Frequently Asked Question's
|
|
Below is a list of questions that often get asked, if you have a question of your own please use the contact form on this website or email: [email protected]
Is GFRC still concrete?
Absolutely! GFRC stands for 'glass fibre reinforced concrete' the difference is that it uses aligned glass fibres for superior strength instead of re-bar for example. Be aware of micro cement - this is not concrete but rather an overlay of cement slurry over a timber substrate or similar.
Who would want concrete worktops?
Concrete worktops are the most unique, personal worktop option because they are handmade from scratch for each client. To determine whether concrete is right for you, think about whether you believe that:
How can I customise my worktop/product?
Only concrete can offer almost unlimited options when customising, you can place fossils, stones, glass, fibre optics, personal objects, we can sandblast words or images onto the surface, there are limitless colour options, you can create curves anywhere, the only limit is your imagination!
How is your concrete made?
Most people know the basic mix used for standard jobs which consists of sand, cement and water and generally not too much attention is given to the exact amounts of each material. Everything about our concrete from the mix design, blending process, casting and finishing processes are vastly different and more complicated. We have developed our skills and knowledge over the years to help us produce long lasting high quality products, there is an informative storyboard on our about page which can help explain some of the processes.
How is the concrete sealed?
Concrete sealers have come a long way recently and some are now sold in UK. We use our high performance sealer on all products with no need for periodic re-coating. It is a 2-part sealer specifically designed for kitchen worktops which requires skill to apply. There are usually 2 weak applications first to penetrate deep into the concrete, and then a further 3 stronger applications to form a protective layer. This process takes quote a lot of time and care to get right, once all layers are applied it is left to cure for as long as necessary depending on environmental conditions. We have performed tests with common staining agents with no effects over 24hrs, it also has excellent scratch and heat resistance. We have an Owner's Guide available as a Pdf on request.
Always ask your contractor how their concrete is sealed, if it is using a simple penetrating sealer with wax this will offer little or no protection..
How much does it cost?
Even though it is a completely custom material our high quality concrete is competitive in price with other worktop materials such as high quality granite. We are happy to work with you and your designer to give you an estimate on your project and we can help with options to fit your budget. Please keep in mind that cost depends on the processes adopted and the amount of hours spent creating each product. Many hours are required to make quality, durable worktops with more skilful processes involved. It is also possible to cast a worktop by pouring a standard mix and have very few processes after that, this is ok as long as it meets the demands expected of that product.
What is the finish like?
Our products are wet polished to expose the beautiful sand grains and remove soft cement cream layer, this provides a smooth, durable pinhole free surface. We then apply a high performance matt sealer.
How heavy is it?
Our concrete weighs about the same as granite so there is no need to reinforce your kitchen units. With our high performance glass fibre reinforced concrete (GFRC) we can cast as thin as 15mm and give the illusion of mass by creating a deep return edge which drastically reduces weight.
Are there any seams?
Some worktops can be designed without seams but they may or may not be required around sinks, hobs or when turning a corner during delivery/install, very much like granite worktops have seams.
How do I care for my worktop?
Maintenance and cleaning couldn't be easier. Damp cloths, mild detergents and other water-based cleansers are all that are needed. Avoid aggressive cleaners, scrubbers should not be used. General spills will not stain the concrete as long as the coating is maintained and avoid cutting directly on the surface. A full Owner's Guide is available on request.
Disadvantage of concrete?
Lead time: Small projects can take only weeks but it can typically take over a month to create a kitchen worktop and install it, the templates and moulds have to be accurately made and once the concrete is cast, time is needed to allow the concrete to gain strength, polishing can only begin at a certain stage as well as sealing which also needs time to cure.
Scratching: while the sealer is very durable it is possible to scratch it, a re-coating service is available, just like granite worktops you should use cutting boards and not cut directly on the worktops.
Advantage of concrete?
Custom: Concrete's biggest advantage is that it is completely custom. Your worktop will be unique to you and highly personalised
Versatile: Concrete is extremely versatile. It can enhance any style, from traditional to contemporary. From Arts and Crafts to Industrial. The possibilities are endless.
Practical: Woven Stone uses a sealer that is extremely stain resistant and low maintenance. Common food items will not stain it when cared for. The sealer does not degrade and therefore does not need to be reapplied, the sealer also exhibits great heat resistance.
Imperfections: We believe this is an advantage. Concrete worktops are handmade and hand finished. Since concrete is a heterogeneous mixture of many different ingredients, subtle variations in colour, shade, texture and overall appearance should be expected. Concrete exhibits natural beauty rather than plastic perfection.
Is GFRC still concrete?
Absolutely! GFRC stands for 'glass fibre reinforced concrete' the difference is that it uses aligned glass fibres for superior strength instead of re-bar for example. Be aware of micro cement - this is not concrete but rather an overlay of cement slurry over a timber substrate or similar.
Who would want concrete worktops?
Concrete worktops are the most unique, personal worktop option because they are handmade from scratch for each client. To determine whether concrete is right for you, think about whether you believe that:
- you want something unique and personalised
- you want something that looks natural and has character
- you appreciate high-quality hand-crafted items
- you think that granite and quartz are too shiny, too formal, too common
- you think synthetic solid surface materials feel like plastic
- you need a colour or visual texture that's not available with other materials
How can I customise my worktop/product?
Only concrete can offer almost unlimited options when customising, you can place fossils, stones, glass, fibre optics, personal objects, we can sandblast words or images onto the surface, there are limitless colour options, you can create curves anywhere, the only limit is your imagination!
How is your concrete made?
Most people know the basic mix used for standard jobs which consists of sand, cement and water and generally not too much attention is given to the exact amounts of each material. Everything about our concrete from the mix design, blending process, casting and finishing processes are vastly different and more complicated. We have developed our skills and knowledge over the years to help us produce long lasting high quality products, there is an informative storyboard on our about page which can help explain some of the processes.
How is the concrete sealed?
Concrete sealers have come a long way recently and some are now sold in UK. We use our high performance sealer on all products with no need for periodic re-coating. It is a 2-part sealer specifically designed for kitchen worktops which requires skill to apply. There are usually 2 weak applications first to penetrate deep into the concrete, and then a further 3 stronger applications to form a protective layer. This process takes quote a lot of time and care to get right, once all layers are applied it is left to cure for as long as necessary depending on environmental conditions. We have performed tests with common staining agents with no effects over 24hrs, it also has excellent scratch and heat resistance. We have an Owner's Guide available as a Pdf on request.
Always ask your contractor how their concrete is sealed, if it is using a simple penetrating sealer with wax this will offer little or no protection..
How much does it cost?
Even though it is a completely custom material our high quality concrete is competitive in price with other worktop materials such as high quality granite. We are happy to work with you and your designer to give you an estimate on your project and we can help with options to fit your budget. Please keep in mind that cost depends on the processes adopted and the amount of hours spent creating each product. Many hours are required to make quality, durable worktops with more skilful processes involved. It is also possible to cast a worktop by pouring a standard mix and have very few processes after that, this is ok as long as it meets the demands expected of that product.
What is the finish like?
Our products are wet polished to expose the beautiful sand grains and remove soft cement cream layer, this provides a smooth, durable pinhole free surface. We then apply a high performance matt sealer.
How heavy is it?
Our concrete weighs about the same as granite so there is no need to reinforce your kitchen units. With our high performance glass fibre reinforced concrete (GFRC) we can cast as thin as 15mm and give the illusion of mass by creating a deep return edge which drastically reduces weight.
Are there any seams?
Some worktops can be designed without seams but they may or may not be required around sinks, hobs or when turning a corner during delivery/install, very much like granite worktops have seams.
How do I care for my worktop?
Maintenance and cleaning couldn't be easier. Damp cloths, mild detergents and other water-based cleansers are all that are needed. Avoid aggressive cleaners, scrubbers should not be used. General spills will not stain the concrete as long as the coating is maintained and avoid cutting directly on the surface. A full Owner's Guide is available on request.
Disadvantage of concrete?
Lead time: Small projects can take only weeks but it can typically take over a month to create a kitchen worktop and install it, the templates and moulds have to be accurately made and once the concrete is cast, time is needed to allow the concrete to gain strength, polishing can only begin at a certain stage as well as sealing which also needs time to cure.
Scratching: while the sealer is very durable it is possible to scratch it, a re-coating service is available, just like granite worktops you should use cutting boards and not cut directly on the worktops.
Advantage of concrete?
Custom: Concrete's biggest advantage is that it is completely custom. Your worktop will be unique to you and highly personalised
Versatile: Concrete is extremely versatile. It can enhance any style, from traditional to contemporary. From Arts and Crafts to Industrial. The possibilities are endless.
Practical: Woven Stone uses a sealer that is extremely stain resistant and low maintenance. Common food items will not stain it when cared for. The sealer does not degrade and therefore does not need to be reapplied, the sealer also exhibits great heat resistance.
Imperfections: We believe this is an advantage. Concrete worktops are handmade and hand finished. Since concrete is a heterogeneous mixture of many different ingredients, subtle variations in colour, shade, texture and overall appearance should be expected. Concrete exhibits natural beauty rather than plastic perfection.