Go Green Architectural Concrete Design – Natural Concrete Design FAQ

	Concrete is a natural material with inherent character. Variation in the surface and color can be expected. Our product is hand made, and its unique characteristics are part of the appeal!
	Is your product “green”?
	Yes, it is! We have replaced 25% of our cementious material with a post-industrial waste product eligible for LEED Points from the US Greenbuilding Council which awards points for the use of recycled content in construction products. We estimate that this replacement will save over 10 tons of cement annually. This will result in a 10 ton reduction in CO2 emissions, 35 mm BTUs of energy will be saved and 15 fewer tons of cement feedstocks will be mined. “Concrete habitat^TM is committed to reducing the environmental impact of our products through the use of post-industrial recycled materials,” says Scott Hild, Concrete habitat^TM President and Founder.
	What are the advantages of concrete over granite, marble or other solid surfaces?
	Concrete is completely customizable! It can be used indoors or out, and molded into practically any form. You can inlay objects or incorporate design features...it's all up to you and the look you are trying to achieve. Concrete has personality. It is a warmer, earthier, and more natural looking than granite and other shiny surfaces. It's different.
	How does concrete compare in price to other solid surfaces?
	Like any fine custom product the process of casting concrete is very labor intensive. Each piece is completely hand-made. Priced in line with other mid to high end solid surfaces, concrete is chosen for its unique look and feel.
	Will it crack?
	Concrete habitat^TM incorporates state-of-the-art reinforcement technology along with a proprietary curing process that eliminates structural cracking, and we back that up with a 2-year warranty. If your piece develops a structural crack under normal use within the warranty period, we will replace it, no questions asked.
	How thick will the surface be?
	Our standard counter surfaces are cast 1 1/2" or 2" thick with an eased block edge. Thicker counter surfaces are available upon request. Fireplace surrounds and other architectural elements may be cast as thin as 3/4".
	Will it stain?
	Concrete habitat^TM utilizes a matte finish sealer designed to withstand the rigors of a working kitchen with little worry on your part. In our testing, we left everything from olive oil and lemon juice to red wine and mustard on our product for 24 hours. Everything wiped clean with no staining. We've had customers test this at home with our samples and you are welcome to do the same. In our own tests, our clients' kitchens, and on commercial bar-tops, our surfaces stand up to water, oils and acidics. With common sense and little maintenance our sealer provides protection that is unparalleled in the concrete surface industry.
	Does it have to be resealed?
	Unlike other surfaces, our sealer is applied before your project is installed. You never need to oil, wax or reseal it. Ever!
	Will it be completely uniform looking?
	Variations in the color and texture are natural and inherent to concrete revealing its character. As with any handcrafted material, each project is uniquely different, which is part of concrete's appeal.
	How do I care for my surface?
	We recommend our Concrete habitat^TM Daily Cleaner, an anti-microbial cleaner safe for every day use. For quick spot cleaning, dish-soap water will also work well. You can also use any neutral, non-abraisive cleaner. Do not use anything bleach or ammonia based.
	Can I cut directly on my concrete?
	Not a good idea, you'll ruin your knives! Actually, you shouldn't cut directly on our surfaces or any surface for that matter. You will not hurt the concrete but you will breach the sealer. Consider incorporating a drop-in cutting board instead!
	Can I place hot pans directly on concrete?
	Although our product is heat resistant to 400°, using trivets or hot pads is a better idea.
	How long does it take to complete my project?
	From the time of templating and after all design decisions have been made, you'll have concrete in your habitat within 4-6 weeks!
	How do I get a quote for my project?
	Contact us at 720-374-2101 to discuss your plans! We'd love to hear your ideas, talk about your project, and prepare a quote for you.