Concrete Wood Countertops
JM Lifestyles
These Countertops Aren’t Made From Wood.
JM Lifestyles
Take a close look, although these countertops appear to be large reclaimed planks, they’re anything but. Can you tell what they’re really made from? Check out all the detailing that has been added to these poured concrete countertops. Real iron nails were embedded in the mixture before it cured completely to help out with their convincing looks and small grooves and staining were added in to make the look feel official to the touch. I saw this one by JM Lifestyles at the Mansion in May Designer Show House in Morristown, NJ and I couldn’t believe it wasn’t wood. It even feels like wood!
JM Lifestyles
JM Lifestyles
Many people in the midst of a kitchen design consider wood counters. At least half worry about using wood in a wet environment and the possible maintenance nightmare. These amazing wood-look counters are made from a concrete composite. Custom iron dovetails embedded in the concrete enhance their realistic look. The counters have all the details of real wood without the upkeep. Just think, no worrying about water spots or knife and burn marks. For the homeowner in quest of an artistic, one-of-a-kind countertop that transcends the commonplace, concrete may be worth the price. Few remodeling alterations in a home are more coveted than new kitchen countertops.
JM Lifestyles
Most concrete countertops are precast in molds built to the customer’s specifications so they can be formed, cured and finished under controlled conditions. However, some fabricators prefer to cast the countertop onsite, setting the mold on top of the base kitchen cabinets and then filling it with concrete. Regardless of the casting method used, these are not cookie-cutter creations. Every casting is custom-made and thus inherently unique.
Concrete countertop makers often develop their own signature looks by using proprietary mix ingredients, casting techniques and surface treatments. Many are artists by trade and will collaborate with homeowners, architects and interior designers on ideas that will add to the character and individuality of the final product. As the photos illustrate, the options for personalizing concrete countertops are endless.
Concrete Countertop
Concrete can be earthy and natural, with a tactile quality not found in synthetic or stainless-steel surfaces. Because each concrete countertop is hand-cast, it exhibits subtle variations in color and texture. The environmental benefits of concrete also appeal to homeowners. Concrete is an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based synthetic products and nonrenewable natural materials such as quarried stone. Some concrete countertop makers incorporate natural minerals and recycled materials into their creations, such as fly ash (a byproduct of coal production), metal shavings, plastic regrinds, recycled glass and scrap wood chips.
