General
Will my concrete piece crack?
Traditional concrete can be prone to cracking. We don't use traditional concrete to create our pieces, we use fibre reinforced concrete (FRC). The fibres used in FRC increase the strength of our concrete pieces and significantly reduce the likelihood of cracking.
The unique and natural qualities of concrete mean that concrete surfaces develop character overtime. Although rare, this may include hairline cracking (very small, shallow lines) which do not impact the structural integrity of a piece. We believe these only add to the character of a piece and make it more unique.
Will my concrete piece scratch or stain?
Concrete is a naturally porous material and is susceptible to staining. We protect our concrete from stains and scratches by applying layers of a high-quality sealant which has a two-part sealing system. If you spill your cup of coffee, simply wipe the spill as soon as you can.
Like other materials, such as stone, you’ll stain the sealer (not the concrete) if you leave spills on your concrete surface for a long period of time.
Will my concrete piece chip?
The glass fibres in FRC makes our pieces strong. However, similar to other surface materials, such as stone or timber, concrete has the potential to chip if struck with a hard, heavy object.
What sealers do you use on your concrete pieces?
We use two different types of sealers depending upon the use of a piece and its surface finish. Both of these sealers provide a layer of protection against staining and scratching.They each work slightly differently. A topical sealer is layered on top of a concrete surface, whilst a penetrating sealer penetrates the surface and closes the concrete pours.
Are your concrete pieces sealed?
Yes, all our concrete pieces are sealed with the highest grade sealers.
How long before I need to re-seal my concrete piece?
As a general rule of thumb, the sealant on your piece should be assessed every 5-7 years. Pieces which endure heavy use, such as pieces in a commercial space, may need to be assessed more regularly.
What is fibre reinforced concrete (FRC)?
Fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) is a blend of concrete and glass fibres. This combination increases the strength of the material which allows us to create pieces far thinner than those created with traditional concrete. This makes our FRC products lighter and easier to transport.
Can your concrete pieces be used in interior and exterior spaces?
Our FRC pieces are great for interior and exterior spaces. Pieces in exterior spaces can be high pressure hosed clean.
Care & Maintenance
How do I clean my concrete surface?
All that’s needed to clean your concrete surface is a light solvent, non-abrasive and water-based solution.
Our products have a protective surface layer of sealant which can be damaged by harsh chemical-based cleaning products, particularly those that are citrus based.
To further protect the quality of your surface avoid using the same cloth you would use for food surfaces as the transfer of oils and contaminates may affect the surface finish.
What do I use to clean my concrete surface?
Read our Care and Maintenance Guide to learn how to best care for your concrete piece.
Do I need to reseal my concrete?
Your piece will further develop its unique character as it transitions through its natural patina. In its life time, a concrete surface will need resealing to ensure it’s still receiving protection from staining. As a rule of thumb, most residential surfaces require an assessment for resealing every 5-7 years.
When should I consider resealing my piece?
The timing of re sealing is dependent upon the frequency and intensity of use. As a general rule of thumb, most residential surfaces require an assessment for resealing every 5-7 years.
Can I put hot items such as pots and pans on my concrete surface?
We don’t recommend that you place hot pots or pans directly on your concrete surface. Although concrete is non-combustible, direct heat can cause cracking. We recommend using heat boards or another type of barrier between your surface and hot items.
Products
How do I install the concrete piece I've purchased online?
Please refer to the installation guide specific to your product for detailed instructions. You will find installation guides on our product pages under the 'Care and Maintenance' section. We install our concrete dining tables in south east Queensland upon delivery. Please note, mirrors with LED backlighting must be installed by a licensed tradesman.
Do you install the concrete piece I've purchased online?
We can deliver across Australia but we are unable to install all of our pieces. We install our concrete dining tables in south east Queensland upon delivery. We do not install basins or mirrors, however we have provided a thorough guide to the installation of both on our website product pages under the 'Download' section. Please note, mirrors with LED backlighting must be installed by a licensed tradesman.
Do the basins come with a waste?
Our basins do not come with a waste.
What size waste will my basin need?
All our basins are made with a standard waste hole of 46mm.
Colours
Do you offer custom frc colours?
We can create custom colours for custom projects. As our colours are pigment based, we are able to create various shades of colour. Please make sure you have a physical sample for us to conduct our colour matching process with.
Do you offer frc colour samples?
Samples are a great way to visualise the colour of your concrete piece. Browse our range of concrete samples here.
Terrazzo
Do you create terrazzo pieces?
Yes! We love terrazzo and the endless colour options and combinations.
Our terrazzo pieces are created by combining FRC with aggregate. Once cured, the piece is ground back to expose the aggregate. Work with the team at Blend Concrete Design to create a custom terrazzo mix, tailored to any space.
What colour options do you have for terrazzo?
The options for terrazzo are limitless! Create a unique terrazzo piece by selecting your choice of:
- 01 Base concrete colour
- 02 Stone colour/s
- 03 Stone size/s
- 04 Surface finish
Do you offer terrazzo samples?
Yes, we have a standard range of terrazzo mixes we'd love to share with you. Please get in touch with the team.
Delivery & Installation
Do you deliver your custom concrete pieces?
Yes, we offer delivery and installation our custom concrete pieces.
How much does delivery of my pieces cost?
The cost of delivery and installation of your piece is dependent on the project, access and location.
Get in touch for a quote.
Can I pick up my custom piece?
Yes, if it's practically possible, our customers can collect their custom pieces from our workshop. Please get in touch with the team to discuss.
Do you install your custom pieces?
We deliver and install our custom pieces. Depending on the project, we are also happy to supply only.
Warranty
Is there a warranty for custom pieces?
Yes, we warrant to our customers that the goods will be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a period of 24 months after the date of delivery on the proviso the goods are used in the manner and under the conditions for which it was created by Blend. Please see our full warranty policy here.