'That Can't Be Concrete'

As concrete technology continuously evolves, we find ourselves the grateful beneficiaries of its utility and versatility.

The good work of engineers and quality minded mechanics has made concrete the preferred material for such diverse projects as long span bridges, high rise buildings, miles of tunnel linings and tall tilt-up structures. Additionally, concrete is also widely recognized for being a "green" building material and for its positive life cycle benefits and for being the "cool" reflective paving product.

These structural and environmental advantages provide the foundation for today's concrete craftsmen and artisans as they advance the art of decorative concrete and, in particular, concrete countertops. No part of the expanding decorative concrete world demonstrates the utility and versatility of concrete better than concrete countertops. Part science and part art, each piece is handcrafted, bringing individuality and character to the most revered parts of our homes.

The sciences of concrete mix design and reinforcement show that cabinetsupported, cast-in-place countertops of at least 38 ft. in length are possible and 15 ft. may be spanned unsupported - all without seams and without cracks.

Precasting methods also benefit from high-performance mixes by eliminating the warping and curling of ordinary sand mixes. enCOUNTER is the first such high-performance mix available in convenient 50-Ib. bags. The only ingredient necessary is water. No need to search for special aggregates or chemicals to achieve nonshrink and crack performance. enCOUNTER is equally suitable for the most demanding cast-in-place and precast applications, and even hand pressing.

The enCOUNTER mix reaches more than 8,000 psi in 28 days without adding chemicals. It is finisher-friendly, capable of long seamless spans with minimal cracking and warping, and contains 3/8-in. rock that polish like semi-precious stones. It comes in easy-to-handle 50 Ib. bags, with gray or white cement - add only water. The enCOUNTER system includes cost-effective and easy-to-measure liquid integral colors, reusable edge forms, a microtopping and special sealers.

Wonderful things happen when the artisan combines his or her creativity with enCOUNTER's high-performance system. That's when we hear, "No, that can't be concrete ..." a common response from people encountering concrete countertops for the first time.

- Article by Doug Bannister