And what about surface fuzz if you use fiber reinforcement? Different contractors have different solutions to this pesky problem.

Pettigrew sands off any fiber fuzz and applies two clear finish coats, or he'll use a microtopping over a concrete blank that contains the fiber reinforcement.

Karmody says if he grinds the surface of the countertop he'll sometimes pour a veneer layer on top.

Rhodes points out, 'We use fibers in the back of the slab so they don't poke out of the finished surface and give you a hairy countertop. These hairs can be sanded or burned off, but it's better to avoid the peach fuzz."

C-Grid is used around a sink hole.

When it comes to concrete countertops and reinforcement, Carson observes, "There's skill in creating concrete countertops and you haveto understand some of the design implications. There's a wide array of technologies that people use ... hut reinforcement is important."

Also important, says Ralston, are experience and analysis of the project. In the end, it all boils down to the right mix of reinforcement: not too little, not too much.

 

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