Superior Concrete Countertops Homepage

Custom made Countertops and more, made to your tastes or let us take the lead in design

We are sorry, but this website is out of service until we have completed our move to our new facilities in San Bernardino County, California

However, you probably came here looking for information on concrete countertops. We can help you a little bit there.

Why concrete? Concrete has been around for over 3000 years, it is not a new invention. Some things made from concrete 3000 years ago, still exist - it is a durable material. We can make concrete much more durable today. Concrete is harder than many types of stone, but unlike stone, concrete can more easily be shaped into custom shapes, and colored, patterned and textured in virtually unlimited ways. This is why it is often the choice of architects and designers for custom high end kitchens and other applications.

What about sanitation and stains? When people think of concrete, they often think of sidewalks and driveways. Do it yourselfers often make concrete countertops much the same way. Sadly, some professionals do also. The problem is that people doing it for the first time, may have experience with construction grade concrete. it is what they know, it is what they use. Seasoned professionals however, make concrete formulas which are harder, less porous, and some, like Superior Countertops, offer high strength concrete which is up to eight times stronger than regular concrete. These high grade concretes do not have the porosity of regular concrete, so they do not provide the haven for bacteria and susceptibility to staining that is typical of regular concrete. Granite and marble are porous also, but because we are used to seeing concrete in a rough state, and stone in a polished state, we are conditioned to think with preconceptions. Our concrete mix is much tighter than normal concrete. Add to that the fact that the surfaces are sealed with food safe grades of sealers, and there really is no need for concern.

What do concrete countertops look like? It sounds kind of dreary and industrial. We have seen installations that are a bit dreary looking. Some artisans and craftsmen, are able to craft grey concrete into very contemporary shapes, not drab at all. We can make it drab, but we will not. We want all of our installations to win over new customers. Here at Superior Countertops, we have the skills and technologies, to make concrete look like natural stones like slate, or marble, or man made materials such as terrazzo, or even wood for that matter. Imagine any color or combination of colors you like (yes even bright ones), any texture, any shape, even custom patterns or edges that look hand carved in intricate detail. If your imagination is good, then you understand why there is no other material that really can match concrete. It is the elite choice, for those that wants something distinctive.

What do concrete countertops cost? Depending on what part of the country, who makes the countertop, what special features they have etc., they run usually $50 to $150 per square foot. We have heard of some going for $300/sq.ft. While our countertops are as good as they come, most of ours run about $90 to $110 per square foot. In our Southern California market, the quality we provide, could command a very high price. We prefer to off our customers a good value, without compromising the beauty or quality.

Why so little? Our business model is one where low overhead is stressed. We want to deliver the best quality we can, yet keep costs down in the range affordable to ordinary people, not just the rich (why should they have all the fun). Geographically, we are in an expensive area, where business costs tend to be high, yet we can deliver high quality for a moderate price. We cannot always compete in cost with people in most other states, so please don't compare us with them, two different situations. We are not suggesting that even $300 per square foot is out of line, we understand what goes into a quality top, a lot of labor, expensive materials, and high business overhead mean high prices if one is to make a profit. Some of you can afford $300/ft, but we won't charge you extra for that.

Why so much? This is hard for people to understand. They go to Home Depot, and note that concrete is a few bucks a bag, a little quick estimation, and they think there is about $20 in materials in a countertop. If you want to make a sidewalk and put in on in your kitchen, and do it yourself, you are right - sort of. What people fail to factor in, is the cost of tools (mixers, trowels wheel barrows, diamond wheels and grinders etc.), the cost of paying for a workspace, the cost of labor, electricity, gasoline running around, plus the time and materials to build molds, special additives to make concrete suitable for countertops, sealers and application equipment, all the overhead of running a business, it starts to add up. Labor (along with insurance, and other benefits like you probably receive at your job) is the biggest cost, and the one that those who make these professionally, have little control over. Let me say this, anyone making these for $100 a square foot in California, is not gouging you.

What does a concrete countertop weigh? They vary with design criteria. Most that we make, are 2 inches thick throughout and are roughly 25 pounds per square foot. We can make them lighter for special situations, but the price per square foot is a little higher. There is less material, but the material is more costly, and the design and labor is more involved.

How do I choose a fabricator? Depends on what you want, If you want something special and very nice, ask to see samples and/or photos of their work. Ask for references. Check with the Better Business Bureau. A contractors license is a nice thing, but there are plenty of contractors turning out horrible projects, and many freelance artisans turning out great ones. The license means little, see their work, check references, ask about theri warranty and then decide. Remember that contractors licenses, are intended to insure that individuals working on structures, roads, parking lots and other structures are qualified to do so. Countertops are manufactured items, not structures, and some are functional works of art. Where the licensing comes into play, is if and when plumbing and wiring are needed. Some of these tasks, are best left to a licensed professional, but in some cases, a general handyman can do the work, Your countertop person may have the necessary handyman skills, but the tasks he is allowed to perform, are limited, and he may not charge more than $500 without a license. Many countertop fabricators, make other articles as well, and so do we. For example, sinks, bathtubs, fireplace surrounds, shower stalls and pans etc. Remember, that many of these items are very heavy, and the floor needs to be able to support the weight, fireplace surrounds need to be properly anchored (California is earthquake country), and some cheaply constructed base cabinets, should be reinforced before accepting a concrete countertop. Make certain that all of this is understood and handled properly. Ask about guaranties, and expect a contract, read it. Any guarantee that is not in writing, is pretty much useless. Before you agree to have work started, be sure to have a sample made in the color, pattern, texture and sheen you have chosen. Also, it is a good idea to have a sketch prepared to look at, to be certain your ideas and the fabricators ideas are in line with each other. Your fabricator may have samples of his standard offerings for you to see. If you are having your item custom made, then expect to pay for the sample. It might cost $25, it might cost $100. Even the samples, are a lot of work, do not expect to get one for free, though it is common to deduct the cost of a sample, from the project price. Many of our customers fore-go the sample process, leaving the color choices in our hands, after discussing the clients tastes, and a visit to the home or business to take measurements and look at the existing decor. If you do not choose us, you may want to look at Buddy Rhodes, Concrete Solutions, and Cheng Design, and ask them to refer you to a local fabricator they have trained.

What if I want to make one myself? You can get training from those companies listed above, or some offer DVDs and instructional books. You can even get instructions from Quikcrete, but be forewarned, you get what you pay for. Your first countertop will not likely be one that you really love, it is a lot of work, try it, and you will totally understand why these cost what they do when professionally made. The ability to make one with the beauty and durability that we offer, comes from experience and learning your sources for materials, some of which you can only order in quantities suitable for making 20 average countertops

By the way, we have other services not mentioned above. We can recolor or retexture existing concrete surfaces. We can fabricate faux landscape boulders and waterfalls among other things. Pretty much if it is concrete and meant to look nice, we can probably do it.

Ring Owner: Site: http://www.councretecounters.net

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