FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will products from Bohemian Stoneworks crack?
Hairline cracks can occur, but because we reinforce each piece, they are not structurally weak and are often very hard to notice.
Is Bohemian Stoneworks concrete heavier than other slab materials?
Bohemian Stoneworks concrete is not heavy. We formulate our concrete to be approximately 12 pounds per square inch at our standard 1½ inches in depth, which is comparable to other slab materials.
Will products from Bohemian Stoneworks stain?
Concrete can stain when certain acidic substances (e.g., wine, citrus and vinegar) are left unattended for long periods of time (more than 8 hours). We use a proprietary two-step process that significantly reduces the effects of staining. First, we use a penetrating sealer that prevents liquids from entering the stone, and then we use a durable topical sealer that prevents acid etching caused by these acidic substances. Unglazed ceramics compete for moisture with the concrete, and it is better to add protective felt or rubber pads under such items.
If acid liquids, such as vinegar, lemon juice or wine, are left for too long a time, (over 3 hours), the vapors can penetrate the sealer and leave marks in the stone. It’s best to clean up spills as they occur. Oil bottles can leave dark marks, although the marks disappear over time.
Once delivered and installed our concrete products will take another 2 weeks to complete the initial cure and another 2 months to be fully cured. During the initial cure you will want to wipe up liquid splashes as they occur. If liquids are allowed to stay on the surface for over 30 minutes it could cause the sealer to become cloudy which will need to be buffed out. You may also see dark spots where the liquids were. These should quickly fade as the surface dries out.
Will my concrete patina?
Patina is different than staining. Over a period of time vapors and salts moving through the concrete can bring about beautiful, natural light and dark patterns.
Can hot pans be placed upon the countertop?
As with all fine handcrafted materials, care and attention should be given to preserve their beauty. We recommend using a hot pad or trivet when in doubt. However, research and real-life testing has shown that pots and pans coming off the stovetop or out of a hot oven, up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, will not damage the integrity of the sealer or the concrete surface.
What liquids can harm the countertop?
Cooking oils and acidic liquids such as lemon juice, vinegar and wine – if left unattended for an extended period of time – can discolor natural stone. Extensive research has shown that when these substances are removed within 8 hours, no acid etching or staining should occur. We do recommend cleaning spills of any kind as soon as possible.
Are there seams in the countertop?
Our concrete sections are poured to be between 8 and 12 feet in length; pieces longer than this are excessively heavy to transport and have an increased possibility of cracking in transit. Joints with very tight seams are incorporated to accommodate the design and can even become part of the design itself.
Are there variations in color and thickness?
The countertops we produce are handcrafted using natural products, pigments, and oxides. As with any piece of art, variances in color and texture may occur as creating architectural concrete combines both art and science.
Our intent is to get as close to your specified color as possible. Slight color variants are standard within the industry and are widely thought to be one of the many aesthetically pleasing elements of our countertops. Due to the individual hand-forming and finishing techniques we use, the thickness can also vary. Concrete is not gauged in the same way as natural stone or other surface materials.
Why would I choose concrete over natural stone or other synthetic products?
With concrete, the creative possibilities are limitless. Unlike a granite or marble countertop, concrete begins in a fluid state, which allows us to create complex, three-dimensional shapes by building custom forms. In this way, we can cast our concrete into structurally sound shapes that may be cost-prohibitive or altogether impossible using natural stone or other products.
Our finished products exude warmth and even softness. There is a comfortable, livable feeling to the pieces that we create, which is entirely distinct from the colder glossiness of stone or the sterility of some petroleum-based countertop materials. The enhanced “visual texture” created by our proprietary techniques and the inherent natural beauty of our products rival all other alternatives on the market.
Best of all, the remarkable versatility of concrete lends itself to truly one-of-a-kind projects. At Bohemian Stoneworks all of our concrete products are artistically designed and locally handcrafted to your specifications. Each project is essentially a custom piece, shaped by your creative input to reflect your individuality and personal style.