Toughstuff Industrial Floors

Not too long ago, concrete was regarded as the raw building material most commonly associated with foundations, driveways, sidewalks, and patios.  In a short period of time however, concrete has transcended these notions to become a beautiful interior finish not only for floors but also for countertops, sinks, table tops, walls, and custom accent pieces.  The versatility of concrete, in color and form, allows customers to design custom finishes that are as unique as the individuals with whom they strike a chord and the spaces which they occupy.  Concrete countertops, sinks, etc. make the perfect compliment for decorative concrete flooring but also stand well alone.    

Toughstuff creates and installs the traditional, form and cast concrete countertops, sinks, etc., and also can create more affordable concrete countertops, tabletops, walls, and accent pieces by using cement micro-topping.    

Continue down this page to find a more detailed look at each method.  Contact Toughstuff if you would like to learn more about concrete countertops, sinks, etc., or to receive a free estimate or price quote for your project.  
 
  

This concrete countertop at Parr Lumbers' NW Portland location was poured in place and features an 8" cantilever edge. It was polished and dyed to match the polished concrete flooring, also done by Toughstuff.

Traditional, slab concrete countertops may be created by forming and pouring the countertops in place, or by forming and pouring the countertops off-site and setting into place.  There are pros and cons for both methods. 

Concrete countertops are typically 2" thick or more and the weight can make transporting and placing slabs very difficult and laborious.  Therefore, large, concrete countertops that are meant to be seamless and monolithic are poured in place.  The main downside of this method is that the process can be messy at times, especially if the slabs are to be polished, which is a popular option.  

Often times the design or design features such as sinks, drain boards, voids, etc. call for the concrete countertops to be poured upside down in the forms.  Once cured, they are removed from the forms, flipped over and finished per customer's specifications.  Since slabs poured upside down are typically poured in Toughstuff's shop and not at the install site, almost all the mess associated with the pouring and finishing is left there instead of customer's homes or jobsites.  The main disadvantage to this method, as stated above, is the difficulties associated with transporting and setting the heavy pieces into place.  Also, due to the relative size limit on these pieces, countertops usually consist of several pieces and therefore will have some joints, or seams.

Finish, color and design options include: 

• Slab concrete countertops are available in natural gray and white, or pigmented to virtually any color.  They may be acid stained or dyed to virtually any color. Please note:  As with all decorative pigmented, stained and/or dyed concrete, the color and color effects are unique to each surface.  The natural components and common application practices produce a finish that is inherently flawed and imperfect.  Colorations / discolorations are likely to occur.  These include but are not limited to streaking, spotting, trowel marks, color rings, dark spots, light spots, etc.  Toughstuff strives to produce the best possible finish each and every job.  However, due to the nature of decorative concrete, Toughstuff offers absolutely no guarantee on the color, or the appearance of colorations / discolorations in decorative concrete countertops. 
• Concrete countertops may be trowel finished, honed or polished.
• Many options exist for sealers, depending upon the look and finish desired.
• Optional "Green Mix" available; features recycled and local materials; may qualify for some LEEDS projects / credits. 
• Design your own concrete granite.  Unique, one of a kind finishes may be created by incorporating your own special aggregate blend, which might consist of unique natural aggregates, mother-of-pearl (oyster shells), and recycled glass, available in a multitude of colors and sizes, into the mix.  The slabs are diamond ground to expose your custom aggregate blend, then machined to a high polish.
• Inlay larger natural stone pieces, gears, custom pieces, logos, whatever suits your style.
• Sink molds are available in many sizes and styles or may be custom made.
• Design custom features like drain boards, cutting boards, or other functional features into the countertops. 

When considering concrete countertops, realize that like all concrete, countertops and sinks made from concrete will patina with age much like natural stone, and are prone to hairline cracking and chipping.   The concrete mix and structural reinforcement used for the countertops are designed to be of higher strength and density than normal concrete and are designed to minimize cracking and chipping.  Nonetheless, the basic components are the same and therefore tiny hairline cracking, though minimal, may occur.  Any cracking/chipping should be considered character and not defect.  Periodic applications of sealer should be used to maintain the finish.  Those concerned with minor surface imperfections and anomalies might not be happy with concrete countertops and should consider other options.  Concrete countertops should not be considered as a less expensive alternate to natural stone countertops; concrete countertops are more labor intensive.  Concrete countertops should be considered by those who appreciate the combination of engineering, artistry and nature's most versatile building material. 

Please contact Toughstuff if you would like to learn more about concrete countertops, or to receive a free estimate or price quote for your project.                 

Cement micro-topping may be used to create beautiful concrete countertops, tabletops, walls, and accent pieces, and at prices significantly lower than traditional concrete countertops. 

Cement micro-topping has such excellent adhesion properties that it actually may be successfully applied directly over existing ceramic tile or laminate countertops, providing that the existing base is structurally sound, well bonded and fully intact.  Wooden bases may be constructed for relative little expense for new applications.  This extraordinary adhesion feature eliminates the need to remove the existing countertops, and the hassle and expense associated with such removal.  Less labor and less materials used allow Toughstuff to install concrete countertops made from cement micro-topping for a fraction of the cost of traditional slab concrete countertops.

Cement micro-topping comes standard in natural cement gray and white and may be pigmented to virtually any color.  Micro-topping readily accepts acid stains and concrete dyes in virtually any color as well.  Various sealers may be used to enhance the sheen and protect the surface.  The endless coloring options, various application techniques and sealer choices allow customers to design a finish that is completely unique and one of a kind.

Cement micro-topping works well as a sustainable, "green" finish option.  Ceramic tile or laminate countertops that might otherwise end up in a landfill instead may be re-used; recycled as the base for new concrete countertops created with cement micro-topping.          

Cement micro-topping may be used to resurface chimneys and fireplace surrounds, concrete walls, and to create unusual and custom concrete accent pieces.  Please contact Toughstuff if you would like to learn more about the concrete countertops and more that may be created by using cement micro-topping, or to receive a free estimate or price quote for your project.