CONCRETE INFORMATION AND DOWNLOAD RESOURCES
Why Concrete?
Concrete is an extraordinary material that is at once practical, expressive and aesthetically pleasing. From a primal and formless slurry, we can transform concrete in virtually any shape that becomes a solid mass. The possibilities are endless. We can grind, polish, stamp, or stain it. We can embed meaningful objects with in. It feels earthy and is at home in both modern and traditional settings. Cast and shaped, it can feel like stone rounded by the sea. Textured and colored, it can echo the patina of timeworn tile.
The materials used in the production of our concrete products are sourced within a 500 mile radius of our artisan studio. Our concrete is made of locally quarried sand and rock with a small percentage of locally made cement added to bind them together. The additives that help densify and allow more malleability are all bi-products of the production of cement resulting in high post-industrial content. Our Terrazzo concrete products have 75% post-consumer recycled glass content. Our studio uses non automated machinery and recycles the water we use from mixing and polishing.
Do concrete countertops have an application in more traditional kitchens?
Yes, absolutely. Style is dictated by design; concrete can adapt to any look and have a “warmer” feel than other natural stones. Edge detailing and decorative inlays can help a concrete counter blend into more traditional environments.
Can concrete countertops chip, flake or crack?
As with marble and granite, concrete corners and edges can chip if struck by a hard object that is harder than the concrete. Veining can also develop, but these are not structural failures; rather, they are inherent characteristics of the material. Structural cracks are very rare and are warranted by Reaching Quiet. Some of our finishes, such as the Rock finish, the High Spray finish, and Troweled finish have very good repairability. We like to say, “if you didn’t know, you wouldn’t know.
How do I clean my RQ Concrete products?
Cleaning with a mild detergent and a damp dishcloth is all that is needed after a mess is made. Abrasive sponges are not recommended unless absolutely necessary, even then, use lots of water to loosen whatever it is you need to get off and go lightly. Abrasion can dull the surface. Heavy-duty cleaners are not needed and may react with the finish. Anything containing “Clorox” or “bleach” – especially “disinfecting wipes” can haze the surface with prolonged use. Concrete is naturally anti-bacterial making it an especially effective counter surface. Our specialized finish process does not require or involve wax. ALWAYS test a product on a small discrete corner and do not use if there are any doubts.
Can I cut on a concrete kitchen counter?
As with marble, granite, or any other material that you want to take care of, we do not recommend cutting directly on a concrete surface, as it could result in scratches and gouges in the finish of your counter as well as harm the blades of your knives. We recommend a good cutting board in which we can supply you with.
How does concrete compare to granite and other solid surface options?
Price-wise, granite runs from $35-300 per square foot depending on thickness and rarity and quarrying granite is a huge strain on our environment and resources. The ingredients in our concrete products all come within a 200 mile radius of our workshop. It’s all about local ingredients and local craftsmen. Our countertops run $100-150 per square foot while our wall treatments run $25-50 per square foot. While this is a good estimate, most of our work is more sculptural than a countertop and pricing is based off of time and labor. When it comes to the forms and shapes to be made, concrete surpasses any stone. Our concrete products can also be made to closely match any Benjamin Moore color, which no other solid surface can offer. The ability to hone in on color and finishes is unmatched compared to other materials.
Would concrete countertops be good for outside use?
Concrete is perhaps the most common building material for exterior use on the planet. Our sealers and pigments hold up well in harsh outdoor conditions, making our concrete products a perfect choice for your outdoor project.
Do concrete countertops stain?
Firstly, everything can stain. Unsealed concrete has approximately the same porosity as marble. Acids (especially red wine, lemon juice, and vinegar) can etch the surface if not cleaned up. Sealed concrete holds up very well if take care of them as you would anything else in your home or business. Our sealer will help resist stains better than any other sealer, but it won’t make your counter completely impervious to stains. Luckily, like aged butcher block or marble, a patina on concrete countertops can actually enhance the character of the surface, so a spill is not necessarily a disaster. Cleaning up after you make a great way to keep your counters looking great for many years to come.
Do I need to reseal?
Reaching Quiet does maintain any of the products that we produce. We do not maintain others’ products for many reasons. It’s hard to put a finite time on when or if you will need a reseal. Areas that take the most abuse will need more maintenance than other areas. We’ve had countertops that we reseal two years after they are installed and we’ve had some that don’t need to be resealed for 10 years or ever. The best rule of thumb, is that if you see the concrete changing texture, staining, or fluids entering the concrete and not evaporating, that you should schedule a refinish or reseal. If you have this done early, it will be painless and quick and keep your products in the best shape.
Can I put a hot pot directly onto a concrete kitchen counter?
Concrete is heat-resistant but is subject to thermal shock if a red-hot object is placed directly upon it. Although rare, the exposed area may flake or chip away if too much heat is applied. We recommend using trivets for hot cookware.
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