![20130203_112504[1]](https://threshold-design.net/wp-content/uploads/20130203_1125041-1.jpg "20130203_112504[1]")
About Threshold Design
Concrete is an ongoing staple in design circles. Just ask John Farley of Threshold Design: artisan, fabricator, and installer of 100’s of custom concrete pieces in Ottawa and the Valley over the past decade. With his 30+ years of Architectural and Design background, John will provide more than just a custom product. He will bring original ideas, artistic flair and contemporary suggestions which will enhance the end result of your project.
His concrete designs have become a focal point of home renovations and new builds and added the “WOW Factor” to multiple commercial projects.
Once thought to be rough and unwelcoming, concrete in the living space has become a widely (and wildly!) accepted medium in the world of interior design. Although it’s been more than a decade since John began forming concrete surfaces in Ottawa, new ideas, clean designs, and interesting finishes have made them more in demand than ever.
A full spectrum of colours and staining techniques are available in John’s Pakenham Studio. By mixing colour pigments with white portland cement and various aggregates such as recycled glass and stone, many special effects are achieved in every project. When all elements are mixed in the right proportions is creates a stunning finished product.
John knows that today’s consumers are adding ecological considerations to their list of requirements for their homes and businesses. See the Ecological section for more details for eco-friendly concrete counter-tops and more concrete ideas that will make your space more beautiful…and make you feel good about your choice!
Intrigued? Take a closer look at John’s “works of art”.
Learn MoreGalleries
KITCHENS
![20130203_112452[1]](https://threshold-design.net/wp-content/uploads/20130203_1124521-1-300x225.jpg "20130203_112452[1]")
Visit Gallery
SINKS & VANITIES
Visit Gallery
FIREPLACES & FURNITURE
Visit Gallery
COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS
Visit Gallery
LIQUIDATION
Visit Gallery
TRAINING PARTNERS
Rock Sculptor
Beyond Vertical Concrete
Ready for a quote?
CONTACT USFrequently Asked Questions
How much does concrete weigh? CollapseConcrete weighs 140 lbs/cubic ft. or 18 lbs/sq ft for a countertop that is 1 1/2” thick. This is very comparable to Marble and Granite so no extra support will be required for your cabinets. We also make GFRC concrete which is glass reinforced, so we can reduce the weight by going down to less than 3/4”. This makes brings the weight down to under 8lbs a square foot!!!! Amazing stuff.
Does concrete stain? ExpandYes normal concrete will stain, however we take extraneous measures to reduce the chances of this happening. We use very dense concrete that is much less porous than normal concrete. We also treat the concrete surface with reactive sealers that bond to the matrix of the concrete.
What color options do I have? ExpandThis is endless!! Any one of Benjamin Moore’s colors can be used to color the concrete. A mix of dry and liquid pigments are used to create the desired effect along with colored aggregates, acid stains and tinted sealers. In other words, the sky is the limit. We don’t guarantee a perfect match, but we will be close!!!
What kind of sink can I use? ExpandIntegral sinks can be formed into the concrete and can be based on standard sink designs or customized using your imagination. Vessel sinks can also be used or formed in concrete along with under mount or top mount sinks. We can work with you to come up with the best solution for your needs.
Can I put a hot pot on my counter? CollapseLike most other materials, care must be taken as heat will affect the surface by marking, etching or discoloring the sealers used to protect the concrete. A possible solution or alternative to avoid damage would be to use stainless steel trivets that are recessed at key locations into the countertops such as next to the oven and sink.
Can the tops be scratched? ExpandYes! Because the sealers are sometimes a topical coating of urethane and epoxy it is not advisable to cut directly on the surface. A cutting board should always be used which can be an integral part of the counter design.
How much will it cost? ExpandMany people think that concrete is inexpensive, which would be true if we were pouring a sidewalk. With the addition of Pozzolans, add mixtures, aggregates, pigments, sealers and decorative elements, it doesn’t take much to drive the material costs of concrete up. But the material is only a small % of the cost. Onsite templating, consultation, forming and pouring along with processing, sealing and installation go into making up a price. A full quotation and contract will be provided for your approval prior to the initiation of any project.
How do I care for my counters? ExpandCountertop care and upkeep is reduced because we use high end Reactive sealers. There is no waxing required as waxes do little to protect against staining and etching. Clean up requires the use of mild soap and warm water only. It is best to avoid abrasive soaps, pads and caustic cleaners that may mar or scratch the surface.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call or e-mail John Farley at Threshold Design.
Recent Posts
Who We Are
John Farley (literally) got his feet wet in concrete in the Buddy Rhodes Training System in Canada. He went on to develop his own mix in Ottawa for concrete kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities and more, after attending the Concrete Countertop Institute in North Carolina. His Ottawa eco-friendly, concrete countertop workshop is further testament to John’s […] Read More →
How to Work With Us
To start the process you can either call or e-mail to get a quote. It is best to have a drawing, pictures or dimensions of what you are thinking about. After you have a quote it is always best to meet at the shop to look over an abundance of samples that are available. This will give […] Read More →
