to have something they can show off, not something that mimics what their friends or neighbors have. Concrete allows the imagination to go wild with its versatility and uniqueness, as well as color choices and edge details that bring a unique warmth into the home. Concrete also brings a special touch to old fireplaces with mantels, hearths and surrounds. Outdoor kitchens are also a natural for the material. Stogner is passionate about this medium. "Concrete is fluid at birth, but then becomes solid stone," he explains. "The feeling that it gives a home the warmth, the handmade look, the craftsmanshipits not a cookie-cutter product." Colors range from shades that are earthy and natural to casts that are vibrant and lively. Homeowners can have everything from a sandy look to bright turquoise. Custom colors and color matching are both available on request. Concrete Interiors can also include a multitude of design options of straight, curved or freeform shape. Cost for concrete is comparable to that of mid-range granite or Corian. "Nothing is really standard," Stogner indicates. The company works to bring a homeowner's creative vision to reality. Detail features include nine different edges, from beveled to a chiseled stone effect that is popular in outdoor kitchens. Accents include imprints of leaves and inset tiles. Concrete Interiors can inset metal drain boards and trivets in brass, stainless or even teak wood for that extra special touch. Those who opt for concrete enjoy the interactive nature of Concrete Interiors. Stogner says that what he does is nothing like working with concrete. "We actually more resemble a bakery," he says. A proprietary concrete mix and a time consuming curing and finishing system virtually eliminates shrinkage, curling and cracking that can occur with standard outdoor concrete. "We've infused an awful lot of chemistry and engineering into the mix design," he says. A common mistake is believing concrete is heavier than other surfaces. The material actually weighs about the same as granite, or 15 pounds per square foot. Concrete Interiors recommends a plywood base, but no additional support is necessary. "Generally, we don't cast pieces larger than 20 square feet," says Stogner. As a rule, seams are found at sink and cook top locations, as well as backsplashes.
Each piece is sealed and finished with a gloss or matte finish, depending on the customers preference and/or use of material. Maintenance on concrete countertops is minimal. Waxing a few times a year with beeswax maintains the surface. Stogner recommends cleaning with soap and water, no abrasive pads or cleaners. In the past eight years, Concrete Interiors has grown to be one of the most reputable pre-cast custom concrete fabricators in the industry and is now a certified Green Builder company. "Our senior manufacturer and designer has over 25 years experience as a custom builder and brings that knowledge with him to create works of art," says Stogner. Concrete Interiors countertops are made in Martinez, Calif. with templates the company creates in the client's home. It takes four weeks to create, cure and seal an item. The company offers installation in the greater Bay Area and Sacramento Metro area. Concrete Interiors
Michele Dawson writes each week on one of the contractor members of The Concrete Network (www.concretenetwork.com). She has written about the home building industry for several years and was on the public affairs staff of the California Building Industry Association. 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 |
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