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Consider GFRC Countertops

Instead of using conventional precast concrete, many concrete countertop fabricators are switching to GFRC (glass-fiber reinforced concrete), not only for its performance and aesthetic benefits but also because of its sustainable attributes (see Benefits of GFRC). The material uses significantly less portland cement than regular concrete, and it often incorporates large quantities of recycled materials.

Kitchen countertop built with Absolute ConcreteWorks' GFRC mix, SoundCrete.

Steve Silberman, president, and partner Tommy Cook of Absolute ConcreteWorks in Seattle (see Concrete Countertops Seattle), use a proprietary GFRC mix, called SoundCrete, to make countertops, fireplace surrounds, sinks and other concrete elements. "GFRC is more eco-friendly than standard wet cast precast," he says. "Because of its high strength, we are able to pour our structure at 3/4 to 1 inch thick rather than the typical industry standard of 1 1/2 or 2 inches thick."


Countertop and bar built with GFRC. Absolute ConcreteWorks in Seattle, WA

Silberman notes that his company's GFRC mix uses up to 50% less portland cement than regular concrete, helping to save the energy typically consumed to manufacture cement. "Rather than using fly ash to further reduce the portland cement content of our mix, we use a post-industrial recycled glass product from Vitro Minerals," he says. "Our mix design also eliminates the need for gravel for structural integrity, although we do continue to use small amounts of gravel and post-consumer or post-industrial glass, metal or other recycled materials strictly for decorative purposes."

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