Frequently Asked Questions -
Concrete Countertops and Basins:
What makes concrete stand out from other materials?
Concrete countertops are the most customizable and can thus offer more exciting and unique designs. You can customise the colour, shape, and finish and you can embed materials inside the moulded product. Additionally, concrete is a much more sustainable material than, for example, granite or marble.
Who would want a concrete countertop?
Anyone with an environmental consciousness who appreciate natural beauty and hand-crafted products, and who think synthetic materials look and feel plastic.
What makes concrete countertops more sustainable than other countertop materials?
The most significant sustainability advantage is that it is possible to incorporate post-consumer waste and industrial by-products in the concrete mix, reducing the use of new natural resources and minimising waste entering landfills.
More information here.
Won't concrete countertops crack like "normal" concrete?
No. The special formula by which we make Creative Stone products consists of carefully proportioned ingredients engineered to maximise strength and durability.
Will the concrete stain?
The stain resistance of a concrete countertop is as good as the sealer used. We use a 3rd generation high–performance penetrating sealer with excellent stain resistance properties. However, as most similar materials, concrete is not stain proof so we encourage cleaning up spills as soon as they occur. Our tests have shown no stains from red wine, lemon, vinegar, beetroot, bleach (and many other common household substances) after being left on the surface for 15 hours.
Can concrete withstand heat?
Yes. As with stains, the heat resistance of a concrete countertop is determined by the sealer, and our sealer has exceptional heat resistance properties and will not be affected by heat generated from stovetops, braais etc.
Will the concrete scratch?
Again, the sealer provides very good surface protection but it is not scratch proof. Cutting directly on the surface will damage the sealer, which will in turn affect its resistance to stains (not to mention dulling your knife), so we always recommend taking good care of your countertop and always using a chopping board.
What happens if the sealer scratches?
In the unlikely event that the surface is damaged, it is possible to re–seal, re–finish, or repair.
How do I clean the countertop?
Clean as normal using a mild cleaner. Avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasives, or acids.
How thick are the countertops?
Our standard tops are 40mm but they can be made to client requirements. However, for structural reasons we don't make them less than 35mm.
How much do they weigh?
It can differ between products, but a standard 40mm thick and 600mm wide top weighs approximately 45-50kg per running metre. This compares to the weight of granite.
How much do the countertops cost?
The price will depend on the materials used and the complexity of the design. Considering that all our products are custom-made, they come at a very competitive price and offer excellent value for money.
Do you offer a warranty?
Yes we do. We issue a limited warranty to the purchaser of Creative Stone products that the product will be free from manufacturing defects for a period of 1 year from the date of installation. The countertop will naturally last much longer, but should any problems arise they are more likely to do so soon after installation because that is when they are subjected to the most stress.