We have made a lot of tables over the years. Dining and kitchen tables, picnic tables, outdoor and indoor tables, ping-pong tables,coffee tables, boardroom tables, occasional tables, side tables and night tables. Even at that, I am sure I have missed some. People love concrete tables because they are durable, beautiful, they don't mind Ontario winters and summers, and we can make any size and colour. The table I made for my backyard is 10 years old and has survived a mid winter move. Although not close to the age of some of the concrete furniture we have seen in Europe, I think it looks better than the day it came home. Like wood, concrete ages gracefully, and gains character every year.
14 years ago my wife and I decided that this designer concrete would be a great next step for me, after selling my previous company. Concrete countertops were becoming popular, and the product was gaining attention for improvements in stain resistance and cracking. Stereotypes die hard, and I still get questioned about concrete versus every other work surface. Although I have said it before, it bears repeating. "Concrete is not for everyone". Although it is one of the prettiest, it requires the same care as any other natural stone. If some simple disciplines are followed it will look the same for years from purchase. Care such as wiping up acidic spills as soon as is practical and using cutting boards are literally all it takes to keep this luxury product looking great. It is frustrating to see tropes from 20 years ago when concrete countertops were made not unlike sidewalks! Thing is - there are still amateurs doing that and getting the same old results! Two youtube video views and a garage build does not come close to decades of collective experience, a purpose built studio with thousands of dollars of use specific equipment, honed mix designs and specialized delivery equipment. You wouldn't compare a modern vehicle to a home built go cart, but I am asked weekly if my concrete will crack. It doesn't. Period.
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AuthorLorne Woods is founder of Liquid Quarry and has designed and fabricated concrete pieces for years Archives
May 2023
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