FAQ

Q: Why is it important to use traditional wet cast concrete?

A: It’s the best solid surface we can offer you.  Our work is a tactile experience.  We design counters and furnishings to be used not just looked at.  Faux concretes don’t feel like real stone, they don’t wear the same, and they are not produced to the same engineering standards.  Real concrete can span large distances unsupported, faux concrete not so much.  Real concrete is extremely easy to recycle, most faux concrete contain so much synthetic fibers that recycling them is not only hazardous but in many cases just not cost effective.  Our work is the real deal.

Q: What colours do you mix?

A: We love concrete because it is unique and somewhat unpredictable.  We don’t mix colour we mix tone.  A specific colour implies that you would have uniform distribution of a shade.  We will hit the tone you desire to coordinate perfectly with the colours being used on your project.

Q: Is the colour uniform? Can you match a colour swatch?

A: Our concrete has a wide range of dynamic colour which changes with usage. If you’re looking for a perfect uniform match to a specific colour there are many synthetic products that do this well.

Q: Why is traditional concrete better than GFRC or other faux concretes?

A: It’s much stronger and durable, easier to recycle, feels solid, full 2” thickness, not hollow, can span distances unsupported and is applicable to more categories of LEEDS points.

Q: Concrete or Granite?

A: We would use many of the same reasons stated in the GFRC question. We would also add that we know exactly where all  our materials are sourced from, most of them right here in Canada and a few odd things from the United States.  If we’re concerned that any of our suppliers values might not line up with ours we can easily find out about their business practices.  Try finding out anything about the quarry your granite or marble came from?  What sort of legislation is in place in that country to ensure safety, environmental, or fair compensation standards?  Yes there are a few good quarries out there but you pay dearly for that peace of mind.  We buy 99% of our supplies locally and personally sculpt our concrete products.

Q: Joints?

A: Yes there will be joints.  Concrete Cat is using real stone concrete with real steel reinforcing. Made to feel authentic and stand the test of time. Just like the Romans structures our work is designed for not just you but generations to come.

Q: Will they ever crack?

A: They will for sure crack, embrace it.  Every natural surface (including granite and marble) has cracks and develops cracks over time.  Cracking in concrete is superficial; it does not affect their performance or durability in any way.  In our opinion concrete ages gracefully.

Q: How often do I need to reseal my counters?

A: Just like other natural stones such as granite and marble we recommend refinishing ever 2-5 years to keep your concrete looking great.  Unlike any other natural stone concrete finishes actually improve with age and usage. 5 years down the road your concrete work will actually look better and be more valuable than when you had it installed.