It’s a lovely Friday afternoon at the ConcreteIdeas headquarters in Austin, Texas and it’s almost happy hour! And that got us to thinking about custom concrete bar tops and unique decorative tables.

We’ve seen a lot of cool designs around bars and restaurants lately and we’re sure you have too. After all, decorative concrete is a great way to  add individuality to any space, commercial or residential. The look of a custom-designed bar top not only looks great, it’s a conversation piece that will last through years of beer spills and shot slamming.

Some of the concrete bar tops we’ve seen are so interesting, we just had to share.

Check out some of these great decorative concrete tables and surfaces for inspiration on your next concrete project.

Whether your project is new construction or a kitchen remodel, the age-old question remains: Which is the best material for kitchen countertops – granite or concrete?  Both building materials offer durability, longevity, and strength. Both look high-end, too. But the noticeable advantage to building a concrete countertop as opposed to installing granite is versatility. Granite truly has become the norm in kitchens across the nation; homeowners and builders looking to add a more traditional look tend to choose granite. Those who want a more modern, customized look tend to choose concrete.

The handcrafted look of concrete and its capacity to be molded, colored, and imprinted can provide you with a look that suites your design style and your budget. Additionally, concrete dyes can be added to a concrete mix to coordinate with the existing interior or your home.

Choosing concrete kitchen countertops can provide your space with a contemporary. When you want something out of the ordinary, consider choosing concrete over granite or other natural stone.

Designing and building concrete countertops could be a very lucrative career move. After all, concrete is gaining popularity and is most likely winning the concrete versus granite debate. Whether you are a novice concrete designer or an experienced functional concrete professional, making the transition to decorative concrete countertops can be overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Determine your preference regarding pre-cast or cast-in-place countertop methods. Sure there are positive and negative considerations to both, but mastering one over the other will pave out a career path faster and better than trying to tackle both. This will also keep your overhead low since you’ll need the tools and supplies for just one method instead of two.

Next, figure out what type of material you will utilize for a casting deck – PVC, glass, wood, or steel – for examples. Whichever material you choose, stick with it and master how to build concrete countertop molds out of it, as it will save you time and money in the long run.

Finally, pick a finishing material to really add a touch of personal style and individuality to your countertops. This could be: a concrete stain, sealer, or edging detail. Once you get these few preliminary steps determined, you are well on your way to becoming a great countertop creator!

Check out some cool concrete design products.
 

When a concrete countertop is being designed the concrete countertop mix design is critical to the final outcome of the element.  A countertop mix should allow for quick curing, little to no shrinkage, anti fracture properties, high PSI and flexural strength, flowability, light weight, along with a light base color for a wider variety of color choices.  

Typical concrete is purely cement, sand (aggregate), and water and does very little of the above on its own.

Here is a list od potential additives you might find in a professional grade concrete countertop mix.

Chemical additives found in concrete countertop mixes include:

• Water reducers which help reduce shrinkage and increase strength.
• Plasticisers are used to improve workability and flowability
• Light weight aggregate to lighten the final elements overall weight
• Wire meshing, fibers, and/or rebar to provide flexural strength
• Polymers to improve flexural strength and PSI
• White base cement to provide a lighter colored base material

The proper ratios and mix design will ensure a top quality durable concrete countertop or element.

Minneapolis, St. Paul concrete countertop and element manufacturer Eric Mayne owner of Living Stone Concrete Designs, is an artisan experienced in concrete design and fabrication. 

With many years of experience Mayne is able to create unique designs that match any style and decor.  Concrete is being used as countertop material for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, sinks, vessels and bartops.   Concrete is replacing other hard materials like granite, soapstone, and tile in homes and businesses all over the Minneapolis, St Paul and surrounding areas.