Concrete Countertops by Absolute ConcreteWorks
6 July 2009
“Nonesuch”
I have written about concrete countertops before, because the modern versions of this ancient building material blow my mind, but I don’t think I’ve ever come across anything quite as stunning as the designs produced by Absolute ConcreteWorks. And just to make the astonishment complete, they have not relegated themselves only to the production of countertops, although this is what first caught my eye.
Absolute ConcreteWorks is headquartered in the state of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, part of that glorious part of the United States known by those who live there as “God’s Country,” which sounds like this enormous brag until you actually visit that area from the Montana Rockies straight through to the Pacific. I bring that up because some of the breathtaking beauty in that part of the country has found its way into the products produced by Absolute.
What I find particularly interesting about Absolute’s products is that they are all of concrete, but it is certainly a far cry from the concrete invented by the ancient Romans. Interestingly enough, the Romans used concrete both for its structural strength and for its architectural possibilities. To beautify it, though, they had to resort to facing it with bricks or tiles, as the concrete itself was still that gray, stodgy material that’s in your driveway. Well, that was then, and this is now.
Absolute has developed new techniques for this ancient building material, and their color blending and use of numerous types of additives and treatments allows them to offer a wide range of design options. That sounds so bland, though—wide range of options. Really, it is an astounding range of options, starting with the look of the material itself. It’s concrete, right? But it certainly doesn’t look like concrete, and therein lays its appeal. They have, as just one choice among many, what they call a “Multiple Color Infusion” that absolutely transforms this material.
But also, because it is concrete, they are able to shape it into just about anything a body could want. I have shown some of their countertops here because these are what first caught my eye, but they also manufacture sinks, fireplace surrounds, and an absolute plethora of architectural details for outside the home, ranging from simple sundials to pool surrounds, balustrades, and I don’t know what all.
But to return to their countertops, they have been made to look as though someone had carved them from precious stone. To complete the illusion, and to protect it, these concrete countertops feature three coats of penetrating sealer, four layers of topcoat finish and a wax coating for added shine and protection.
But, finally, there is this. All of their designs are exclusive. Each piece is individually cast at the studio and is designed for your own unique project. After they install it, they literally break the mold, thereby ensuring that what they’ve made for you, they’ll make for none other.
Joseph
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