Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to our most popular
bespoke concrete questions.
General Questions
Do concrete countertops or sinks have seams?
Our proprietary process allows us to make larger sections with fewer seams; we can cast 12'x5' without a seam.
We strive to preserve a clean appearance on our finished work. If seams are necessary, we're skilled at designing solutions to conceal, minimize, or sometimes accentuate them with decorative elements like embedded metal strips, flush tile inlays, or size changes to draw the eye away from the seam.
How much can a countertop cantilever with no supports?
We can cantilever or overhang 12" with no underside support. Anything more significant will require thin brackets or other support. We've got years of experience designing around challenges, and we will ensure your piece has the ideal base and supports to work for your space.
Can you create ADA compliant sinks? How thick are they?
Yes, our free-hang concrete sinks are one of our core products. Being able to free-hang our lightweight concrete sinks helps us meet the code requirements to comfortably accommodate wheelchairs under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Compliance requires 34" to the top of the sink and 27" to the bottom lip, so our ADA sinks are typically made with a 5" drop edge on all finished sides. The typical weight of a 6' long ramp sink is only 180 pounds, and we can provide hanging brackets and support if needed.
How many colors do you offer?
Are there different finish options? Can it look worn?
Is your custom concrete-all weather?
Yes, all-weather and low-maintenance concrete is naturally durable in weather conditions. However, we add additional protection to our custom concrete to ensure it is weather-tight. Our sealer will protect against the harshest weather conditions. For outdoor bars, kitchens, and firepits, we also recommend an additional wax-based sealer a couple of times a year to prolong the life of the sealer.
How much does your concrete weigh?
Because of our proprietary process and exclusive blend of concrete, we can cast concrete that is about 40% lighter than traditional concrete. On average, our products weigh about 9 lbs/sq ft.
Do you need a sub-base under the tops?
When the pieces are designed as flat slabs, no, some projects require a shell design, where drop edges on all finished sides hide the subframe and supporting brackets. This shell approach is common on floating fireplace hearths, high-top coffee bar counters, and ADA-free-hanging ramp sinks for bars and restaurants. The shell design maintains a heavy, thick profile without adding extra weight.
What is your fabrication timeline? How long does it take to get something made?
Our residential project fabrication timeline is 3-5 weeks, depending on several factors. When you bid on a project, if you have a timeline or an install date in mind, let us know, and we will work with you to ensure we hit the appropriate dates.
Our commercial project timeline is 5+ weeks. We will work with you to scope the project to ensure we hit important deadlines. Check out our process page for a detailed look at how our products are made.
What is your slab size?
Our slabs contain a foam center core, making them 40% lighter than solid cast pieces. This allows us to make larger sections with fewer seams. Extended slabs that may need multiple sections will have seams typically 1/8" or smaller.
We strive to preserve a clean appearance on our finished work. If seams are necessary, we're skilled at designing solutions to conceal, minimize, or sometimes accentuate them with decorative elements like embedded metal strips, flush tile inlays, or size changes to draw the eye away from the seam.
Do you only work in Minnesota?
We serve commercial and residential projects nationwide. We have projects local to Minnesota and Western Wisconsin we will template and install. We pack our pieces outside of our install area in a foam-lined crate and use top-rated shipping companies. We also provide an installation guide with the shipment.
Performance FAQs
Process FAQs
Performance Questions
Do you use the same concrete used in sidewalks or driveways? How strong is it? Can it crack? How thick is it?
We use a GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) mix, which has a tensile strength of over 7,000 psi, almost twice as strong as driveway concrete. This high-strength fiber mix provides some flexibility to our concrete, so breaking or cracking is unlikely.
Our standard slabs are 1.5" thick but vary depending on your unique design. Foam center cores reduce weight, allowing us to make much larger pieces without extra seams.
Slabs can be made thicker or thinner if your design requires. We typically cast thin, ¾" thick pieces, which are ideal for large section wall panels, shelled pieces with drop edges, or any piece that fits over substructures—like a floating fireplace hearth or ADA ramp sink hung on wall brackets, giving the appearance of a thick profile without unnecessary added weight.
Will the concrete chip easily?
Typically, no. In rare cases, edges or corners can fracture if struck forcefully by a hard object. However, we'll provide a color-matched putty kit to fix and patch any damaged areas if a wild party night accident arises.
Will water or other liquids (orange juice, red wine, etc.) stain or degrade the surface?
Our countertops are treated with five coats of a highly protective, water-based, commercial-grade, food-safe sealer. We recommend cleaning up spills soon after they happen to decrease the chances of staining. We have done extensive testing using a variety of foodstuffs, with three-day-old yellow mustard being the only thing able to affect the sealer. Nothing a light sand and a fresh coat of sealer couldn't restore.
Are your products sealed?
Our concrete products are sealed with an environmentally friendly, water-based chemical hardener that bonds with the concrete. This commercial-grade sealer is also food-safe, protecting the concrete from stains and spills, and is designed to last many years.
Testing and Durability
After testing with the most common foods and beverages, yellow mustard was the only item that left a stain on white concrete after three days.
Maintenance Tips
To maintain the sealer and protect it from damage:
- Avoid sliding large or sharp objects across the surface.
- Avoid leaving spills for extended periods.
Extended Longevity with Beeswax
Applying beeswax can extend the longevity of the sealer and keep surfaces looking fresh.
Repair and Touch-Up
Touch-up kits and repair sealers are available to maintain the seal's quality in the event of an accident or significant wear.
The sealer is designed to last many years, but heavier use may age it faster.
Can I cut directly on my custom concrete countertop?
No, do not cut directly on the countertops. Knives will pierce the sealer, rendering counters more susceptible to staining. Additionally, the concrete will severely dull your knife's cutting edge. Scratches in the sealer can occur if heavy, rough, or sharp objects are dragged across the countertop surface.
Is your custom concrete-all weather?
Yes, all-weather and low-maintenance concrete is naturally durable to weather conditions; however, we add additional protection to our custom concrete to ensure it is weather-tight. Our sealer will protect against the harshest weather conditions. For outdoor bars, kitchens, and firepits, we also recommend an additional wax-based sealer a couple of times a year to prolong the life of the sealer.
How do I clean and care for my concrete products?
Use a damp cloth with mild soap or a water-based cleanser with a neutral pH. Soap and water is best, but if something stronger is needed, some favorites include Windex, diluted Simple Green, and 409. Avoid cleaners or soaps with Citrus in them.
*Do not use abrasive cleaners or scrubbers (such as Comet, Brillo pads, or 3M scrubbing pads), as they have the potential to scratch. Do not use cleaners or soaps with Citrus in them, as that can wear the sealer finish.
Can hot pots and pans be placed directly on the concrete?
No. As with virtually all countertop surfaces, trivets or hot pads should be used. Our sealer is rated up to 400 degrees, but concrete can develop micro-cracks, and the sealer may not be elastic enough to absorb them. In these cases, damaged surfaces may appear "crazed" with crack patterns when wet.
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Will my concrete products need to be resealed?
As long as no significant accident or rough scratching damages the surface, the sealer should last the lifetime of your piece.
Process Questions
Is there a required thickness for your concrete?
Our standard slabs are 1.5" thick, but we design them to meet the needs of your project. Our slabs contain a foam center core to reduce weight restrictions and give a thick edge profile. Past projects have been cast as thin as ¾" and as thick as 24". Our free-hanging ADA concrete sinks are typically ¾" shells with a 5" drop edge on all finished sides.
What can delay my project?
We pride ourselves on meeting our deadlines with transparency and honesty. However, we can only start your custom concrete project once we have all the required information, signed contracts, and payments.
What needs to be in place before you template?
• All sinks, faucets, and other fixtures associated with the concrete must be onsite while we capture measurements and details.
•Farm or apron sinks must be attached to the sink base cabinet, not hung from the concrete countertop. They should be installed before we come flush and level with the top of the cabinets.
• Any appliances that will affect the concrete design are in place.
• Base cabinets are secured in their final position, and walls are sheet-rocked and mudded. It's better to set wall tile after our pieces have been installed to keep all material transitions as tight and crisp as possible.
• All decorative side panels and drawers that affect countertop overhangs are in place.
• All drywall in surrounding areas should be in place before we template
• Firebox inserts need to be installed for fireplace surrounds
When you start a project, you will receive a more detailed list of requirements may be provided.
Are your products sealed?
Our concrete products are sealed with an environmentally friendly, water-based chemical hardener that bonds with the concrete. This polyurethane/acrylic sealer should last many years, though heavier use can age it faster. To protect against damaged sealer, avoid sliding large or sharp objects across the surface and leaving spills for extended periods. Applying beeswax once monthly can extend longevity and keep surfaces looking fresh. Touch-up kits and repair sealers are available in the event of an accident or significant wear.
When will you start my project?
Timelines are based on our current schedule and workload. Once we know the full scope of your project, we'll provide a detailed timeline so you know when to expect your work to be completed. We will start fabricating your concrete products after we receive the signed shop drawings. The typical turnaround time is 3-5 weeks after approval of the shop drawings for most residential and small commercial projects.
How does measuring and templating work if I’m not in Minneapolis?
For non-local projects, contractors or homeowners can also send us templates or detailed plans to fabricate from. We will provide a measuring and templating guide and work with you to ensure we have everything we need to complete your concrete product perfectly.
Can you ship my completed concrete product?
Yes, we can ship anywhere in the United States. We pack our pieces in a foam-lined crate and use top-rated shipping companies. We also include an installation guide with the shipment.
What kinds of profiles do you offer? Can you create edges that look raw or unfinished?
We can design solutions for virtually any aesthetic effect, from straight and smooth to rounded with curves, and the edge finish can be clean and crisp or raw and more worn-looking. Straight and square slab edges are typical, as most clients want the heavy look of square slab concrete. But our 2" thick "broken-rock edge" is also popular, giving a dynamic natural stone look.
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How soon can you measure and template?
Our measure schedule usually fills up two weeks in advance. It is best to contact us to book your measurements once you have the final installation dates for other relevant items (such as the firebox, brackets, or cabinets) to your concrete piece. See the question "What needs to be in place before you template?" for more information.
What is build-to-spec?
Build-to-spec is a project that can be built based on your plans or specifications.
why Concrete
Concrete is customizable, long-lasting, and easy to care for, making it the natural choice for high-end residential and design-forward commercial spaces.
Upgrade your material selection with our concrete products. From furniture and wall cladding to sinks and countertops, our luxurious and dramatic concrete pieces impact your design. Experience the unparalleled benefits of concrete.
Unlimited colors
multiple finishes
indoor and outdoor use
Engravable
customizable size and shape
Heat and weather-resistant
No-MAINTENANCE
durable
Lightweight
What Makes Us
Different
Our exclusive blend of concrete and proprietary process yields a far superior product. Not only is it highly customizable, stunningly beautiful, distinctively durable, and it has extraordinary integrity. It is 40% lighter and 2x stronger than traditional concrete, allowing us to cast concrete products for more applications. At Living Stone Concrete Design we are environmentally conscious in our materials and processes.
Imagine the possibilities
with concrete
Benefits of concrete
Weather Resistant
One-of-a-kind
Durable
Customizable
Sustainable
No Maintenance
Tailored to fit needs
your
Living Stone Concrete Design products are designed to integrate seamlessly with the other elements in your design. Our custom-fit solution allows us to tailor our products to your specifications.
Whether you are looking for a free-hanging ADA sink or a side table, we can meet the needs of your project.
Delivering luxurious concrete products to residential and commercial spaces all around the US.