My client wants concrete countertops, but I'm worried about them cracking. Does anyone know how to keep it from cracking, or should I try to change her mind?

If you are worried about cracking, you are not the one to be involved. Go to a big book store and look up "Concrete Countertops". The author who is the MASTER of the art also has a second book out on the same subject. The biggest problem is whether or not you have a qualified craftsperson in your area. Andy

Thanks Andy. I'll check into that book.
Irish

How much experience do you have with concrete?
also do they want precast or poured in place?
you can email us at concretetops@earthlink.net or you can visit our website at www.concretetops.com and soon you can visit www.concretecountertopsdiy.com for all your Concrete Counter Top needs,our company is the Pioneer in Florida with Precast Concrete Counter Tops,and recently we where the only company in Florida featured in (Decorating with Concrete Indoors)A Schiffer Book,thanks.
Danny Arvelo
Principal

Irish, Nothing against Florida but read the two books and evaluate Florida against the gold standard.

You didn't mention where you are located but there's a great source in Chicago for concrete countertops, Soupcan. (www.soupcan.com)
There website isn't very pretty but you might find some info there to answer your questions, even if you don't use them as your source. Good luck. I think concrete countertops are beautiful.

I had to get in on this conversation. I have concrete countertops in my home. I've had them for three years!!! Wonderful, however mine is not a straight pour and install, there is a company that can install them over CERTAIN exisiting surfaces! YOU HAVE TO USE somebody very knowledgeable and with a lot of experience to have this done. I have both concrete countertops and a backsplash and I have no problems what so ever, I live in Texas so ground does move here!! :-)

Experience is a must,especially when paying top dollar.You want to possibly look at a showroom or previous customer recommendations or Designers they have worked with.Also the Better Business Bureau and licensing in that particular state will help you determine if the Company will meet or exceed your expectations.In our company's case we will make 2 samples to make sure the customer is happy with the color and finish prior to starting the project.
Daniel Arvelo
Principal

I can give you some good recomendations of contractors depending on your area. I supply tooling to many concrete countertop businesses and know whos got it down.

http://www.concretecountertopdesign.com [website]www.markh@granitecitytool.com [/EMAIL]

I love concrete counter tops. Its surprising to find they come in a wide variety of colors also. Does anyone have any sources for fabricators in Michigan?

Hi There, Rock Elements is the Company to contact in Michigan,also a great site to look at is on EBAY Concrete Tops Diy Shop,thanks.
Danny Arvelo
Principal
http://www.concretetops.com

Fu-Tung Cheng, the author of "Concrete Countretops", has an entire website dedicated to designing and building concrete countertops.

For questions like cracking or staining, you can look up the FAQs section at http://www.concreteexchange.com/products_faqs.jsp.

For a list of concrete countertop contractors in Michigan you can go to http://www.concreteexchange.com/find_a_contractor/united_states/michigan/. Hope that helps.

Good Source diy g.
another good one is Concrete Tops Diy Shop on Ebay.After there done looking around,thanks.

Hello DIY-G,

I actually have been producing concrete countertops for 2 years now. My company is Petra Cast Stone. I am the only countertop manufacturer that is recomended by William's Kitchen and Bath, Rockford Kitchen Design, Plainfield Hardware - Kitchen div., West Michigan Forest Products - Kitchen Div., Kitchen Design Studio, & Pioneer Construction.

My web site: WWW.petracaststone.com

quote:

Originally posted by Irish:
My client wants concrete countertops, but I'm worried about them cracking. Does anyone know how to keep it from cracking, or should I try to change her mind?

Irish...I cover Florida and may be able to assist you and your client with correct expectations of concrete for your home...email me at