MTU Library Catalogue

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Concrete countertops : designs, forms, and finishes for the new kitchen and bath / Fu Tung Cheng ; with Eric Olsen.

By: Cheng, Fu-Tung.
Contributor(s): Olsen, Eric.
Material type: materialTypeLabelBookPublisher: Newtown, CT : Taunton Press, 2002Description: 202 p. : col. ill. ; pbk.ISBN: 1561584843.Subject(s): Counter tops | ConcreteDDC classification: 684.1
Contents:
Introduction -- Design and planning -- Building the mold -- Mix design -- Mixing and pouring -- Curing, finishing and troubleshooting -- Installing the countertop.
Holdings
Item type Current library Call number Copy number Status Barcode
General lending MTU Bishopstown Library Lending 684.1 (Browse shelf(Opens below)) 1 Available 00078621
Total holds: 0

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Concrete Countertops provides all the guidance needed to design, build, and install custom surfaces that bring a unique, modern aesthetic to kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces. This is the must-have book that launched the concrete countertop revolution.

Whether you're a homeowner, designer, or builder, this book demystifies the process and empowers you to achieve professional-quality results. Author Fu-Tung Cheng is known internationally for his sophisticated and innovative concrete designs for the home market. He heads the Berkeley-based Cheng Design, a firm that also produces prized kitchen ventilation units and GeocreteTM, a boutique line of sculptural concrete countertops.

Step-by-step instructions cover every phase of the project, from planning and templating to mixing, casting, finishing, and installation. Learn how to select the right materials, reinforce for strength, and achieve a flawless finish with stains, pigments, and sealers. Detailed photos and diagrams make even complex techniques accessible, while troubleshooting tips help you avoid common pitfalls.

Explore inspiring case studies and design ideas that showcase the versatility of concrete--whether you prefer sleek minimalism, bold colors, or organic textures. Special sections address advanced techniques such as inlays, integral sinks, and custom edge profiles, allowing you to personalize your project and push creative boundaries.

Concrete Countertops is your go-to resource for transforming ordinary surfaces into extraordinary works of functional art. Bring your vision to life and add lasting value to your home with this comprehensive, hands-on guide.

Includes index.

Introduction -- Design and planning -- Building the mold -- Mix design -- Mixing and pouring -- Curing, finishing and troubleshooting -- Installing the countertop.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

  • Introduction (p. 2)
  • 1 Design and Planning (p. 6)
  • Why concrete? (p. 8)
  • Before you begin (p. 11)
  • Break out of the mold (p. 20)
  • Complements and supplements (p. 31)
  • 2 Building the Mold (p. 36)
  • Tools and materials (p. 41)
  • Laying out the mold (p. 49)
  • Assembling the mold (p. 56)
  • 3 Mix Design (p. 78)
  • The basics (p. 81)
  • A basic mix (p. 96)
  • Calculating and proportioning ingredients (p. 98)
  • 4 Mixing and Pouring (p. 104)
  • Tools and materials (p. 105)
  • The work environment (p. 112)
  • Mixing the concrete (p. 113)
  • Placing the concrete (p. 119)
  • 5 Curing, Finishing, and Troubleshooting (p. 124)
  • Curing (p. 125)
  • Releasing the concrete (p. 130)
  • Grinding and polishing (p. 136)
  • Placing inlays (p. 142)
  • Sealing the concrete (p. 143)
  • Troubleshooting (p. 149)
  • 6 Installing the Countertop (p. 158)
  • Preparing the cabinets (p. 159)
  • Installating the countertop (p. 163)
  • Installing the backsplash (p. 170)
  • Appendix 1. Building a Curved Form (p. 174)
  • Appendix 2. Forming a Drop-Down Front Edge (p. 176)
  • Appendix 3. Pouring a Countertop in Place (p. 178)
  • Appendix 4. Maintaining a Concrete Countertop (p. 190)
  • Resources (p. 195)
  • Credits (p. 198)
  • Index (p. 199)

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

At first, the idea of using concrete for kitchen countertops has the same appeal as using cardboard boxes for cabinetry or dining on the floor. Naysayers are in for a surprise as architect Cheng elevates this pedestrian building material to a new level, using it to create beautiful and functional countertops. They are a far cry from rough sidewalks, having polished surfaces that can be colored or have interesting objects cast into them. Cheng shows the entire process: design considerations, mold-making, concrete selection, installation, and maintenance, all using straightforward instructions supplemented by excellent illustrations. Showing an innovative use of a common and inexpensive material, this title should be part of comprehensive public library home improvement collections. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Author notes provided by Syndetics

Fu-Tung Cheng is known internationally for his sophisticated and innovative concrete designs for the home market. He heads the Berkeley-based Cheng Design, a firm that also produces prized kitchen ventilation units and GeocreteTM, a boutique line of sculptural concrete countertops. His book Concrete Countertops launched the concrete countertop revolution.