concrete Countertops
Designers Use Concrete to Cement Modern Style
By John Filippelli
 In many ways, the future of countertops is written in stone, or, some may say, cement. In fact, many design professionals are finding that high-end clients are considering concrete applications in order to promote a contemporary look punctuated by cleaner edges and European design sensibilities.
Dawn Wattles, AKBD, design consultant at Indianapolis, IN-based Cabinetry Ideas explains: “Concrete is really growing and we’re finding more requests because it offers so much design flexibility. It’s also somewhat easier to make things thicker with concrete. Plus, it’s easier than duplicating the amount of material in granite where you would do double layers or a mitered edge.”
Patricia Gaylor, interior designer with Little Falls, NJ-based Patricia Gaylor Interiors agrees: “My customers are looking for simplicity and are not interested in a lot of busy [patterns]. Therefore, my countertop selections are, for the most part, fairly simple.”
Nancy Moon, owner of Beckony Kitchens & Baths in Colorado Springs, CO, adds: “There are definitely some cement tops that we like. Cement is a commodity that [when given a matte finish] as opposed to a shiny finish is very popular.”
According to Stephen Rosenblatt, president of Petaluma, CA-based Sonoma Cast Stone, Corp., the key to achieving dynamic concrete countertop projects is simply a matter of educating the client about the material.
“The challenge we often face is to get people to understand the material; they often think of it as the sidewalk material,” says Rosenblatt, whose firm developed a material called NuCrete™, a stainless concrete.
Moon adds: “Cement is definitely becoming popular. In fact, anything that gives off that clean-type look is becoming popular. Every showroom that I go to, it is there.”
To that end, Wattles notes that it is equally important for designers to be well-versed in the material of their choice.
“I always consider what our weight requirements are going to be. The idea is to try and get these dramatic looks with the mass involved and the materials people want to use, such as granite and concrete, specifically,” she says.
She concludes: “I advise that designers always consult with their manufacturers and fabricators to best understand the limitations [and possibilities] of the product. If you know the limitations of the product then you know what you can get away with when working with it and come up with something new and creative.”
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