Living Stone Concrete Design

Concrete FAQ's

How durable are concrete countertops?

Our hand-made concrete is extremely durable. Our traditional wet cast concrete reaches over 7,000 psi of strength and out GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) mix is even higher. That is more than twice as strong as your average concrete driveway or sidewalk.

What are the advantages of concrete over other materials like laminate, granite, marble or corian?

Concrete offers a unique handcrafted, custom finish that is not possible with other materials. The colors, textures and finishes are unique and each piece is an original. Concrete is also very durable, heat resistant and timeless. Flexibility, durability and uniqueness are the reasons people are using more and more concrete in their homes. Also, concrete does not have any of the health issues recently associated with granite and radon gas.

Cleaning and maintaining concrete countertops.

Concrete countertops are really no different than any other type of countertop surface when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. A mild soap and warm water with a clean cloth are recommended for daily cleaning. It is best to avoid using abrasive soaps, pads or cleansers directly on the countertop, which could scratch or mar the sealer. If heavier cleaning is necessary, use a cleaner with a neutral pH level to protect the sealer, such as Simple Green.

How much maintenance do concrete countertops require?

This is one of the biggest myths in the concrete countertop industry. At Living Stone we have invested in using state-of-the-art sealer technology. Because of the ultraviolet light sealing process, our concrete is stain-proof extremely scratch resistant and does not require any waxing. The sealer should last about 15 or more years with normal wear and tear. Reseals and touch ups are easy to do.

What are my color choices with concrete countertops?

One of the most appealing attituetes of a concrete countertop is that it can be custom colored to get a specific hue or color matched to any paint, fabric, or tile sample. This makes the color palette nearly limitless! Check out this article about the most popular colors for concrete countertops.

Do concrete countertops crack?

No, if designed and installed correctly. Concrete inherently may show surface legions, but these are not considered cracks. These are expected and desired in concrete as veining is in marble. These mislabeled "cracks" are actually the character the countertop carries within it. Each will age and cure out it's own unique way, like art they are not repeatable. One of concrete countertops most desirable features is its uniqueness.

Can I cut food on the countertop surface?

It is recommended that a cutting board or protective surface be used, not only to protect the countertop but also to protect your cutting blade edge. All of our countertops are specially sealed and a cut could damage the finish as well. Our sealer is designed to withstand hot pans up to 400° F placed on the surface.

How much do concrete countertops cost?

Most concrete countertops are custom made from scratch and can cost anywhere from $65 to $225 per sq ft. Most of our work ranges from $65 to $85 per sq ft.

What affects the price of a concrete countertop?

Size, scope and complexity of the countertop are the major factors that determine the price. Specialty edges, integral sinks, custom insets, embedded items, color selection, surface finish and other decorative elements requiring a more skilled manufacturing process can affect price. Also shipping, delivery and installation play a role in the price. We prefer to install your countertop personally to ensure the integrity of the finished product.

Are concrete countertop materials the same for interior and exterior use?

Yes. Concrete countertops have proven to be very resilient in the Minnesota area where we see extreme summer heat and winter cold temperatures. The only thing to consider with exterior countertops is that they are subject to the elements - rain, hail, snow, freezing and sunlight. These factors should be put into consideration when planning and building an exterior grade concrete countertop. The only thing that may change from indoors to outdoors is the type of pigments and sealer used, as some may fade in the sun.

Do you have more questions regarding concrete?

If so, please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.