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You can expect most countertops over 8’ long to have a seam. However, if you would like a larger monolithic piece, then a surcharge will apply. Seam tolerances are ⅛” wide and filled with clear silicone sealant. If you’re concerned about the visual aspect, Molded Stone Studio can move the seam to another, less visible, spot.
Molded Stone Studio pre-cast counters are generally 1½“ to 2″ thick. If you desire a heavier look, adding drop edges of 8″ or more to your design is recommended. This adds the appearance of mass without any unnecessary weight.
The thinnest Glass fibre reinforced concrete (GFRC) can be made is ¼” where as the thin-walled sections of GFRC tub and fireplace surrounds are ½” to ¾” thick. This gives the impression of thick concrete without jeopardizing the structural integrity.
You can expect most countertops over 8’ long to have a seam. However, if you would like a larger monolithic piece, then a surcharge will apply. Seam tolerances are ⅛” wide and filled with clear silicone sealant. If you’re concerned about the visual aspect, Molded Stone Studio can move the seam to another, less visible, spot.
Molded Stone Studio pre-cast counters are generally 1½“ to 2″ thick. If you desire a heavier look, adding drop edges of 8″ or more to your design is recommended. This adds the appearance of mass without any unnecessary weight.
The thinnest Glass fibre reinforced concrete (GFRC) can be made is ¼” where as the thin-walled sections of GFRC tub and fireplace surrounds are ½” to ¾” thick. This gives the impression of thick concrete without jeopardizing the structural integrity.
Molded Stone Studio works carefully and guarantees our products against structural cracks. All countertop edges are eased to create durability and minimize chipping. However, it’s understood that accidents happen and any chips that may occur can be repaired using colour-matched epoxy. All countertops and fire surrounds are reinforced internally to add strength and to eliminate structural cracking.
Hairline cracks are uncommon but may occur in narrow areas or the inside corners of your product. Hardly noticeable, these micro-cracks do not affect the concrete’s strength or durability, sealer, or usefulness of the countertop. They can be filled for cosmetic purposes but are more often seen as unique natural designs in the timeless material.
Weight of countertops depends on whether you want our traditional wet-cast, or GFRC products. Both options are well within load capacities for standard North American residential construction. Keep in mind, if your cabinets are off-the-shelf store-bought modular, single-wall, or pressboard cabinets, you might require a few reinforcements. This ensures the weight is transferred correctly from your counter to the floor. There is no need for additional reinforcement for quality-made cabinets or overhangs up to 12”. Molded Stone Studio is happy to answer any questions during the initial on-site measure.
Working with concrete opens up significantly more room for personality and individuality. Almost any vision can be achieved since Molded Stone Studio designs and creates custom pieces to order.
Incorporate special features for a unique look, and feel better knowing that Molded Stone Studio uses locally produced material with a small ecological footprint.
You will see the best outcome if Molded Stone Studio is able to template on bare cabinetry with no existing countertops. Please clear the countertops to create a bare surface if you cannot remove them before your scheduled template. This means no fixtures, dishes, decorations, etc. Be aware that choosing to template over an existing countertop may cause unnecessary gapping, which Molded Stone Studio cannot be held responsible for. To avoid this, it’s possible to take the existing countertops off for templating and reinstall them as you wait for your new concrete counters to be made.
Make sure you have a way for your electrical, gas, and plumbing connections to be reconnected once the counters have been installed. Molded Stone Studio is happy to install your countertops but cannot assume any liability for reconnections.
Most of the work is carried out in Molded Stone Studio’s production facility, but measurements do need to be taken within your home to create exact templates. Back at the studio, and after the concrete has properly cured, your product is ready to seal, deliver, and install. You can expect the whole process to take around three to six weeks.
To avoid warranty issues and assure your complete satisfaction, Molded Stone Studio likes to deliver and install the concrete work ourselves within Western Canada. You can find the travel and installation charges quoted in your estimate.
Spills are inevitable, and even on a well-sealed surface, some stains may occur if not treated properly. Make sure to wipe up any liquids or sauces (especially if they’re acidic or oily) to avoid permanent damage. Always patch test the concrete before using any cleaning solution. Over time, your product may develop some impurities. Though marks and stains can give the concrete character, the surfaces can be refurbished to close to their original state if you wish.
To avoid scratching your counter, always chop on a cutting board. Molded Stone Studio can incorporate cutting boards into the design as a removable or permanent feature. Although it’s safe to place hot pots and pans on your counter, you can avoid the risk of damage by working stainless steel trivets into the concrete surface. Stay away from scotch-brite scrub pads. Instead, reach for neutral, non-abrasive cleansers and a soft cloth. It’s recommended against placing terracotta directly on your counters as this may leave marks. You’ll be provided with care instructions and can arrange annual or semi-annual maintenance if desired.
Applying a sealer will protect the surface of your countertop. A sign to reapply sealer is if you notice water soaking into the concrete within 10-15 minutes. You can apply sealer yourself but this is not recommended without practice. It’s not rocket science, but it’s worth learning the tricks to get it right the first time. You can contact Molded Stone Studio to find out the sealer we use and directions on how to apply it. Molded Stone Studio is not responsible for the outcome of DIY sealing.
Although urethane or epoxy coatings offer stain resistance, the maintenance is much more difficult. The protective coat can be damaged if you cut directly on it or place intense heat on it. Further, markings caused by this are difficult to repair, and vapours from the product are harmful. This is why Molded Stone Studio chooses to use a food-safe penetrating reactive sealer that gives off no VOC’s. This sealer offers stain protection, reasonable heat protection, and scratch protection while allowing the surface to retain the unique texture of concrete.
Molded Stone Studio’s prices reflect the high-quality service and products. Pricing for projects starts at $125 per square foot, and costs are added depending on additional custom features. Complex projects involve a more sophisticated labour process and can vary in price. For example, additions such as custom decorative inlay, mosaic, embedded fossils, or an intricate finish are priced hourly.
Molded Stone Studio’s pricing list offers additional custom features for you to choose from, and we are open to hearing any other ideas. Fill out the contact form to get started with a project estimate.
You can start by emailing Molded Stone Studio a plan or sketch of your project and an outline of your idea. If it’s easier, you’re welcome to call to arrange a meeting. Once the scope of the project is understood, we can give you an estimate and start working together more on the design. Please be prepared to pay a 25% deposit upon signing the contract and a 50% deposit at templating. There will be one more 25% payment at installation and the time it takes to install at $55/hr will be billed to you after.
If you have any questions that are not covered on this page, please contact us.
Thank you for your interest in our work.
You can expect most countertops over 8’ long to have a seam. However, if you would like a larger monolithic piece, then a surcharge will apply. Seam tolerances are ⅛” wide and filled with clear silicone sealant. If you’re concerned about the visual aspect, Molded Stone Studio can move the seam to another, less visible, spot.
Molded Stone Studio pre-cast counters are generally 1½“ to 2″ thick. If you desire a heavier look, adding drop edges of 8″ or more to your design is recommended. This adds the appearance of mass without any unnecessary weight.
The thinnest Glass fibre reinforced concrete (GFRC) can be made is ¼” where as the thin-walled sections of GFRC tub and fireplace surrounds are ½” to ¾” thick. This gives the impression of thick concrete without jeopardizing the structural integrity.
Molded Stone Studio works carefully and guarantees our products against structural cracks. All countertop edges are eased to create durability and minimize chipping. However, it’s understood that accidents happen and any chips that may occur can be repaired using colour-matched epoxy. All countertops and fire surrounds are reinforced internally to add strength and to eliminate structural cracking.
Hairline cracks are uncommon but may occur in narrow areas or the inside corners of your product. Hardly noticeable, these micro-cracks do not affect the concrete’s strength or durability, sealer, or usefulness of the countertop. They can be filled for cosmetic purposes but are more often seen as unique natural designs in the timeless material.
Weight of countertops depends on whether you want our traditional wet-cast, or GFRC products. Both options are well within load capacities for standard North American residential construction. Keep in mind, if your cabinets are off-the-shelf store-bought modular, single-wall, or pressboard cabinets, you might require a few reinforcements. This ensures the weight is transferred correctly from your counter to the floor. There is no need for additional reinforcement for quality-made cabinets or overhangs up to 12”. Molded Stone Studio is happy to answer any questions during the initial on-site measure.
Working with concrete opens up significantly more room for personality and individuality. Almost any vision can be achieved since Molded Stone Studio designs and creates custom pieces to order.
Incorporate special features for a unique look, and feel better knowing that Molded Stone Studio uses locally produced material with a small ecological footprint.
You will see the best outcome if Molded Stone Studio is able to template on bare cabinetry with no existing countertops. Please clear the countertops to create a bare surface if you cannot remove them before your scheduled template. This means no fixtures, dishes, decorations, etc. Be aware that choosing to template over an existing countertop may cause unnecessary gapping, which Molded Stone Studio cannot be held responsible for. To avoid this, it’s possible to take the existing countertops off for templating and reinstall them as you wait for your new concrete counters to be made.
Make sure you have a way for your electrical, gas, and plumbing connections to be reconnected once the counters have been installed. Molded Stone Studio is happy to install your countertops but cannot assume any liability for reconnections.
Most of the work is carried out in Molded Stone Studio’s production facility, but measurements do need to be taken within your home to create exact templates. Back at the studio, and after the concrete has properly cured, your product is ready to seal, deliver, and install. You can expect the whole process to take around three to six weeks.
To avoid warranty issues and assure your complete satisfaction, Molded Stone Studio likes to deliver and install the concrete work ourselves within Western Canada. You can find the travel and installation charges quoted in your estimate.
Spills are inevitable, and even on a well-sealed surface, some stains may occur if not treated properly. Make sure to wipe up any liquids or sauces (especially if they’re acidic or oily) to avoid permanent damage. Always patch test the concrete before using any cleaning solution. Over time, your product may develop some impurities. Though marks and stains can give the concrete character, the surfaces can be refurbished to close to their original state if you wish.
To avoid scratching your counter, always chop on a cutting board. Molded Stone Studio can incorporate cutting boards into the design as a removable or permanent feature. Although it’s safe to place hot pots and pans on your counter, you can avoid the risk of damage by working stainless steel trivets into the concrete surface. Stay away from scotch-brite scrub pads. Instead, reach for neutral, non-abrasive cleansers and a soft cloth. It’s recommended against placing terracotta directly on your counters as this may leave marks. You’ll be provided with care instructions and can arrange annual or semi-annual maintenance if desired.
Applying a sealer will protect the surface of your countertop. A sign to reapply sealer is if you notice water soaking into the concrete within 10-15 minutes. You can apply sealer yourself but this is not recommended without practice. It’s not rocket science, but it’s worth learning the tricks to get it right the first time. You can contact Molded Stone Studio to find out the sealer we use and directions on how to apply it. Molded Stone Studio is not responsible for the outcome of DIY sealing.
Although urethane or epoxy coatings offer stain resistance, the maintenance is much more difficult. The protective coat can be damaged if you cut directly on it or place intense heat on it. Further, markings caused by this are difficult to repair, and vapours from the product are harmful. This is why Molded Stone Studio chooses to use a food-safe penetrating reactive sealer that gives off no VOC’s. This sealer offers stain protection, reasonable heat protection, and scratch protection while allowing the surface to retain the unique texture of concrete.
Molded Stone Studio’s prices reflect the high-quality service and products. Pricing for projects starts at $125 per square foot, and costs are added depending on additional custom features. Complex projects involve a more sophisticated labour process and can vary in price. For example, additions such as custom decorative inlay, mosaic, embedded fossils, or an intricate finish are priced hourly.
Molded Stone Studio’s pricing list offers additional custom features for you to choose from, and we are open to hearing any other ideas. Fill out the contact form to get started with a project estimate.
You can start by emailing Molded Stone Studio a plan or sketch of your project and an outline of your idea. If it’s easier, you’re welcome to call to arrange a meeting. Once the scope of the project is understood, we can give you an estimate and start working together more on the design. Please be prepared to pay a 25% deposit upon signing the contract and a 50% deposit at templating. There will be one more 25% payment at installation and the time it takes to install at $55/hr will be billed to you after.
If you have any questions that are not covered on this page, please contact us.
Thank you for your interest in our work.