FAQ
With stringent quality control and strict adherence to color and mix formulas, NatureCast Concrete delivers consistent products time after time. However, with hand crafted products, there will always be some variation from sample to finished product.
NatureCast Concrete can incorporate a variety of materials and objects into the surface, including stone, glass, metal, and tile. We can also create relief and impressions of nearly any form, such as soap dishes, drain boards, cutting boards, company logos, and many more options.
What shape would you like? Our engineered cement is fine-grained and will flow into any form. This enables NatureCast Concrete to fabricate virtually any shape and to provide high definition in detail, shape, profile, and relief. In addition to our standard edge profiles, we can create custom profiles based on your design.
NatureCast Concrete surfaces are surprisingly light, with an average weight of only 10 to 12 pounds per square foot – much less than other concrete surfaces or granite (typically some 18 pounds or more per square foot for a comparable thickness).
Our propriety core and re-inforcement technique produces stable, durable surfaces from only 1½ inches to as much as 9 inches in thickness – without any significant gain in weight. Wall panels can be as thin as ½” thick.
Yes! If décor change is desired, the surface color and appearance can be easily changed. Your clients can have a different look without having to demolish and replace the whole surface – all at a fraction of the cost, time and mess of a new surface.
Based on the appearance specified in your order, NatureCast Concrete surfaces use integral pigment (within cement) as well as optional colors applied and sealed within the finish coat, including subtle color washes and textured faux finishes.
Crazing are minute series of hairline cracks sometimes found in the outer surface of concrete and fired glazes or other ceramic coatings. These extremely fine cracks (literally the width of a hair and normally less than 1/8th of an inch in depth) are invisible from 3 feet away. Enhancing the concrete’s natural-stone look, the cracks are superficial, have no structural significance, and do not affect the surface’s waterproof seal.
Our surfaces are food safe and highly resistant to damage. However, cutting directly on any counter surface is not recommended as it can damage knives and mar the countertop. In the case of concrete surfaces, by NatureCast Concrete and others, cutting can penetrate the topcoat and compromise the waterproof seal. We recommend using a cutting board.
NatureCast Concrete surfaces are rated to 400° Fahrenheit transient exposure, however, we recommend using a trivet or inlaid “hotspot” material for pans just off the stove.
NatureCast Concrete surfaces are virtually stain-free and resist damage from acid or alkaline substances, including wine, fruit juice, coffee, carbonated beverages, and all household chemicals.
Our cements are engineered for great durability and resistance. NatureCast Concrete is sealed with our exclusive food-safe penetrating sealers and clear finishes. These state of the art products provide the most durable and highest chemical and abrasion resistance available. However, we do recommend using protection pads (felt or cork) when placing rough or sharp objects on the surface to avoid scratches. Like with any solid surface counter, the darker the color chosen, the more noticeable the scratches.
Through extensive research and development, NatureCast Concrete has a proprietary cement formulation that will not crack under typical uses and conditions. In fact, our surfaces are warranted against cracking. This applies to products with the Elite finish which Is typically counter tops and sinks.
Maybe. Our unique lightweight construction allows us to make large continuous pieces without seems. However they still need to be maneuvered into the home and onto the counter. Most kitchens can be done without seams, but if a seam is necessary, placement of the seam will be determined at time of templating.
About the same as natural stone, marble, or granite. From making the custom molds to coloring, finishing, and sealing, the fabrication of concrete countertops is a highly skilled and labor intensive process.