Length - 04:36 Award-winning designer, Fu-Tung Cheng, invites us into his home to learn more about the vulnerabilities and durability of concrete countertops. He explains how to design around the inherent weaknesses of concrete and design to its strengths. Concrete is a strong material yet over time it will erode with water constantly flowing over it. For this reason, using integral concrete sinks are not recommended. In the kitchen, Cheng uses stainless steel under-mount sinks. The countertop in Cheng's home was designed and built over 25 years ago, and still looks beautiful. But if you focus in around the drain board, you will notice the aggregates are exposed as the concrete paste wears down. One main reason for using undermount stainless steel or porcelain sinks is that they can take the harsh wear of pots and pans, soaps, and detergents. In addition, integral sinks are very hard to restore should the concrete begin to erode. When you consider where in the kitchen to put concrete, either as a homeowner, designer, or contractor think about how the space will be used. High use zones with a lot of oils, such as around stoves, is probably not the best place for concrete. However, in Fu-Tung's home these unsealed concrete countertops have aged with the home. The oils that have leeched into the concrete around the stove give the countertops life. They keep changing and maturing as the family does and the house does. Using a variety of building materials in your kitchen can create a dynamic and extremely functional environment for a family to live, cook and enjoy. 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 |