Category: Blog

Care for Your New Custom Concrete

January 14, 2015

Before learning about how to care for your new custom concrete, you need to understand what concrete is. Concrete is formed by combining sand, cement and water. It’s a natural product made from elements of the earth and is therefore, in its natural state, a porous product. At the final stage of hand crafting your concrete piece we have sealed it with a professional sealer that will protect the concrete. However, there are several steps that need to be taken in order to protect your Functional Art.

Do’s and Don’ts
Do – clean your concrete surface with a mild soap and water.
Do – wipe up spills immediately. In particular acidic liquids like wine and oils will penetrate the sealer if left. Any oil or vinegar bottles left on your counter should be sitting on a plate etc.
Do – use a cutting board in order to protect the surface and not scratch the protective sealer.
Do – use felt pads under counter top appliances and any other heavy items.
Don’t – clean your custom concrete surface with any harsh or abrasive cleaners. Also avoid any harsh degreasers and high acidic products, this includes vinegar and citrus products.
Don’t – use bath oils in your custom concrete tub.

Depending on the environment your Functional Art will be used in we use a variety of different sealers. The sealers with proper care will continue to protect against normal use. However, this is concrete and meant to age to perfection with wear. Learn to love and admire the personality that will develop over time.
We will guarantee our work will be free from faults. If your custom product is found to be faulty within the first 12 months following your purchase, please contact us and we will be happy to repair it.

Board Form Planter

October 29, 2014

It’s concrete, I promise. This is a technique that Jake has wanted to try for some time and had the opportunity when a client requested a planter for a client’s house that has an industrial feel. Jake felt that Board Form would be a perfect addition to this area, lending a rustic but modern feel. Board form is accomplished by lining the mold with hand-picked wood planks. The planks are hand chosen for their grain detail. The concrete is then either sprayed or hand pressed into the mold. The ability of the concrete to “perfectly” capture the detail of the wood is beautiful.

Venice Island Condo

October 29, 2014

As with any business one of the best parts of our job is the different people we meet but also the great inspiration these new people bring with them. Recently we had an Interior Designer walk into the shop, after finding us online, to inquire about concrete counter tops for one of his out of state clients. After a tour of the studio and an opportunity to see some of the amazing projects that were in various stages of production, he was very excited. He brought with him a paint chip and sample of the back splash tile that he was using and asked us to duplicate the paint color in the counter top color with the back splash tile broken up and integrated throughout. With his vision and our design, the end result was stunning.

Hofius

October 29, 2014

Fire Tables are one of the more popular pieces we create. They are a perfect addition to any outdoor living environment to add to the surrounding architecture by both day and night. We were recently approached by a fun couple who were looking to add a little spark to their outdoor space. After meeting to discuss their custom color and recycled glass accents, Jake and the crew went to work in forming their creation. It turned out fabulous, creating a warm and inviting area to either have a quiet night for 2 or entertaining many.

Anna Maria Vacation Home

July 23, 2014

Our most recent project came from a request through our website from an out of state client who owns a vacation rental on one of the local barrier islands. They were looking to bring a touch of modern to a quaint traditional beach house.

After an onsite meeting with the homeowner, it was decided that there would be new counters done throughout the kitchen, and two baths.

From this point on all details of the job were handled long distance as the clients were back up north. This included deciding on a final color and whether any aggregate would be added to the design.

With 121 square feet of concrete counter tops weighing approximately 1500 pounds, we went to install. The narrow staircase proved to be a challenge, so a crane was used to bring the pieces up to the second floor entrance.