Concrete FAQs

How much does concrete weigh?

Concrete 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/sq ft! Amazing stuff.

Does concrete stain?

Yes, normal concrete will stain, however we take additional measures in the ingredients 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, or use topical sealants with superior stain resistance.

Can I put a hot pot on my concrete counter?

Like 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?

Yes! 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.

What color options do I have?

The options are endless! Any one of Benjamin Moore’s colors can be color matched. 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!

How much will it cost?

Many people think that concrete is inexpensive, which would be true if we were just pouring a sidewalk.

With the addition of Pozzolans, admixtures, aggregates, pigments, reinforcement, sealers, and decorative elements, it doesn’t take much to drive the material costs of concrete up.

But the material is only a small fraction of the cost. On-site templating, consultation, forming and pouring along with processing, sealing and installation go into making up a price.

A full quotation will be provided for your approval prior to the initiation of any project.

What kind of sink can I use?

For kitchen sinks that will see a lot of wear and tear, we recommend stainless steel or silestone most frequently. These can be drop-in or undermounted.

For bathrooms, the options are vast, as these don’t see the same punishing treatment.

Integral sinks can be formed into the concrete and can be based on standard sink designs or customized molds 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.

How do I care for my counters?

Countertop care and upkeep is reduced because we use high end sealers developed for the industry. 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 contact us!

How eco-friendly is our concrete?

Threshold Design employs every green tool in the book in making eco-friendly countertops in Ottawa.

Owner John Farley uses local materials for all of his aggregate and cement products – replacing as much as 25% of the cement content with ingredients obtained from industrial by-products near Ottawa. Manufacturers are adding up to 10% limestone to also keep things green.

Concrete kitchen countertops are in good environmental taste and can add LEED credits to your job. Just ask us how!

Another way that we have made a greener product is by using post consumer recycled glass and making sure that 87% recycled content is what goes into our concrete.

Aggregates are quarried within 50 kms of our studio. Glass which is processed at the studio comes from a local glass recycling yard. The cement that binds is all together is manufactured right here in Ontario.

All of these measures make for a very green product.

We also stay green by collecting and filtering our waste water so that it can be recycled back into the process and used in the concrete mix. Very little is wasted in our studio!

We use several high grade sealers that have NO Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) to make the counters more eco-friendly.

You have a choice between topical and reactive sealers for your project. Each gives a distinct look and feel. The choice of sealer will be determined based on client needs and considerations.

We also use non-toxic, water-soluble form release agents, which are biodegradable and help to keep your countertops healthy and food friendly.

Casting techniques and designs undergo a continuous improvement process which focus on LEED compliance (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) which is based on a points rating system created by the US and Canadian Green Building Councils.

Our concrete can help Architects and Builders on a project attain LEED credits. Just ask us how we can add up to 6 points to your project!