Concrete appearance

Above are samples of our standard Natural and Pigmented mix design shades.

Please Note: All images and samples of colours and finishes are to be used as a guide only and are not a guarantee of final product appearance.

Naturally coloured concrete 

We have two natural concretes in our range. The colour and shade of these concretes are determined by the natural materials and the cement used. These are ‘real’ concrete, 'Natural' has a slight khaki-olive tint to the grey cement shade and 'Natural Pale' has a sandy off white for the white cement shade.

Standard and custom pigmented concrete

Our Standard pigmented concretes are coloured using specific pigments by weight to achieve our range of colours. We also provide a custom mixing service where non-standard stones, sands and colours may be combined to achieve a highly individual surface appearance. It is possible to combine different pigment colours in the same mix to achieve striking patterns of colour.

Custom ground or 3D textured surface finishes

It is often possible to alter mix designs to include exposed aggregates in the surface finish of concrete, creating a terrazzo like finish. Custom 3D surface relief patterns can be moulded, to create striking 3D concrete surfaces for beautiful feature surfaces.

The possibilities are endless so unleash your creativity.

design

Some clients come with full drawings and spec. others with just an idea or a sketch.

It is not uncommon for us to find that clients are new to the idea of concrete for this type of use so we work closely to refine their ideas where needed, in order to ensure that the design is possible to create with concrete.

When required a CAD drawing can be produced enabling the client to see the overall design more clearly. This often enables us to identify and remedy manufacturing challenges at this early stage.

Some projects require only client confirmation of the dimensions, to which will will make our manufacturing adjustments, to allow us to begin production. Others may require further discussions and/or a site visit to enable additional measurements to be taken and a template to be created and taken away.

We are happy to work with dimensioned drawings supplied to us, templates supplied to us (to our spec.) or we can create template the project ourselves (subject to location).

moulding

The mould can be created from wood, fibreglass, rubber, plastic, metal or any combination of these.

Mould or pattern making is a very skilled profession. Moulds are created in reverse and negative to the required final product. Each new project requires careful consideration to achieve the best design of the mould for release angles and strength all relative to the particular type of concrete to be used in the production.

Any additional design elements such as fossils, metal rods, glass beads etc. are fixed securely to the mould prior to the pour.

reinforcement

Most products are now created using GRC (fibre concrete) with the advantage that the fibres often remove the need for additional steel reinforcement.

Occasionally projects require additional steel, carbon fibre or glass fibre reinforcement to provide additional strength for overhangs or large spans.

The type of material used to reinforce the product determines how it is used, some are added to the mould before pouring the concrete and some are added to the mix during manufacture.

the mix and casting

Whilst most products are made with GRC, the main ingredients are still sand, stones, cement (some with cement reduction materials) and water.

Using these base ingredients and some advanced chemicals and fibres the mix is poured, sprayed or hand laid into the mould, compacted and allowed to cure.

Decorative stones, glass, sea shells, pieces of metal or plastic are some of the materials that can be used to customise the mix to achieve a unique look.

Once stripped from the mould the new concrete product can then be ground, to show the stones or decorative aggregate if required, and/or polished to the required level, slurried and then re-polished ready for our topical sealer application.

surface sealing

In the past few years concrete sealers have advanced greatly in there effectiveness and appearance. Whilst no sealer is truly 'bullet proof' we believe we use the best sealer currently on the market. The sealer is applied in a numerous thin coats of varying concentrations in order to achieve the best protection with the best bond. Needing to dry and cure between coats the process is lengthy, normally taking between 4 to 7 days depending on the environmental conditions, but its worth it!

delivery & fitting

Once completed we can deliver and fit the product (subject to site location and type) or alternatively the client can organise collection and fitting by a third party. We are happy to offer advice where we can if  required (approximately 70% of our clients fit there own products themselves of use contractors they currently have access to).

project duration

The average duration for projects is 4 - 6 weeks. The duration is largely dependent on the size and complexity of the specific project, the number of projects we are handling at the time and the environmental temperature as this affects curing times of both the concrete and the sealers we apply. Also we take pride in what we do which takes time and effort. As with any business we have maximum number of projects we can handle at the same time. Due to this we operate on a first come first served basis.

Concrete is a resilient material comparable in performance to natural stone (particularly limestone and marble) and wooden materials and like these there are things to remember that will help keep your concrete product looking beautiful and performing well.

Concrete is naturally porous and whilst we treat our concrete with the best sealers we have found in order to 'reduce the risk' of staining, no sealer is 'bullet proof' and a patina can develop over time with use.

Our sealer is applied thinly in multiple layers in order to result in a natural looking satin/matt topical coating that is pleasant to the touch, can be easily cleaned, is food safe and is resistant to abrasion. Whilst scratch resistant, it is important that the surface is protected from scratches and the sealer not be damaged by solvents, oils and other chemicals. Spills should still be cleaned away when they occur and the surface washed with with mild soapy water. Abrasive, acid (citric or otherwise) based cleaners/chemicals and solvents should be avoided and oils should not be left on the surface.

new concrete products and surfaces

Particular care should be taken with new products and surfaces as the concrete and sealer will continue to cure and dry out overtime.
We recommend that new surfaces be allowed to acclimatize to the centrally heated environment for the first few weeks as the environmental heat will force out residual moisture within the concrete.
It is important that this residual moisture is allowed to evaporate evenly throughout the entire surface so as to prevent shadowing. We recommend that whist the surface can be used, products are not left on new surfaces for long periods as this may cause permeant discolouration of the concrete where the moisture cannot escape under to footprint of the item causing shadowing.
It is difficult to advise how long this action will be required as it depends on various factors including environmental temperatures within the property, but it is recommended that you keep the surface clear after use for the first week and periodically test the surface for shadowing in a discreet location in the first 1-2 weeks and continue the action if shadowing is evident.

wax polishing

If a higher level of gloss is required, a wax can be applied over the topical sealer and the surface can be buffed.

staining

Our surfaces and products are normally treated with a topical sealer to help prevent staining and for hygiene purposes. As with all sealers, our sealers are not 'bullet proof' and we recommend liquids and foodstuffs should not be allowed to remain on the surface. Some strongly coloured or oily ingredients may cause discoloration if left on the surface.

Remember each product and surface is different and will react differently so the best cause of action is to wipe up as you go and remember to clean the bottom of oil bottles or use a tray!

acids & chemicals

The sealer we apply is not affected by acid directly so provides a 'comparably' good level of protection when compared to un-sealed concrete. However there is a chance acids may penetrate through the coating if not removed quickly enough, etching the underlying concrete. Particular care should be taken when using acidic foods such as lemon / fruit juice, wines etc. If acids get through the sealer they can etch the surface leaving a dull mark or a discoloured patch.

No doubt there are other chemicals/solvents that can damage either the sealer or concrete in various ways so when unsure, it is always prudent to protect the surface when there is a potential risk eg. during re-decorating or doing chemistry homework!

It is sometimes possible to polish marks away depending on the degree of damage, however this would require the removal and re-application of the topical sealer and may result in a change of surface appearance in the area. Whilst this can potentially be done, this work is not an easy quick fix so remember prevention is easier than the cure!

cutting / chopping

Cutting and chopping or any other abrasive action should be done on a chopping board and not directly on the surface or product. Abrasive cleaners should be avoided.

chips

Just like stone or wood, edges/corners of the surface or product can be chipped or dented if knocked by heavy items. Care should be taken when using heavy pots and pans. It may be possible to mend chipped or damaged items. (Please contact us for details).

hot pots

Our sealer is heat resistant however the underlying the concrete may be damaged or discoloured by the heat from hot utensils. We recommend the use of a trivet.  

water and other liquids

Through the use of our topical sealer our surfaces are more resistant to liquid penetration than ever before, however moisture may penetrate the sealer wetting the concrete below, leaving a darker damp area that will gradually fade as it dries; mineral salts dissolved in the water may leave a colour variation. We always recommend that liquids should not be allowed to remain on the surface for long periods. How long is long? this is difficult to say as each product and surface is different and will react differently so the best course of action is to wipe up as you go.

cleaning

Our surfaces and products should be cleaned with warm mild soapy water, as you would clean a marble surface. Scrubbing with abrasive powders or pads is not recommended as this may dull and damage the surface sealer. Corrosive / solvent materials, harsh chemicals and cleaners should be avoided.

Bespoke work prices are calculated on a project by project basis depending on the project requirements.

Please contact us for an estimate.

Purchasing - what you need to consider and what we will need to know.

When considering concrete it is important you understand some of the capabilities of the material so as not to miss a creative opportunity! Please contact us if you are unsure.

With this knowledge you will be able to design the layout of your surface in a way that will allow us to provide you with as accurate a price, as quickly as possible.

Our GRC is normally produced 30mm 40mm thick for work tops. However 30mm thickness may restrict some creative options available such as sloping drainers. Other thicknesses are also possible and can be increased at the visible edge to give the impression of a far thicker product.

Concrete is heavy like stone. (Aprox.2.3kg per Ltr). Consider the weight and access of the site.

The position of knockouts for sinks, hobs etc. is important in relation to the thickness and size of your surface. You need to allow a approx. 80mm of concrete around openings when working with a 30mm thick surface. Each product will be individually assessed relative to its particular design.

Standard maximum single product sizes are 3000mm x 1200mm or 2800mm x 1500mm, larger sizes are possible however there are logistic and production considerations. Drainers come in all shapes and sizes and are a good area to be creative and think outside the box.

It is always best to purchase the various kitchen products (sinks, hobs etc.) after you have considered the requirements of the concrete so that they fit within the spec.

Don't follow the crowd, be individual and creative!