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 Mt Kisco,  NY

Making "Classic" Countertops

Concrete Countertops

Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

Concrete Colors

Installation:

Concrete countertops arrive for installation as fresh from curing.

They are still getting harder . The finish is also in the process of attaining it's maximum durability.

It is important to handle the slabs carefully during placement.

As the final curing and hardening process happens in the coming weeks it is necessary to protect the tops from damage, especially during construction.

It is important to protect the surface after install for the first month.

Setting:

Our countertops may be set in place using high grade silicone. This will allow for the movement differences between Concrete and your Cabinets  (and house structure). Even support is key to a good installation..

Finish:

Our countertops have a very hard acrylic finish. It is both in and on the concrete.

Once fully cured it is stain ,chip, and crack resistant.

The luster is produced with a 3M Scotchbrite pad on a machine. If it is necessary the scrub or

sand or re-polish for any reason, you may reproduce the original finish using this pad (by hand or mounted on a vibrating sander.)

Complete any work to the countertop with a coat of Butcher's Wax or Paste Wax.

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

Repairs:

The finish and the concrete itself are able to be repaired is a number of ways.

Our trained and experienced personnel are available in the Northeast to repair on site.

For on site repair by a homeowner we recommend clear epoxy, sanded through the grades to a 220 finish and then the Scotchbrite rubout.

Most stains that occur are only in the uppermost part of the finish and maybe removed with a Scotchbrite rubout as well.

Color and Pattern:

The countertop's color is through and through.  They can be matched to the Benjamin Moore paint chart for ease of reference. 

Concrete counters arrive at the jobsite slightly darker and will lighten with time as moisture leaves the concrete. (approx 90 days).

Patterns of mineral deposits (efflorescence) and random effects from pouring, and impurities are considered to be

part of the beauty  and charm of the concrete medium. These characteristics are random and not controlled by us.

We do not attempt to make an exact match to any sample or pattern.

Cracking and crazing:

Hairlines or surface crazing may occur but are considered character features, just like veins in stone.  They can be present anywhere on a top.   They do not affect structural integrity.  Crazing is considered by the design trade as a desirable trait and part of the charm of concrete.

Cracking should not occur and is under warranty .A properly designed and installed countertop will have field joints in the correct places and be supported against possible movement. Tradesmen standing upon a freshly installed concrete counter would not be recommended.

Stability:  Field Joints

The tops will move (expand and contract) slightly.  We have engineered our concrete to be dimensionally stable, not to warp or crack.  Field joints are a design feature of concrete to ensure this stability.  Joints are placed at openings (sinks, cooktops) and at angles or breaks in long runs.  The joints are sealed with architectural grade pure silicone.

Cleaning :

Fantastic, Windex, Formula 409,Joy dishwashing liquid, Are all fine and will not damage Concrete. Scrubbing with a

Scotchbrite pad will reproduce the same luster that the countertops are delivered with.

Fine scratches:

All countertops will acquire a pattern of use. This is a normal outcome of living .

Concrete countertops and their finishes are not indestructible. They must be treated with reasonable care in daily use.

Use a trivet or cutting board for:

Very hot pots (oil and frying heat)

Cutting with knives or chopping.

Opening wine or rough surface bottles (twisting ,grinding, and pressing motion ) 

Food Prep:

Incidental food prep or contact is not a hazard or problem.

This finish has been used and accepted in the food industry for many years.

Warranty:

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

Time from template to delivery or ship.:

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

Concrete gains 90 percent if it’s strength in the first 28 days.

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

Countertop Comparison Chart