How about some concrete countertops?

[detmatt]

Not C-body, not even car related but thought some of you may never have seen these. This would be another one of my specialties, Precast concrete countertops. It's a lot of work and the finished product is rather heavy but they have a very organic feel to them when installed and is a really nice alternative to granite and not as formal. Not many at all doing these in this area and I have done quite a few over the last 10 years or so. More popular on the west coast. Kool because there's really no limit to size, shape, thickness and color among other limitless details. Let me know what you think. These are not done yet, this client wanted them ground some to expose the aggregate some and I am in the process of polishing them back to smooth and shiny.

 

[1978 NYB]

Very cool Matt! You are an artist and innovator!:yourock:

 

[cm23uoc]

Hope you're doing well with this attitude. If something like the American Dream still exists you deserve to make it come true.

 

[detmatt]

Thanks guys, I really do appreciate it, those are some seriously kind words. As far as the "American dream", I guess I'm chipping away at it but really I'm just doing the same that everyone else is doing or has done. whatever it takes to make sure the bills are paid and try like hell to have some fun while doing it! My website has just been finished this past week and is public, check it out and let me know what you think.http://mattmichalec.com/index.html

 

[70NPORT]

I bet those things are heavy. yuk, yuk, yuk.

 

[jake]

Very cool, how poruous ar the countertops?

 

[detmatt]

They are porous and sealing them properly is important. I have a table mounted concrete vibrator which does do a good job of getting the air out of the mix during and shortly after the pour. They also have an inner framework of 1/2" rebar that is welded and suspended in the mold before the pour.

 

[jake]

That is very cool, if i show my wife i know she will want them, we still have laminate. If ya dont mind me asking, price per square foot, installed?

 

[Bryan]

So Hoffa's in the kitchen?? ........ Nice Matt.. My wife has been wanting a concrete counter for a few years. No one around here makes them though.

 

[detmatt]

They aren't cheap as they are very labor intense but they start around $65.00 per sq ft and go up to $125.00 or more. It's hard to put a cap on it because the possibilities and options truly are limitless.

 

[commando1]

Been interested in concrete counters ever since I first saw them on some renovation show many, many, years. My first thought was "BRILLIANT".
My second thought was "I can't do that". LMAO
You've got some damn good skills and talent there. I admire you.

 

[commando1]

I bet those things are heavy. yuk, yuk, yuk.

It ain't heavy, Father...
it's m' counter!

 

[1978 NYB]

Matt, very professional website. I'm interested in the cost per sq ft of the sink too.

 

[detmatt]

The sink is a stainless steel under mount, all I did was mold the opening for it. Local building codes will generally prohibit the use of cast concrete sink basins as they are somewhat porous and provide places for bacteria to grow with the constant moisture.

 

[commando1]

Local building codes will generally prohibit the use of cast concrete sink basins as they are somewhat porous and provide places for bacteria to grow with the constant moisture.

I'm a big fan of the early 20th century look as in Mission and Arts & Crafts architecture. So would soapstone also be prohibited?

 

[Fratzog]

Very impressive Matt. Do the counters require a lot of maintenace? In that regard what are the advantages and disadvantages to say granite.

 

[detmatt]

I'm a big fan of the early 20th century look as in Mission and Arts & Crafts architecture. So would soapstone also be prohibited?

We have a couple really kool Frank Lloyd Wright houses in the area and a considerable amount Arts & Crafts era neighborhoods in the Detroit area that have managed to withstand the test of time. Some really great architecture here from early and mid century.
not sure if soapstone would be acceptable as sink basin or not but I'm sure it's less porous then concrete.

 

[1978 NYB]

He was my Wisconsin home boy. I've seen a few of his creations. Great architect! Some of my favorites...

 

[detmatt]

The concrete is very durable but is susceptible to stains if not sealed properly and needs to be resealed occasionally depending on the sealer chosen and there are a few different types on the market. There's a lot of info here.
http://www.concreteexchange.com/

 

[detmatt]

Those are amazing examples of his work for sure!