Frequently Asked Questions
WHY CHOOSE CONCRETE?
Concrete is a truly custom product, hand-made to the customer’s specifications. Its color, texture, and appearance can be tailored to suit your specific needs. Three dimensional effects like molded in sink troughs, ribs, trivets, cutting boards, and other inclusions can be custom made. No other solid surface offers as much design flexibility as concrete. Our only limitation is your imagination.
ARE ALL CONCRETES THE SAME?
Definitely not! Hard Topix products have been custom formulated from years of research by the nation’s experts. They have micro fibers and polymer additives that make them harder and stronger, facilitating smoother castings with fewer voids. The process is carefully controlled for strength in curing and consistency. The sealers have been selected from the finest available for their penetration, adhesion, and durability characteristics. One of the biggest differences is the sealer, once sealed with our advanced technology sealing system, our countertops do not have to be sealed again or regularly maintained.
DO CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS CRACK?
A properly manufactured, installed, and used countertop will not structurally crack. Hairline fractures may occasionally occur during installation if too much stress is placed on a piece that is thinner in design. These do not affect the structural integrity. Every effort is taken to minimize the possibility of these using proper batch formulation and reinforcement.
WHERE CAN CONCRETE BE USED?
Concrete can be used anywhere that tile, solid surfacing, slate, granite, marble etc. are used. Islands, countertops, bath vanities, sinks, tubs, shower walls, desk or table tops, coffee tables, outdoor countertops, bar tops, barbeque surrounds, patios, fireplace mantels, fireplace hearths, fireplace surrounds, and building facades, just to name a few.
WHAT IS THE SURFACE SEALED WITH?
Hard Topix precast concrete products are sealed with a multi-capability stain and acid protection system designed specifically for specialty concrete and engineered cement products. Sealed with a Ultra-Violet light, the sealer is highly scratch resistant, durable and stainproof. It also does not require regularly scheduled maintenance. It is food grade safe and emits zero VOC's.
DOES THE COLOR VARY?
Since the product is hand made, color and texture may vary. This is part of the uniqueness of concrete which is what makes each piece unique from its counterparts and individual to the client’s application. Every formula for a piece that we create is carefully charted so that a color can be replicated.
WHAT IS THE MAINTENANCE OF A CONCRETE COUNTERTOP?
Very little to none. We seal our countertops with the latest in concrete sealing technology, which both seals and protects the naturally porous surface of concrete. This will allow the countertop to resist staining from everyday normal use. Like with any other surface it will microscratch over time and a good carnauba paste wax will help with this. Simply apply in tight circles and buff off with a dry clean cloth when it dries.
HOW THICK ARE CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS?
Standard thickness is 1 3/4” with a minimum of 1 1/2” and maximum of 3”. Any thickness beyond 3” can be achieved using techniques to give the appearance of the desired thickness, yet still maintain weight and size within desirable limits. New GFRC formulas can achieve ½ inch thickness with great strength due to the glass fiber.
WHAT DOES A CONCRETE COUNTERTOP WEIGH?
Our standard 1 3/4” countertop weighs about 17 1/2 pounds per sq. foot. Our lightweight formula weighs about 11 pounds per sq. foot.
CAN I USE STANDARD CABINETRY OR DO I NEED CUSTOM-MADE CABINETS?
Standard cabinetry is designed to carry the loads of materials such as granite and marble, and thus should be fine to bear the weight of concrete tops, assuming that the countertop was assembled and installed properly.
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM OVERHANG?
A 1 3/4” counter can be overhung 12” without the need for additional support. Larger overhangs are possible with the addition of external supports, which may be designed to fit into the overall design of the project. Let us know if you are thinking about having an overhang and we will determine how much support is needed.
WHAT ABOUT SINKS?
We can integrate virtually any manner of sink design into your countertop including an under-mount or surface mount as well as integral sinks into bath vanities and bars. To ensure exact fit and finish, we require that the sink and faucet to be used in the project are available at the time of templating.
WILL A CONCRETE COUNTERTOP HAVE SEAMS?
Yes, a concrete countertop will have seams if the layout calls for one. The seams will be designed into the overall layout, considering overall aesthetic appearance, size and functionality of slabs, and material stress minimization. Clear silicon will be used to fill in the seam where two pieces of concrete come together.
HOW DO I CLEAN MY CONCRETE COUNTERTOP?
Any non-abrasive cleaner would work; however, we recommend a neutral solution to clean with. Simple Green® works well, as does dish soap and water. We recommend using a washcloth or sponge. Avoid anything that could scratch the sealer. Never use an acid based solutions or strippers.
CAN I CUT ON MY CONCRETE COUNTERTOP?
Cutting on the concrete countertop will not hurt the concrete but could comprimise the sealer. Cutting on it will also dull your knife. As with any countertop surface, cutting boards should always be used when cutting or chopping. Hard Topixs can integrate a removable cutting board into the countertop if that would help meet your needs.
WHAT ABOUT HOT PANS?
Concrete in and of itself will handle heat, however it must be ground to a finish and unsealed. This condition is usually undesirable because the sealer makes it both easier to maintain and stain resistant. A great alternative is to design in trivet ribs near stove tops to handle this job. Stainless steel trivets are the preferred materials for this application.
PRICE COMPARISION.
Since each and every job is unique and custom, every job must be individually evaluated and quoted. Every effort will be made to give you our best price and the highest quality in the industry. Generally speaking, custom concrete tends to be about on par with mid to upper level granite.
