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 Mt Kisco,  NY

Making "Classic" Countertops

Concrete Countertops

Frequently Asked Questions about Concrete Countertops                

Why choose concrete?

What sets concrete apart is the individuality of color, texture and bold appearance that are possible.

Where can concrete be used?

Concrete can be used anywhere that tile, solid surfacing, slate, granite or marble is used.

For instance, Kitchen Island or perimeter countertops, Bath vanities or Desktops and Coffee table tops

What are the color options?

The color possibilities are endless. Shading differences may occur in concrete as they do in all natural materials.

Keep in mind that color matching in concrete is not an exact science. Each and every concrete slab is unique and can vary slightly in tonality,

color field and texture. This is the beauty of the concrete medium.  

Are there custom color samples available ?

How thick are concrete counter tops?                                                                                    

They are a minimum of 1 1/4” thick and can be any thickness up through 4” or 6 “.

What does a concrete counter top weigh?

A 1½” thick concrete counter top weighs approximately 18 lbs. per square foot.

Most factory made kitchen cabinets will support both concrete or granite without a problem.

It's wise to check any special layout details with your kitchen designer or general contractor.

What is maximum overhang for a concrete counter top?

A 1½” counter top can be overhung about 12” without support. Larger and unbalanced overhangs are possible using external supports.

We do use steel reinforcement bars in each top according to your layout needs.

Do concrete counter tops crack?

No They should not and we warranty them not to.

Hairlines or surface crazing may occur but are considered character features, just like veins in stone.

They do not affect structural integrity.

They are considered by the design trade as a desirable part of the charm of concrete.

Where do field joints occur?

Field joints are needed at strategic engineering points of stress such as cook top or sink openings .

These occur at each side corner or ,(with a small round sink), the middle.

Field Joints may also occur at the size limit for some long runs or angled corners.

Fax us a drawing for consulting on final design needs.

No attempt is made to hide or disguise these joints. Field joints should be unobtrusive but clearly part of the concrete design.

Will concrete counter tops stain?

We seal our concrete counter tops so that they are highly resistant to staining. Our sealer coat is both in and on the surface.

Because day to day use occurs on the  sealer coat, rather than on the concrete itself, your countertop will give you years of trouble free service.

We recommend a monthly application of Butchers Wax to enhance the seal and give a soft warm feel to the counter.

 Keeping the surface sealed is crucial to top performance and non-staining.

 It is good not to let spills linger overnight, however our finish is very hard and after a soak, most food or dried liquids will dissolve easily .Scrubbing your top with a 3M Scotchbrite pad will remove stubborn marks or shallow stains. This scrubbing pad will give the same luster that the top was delivered with.  

 Contact Brooks Custom for technical advice if you think the sealer has been damaged.

How do I clean my concrete counter tops?                                                                 

Clean countertops with any non-abrasive household cleanser. Use a 3M Scotchbrite pad for scrubbing.

Can I cut on my concrete counter tops?

As with any countertop surface, cutting boards should always be used when chopping or preparing foods. Incidental food contact is not a hazard or problem.

Can I put hot pots on my concrete counter top?

Always use a hot plate or trivet when setting items from an oven out on the countertop. Although concrete itself is very heat resistant, the sealer can be damaged from prolonged exposure to very high temperatures such as a frying pan with hot oil.

What about sinks?

We can under mount or cut in any sink you may provide.

We must have the sinks on our premises before we can begin the job. We can provide holes for faucets, accessories such as hot water

inserts and soap dispensers provided they are on our premises before we start the job.

We do currently  offer custom concrete integral sinks.

What type of warranty do we offer?                                                                                                

Full One-year warranty against manufacturing defects. Technical support is provided for the life of the product.

How long from template until installation or shipping?

Five to eight weeks. This time is a must to allow for curing.

Concrete gains 90 percent if it’s strength in the first 28 days. After that time it continues to cure and grow stronger for about  twenty years.

How can I get pricing?

Pricing is done in writing only .Please send or fax us a plan drawing or your project. Include measurements and any details you may have.

We’ll fax or e-mail you back usually in 24 hours                                                                                                                    

Concrete is an innovative change from the other traditional countertop materials.

Brooks custom's own craftsmen create each job in our own shop.

All items of color and finish are under our control.

 No Concrete countertop is released for installation before it is cured and inspected for finish quality.

You will be pleased with the results.

After viewing all existing lines of concrete counters we have selected what we

consider to be the most desirable traits and qualities  that concrete has to offer to the design trade.

You may send us templates or plans and specs to duplicate with precision.

We pack and ship throughout the U.S.

  Countertop Comparison Chart

You may send us templates or plans and specs to duplicate with precision.

From Philadelphia to Boston 

Our own craftsmen are available to template and install