Tom Ralston and Buddy Rhodes launch Concrete Countertop Workshops

Nationally famous concrete artist Buddy Rhodes and leading decorative concrete contractor Tom Ralston have begun a new hands-on Concrete Countertop Workshop series to teach interested contractors, craftsmen, and artists how to make one-of-a-kind cast-in place and pre-cast countertops. Also featured will be the Buddy Rhodes signature "hand-pressed" technique, which Rhodes uses to create an extraordinary marble-like effect.

These two innovative craftsmen have more than 32 years' combined experience in making countertops, and together they are eager to share their vast experience and demonstrate the possibilities of creating unique concrete countertops. Concrete countertops are increasingly popular additions to the modern kitchen, both indoors and outdoors, and are an excellent alternative to granite, marble, tiles and Formica. Clients appreciate the warmth and handmade appearance of concrete, as no two countertops are the same. Custom colors, shapes, and even embedded objects can be used to produce one-of-a-kind countertops.


San Francisco, CA December 13, 2003 Concrete artist Buddy Rhodes and fellow concrete contractors Tom Ralston celebrate their Joint Concrete Countertop Workshop's successful completion at the Buddy Rhodes Studio in San Francisco.

Originally a ceramicist, Buddy Rhodes abandoned his potter's wheel when he saw the strength, versatility, and architectural applicability of concrete. Buddy Rhodes Studio manufactures the Buddy Rhodes Concrete Countertop Mix, which was the result of extensive product development and testing. Tom Ralston follows in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, both concrete contractors in Santa Cruz, CA. As the president of Tom Ralston Concrete, Tom now manages 48 employees and approximately 275 jobs per year.

Buddy and Tom's first Concrete Countertop Seminar was held in San Francisco on December 13-14, 2003, and participants learned about making forms, molds, various types of reinforcement, mix design, color, sanding, polishing, sealing, and finishing countertops. Cast-in place, pre-cast, and the "hand-pressed" techniques will also be taught in future workshops, in addition to batching the Buddy Rhodes Countertop mix. The workshop cost is $800.


San Francisco, CA December 13, 2003 Concrete artist Buddy Rhodes removes forms on one of his unique concrete countertops, during a two day Concrete Countertop Workshop.


San Francisco, CA December 13, 2003 Concrete artist Buddy Rhodes removes forms on one of his unique concrete countertops, during a two day Concrete Countertop Workshop.

For information on upcoming seminars, please call the Buddy Rhodes Studio at (877) 706-5303, or Tom Ralston Concrete, at (831) 426-0342. Please visit www.buddyrhodes.com or www.tomralstonconcrete.com, to see examples of their countertops.

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