WHY CONCRETE?

Our concrete offers many advantages over other surfaces allowing each project to be a one of a kind creation – made just for you with local materials.  Concrete can be molded into complex 3 dimensional shapes that cannot be easily manufactured using other materials.   There are endless color options and pieces do not need to be laminated together to make thicker edges.  This allows the architect, designer, and homeowner a larger degree of freedom in creating inspiring designs.

HOW MUCH DO YOUR CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS COST?

Our concrete surfaces vary in price from ~$100 per square foot to over $200 per square foot (complex three dimensional pieces and sinks).  The minimum project charge is $1000.  The best way to get an accurate estimate is to send us details about your project. We are able to give estimates from architectural drawings, or a hand sketch will do for the simple projects. Typical countertop projects begin at $120 per square foot, templated and installed in the Saskatoon area, making concrete competitive with many other mid to high end surfaces.  Integral concrete sinks can be added in a variety of designs.

Items such as fireplace surrounds, firepits, and furniture pieces are quoted on a per job basis.   Custom firepits have become a very popular item and we find most outdoor firepits price out in the $3000-$4000 range.

Panels and cladding begin at $30 per square foot based on thickness volume.

WHY ARE CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS MORE EXPENSIVE THAN GRANITE AND QUARTZ?

Concrete costs more than some granite and quartz, and less than others. There is much more handwork involved in creating concrete countertops than there is to manufacture granite countertops. Our concrete products are made from local raw materials, as opposed to an imported slab of stone cut by a CNC machine. We hand build all the needed molds, batch the materials, cast, cure and then process each piece by hand. We take pride in each and every project.

WHY IS CONCRETE MORE ECO-FRIENDLY THAN OTHER COUNTERTOP OPTIONS?

We make our products right here is Saskatchewan, using materials (Sand, clay and cement) from Canada and Saskatchewan. We work hard to bring you a truly local option where you can be assured your money stays local. Compare that to a stone quarried out of a hillside on the other side of the planet, put on a ship, then a railroad car, then a tractor-trailer…well, you get the idea.

WILL MY CONCRETE COUNTERS STAIN OR CRACK?

Our counters are finished with a variety of sealers depending on the application. For counter tops our sealer provides a stain-resistant surface with a very natural matte finish.   As a topical product it can scratch if sharp items are dropped across it.  Moisture trapped under items (coffee makers, soap dispensers, planters, etc) for extended periods can leave marks over time if not allowed to evaporate. Simply clean up spills in a reasonable time (hours, not days).

Don’t worry about spilling your wine and staining your countertops. With a little care your concrete counters will be the heart of your kitchen for many years. However, if you are looking for a no maintenance surface that will accept abuse, consider one of the mass produced products on the market, artisan concrete may not be for you.

Your concrete countertops can be cleaned with standard household cleaners without an abrasive. (409, Fantastic, Simple Green, Green Works, Soap & Water, etc.)  A 1:3 Vinegar:Water mixture is an ideal cleaning solution.

We use specialized types of fiber reinforced concrete.  This results in a highly crack resistant material.  Structural cracking is virtually non-existent and we guarantee against structural cracks for the lifetime of the product.  That said, superficial hairline cracks sometimes occur, often at inside corners.  Fire pits are especially susceptible to surface cracks due to the cycling of hot and cold that they undergo.  These cracks are non-structural and not considered a defect in the material. Depending on the desired look we will offer options to avoid these occurring.

WHAT COLORS ARE AVAILABLE WITH CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS?

We have a variety of standard colors to choose from.

We can also match any color in the Benjamin Moore fandeck (>4000 colors!).  Custom colors will incur an additional expense.  Color and finish samples can be created as needed.

HOW DO I GET AN ESTIMATE?

To receive and estimate we need detailed information regarding your project.  You can either send detailed architectural drawings or a simple hand sketch with accurate dimensions will often do. Please include:

• Overhead drawings with measurements
• Backsplash location and height
• Sink choice and location (under mount, drop-in, apron, concrete)
• Color
• Edge detail
• Desired visual thickness

DO YOU TEMPLATE PROJECTS?

We templates all projects that we feel require a template. This would be based on the specific project and the relationship of the item to other portions of the project. Kitchens typically require a template to achieve an exact fit, vanities can sometimes be completed without a template, and most furniture will not require one.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?

There are many variables that manipulate delivery times on custom orders. Typically, bathrooms and kitchens 4-6 weeks.  Larger projects and highly custom pieces can take 6-8 weeks or more . Our delivery times also can vary depending on current production volumes and project size.  If you are concerned with delivery times it is best to contact us with your construction schedule to confirm our current delivery schedule.

WHAT IS THE THICKNESS OF YOUR CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS?

Depending on the application our typical countertops have a minimum thickness of 3/4” (19mm).  All exposed edges will be manufactured to the visual thickness specified (Typically 1.5” (38mm) for kitchens).  We can also manufacture any desired thickness to fit your visual needs, without minimal addition to the weight of the project.

BACKSPLASHES, TILES AND PANELS?

Backsplashes are typically .375″ (9.5mm) to 1″ (25.4mm) thick. If needed, we can manufacture backsplashes to a specific thickness to accommodate your project. Tiles and panel thicknesses vary from .375” (9.5mm) to 1″ (25.4mm) depending on application and size. We can manufacture to a specific thickness to meet your project requirements.

HOW LONG OF A PIECE CAN YOU CAST?

There are many factors that dictate maximum size. Our typical maximum dimensions are 12’x5′, but we have cast substantially longer than 12′. Items outside of our typical dimensions require custom forms that will increase project costs.

WHEN DO I NEED SEAMS?

Seams will vary depending on the kitchen/project layout. If seams are needed we will advise to any placement possibilities so the best visual appearance can be achieved. Seams are sealed and should be considered an element of the design.

CAN I CUT DIRECTLY ON THE CONCRETE?

No. Our concrete surfaces are very durable but we do not recommend cutting directly on them, as it may scratch the concrete and will certainly ruin your knives. We always recommend using a cutting board to prevent scratching the surface and dulling your knives.

IS YOUR CONCRETE HEAT RESISTANT?

Yes, but  as a general rule, if it is too hot to touch with you hand you should use a barrier. Applications that are going to see heat, such as the hearth of a wood burning fireplace where embers will fall, we use an extremely heat resistant sealer that will allow you ample time to clean up the red hot embers and not damage your hearth. Trivets can be embedded into the concrete as an additional design element.

HOW MUCH DO THEY WEIGH?

A common misconception is that concrete counter tops are heavy. Our countertops vary in thickness depending on the application. Typical concrete kitchen countertops weigh between 10 – 12 lbs per square foot, close to half of a standard 1.25 inch thick granite or quartz. Standard cabinets are more than adequate to support this weight.

HOW ACCURATE ARE YOUR COLORS FROM JOB TO JOB?

Our concrete products are hand made using natural materials. These materials vary in shade and cause our finished products to vary from our samples. We have spent years noting and adjusting our process to try to manipulate color hues and have found there will always be a slight shade difference caused by the materials and process used throughout production.

CAN YOU SHIP?

Yes we can. All products can be packaged and shipped using common carriers. Items are packaged using custom built crates to protect your piece. We can provide packaging and freight quotes upon request.  Unless you have access to a loading dock, the delivery is generally curbside via a lift-gate.