Concrete Countertops
A two-part series covering forms, mixes, tools and finishes. Part One: Cast-in-place
by Susan Brimo-Cox
has swelled across the country, concrete contractors and artists have been honing their techniques to craft functional art at its finest. Producing concrete countertops falls into two general categories: cast-in-place and precast. There are ardent proponents of both methods, and many concrete countertop contractor-artists use both methods, depending on a specific project’s application.
Here we’ll explore the cast-in-place method. Part Two, in the next issue of Concrete Decor, will focus on the precast method.
“Less complicated” and “seamless” are the most frequent comments used to describe cast-in-place concrete countertops. What’s more, they are typically less expensive than the precast method.
As Tom Ralston, president and chief executive officer of Tom Ralston Concrete in Santa Cruz, Calif., observes, “You don’t have to be a master form-setter. [This method is] more forgiving than molds. Also, it has more of a handcrafted look and feel.”
Richard Smith, owner of Richard Smith Custom Concrete in West Hills, Calif., expresses similar sentiments. “With cast-in-place you’ll see tool and trowel marks and finishing marks. Some people find this desirable. … It’s like building a violin. You watch the creation — a working piece of artwork in the house.”
Other advantages include greater flexibility in making monolithic units, fewer — if any — seams and no worries about moving heavy, fragile concrete countertops to a job site.
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