The creation of Woodform requires several steps – each of which contributes to the end goal of creating a work of functional art. 

The first step is the assembly of the form/mold. Trueform has an extensive library of form liners that were taken directly from bespoke slabs of walnut wood. Consequently, these forms bear imprints that are 100% authentic and natural – just as mother nature intended.  

While our existing library enables us to cast objects in a multitude of dimensions and configurations and with a variety of textures including live edge, end grain, planks, complete slabs, we often receive requests to create Woodform objects with custom features. In these cases, our team will need to source an appropriate piece of wood and cast forms directly from it. While this adds a bit of time and complexity to the project, it ensures that the finished piece is authentic and credible in its appearance.  

Once the concrete is cured, it is carefully removed from its form. While features like knots and grain are visible at this time, the object is still quite unrefined – a “blank”, essentially. At this stage, our artists will begin to methodically etch and carve the piece with small handheld tools, emphasizing certain textures and features. The object is then lightly sanded and cleaned to ensure a smooth surface.  

It is during the staining process where the artistic transformation is most evident. The cast object is hand-treated with one or more coats of stain - much the same way that wood is. Our artisans take note of the nuances present in each cast object and highlight those features in a way that makes the concrete realistically look like wood.

Once the stain dries, the surface is coated with several layers of our proprietary topical sealer. The sealer amplifies the hues in the stain while forming a hard, protective shield to insulate the concrete from absorbing liquids and staining. This sealer is UV-stable and enables Woodform to be used both indoors and outdoors.  

This is a commonly-asked question. And let’s be clear - we absolutely adore wood! It’s one of the most versatile and beautiful design materials available. But there are certain scenarios where using wood is either impractical or unfeasible – and that’s where Woodform steps in.  

Designing with Woodform® means you are not beholden to many of the constraints imposed by using actual wood. Here are some of the key benefits of using Woodform vs natural wood: 

• Precision: You can specify precise attributes such as thickness, finish, dimensions, shape, as well as other features such as edge details and add-ons (nail heads, joinery, etc.). 
• Strength & Longevity: Woodform is made of high-strength GFRC and not subject to warping, burning, rotting, or pests. 
• Scalability: Sourcing large natural wood slabs can be cumbersome, expensive, and incredibly unpredictable. For those looking to design multiple objects (e.g. large tables) with the same or similar attributes, Woodform is the ideal solution. Once the forms are created, numerous replicas of the same object can be cast.  
• Outdoor Use: Our UV-stable sealer means Woodform can be employed in nearly any environment. 
• Efficiency: Only the amount of GFRC mix needed for each piece is utilized - meaning Woodform® optimizes raw material consumption while producing little to no waste. Furthermore, most pieces (countertops excluded) are hollowed out on their undersides. Not only does this dramatically reduce the amount of material utilized, but it means that the objects are far lighter than they appear. This saves material, reduces weight, and lowers shipping costs.

While Trueform offers a handful of signatureWoodform products, they are by no means the extent of what Woodform can achieve. Woodform is more than just a finish – it is an entire system of making things. Our extensive library of forms and molds enables you to specify a variety of bespoke architectural objects including sinks, tables, bar tops, countertops, benches and other seating elements, planters, wall panels, fireplace surrounds, stair treads, reception desks, art pieces and other objects. 

In an effort to ensure that Woodform can work well in a variety of environments, Trueform offers eight signature finishes that span from light to dark and from warm to cool.  

It should be noted that these finishes represent the average hue one can expect in a finished piece. Finishes are object-specific and will vary depending on the type/style of object on which it is applied. Some Woodform objects – such as plank table tops – are quite smooth and therefore will not exhibit wide fluctuations in hue. On the contrary, complex pieces with amplified or exaggerated textures will exhibit greater fluctuations in hue simply because these features will trap more pigment. 

Beyond our eight signature finishes, Trueform can create a finish to meet your needs so long as you are able to send us a physical sample to match.

Trueform can absolutely match a finish for you. This is a common request. Clients often want tothe finish of their countertops or tables (for example) to harmonize with wood flooring or some other wood-look surface nearby (e.g. tile). In order forTrueform to develop a custom finish for you, you will need to send a physical sample of the finish to our facility so we can match it. A piece of wood, or wood-look tile or vinyl plank are acceptable physical samples. Unfortunately, we cannot create a custom finish based on images alone.

Yes, Woodform is often used outdoors. Common outdoor applications include countertops for kitchen/cooking areas, benches and seating, dining tables, and coffee/side tables.

• Signature Products (standard) are available directly on our website and are pre-defined in terms of dimensions and cost. They are available in each of our eight standard finishes. Furthermore, certain products such as sinks can be further configured to capture the placement of faucet holes, soap holes, and other features. These are all achieved through option sets on the individual product listings. 
• Semi-Custom Products are essentially Signature Products that are modified in ways that are not captured through option sets. A wall-mount sink that is 38” long (vs. the standard 36”) or which has an 8” apron (vs the standard 5”) are typical examples of semi-custom requests. These types of products can be requested through the CUSTOM tab on the reference product’s listing or by contacting a sales rep at 888-474-7977. 
• Custom Products are entirely new or objects that are created from drawings or templates. There are no references for custom products – each is truly one of a kind. Reception desks, bar tops, and countertops are all inherently custom because each environment is different. Details such as novel edge details, stencils, and alternate color finishes also qualify as custom. These types of products can be requested by contacting a sales rep at 888-474-7977. 

While precise lead times may vary slightly depending on the season, project complexity, or quantity of your order, our standard lead times are as follows: 

• Signature Products: 3-5 weeks 
• Semi-Custom Products: 4-6 weeks 
• Custom Products: 5-7 weeks 

• What to do: In most cases, a paper towel or rag with some warm water and dish soap will be more than adequate. Spray products from Better Life or Method are also quite safe and effective.  
• What to avoid: We strongly discourage using any sort of abrasive cleaning pad or product (steel wool, scoring pads, etc.). Liquids such as paint remover, gasoline, lacquer thinner are also strongly discouraged. 

Trueform ships Woodform products nationwide. 

We also offer perform in-person templating for custom projects located within the tri-state area – as well as delivery and install. For more information, please contact the sales team at 888-474-7977.  

Your best bet is to visit us at our facility in Wharton, NJ. Here you can see a variety of Woodform objects throughout our office space and/or witness pieces being created in real time in our facility.  

If you’re not within driving distance on NJ, here are some public places where you can see Woodform firsthand: 

Chicago 

Hode Group Showroom (Woodform bartops and conference table) 

The Vig West Loop (Woodform bartops) 

New Jersey 

Swahili Village Restaurant (Woodform countertops & sinks)