Frequently Asked Questions

Why concrete?

Concrete is extremely durable and gives a high-end, organic look to any space. Each piece is handcast and unique. Our pieces can be poured or sprayed creating a very smooth surface or handpacked, creating a textured look. Concrete can be made in a variety of colors (we can even match a paint swatch!) and can be cast into almost any shape. There are literally endless possibilities with concrete!

Is concrete durable?

Our concrete mixes are designed to be far superior in strength and durability compared to other concrete you may be familiar with such as sidewalks and driveways. Our compressive strength (hardness) is as high as it could possibly be, at least 3x as much as a typical sidewalk, but even more importantly for countertop applications is the tensile strength (stretching) we are able to achieve. We can easily do things with 3/4" of concrete and span great distances that you couldn't dream of with normal concrete. 

We use high performance sealers on each piece that are stain and scratch resistant, but your countertop should be cared for like any high-end finish in your home. If well-taken care of, it will last a lifetime. 

How much does concrete weigh?

Our concrete weighs approximately 8 pounds per square foot, which is around half of the weight of granite. We have many techniques to make the concrete look thicker than it really is, keeping the final weight of the piece to a minimum. The minimum thickness is 3/4",  however, we can easily make your piece appear 6" thick or more.

Care and Maintenance

Mild soap and water is recommended for cleaning. Do not use abrasive cleaners or sponges as, over time, you can eventually wear through the sealer. The concrete will never need to be resealed. We recommend that you wipe up food and spills as they happen, however, you'll find it nearly impossible to stain. Certain substances with extremely fine pigment/powders (an example is turmeric, contained in mustard) can leave behind a haze, but it can be bleached away. It's not the concrete that is stained, it's the sealer. That's a good thing, because it will usually come right out. 

Avoid cutting directly on the surface or dragging sharp objects across the surface. Place felt pads on the items that will be used on the countertop often. 

The sealer can withstand high temperatures, such as a hot dish out of the oven, but heat can weaken concrete. To be safe, you should always use a trivet under a hot dish or a crock pot to dissipate the heat. 

Why buy from us?

With so many supply shortages and shipping issues happening currently, don't take the chance of waiting months and months to receive your countertops. Take matters into your own hands and have them made fast and locally (or better yet, come in and make them yourself with our assistance)! Our custom work can usually be done within one month's time. Reach out to us for a quote and estimated time frame: info@batchandtrowel.com.

Color options are coming soon.