Frequently Asked Questions
What colors do you have available?
Concrete can be formed, textured, colored and integrated with aggregates in unlimited variations to provide the visual desired by the client.
How do you get special looks like rock or glass?
The aggregate used in the concrete mix provides the option to embed items creating a unique design. You can specify the aggregate like cut stone, glass, colored quartz sand or other objects.
How much color variation can occur?
Concrete is a natural, handmade material. Many factors such as humidity, sand lot and cement lot can affect the final appearance of the concrete. All of our color formulas record the type of sand, type of cement, and exact measurements of pigments to 1/10th of a gram, and we use specially developed software to calculate mix design. However, colors can still vary because of the aforementioned factors.
Another factor that contributes to perceived variation is simply the size of samples. A 6" x 6" sample will look different than a whole countertop simply because the small sample does not capture all of the natural, random variations that will occur over a large surface. The color in a sample may appear uniform, but a whole countertop in that exact same color will not appear as uniform. The same situation occurs with other natural materials such as granite. If you are looking for uniformity, solid surface might be a better countertop option for you.
What edges are available?
For concrete, edging is formed and cast rather than cut like granite or solid surface. Therefore, edge choices depend on the availability of appropriate edge molds. For example, we can do rounded, beveled, multi-ribbed, chiseled, rough, and other custom edges may be available.
What kind of sinks can be used with concrete countertops?
Concrete in Disguise countertops can accommodate all types of sinks including drop-in, under-mount and apron front. The minimum lip of concrete around all sides of sinks is 3". Concrete can also accommodate drop-in cook tops. The minimum lip of concrete in the front of a cook top is 3"; we recommend 3" for the back also, but 2" will suffice.
Concrete in Disguise can make integral concrete sinks in various shapes. Bathroom vanities are an excellent application of integral concrete sinks. We also feature a farmhouse sink that looks great in laundry rooms. All integral sinks represent incredible modern day artistry and craftsmanship.
How are concrete countertops made?
All of Concrete in Disguise's slabs are precast in our shop, fully finished and sealed prior to installation.
In the structural engineering community, it is well known that precast concrete is superior to cast in place concrete, mainly because tighter quality control can be exercised. Curing, which is a critical step that is commonly misunderstood, can be closely monitored. Moving the process to a shop allows greater flexibility in terms of the look of the concrete. Glass, stone and other objects can now be embedded as aggregate; these require extensive wet grinding with diamond power tools to reveal the embedded objects and to hone and smooth the resulting surface.
