Frequently Asked Questions

GFRC stands for “Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete”. It is a Portland cement based composite with alkali resistant glass fibers dispersed throughout the sand/cement matrix.

The fibers serve a purpose similar to the reinforcing steel in reinforced concrete. Because the glass fibers add flexural, tensile and impact strength, making our concrete strong, durable, and lightweight.

Very durable.

In freeze-thaw tests, samples showed only slight flaking after 300 cycles, compared to severe deterioration of unreinforced mortar after only 200 cycles. Laboratory tests show no surface deterioration after the equivalent of fifty (50) years in weather typical of the northern U.S.

Because of its high density, water vapor permeance (~3) for GFRC is also very low compared to other concrete products.

Difficulty and labor mainly. Most concrete countertop fabricators are artisans. To be successful, they have to have perfectionist tendencies and an artistic emphasis. While materials, for the most part, are relatively inexpensive for concrete countertops (especially if you DIY), the amount of time involved to make a countertop out of nothing is a large part of the final cost. There is limited usefulness of having unskilled laborers when making concrete countertops, which means paying for skilled workers. We've had dozens of customers that have made their own concrete countertops, and although they say they saved money and enjoyed the experience, paying someone to do it would be money well spent. Concrete has a cure time, so once countertops are 'poured', they require babysitting until complete. For precast countertops, they tie up shop space until they are finished and installed. Other countertop choices such as granite are available in varying grades, and thicknesses. The cheapest ones are usually the ones advertised, and are the thinnest and most common (readily available) grades. Concrete countertops give you something unique that you won't see another like it, in any model home. The amount of customization you can get from concrete shouldn't be overlooked either- think creatively, rather than just a normal 'slab' of concrete.

• Concrete sinks are very durable and will withstand normal wear to last a lifetime. If not properly maintained, or in rare situations, they can chip or stain. The good news is that concrete sinks are easily repairable.

• How do I clean and care for my concrete sink? Clean your concrete sink regularly with a soft cloth and non-abrasive, pH-neutral cleaner. We recommend Better Life products. Simple Green products are recommended for heavier cleaning. Applying Pledge can help fill hairline scratches and give your sink a nice sheen. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads. Avoid placing hot items directly on the concrete as this may damage the sealer. Avoid dragging sharp objects on the surface. Clean up acidic liquid spills (lemon juice, vinegar, wine, soda, tomatoes, etc.) quickly. Do not use harsh chemicals (ammonia, hydrogen peroxide).

• What are the advantages of concrete countertops? Concrete countertops have a similar look and functionality to stone but provide far more options for personalization. Color, thickness, integrated features, shape/size, finish, edge texture, etc. can all be specified. Each countertop is specifically built for your space and will fit like a glove. Concrete countertops can also be refreshed every few years by sanding and resealing the outer surface. This will ensure that they look good for years to come.

• Will concrete countertops stain? Concrete can stain with prolonged exposure to certain substances - such as wine or lemon juice. However, the sealer we use on all our products is stain-resistant under most conditions and will hold up to typical use. It is always best practice to clean up colored liquids or other potential stain agents quickly to minimize the likelihood of any issues.

• Do you have to seal concrete countertops? As concrete is inherently porous, countertops must be sealed prior to use. Our concrete countertops arrive at your location already sealed and ready to go, so there is nothing you need to do beyond basic care and maintenance. You can also reseal your countertops using our sealer repair kit should the surface become dull or worn over time. This will not only keep them looking fresh but will bolster them against any damage.

• Can concrete countertops handle heat? Concrete countertops are very heat resistant, but you can damage the sealer on the countertop if you place hot items directly on. Use a trivet or hot pad to avoid any damage.

• Can concrete countertops crack? Although it is exceedingly rare, concrete can crack just as any natural stone can. Large cracks are unacceptable and indicative of either egregious misuse or a fabrication issue. Hairline (tiny) fissures are natural - and sometimes expected - but they don’t extend beyond the surface and are made impervious by our sealer. In other words, they don’t impact the integrity of the concrete.

• Do concrete countertops scratch? Micro-scratches are possible and expected. However, these scratches generally occur on the surface of the sealer and not on the concrete itself. Scratches are more visible on darker colors than on lighter ones. You can minimize the appearance of scratches by using Pledge. But if your concrete countertop surface becomes dull over time, it is an indicator that the surface will need to be resealed. Resealing every 3-5 years is recommended (depending on use), as a new coat of sealer will brighten the color while providing the optimum protection against potential staining.

• Is concrete good for a fireplace surround? Concrete is an excellent choice for a fireplace surround. In fact, it is one of the most popular wall panel applications in homes.

• How heavy is concrete? A one-inch thick concrete object is about 10 lbs. per square foot. The apron of a table, sink, or countertop (the vertical part that forms the edge) will add additional weight.

• How are Creatcrete products made? All of our concrete products are handmade in our Minnesota facility using state-of-the-art materials and processes. While it’s difficult to explain how every product is made, all of them require at least 3 components: a mold (or form), and a specific concrete mix that is applied to the mold, and craftsmen. Our molds are either built from scratch (e.g. for larger objects and custom products) or constructed from durable materials that are cleaned and reused (e.g. smaller sinks and fire tables). Since the dimensions of our signature products are fixed, creating the molds is quite efficient. Models for custom products are often far more complex - some taking considerable time and ingenuity. Once a mold is ready, concrete is applied to the mold by spray gun, by hand, or by pouring. Depending on the object being cast, a craftsman may employ a single or multiple application types. Many objects also require 2 layers of concrete - a “facecoat” (the visible portion) and a backer coat (or underside, which provides strength and durability). The concrete cures through an accelerated process overnight prior to being demolded - whereby the outer form is removed, leaving only the concrete object. The object is then refined over the course of several days through a series of processing steps including grinding, wet polishing, filling of pinholes, dry sanding, staining, and last but not least, sealing. In what might be the most important step, three coats of a protective topical sealer are added for optimum protection. Once the sealer cures, the project is ready for shipping.

• How do you order custom products? You can get the conversation started by calling us at 612 - 314 - 5553, emailing us, or submitting your inquiry here .

• Where can we ship? We ship nationally and internationally through freight. Smaller objects (e.g. certain sinks) can be sent through parcel service.

• What is the lead time for standard products and custom projects? Standard products lead time is about 4 to 8 weeks. For custom projects, the lead time averages at roughly 6-8 weeks, with more complex projects taking more time. Lead times will vary depending on the season and complexity of the project (custom elements) and other factors. Call us to find out current lead times.

• Why are Creatcrete products more expensive than concrete products that can be purchased elsewhere? There are four key differences between our products and those you find elsewhere: ‌ Creatcrete exists to create quality pieces. We utilize a proven concrete mix which includes the only PCI approved admixture, that has been continuously refined and improved to yield products with the greatest possible durability and aesthetics. These materials are more expensive, especially compared to consumer direct box store products. Many so-called “concrete” products on the internet are not actually concrete at all - but in fact, a form of lightweight gypsum or resin designed to simulate concrete. While they often look real in pictures, the moment you tap on it or try and pick it up, they are not what they seem. ‌ Each of Creatcrete’s products are handmade by craftsmen right here in the USA. Products made in the USA are generally more expensive than those made overseas as the higher cost of labor, materials and factory space has to be factored into the price. And because we offer such a wide range of options, this increases the complexity of our processes. We are believers and donate (5 to 10% of gross profits to vetted agencies helping others with deep need). ‌ Our custom products require a significant amount of time and attention from the beginning - including quoting, templating, discussions of fabrication techniques, the novelty factor, and installation (if applicable). While it means you get exactly the output you want. ‌ We custom-pack our larger products (e.g. tables, double vanity sinks, fire tables) into individual custom crates for shipping in order to avoid damage during transit. When you dream and create with Creatcrete, you can expect finely-crafted artifacts using industry-leading manufacturing processes and materials, with the added benefit of customization you can’t get anywhere else.

Custom: Your project will be unique to you and your space.

Versatile: Concrete can enhance any style from Arts and Crafts to Industrial to Rusic and Live edge. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination!

Practical: Most food items and use will not stain the concrete with our sealer. The sealer does not degrade but can wear off. Resealing is an easy process that may be needed every 3 to 5 years.

Imperfections: This is an advantage of using natural materials for hand crafted projects. Concrete is a mixture of different materials coming from the Earth's crust, subtle variations in color, shade and overall appearance should be anticipated. The result is a porous and natural beauty versus plastic flawlessness.

Staining: Like Granite, concrete behaves similarly. Both need to be sealed and maintained. Food, acids and oils should not stain your concrete project if left on for less than 24 hours and if left on for 24 hours or more, it may leave a slight spot which can be bleached out. Best practice for care is to clean up as soon as you can.

Scratches: While the sealer is very durable, scratches are possible. The use of cutting boards and trivets are recommended for countertops.

Lead time: Your concrete project is a custom, handmade piece from scratch. Variables such as complexity of shape, number of pieces needed for your project, communication timelines, and shipping. Typically a project takes 4 to 6 weeks.

Color is achieved by using integral color and acrylic stains (topical) that hold onto the surface of the concrete and protected by the sealer.

Nearly any color can be produced as a solid, variegated or speckled. Pieces of glass, stones or other objects can be embedded to be seen at the surface of the finished piece.

You have the design control with nearly limitless options.

Creatcrete offers custom color development. We can match paint or fabric colors. This takes 3 to 4 weeks for 2 or more 12"x12" samples for your approval.