Get Real Surfaces: New York's Answer to Decorative Concrete

by Michele Dawson, The Concrete Network

Concrete has been around for centuries, used in Rome for the grandest of architectural symbols like the Coliseum and the Pantheon. But the material that has withstood the test of time now faces a new generation of suitors, including New York's Get Real Surfaces, which is redefining concrete through the crafting of remarkable shapes, forms, textures, designs, and colors.

Husband and wife George and Avis Bishop own Get Real Surfaces, based in Poughkeepsie, New York in the southeast part of the state. The company custom manufactures countertops, sinks, tubs, fireplace surrounds, mantles and hearths, floor and wall tile. They've even created a concrete bed.

"George had been producing concrete foundations for homes and has been working with the material for over 20+ years," says Nicole Bishop, the company's showroom manager. "He saw concrete being used for countertops and began doing it himself."

George continues to handle the technical side of the company, developing products and consistently improving and updating production methods. Avis handles marketing duties as well as customer service and office managing.

During the company's infancy year a string of local work streamed in. And within a year orders were coming from Manhattan. Get Real also ships products throughout the country.

The company has templating and delivery technicians who deliver and install products within a 100-mile radius of New York City. Outside that radius, they'll provide instructions for templating that are easy for any contractor to follow.

In addition, Get Real Surfaces boasts a 20,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Poughkeepsie, New York. Get Real offers tours Monday-Friday, which allows the customer to view the process of manufacturing countertops from start to finish.

"The Manhattan showroom has been very good (as a marketing tool)," says Bishop. "Otherwise, its very hard to get people to see the product. There are so many finishes; they can see examples and options it can get overwhelming." The showroom is open by appointment.

Bishop says consumer awareness about decorative concrete, especially countertops has mounted in recent years, thanks in part to the showroom and a growing familiarity on a larger scale fostered by national publications and home improvement television shows.

"People are becoming familiar with it," she says. "It used to be you'd mention concrete and some people would get a funny look on their face. But now people are open to it. The number of funny faces is decreasing. Most people now who come in have heard of it."

The concrete countertop is the staple of Get Real Surfaces about 60 percent of their work is precast countertops.

Standard countertops are cast at 1.5" half thick. Custom edging and thickness are available. Each countertop is custom formed and poured at the company's plant and arrives at the jobsite sealed. The maximum length without a seam is 8 feet. An eased edge is standard, but other edge options are also available.

"We've had the most increase with countertops," says Bishop. "They've increased dramatically over the past few years all over the country."

Another trend that Bishop is seeing is more homeowners becoming involved in coming up with their own concrete projects and seeking out information about concrete products.

"Before it was just architects and designers," says Bishop. "Now there is an equal mix of homeowners."

In addition to countertops, sinks are becoming a hot item. The company casts custom one-piece sinks for kitchen, bathroom, gardening or outdoor areas. Available in a variety of shapes from farm, bowl or double, these sinks are integral with the countertop. They also create free-standing bowls for the bathroom or powder room. Cast drainboards are a popular option for kitchen sinks.

Bishop says one of the most interesting projects the company has undertaken is a cast on-site bathtub.

"It was extremely large with Jacuzzi jets," says Bishop. "It was a very interesting design but almost swimming pool size, hence the need to be poured onsite. Precast bathtubs often times need a crane to get them through the window."

Get Real's standard color palette consists primarily of neutrals and earth tones. However, they say they can match just about any Benjamin Moore paint chip, so if you're looking for canary yellow, purple, or cobalt blue concrete, you'll find it.

Meanwhile, Get Real Surfaces offers a five-year structural warranty; it will repair or replace the product if it fails to maintain functional structural integrity for the intended purpose. Customers also receive a one-year coating/sealer warranty.

Many people who are considering concrete wonder about its durability, especially for countertops. There is some maintenance involved in properly caring for concrete. Maintenance consists of re-waxing the concrete every three months or so. "Customers don't like to here the word maintenance, but its very easy, as simple as cleaning your countertops". Get Real provides care and maintenance instructions and products at the time of installation.

Get Real Surfaces says concrete is the perfect answer to any design predicament and it fits the bill for those who want a look that's all their own.

"Inspired by the strength and dignity of ancient structures and modern architecture, Get Real Surfaces has molded the future with their concrete product," the company tells web site visitors. "The refinement of this original material into a unique malleable product inspires new shapes and forms original and innovative designs with great results. The vibrant colors and exciting textures offer creative design alternatives while retaining the integrity of its origin."

And whether its homeowners who are taking design matters into their own hands, or those who seek out professional assistance, the desired outcome remains constant to create their own unique designs.

"Because were on the manufacturing end, people already have their design worked out," Bishop says. "There is a growing demand; people are taking their idea and running with it Any design is possible."

Get Real Surfaces
George and Avis Bishop
121 Washington Street
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
(845) 452-3988
(845) 483-9580 FAX
Send Mail Now - Click Here
www.getrealsurfaces.com

Michele Dawson

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.

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