Question 1

Is concrete right for you?

Accepted Answer

It’s sustainable, customisable, industrial, versatile and durable. Just some of the reasons why we love turning humble concrete into sleek, modern sophisticated and hard-wearing features.

We personally love the way concrete naturally ages and the warmth it can bring into a space. 
Concrete has a unique look in every project, making it a beautiful bespoke addition to your design.

Concrete, like many other natural stones, will patina over time. It will develop characteristics that a perfectionist may not find endearing. Concrete is a porous material and although we use a high performance, hybrid polyurethane sealer, it is not 100% stain proof. No concrete is without a heavy epoxy top coat. Those wanting a product that will look exactly the same throughout the years may need to consider an alternative to concrete.

Question 2

Will concrete stain, crack or chip?

Accepted Answer

Our concrete specific sealers offer maximum protection from staining and heat resistance while being completely food safe. However, we can never guarantee a 100% stain-proof material.
 
Similar to stone and marble, markings can occur from prolong exposures to spills like olive oil, red wine, juice, or coffee. Chipping, scratches and breakage can occur with enough force so care is required especially around edges.  Hairline fractures may occur occasionally, though it does not affect the structural integrity of the concrete. This is the nature of concrete and is to be considered before choosing the product.

Question 3

How soon can I light the fireplace on a new concrete hearth?

Accepted Answer

Concrete takes approximately 28 days to fully cure. Please do not light the fireplace until after this period as the thermal heat may cause more pronounced cracks.

Hairline cracks may occur and is a natural possibility of all concrete. They do not affect the structural integrity of the concrete and are not consider a defect of the product.

Question 4

Can I put hot pots on the concrete or use it as a chopping board?

Accepted Answer

Similar to care with stone and marble, cutting or placing hot pots directly on a concrete surface is not recommended. Scratches may occur and leave your concrete vulnerable, allowing stains to permeate the sealer. Cutting on the surface will also ruin and dull your knives.
 
We recommend the following:
- Use a chopping board for cutting
- Use trivets for hot pots.
- Use a dry plate or bowl underneath anything left for long periods (oil, salt and pepper, planters etc).

Question 5

Do you recommend concrete basins for the kitchen?

Accepted Answer

Generally, no. We’ll usually advise against it. Kitchen sinks will experience a lot of heavy abrasions from pots, pans, cutlery and harsh chemicals which will quickly degrade the quality of the surface and sealer. With that said, some of our customers prefer the well used and well loved look that patinas over time. Others who don’t love the imperfections might find that our basins are more suitable for bathrooms and powder rooms.

Kitchen basins are one offs, please get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss further.

frequently asked questions

Is concrete right for you?

Will concrete stain, crack or chip?

How soon can I light the fireplace on a new concrete hearth?

Can I put hot pots on the concrete or use it as a chopping board?

Do you recommend concrete basins for the kitchen?