Concrete Tables

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Concrete Dining Table with rock embeds and Steel legs both by JM Lifestyles

Color inlays and irregular shape

Woodform Concrete

Concrete top and base

Concrete Coffee table

Hand Carved Concrete Base

WoodForm Key Largo, FL

Concrete base

Woodform concrete and steel base with concrete plinths

Woodform Concrete with Live Edge

Talk of the Town; JM Lifestyles' Woodform Concrete

JM Lifestyles was featured in Talk of the Town!!

 

Concrete Wood Countertops

Posted on June 1, 2012 by erinpruitt

JM Lifestyles

These Countertops Aren’t Made From Wood.

JM Lifestyles

Take a close look, although these countertops appear to be large reclaimed planks, they’re anything but. Can you tell what they’re really made from? Check out all the detailing that has been added to these poured concrete countertops. Real iron nails were embedded in the mixture before it cured completely to help out with their convincing looks and small grooves and staining were added in to make the look feel official to the touch. I saw this one by JM Lifestyles at the Mansion in May Designer Show House in Morristown, NJ and I couldn’t believe it wasn’t wood. It even feels like wood!

JM Lifestyles

JM Lifestyles

Many people in the midst of a kitchen design consider wood counters.  At least half worry about using wood in a wet environment and the possible maintenance nightmare.  These amazing wood-look counters are made from a concrete composite. Custom iron dovetails embedded in the concrete enhance their realistic look.  The counters have all the details of real wood without the upkeep. Just think, no worrying about water spots or knife and burn marks. For the homeowner in quest of an artistic, one-of-a-kind countertop that transcends the commonplace, concrete may be worth the price. Few remodeling alterations in a home are more coveted than new kitchen countertops.

JM Lifestyles

Most concrete countertops are precast in molds built to the customer’s specifications so they can be formed, cured and finished under controlled conditions. However, some fabricators prefer to cast the countertop onsite, setting the mold on top of the base kitchen cabinets and then filling it with concrete. Regardless of the casting method used, these are not cookie-cutter creations. Every casting is custom-made and thus inherently unique.
Concrete countertop makers often develop their own signature looks by using proprietary mix ingredients, casting techniques and surface treatments. Many are artists by trade and will collaborate with homeowners, architects and interior designers on ideas that will add to the character and individuality of the final product. As the photos illustrate, the options for personalizing concrete countertops are endless.

Concrete Countertop

Concrete can be earthy and natural, with a tactile quality not found in synthetic or stainless-steel surfaces. Because each concrete countertop is hand-cast, it exhibits subtle variations in color and texture.  The environmental benefits of concrete also appeal to homeowners. Concrete is an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based synthetic products and nonrenewable natural materials such as quarried stone. Some concrete countertop makers incorporate natural minerals and recycled materials into their creations, such as fly ash (a byproduct of coal production), metal shavings, plastic regrinds, recycled glass and scrap wood chips.

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NJ/NY Stone Event!

Last night ADIP sponsored an event that Atlas Marble and Granite and New York Stone hosted.  Marco Duran from Atlas presented a very informative presentation about the types of stone and quarrying techniques and fabrication.  Coming from a concrete perspective it was very informative. 

 I learned a lot about the different properties of stone and how they wear.  I also learned that many stones have similar attributes as concrete.  Mainly the difference is that people understand (generally or more so) what it means to live with these natural stones and concrete is relatively newer and generally people aren't yet aware of what it means to live with it.  Marco presented the different natural stones (limestone, travertine, onyx, marble, serpentine, sandstone, slate, quartzite, and granite). He was excited to introduce quartzite which is a beautiful stone that is very durable.  He has started to fabricate it and we got to see some slabs of it.  Very different and he thinks there will be a lot more talk about quartzite as the new natural stone.  After seeing it and hearing about its attributes I would think that someone in the market for stone would definitely be excited about it! 

Another great point Marco presented was Mohs scale of mineral hardness so we could further understand what the mineral make up of natural stones are and what minerals are going to make for different attributes in how the stone will wear:

Mohs hardness	Mineral	Chemical formula	Absolute hardness	Image
1	Talc	Mg3Si4O10(OH)2	1
2	Gypsum	CaSO4·2H2O	3
3	Calcite	CaCO3	9
4	Fluorite	CaF2	21
5	Apatite	Ca5(PO4)3(OH–,Cl–,F–)	48
6	Orthoclase Feldspar	KAlSi3O8	72
7	Quartz	SiO2	100
8	Topaz	Al2SiO4(OH–,F–)2	200
9	Corundum	Al2O3	400
10	Diamond	C	1600

 From this scale you could understand why quartz is a great material for countertops.  In concrete you can add any aggregate to gain different properties an attributes in the surface.

There are many options when choosing surfacing materials and they all have their attributes.  Finding out about the differences will help people choose the best one for their service and tastes.

Featured on Houzz!!

This picture of ours was featured on Houzz.com!  Posted to illustrate the use of the bar stools, but this pictures has been added to over 1500 idea books!  Sage Design was the designer of this great space and the  Woodform™ Concrete really makes it unique.  I am sure it is just a matter of time for the people at Houzz to notice how unique and practical JM Lifestyles'  WoodForm™ Concrete is!  Check out the post at Houzz when you get the chance and if you haven't heard of it yet it is a tremendous resource!                                         

 Other ideas for concrete- This is a log cabin in West Milford, NJ that wanted egress lighting hidden in the rock wall.  We made concrete rocks with embedded fiber optics.  The optics are on color changing illuminators.