© 2010

To an engineer, good enough means perfect. With an artist, there's no such thing as perfect.


Alexander Calder



FAQ’s




Why concrete?


Concrete offers you a unique handcrafted, custom look that is not possible with granite, marble, quartz, corian or other solid surfaces and is just as durable and made to last a life time; counter to many common myths.  This amazing material allows us to practice eco-friendly building by creating original hand made designs that won’t be so easily discarded.




Colors?


We make almost any color with few restrictions, all we need is a paint sample. Variations between batches are possible since many factors (such as environmental and product variations) are part of the finished product.



Finish?


We offer several alluring choices; honed, polished and Hand-Trolled for a warm and earthy feel. Different levels of aggregate exposure also add to visual presence.




Shape?


Any shape can be obtained. The shape of each project is unique and limited only by one's imagination.




Seams?


Seams allow for the chance to add unique details such as stone or metal inlays. Pieces with the same dimensions can look completely different with an artistic use of seams.




Weight?


Approximately 18.75 pounds per square foot for a 1.5-inch thick top, similar to granite.




Sealing?


It is only necessary to seal the piece at the time of production.




Cutting?


It is not recommended to cut directly on the surface itself. It is possible to have an integrated cutting board built into the countertop surface.




Hot pans?


The use of pot holders and trivets is suggested. This lends a chance to add a design element such as custom stainless steal trivets located next to the cooking range.




Maintenance?


A mild soap and warm water with a clean cloth are recommended for daily cleaning and occasional spills.






 We find there is something beautiful, even powerful, about working with people on projects that involve the imagination. Not only have our craftsmen worked with concrete for much of their professional lives. Having varied backgrounds in home remodeling, graphic design and furniture design. We have a unique perspective into what it takes to create cutting edge concrete projects. We are also licensed contractors, which means we can create your kitchen, bathroom or any project you can imagine. We will work with you personally through the design process. We can even create 3D renderings of your project before we build it, making sure you have an original concrete piece that you can be proud of. Will it stain? Homeowners and designers, if you are considering using concrete for your project and have concerns about cleaning and sanitation, you need to understand that well-made concrete countertops are very cleanable, stain resistant and sanitary. Despite what you may have heard from those in the industry trying to disparage concrete; in most cases due to good reason, because of the multitude of concrete countertops being made by amateurs and do-it-yourselfers that don’t withstand the high demands of kitchen usage. Will it crack? High quality concrete countertops won’t crack. We use a combination of fiberglass and carbon fiber reinforcement in our concrete, which is eight to ten times stronger then steel by weight. It eliminates structural cracks by adding an immense amount of tensile/flexural strength and allows us to make our concrete as thin as 3/4”. What sets our concrete apart: We source all of our materials locally making our product green by nature. We also add high performance additives in the mix, such as: water reducers: eliminates shrinkage and possible cracks by reducing the amount of water necessary when mixing concrete, it also increases concretes p.s.i. rating. densifying agents: eliminates air bubbles and insures a smooth flawless finish, also increases p.s.i. accelerators: shortens production time by ensuring a high-early strength. acrylic polymers: specifically developed for use in High Performance Concrete. This multi-component polymer improves the stain resistance of concrete, improves flexural strength, and enhances color.   This custom mix creates a finished product with a strength nearly three times greater than that of standard concrete. We than “reverse" cast the pieces in the studio. After the pieces are removed from the mold, they are lightly or heavily ground with the same equipment used for marble and granite polishing to expose aggregate or inlays. Finally, after years of research we have come to use a sealer that's absolutely unmatched in the decorative concrete industry. Developed for professional use only. Traditional sealers don’t repel even the most common food acid stains on counters and uric acids on bathroom floors the way it does, and epoxy and polyurethane sealers that sometimes do work look and feel artificial or are like a plastic cover. Our sealer actually molecularly bonds below the surface and forms an extremely thin, microscopic nanotechnology layer of quartz-like film that is unmatched in stain and scratch resistance. The finish is customizable and can appear glossy, matte, or even polished or honed to the desired look.  There is even a non-slip version for concrete floors and stairways. As members of the Concrete Countertop Institute we are continually expanding our possibilities. Our processes and techniques ensure that you will be delighted in choosing designer concrete.

Artisan Concrete Countertops,

Sinks, Fireplace’s, Floors

& other elements

612-695-3865

contact@zenofconcrete.com


Midwest Home article comparing countertop options and what can happen if you don't use an experienced concrete  fabricator.  Find us in the article under:

CASE FILE: CONCRETE

in the media
Bringing concrete off the curb and into your life...

Check out this absolutely amazing Bathroom project we completed for the DIY Network T.V. show BATHtastic! Like host Matt Muenster said:

“It’s all about the concrete!”...

Episode: So Long 70’s!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Concrete-Countertops-Minneapolis-Zen-Of-Concrete/310271679375

Design Portfolio


concrete countertops           artisan sinks & elements           concrete surface’s

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