Concrete benchtops

[Arron]

Hi. Has anyone here experimented with concrete benchtops ??

thanks
Arron

[mudguts]

why would anyone do that????
:confused:

[Shedhand]

Hi. Has anyone here experimented with concrete benchtops ??

thanks
Arron

Not me. But I wouldn't mind giving it a go. A lot of new restaurants seem to be doing it here in Hobart. Formica and/or Laminex must make a veneer because one new restaurant has used it and it looks very effective.
Cheers

[julianx]

I do some work for a builder who casts his own. I havn't helped make them but they look great although they cost as much to make as polished granite bench tops. He says it took him a few goes to get the process right.
You can get some great effects using colours and differant aggregates.
Sorry I can't be any more help have fun experimenting

[Shedhand]

Hi. Has anyone here experimented with concrete benchtops ??

thanks
Arron

Have look here mate http://www.aringo.com.au/
Cheers

[bitingmidge]

Arron,

Concrete is a wondrous material. From a primal and formless slurry, it can transform itself into solid form taking on any shape. The possibilities for creative expression are endless. You can grind, polish, stamp, and stain it. You can embed objects in it. It has substance and mass, permanence and warmth. It feels earthy. It assumes forms that irrevocably touch our daily lives: bridges, highways, floors, walls, and now even countertops.

I was mad keen on it, but couldn't spare the time, and couldn't get anyone reliable to do it, so used granite for less than the best quote I had :eek: .

Taunton Publications have a book which I must get my hands on one day.
http://www.taunton.com/store/pages/070599_intpg.asp

It may well be worth investing $50 to have it airmailed if the library doesn't have it.

Cheers,

P

[Arron]

why would anyone do that????
:confused:

Have a look here and your question will be answered http://www.concretenetwork.com/concr...tal_sinks.html or http://www.concretenetwork.com/photo...untertops2.htm .

Actually, its a vanity top that we want - with inbuilt basin and surround for a mirror. We have used marble and granite for the rest of the house - very nice but very limiting because you are working with flat slabs of stone. If you want something creative you need to be able to shape it from a mouldable material. I think my wife just wants something no-one else has and its a good thing I enjoy the challenge.

I have read quite a bit on the subject, and now am wanting to make contact with someone who has actually done it.

thanks
Arron

[Christopha]

Terrazzo??? That is just polished concrete using coloured aggregates and cements... There has to be the odd Italian around who can still do it.

[TassieKiwi]

Isn't concrete the stuff you use to hold up the TS and jointer?

[mkemila]

why would anyone do that????
:confused:

that way you know when the saw has gone all the way through the wood of course

[Auld Bassoon]

Have look here mate http://www.aringo.com.au/
Cheers

I don't wish to offend anyone, but in my simple view those are as ugly as sin. Reminiscent of the German bunkers scattered around Jersey and some of the (forced labour) built internal "fittings":eek:

In anycase, I wouldn't have one in my shed - just imagine shoving a nice sharp LN chisel into concrete:eek: (waves garlic & stuff around)

Cheers!

[mudguts]

I had actually never heard of it.........silly me
no offence

[seriph1]

Arron,



I was mad keen on it, but couldn't spare the time, and couldn't get anyone reliable to do it, so used granite for less than the best quote I had :eek: .

Taunton Publications have a book which I must get my hands on one day.
http://www.taunton.com/store/pages/070599_intpg.asp

It may well be worth investing $50 to have it airmailed if the library doesn't have it.

Cheers,

P

$25 from Amazon + postage

[Arron]

I don't wish to offend anyone, but in my simple view those are as ugly as sin. Reminiscent of the German bunkers scattered around Jersey and some of the (forced labour) built internal "fittings":eek:
Cheers!

I'd have to agree with you. Aringo's stuff is as ugly as sin - though I was too polite to say it at first. Actually, all the Aussie stuff is pretty awful - all clueless and locked in the 1970's. I guess it looks like terrazzo, which is more 1950's then 1970's and not due for a revival any time soon. Have a look around some of the US designers' sites though and you will see what can be done.

In terms of the look of it, isolated from its context, decorative concrete is never going to be as nice as a quality marble, however it makes up for this through its ability to be shaped however you want it.

Arron

[bitingmidge]

$25 from Amazon + postage

ON SALE NOW! plus $12 US = $43AUD landed!
Cheers,

P