The Precast Path
How do you capture concrete? Yes, it’s a legitimate question. Why? Concrete is a liquid and then it hardens, so how do you form it into what you want?
Site Cast Concrete
When we say concrete, what is the image that comes to mind? It will be different due to our varying degrees of interaction with the material. Many think of concrete as the gray slabs that make up the foundation of their house. Some consider the sidewalks that lead them to destinations throughout town. Possibly, it’s the lot you park your car in every work day. Then there are those who think a little less drably of concrete and use it for their decorative driveways, patios, and pool decks.
Besides the material, there is an aspect that connects all these products and that is the application. Our concrete foundations, sidewalks, and floors were all poured in place and then hardened over time. A crew comes beforehand. They tear up the ground then measured and built forms into which the concrete is laid. We are so accustomed to seeing concrete used in this manner that seldom do we think it can be had another way. In our minds, concrete is first a liquid and then a solid. It can only be applied at the spot where it is to remain.
When we want a driveway we think concrete, when we want a bench we think wood, when we want a countertop we think granite. Those are the materials we associate with those items. Let’s expand those associations.
Precast Concrete
Choices are numerous in todays world, almost overwhelmingly so. Now, with the power of precasting concrete, you have one more choice. You’re welcome.
This beautiful floor is made of precast cement tiles by Clé
A mold or form can be created in one location and the fluid concrete poured into that mold. After it hardens it can be polished, colored, and sealed, and then transported to its final destination. Of course it’s obvious, it’s just not considered very often.
The precast traffic barriers are made by Michie Corporation
Precast doesn’t allow for the design of all concrete aesthetics. However, this area of engineering and building is growing and developing. There are companies that have the ability to precast massive amounts of large scale items from highway barriers to wall panels for entire buildings. Other businesses work more subtly and produce smaller more decorative products like custom sinks or fire pits.
Although precasting concrete is nothing new, many people are unaware of the possibility, especially when it comes to in-home custom designs. They retreat to previous experience or rely on another’s familiarity. Thus, the power of the referral. People want what they know. It is risky to ask for something unknown as it may be disappointing. So, let’s make precast concrete known. Let’s take away the mystery.
Precast Possibilities
If you want a precast concrete product, you no longer have to contend with the upheaval of your space. There will not be a person or persons unknown forming or framing in areas of your house. There is no waiting while installers pour and allow for the concrete to cure. Even after that they would normally need to color and seal it to ensure sustainability. Not anymore. A meeting to discuss color and design options and take measurements is all that is required before proceeding. The product pieces will be poured off site. Then the concrete, just like wood or granite can be delivered and installed at the customers convenience. If you order the product online you may even be able to install it yourself and skip the human interaction all together.
Coral Cast Architectural Stone creates concrete balustrade systems that they ship nationwide.
Chris Havill of Port Williams, NS, designed and cast this one of a kind concrete sink. It is featured on The Concrete Network.
Today’s techniques in coloring and detailing allow the concrete to assume the appearance of another material at a lower cost. Your desire for granite may have been stymied by the price. Now you can an order faux granite made from concrete, save on the expense, and still have it installed in the same fashion. Concrete is being used more and more in place of higher more expensive materials because it can emulate the same appearance.
Finally, because concrete is first a fluid substance, it is easier to manipulate into custom shapes. Other materials require breaking, cutting, and sanding, thus wasting excess amounts. Concrete can taste waste too but there is no shortage of the stuff and it’s not costly to acquire.
Take the Path
Sponeck Modern Garden Chair by Stardust
Even if you wouldn’t normally consider concrete, it’s a good idea to do some research. Take the path less traveled by, the Precast Path. You may be inspired by some of the designs and techniques you come across. I highly suggest jumping online and searching a product with “concrete” preceding it. There are a variety of unique and impressive pieces to view. Some things are a bit outrageous but it’s amusing to consider who would purchase such items. Just take a look at this Sponeck Modern Garden Chair by Stardust. Their price listing is $1,280.00 with an optional felt pad for $335 more. Money well spent, I’m sure! You never know, it could be quite comfortable. And that’s not even the most interesting thing I found. So go ahead, start searching. You’ll either be awed or amused, either of which is worth the time.