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Concrete countertops - installation and maintenance

Do you have a question about concrete countertop installation and maintenance that's not covered in our FAQs?

Fu-Tung's bestseller book Concrete Countertops and the new Concrete Countertops DIY instructional DVD provide further guidance on how to successfully install and maintain countertops.

Installing the Countertop

Q1:	Where can I find local installers and professional contractors?
	Visit our Find a Contractor listing to find a local professional near you that specifically utilizes the NeoMix System for concrete countertops. You may also visit other online resources that list concrete contractors throughout the country to find an installer.

Q2:	Do I need to reinforce the supporting cabinetry in order to accommodate the weight of a concrete countertop?
	Your countertop will weigh approximately 135 pounds per cubic foot. Generally speaking, you don't need to reinforce your cabinetry or floor to support the top. However, if the supporting cabinets are single-wall or made of particle board, vertical plywood reinforcements may be necessary. For more information, refer to "Preparing the Cabinets", pages 159-162, in Concrete Countertops.

Q3:	How do I install my concrete countertop?
	A full set of installation instructions (including handling, cabinetry support, cantilevers, installation of more than one module, dry fitting, final fitting, and sink mounting) is provided in Chapter 6, "Installing the Countertop", in Concrete Countertops.

Q4:	How do you seal sections of a countertop?
	We seal joints between our modules with clear silicone. We also recommend keying the joints to allow for a level fit between modules. For more information on casting in modules, refer to Chapter 2, "Building the Mold," in Concrete Countertops.

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Maintaining the Countertop

Q5:	How do I clean concrete countertops?
	Washing your countertop with mild soap and water is the best method of cleaning. Be wary of cleansers and abrasive pads as they may have solvents and abrasives that can harm, scratch, or etch the surface of your countertop. Ultimately, prevention is the best defense—be sure to wipe up any potentially acidic liquids like wine, vinegar and other substances like lemon or tomato juice immediately.

Q6:	What sort of routine maintenance is required to keep a nice finish on my concrete countertop? How often do I re-apply the finishing wax?
	Ideally, for maximum protection and beauty, we recommend that wax be reapplied every month. With each coat of wax, your countertop will develop a naturally hard, protective coating to help repel against staining as well as remove fingerprints and add a lustrous sheen. Realistically, many owners only wax their concrete countertops once a year or less, and then some never do at all. Without upkeep and maintenance, your countertop *will* patina and stain but this is only cosmetic and will not affect the durability of your countertop. As long as you like the aesthetics of your countertop, the countertop itself can be virtually maintenance-free and provide many years of enjoyment.

Q7:	My concrete countertop was poured with/has developed cracks—can these be repaired?
	If 1/16" or larger of a crack, use two parts epoxy (we recommend PC-7 epoxy) with pigment and fill the countertop crack. Seal and then wax.

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