Frequently Asked Questions
Trueform’s concrete is suitable for outdoor use. Our proprietary process helps our concrete retain its integrity outside. It is also coated with a protective sealer that guards the color from UV rays and boosts its durability.
Outdoor concrete - such as table tops - will not spontaneously crack regardless of the weather. On rare occasions, cracking can happen if water seeps between the concrete and another hard surface and then freezes. Our team takes this into account during the design process and will only approve and fabricate designs that avoid this scenario.
Concrete sinks are very durable and will withstand normal wear and use to last a lifetime. If not properly maintained, or in rare situations, they can chip or stain. The good news is that concrete sinks are easily repairable. Use one of ourrepair kits to fix it yourself. Or, if you’re in the Tri-state area, call us to schedule an appointment for repair.
An integral sink is a sink and countertop cast as a single, seamless object. Integral sinks will not leak, are hygienic and easy to clean, and make the installation process far easier as there is no need to attach an undermount sink.
The cost of concrete sinks is determined by size, complexity, number of basins, and other custom elements. Our concrete sinks start at about $680.
Clean your concrete sink regularly with a soft cloth and non-abrasive, pH-neutral cleaner. We recommend Better Life products. Simple Green products are recommended for heavier cleaning. Applying Pledge can help fill hairline scratches and give your sink a nice sheen. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads. Avoid placing hot items directly on the concrete as this may damage the sealer. Avoid dragging sharp objects on the surface. Clean up acidic liquid spills (lemon juice, vinegar, wine, soda, tomatoes, etc.) quickly. Do not use harsh chemicals (ammonia, hydrogen peroxide).
Our concrete sinks rest on heavy-duty brackets that are affixed to studs in your wall. These brackets will work with either wood or steel studs. We have also engineered specialty brackets meant for mounting our sinks to masonry and CMU walls. Following our proprietary process and using our mounting brackets ensures the sink can withstand heavy use safely.
Concrete sinks can be customized in terms of their color, shape, size, basin style and number, surface finish, faucet & soap hole configurations, and other unique elements. Additionally, for commercial sinks, cutouts are often incorporated for trash bins. Learn more about custom sinks.
Concrete countertops have a similar look and functionality to stone but provide far more options for personalization. Color, thickness, integrated features, shape/size, finish, edge texture, etc. can all be specified. Each countertop is specifically built for your space and will fit like a glove. Concrete countertops can also be refreshed every few years by sanding and resealing the outer surface. This will ensure that they look good for years to come.
Concrete countertops have a smooth, stone-like appearance with subtle gradations in color and no inherent veining. While our signature colors are primarily in shades of cool and warm grays, custom colors can also be produced based on Benjamin Moore swatches. Concrete countertops are a natural, handmade product - so no two are exactly the same.
Concrete countertops are a fully-custom product. Their cost depends on several factors, including the total square footage, overall shape, edge thickness, complexity, and custom attributes such as any edge textures, specialty colors or finishes, waterfall legs and integrated features (e.g. drain boards). Pricing starts at $125 per square foot.
Concrete can stain with prolonged exposure to certain substances - such as wine or lemon juice. However, the proprietary sealer we add to all our products is stain-resistant under most conditions and will hold up to typical use. It is always best practice to clean up colored liquids or other potential stain agents quickly to minimize the likelihood of any issues.
As concrete is inherently porous, countertops must be sealed prior to using. Our concrete countertops arrive at your location already sealed and ready to go, so there is nothing you need to do beyond basic care and maintenance. You can also reseal your countertops using our sealer repair kit should the surface become dull or worn over time.This will not only keep them looking fresh but will bolster them against any damage
If your concrete countertop surface becomes dull over time, it is an indicator that the surface will need to be resealed. Resealing every 3-5 years is recommended (depending on use), as a new coat of sealer will brighten the color while providing the optimum protection against potential staining. You can purchase one of our sealer kits to reseal on your own or you can call us to set an appointment to have your countertops resealed professionally (Tri-State only).
Concrete countertops are very heat resistant, but you can damage the sealer on the countertop if you place hot items directly on the countertop. Use a trivet or hot pad to avoid any damage.
Concrete countertops can be colored to match just about any Benjamin Moore paint color. While an ultra-pure white is not achievable using this material, our "Linen” color is a neutral white that will align with just about any design scheme.
Although it is exceedingly rare, concrete can crack just as any natural stone can. Large cracks are unacceptable and indicative of either egregious misuse or a fabrication issue. Hairline (tiny) fissures are natural - and sometimes expected - but they don’t extend beyond the surface and are made impervious by our sealer. In other words, they don’t impact the integrity of the concrete.
Micro-scratches are possible and expected. However, these scratches generally occur on the surface of the sealer and not on the concrete itself. Scratches are more visible on darker colors than on lighter ones. You can minimize the appearance of scratches by using Pledge. But if your concrete countertop surface becomes dull over time, it is an indicator that the surface will need to be resealed. Resealing every 3-5 years is recommended (depending on use), as a new coat of sealer will brighten the color while providing the optimum protection against potential staining. You can purchase one of our sealer kits to reseal on your own or you can call us to set an appointment to have your countertops resealed professionally (Tri-State only).
Since our pigments are added directly into the concrete mix prior to casting, color is uniform throughout the entire concrete object (rather than being a superficial application such as paint). This color cannot fade. While many sealers can yellow over time or with prolonged exposure to UV light, our sealer is UV stable and will not color over time. If the color appears faded, it might be an indication that the surface needs to be resealed.
Avoid cutting directly on your concrete. You will not damage the concrete itself, but you might scratch the surface sealer. Always use a cutting board.
With the right artisans, concrete countertops can be customized to look like marble and other stones. However, with this level of customization, it may be more cost effective to go with real materials rather than try to simulate them.
Concrete countertops are sanded and polished and then finished with a sealer that ensures they are smooth and devoid of burs or other inconsistencies. Countertops in our “Classic” finish are very smooth, while countertops in our “Foundry” finish are still smooth while offering a bit more texture and a hand-troweled feel.
Our concrete countertops and tables are coated with a sealer that is food grade, VOC compliant, and safe for your kitchen.
Most countertops we create utilize a process called “templating” because it yields the most accurate representation of the countertop sought. This is a process whereby one of our representatives will come to your location, measure the space, and build a thin structure directly onto the cabinets that simulates how the countertop will inhabit the space. Templates take into account any objects or irregularities in the environment (walls that aren’t plumb, notches, the location of the sink, surfaces that aren’t level, etc). The template is marked up with important notes and details and then brought back to our facility where it will be referenced in order to build a mold for casting your countertops. Once completed, your countertop is either shipped or installed by our team. On some occasions, countertops can be built referencing only technical drawings. However, this will not take into account any quirks in the actual physical environment.
Concrete tables are very durable and - with proper care and maintenance - will withstand normal wear and use to last a lifetime. They can, under heavy use, chip or stain. Should this happen, concrete tables are easily repairable. Use one of our repair kits to fix it yourself. Or, if you’re in the Tri-state area, call us to schedule an appointment for repair.
Micro-scratches are possible and expected. However, these scratches generally occur on the surface of the sealer and not on the concrete itself. Scratches are more visible on darker colors than on lighter ones. You can minimize the appearance of scratches by using Pledge. But if your concrete table surface becomes dull over time, it is an indicator that the surface will need to be resealed. Resealing every 3-5 years is recommended (depending on use), as a new coat of sealer will brighten the color while providing the optimum protection against potential staining. You can purchase one of our sealer kits to reseal on your own or you can call us to set an appointment to have your table resealed professionally (Tri-State only).
The cost of concrete tables depends on the size, format, complexity, base design and the material used, thickness, seams and other custom features (edge details, cut-outs, inlays, etc). A basic one-inch thick square/rectangular table starts at $75/square foot.
Concrete tables are made by applying concrete into a mold our artisans have created. The smooth “outer” surface is typically a fine layer of concrete applied to the mold using a spray gun. This layer is then reinforced by a second, thicker layer of GFRC (glass-fiber-reinforced concrete) which gives the table its strength and durability. Some surface details (e.g. inlays, edge details, “Foundry” finish) are the result of the spray/cast process, while others (e.g. stenciling) are applied once the concrete has cured. The top (and base, if applicable) are then separately crated for maximum protection during transit and shipped to your location. For this reason, some of our tables require light assembly.
A one-inch thick table is about 10 lbs. per linear square foot. The apron of the table (the vertical part that forms the edge) adds additional weight. While some of our tables appear to be 3-4” thick due to the height of the apron, they are not actually solid concrete slabs as this would make for an extremely heavy top. Instead, the underside of the tables are hollowed out so that the concrete is actually ~1” thick throughout.
Clean your concrete table regularly with a soft cloth and non-abrasive, pH-neutral cleaner. We recommend Better Life products. Simple Green products are recommended for heavier cleaning. Applying Pledge can help fill hairline scratches and give your countertop a nice sheen. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads. Avoid placing hot items directly on the concrete as this may damage the sealer. Avoid dragging sharp objects on the surface. Clean up acidic liquid spills (lemon juice, vinegar, wine, soda, tomatoes, etc.) quickly. Do not use harsh chemicals (ammonia, acetone, hydrogen peroxide).
As concrete is inherently porous, it must be sealed prior to using. Our concrete tables arrive at your location already sealed and ready to go, so there is nothing you need to do beyond basic care and maintenance. You can also reseal your table using our sealer repair kit if the surface becomes dull or worn over time.
The cost of concrete wall panels depends on their size, finish, color, shape, and other custom elements (stenciling, etc). Basic panels starts at $85/sq ft.
Precast concrete panels are flat concrete panels fabricated at a factory and then transported to a location where they are affixed to walls.
Yes, concrete panels can be used in a home. Entire walls can be clad in concrete panels - with a fireplace surround being the most common application in homes.
GFRC stands for glass-fiber-reinforced concrete. It is an artisanal concrete composite made of a unique blend of ingredients that include glass fibers. While these glass fibers are not visible on the surface, they are an important component in bolstering the strength and longevity of the panels. It is an ideal material for wall panels because using GFRC enables fabricators to cast thinner and lighter panels that are as durable (if not more durable) than panels made from other types of concrete.
Concrete is an excellent choice for a fireplace surround. In fact, it is one of the most popular wall panel applications in homes.
GFRC stands for glass-fiber-reinforced concrete. It is an artisanal concrete composite made of a unique blend of ingredients that include glass fibers. While these glass fibers are not visible on the surface, they are an important component in bolstering the strength and longevity of the concrete objects they contribute to. The strength of GFRC enables fabricators to create thinner, lighter pieces than that which could be achieved using traditional concrete.
Precasting is a process of making a concrete object at one site then shipping it to the intended destination. All of Trueform’s concrete pieces are precast, being handmade in our facility in Wharton, NJ and then shipped to their final destination. The opposite of pre-casting is “cast in place”, whereby the concrete object is made the final destination - literally built into its environment. Sidewalks are examples of “cast in place”.
A one-inch thick concrete object is about 10 lbs. per linear square foot. The apron of a table, sink, or countertop (the vertical part that forms the edge) will add additional weight.
There is some slight color variation in concrete. Variation is a natural phenomenon and part of the character of the concrete. You will also be able to see particulates (fine sand particles) and subtle fluctuation in pigment. These are barely noticeable and present a surface far more uniform than natural stone. Your concrete object is truly one of a kind.
Although it is exceedingly rare, concrete can crack just as any natural stone can. Large cracks are unacceptable and would signify either egregious misuse or a fabrication issue. Hairline fissures are natural - and sometimes expected - but they don’t extend beyond the surface and are made impervious to water or other liquids by our sealer. In other words, they don’t impact the integrity of the concrete.
Our artisanal concrete blend is considered “high-strength” and tests out at 10,000 pounds per square inch - comparable to marble or granite. It is very hard and is extremely resistant to breakage.
Our concrete products are coated with a sealer that is food grade, VOC compliant, and safe for all applications.
Concrete can stain with prolonged exposure to certain substances - such as wine or lemon juice. However, the proprietary sealer we add to all our products is stain-resistant under most conditions and will hold up to typical use. It is always best practice to clean up colored liquids or other potential stain agents quickly to minimize the likelihood of any issues. Micro-scratching is also expected to occur - although this is a surface phenomenon and usually only impacts the surface of the sealer. Scratches will be more visible on darker concrete than on lighter concrete. Using Pledge occasionally will help reduce the appearance of scratches. Over time and with repeated use, even microscopic scratches will compound to eventually dull the surface. If either scratching or staining does occur, concrete surfaces can be resealed and should appear as good as new. This is one of the advantages of concrete.
All of our concrete products are handmade in our New Jersey facility using state-of-the-art materials and processes. While it’s difficult to explain how every product is made, all of them require at least 3 components: a mold (or form), and a specific concrete mix that is applied to the mold, and craftsmen. Our molds are either built from scratch (e.g. for larger objects and custom products) or constructed from durable materials that are cleaned and reused (e.g. smaller sinks). Since the dimensions of our signature products are fixed, creating the molds is quite efficient. Models for custom products are often far more complex - some taking considerable time and ingenuity. Once a mold is ready, concrete is applied to the mold by spray gun, by hand, or by pouring. Depending on the object being cast, a craftsman may employ a single or multiple application types. Many objects also require 2 layers of concrete - a “facecoat” (the visible portion) and a backer coat (or underside, which provides strength and durability). The concrete cures through an accelerated process overnight prior to being demolded - whereby the outer form is removed, leaving only the concrete object. The object is then refined over the course of several days through a series of processing steps including grinding, wet polishing, filling of pinholes, dry sanding, and last but not least, sealing. In what might be the most important step, three coats of a protective topical sealer are added for optimum protection. Once the sealer dries, the object is ready for shipping.
Concrete can be customized in countless ways, including: colors, textures, shapes, sizes, acid etching, stenciling, hand sculpting, unique finishes, textures, specialty effects, etc.Learn more about it.
Talk with us directlyfor custom products. You can get the conversation started by calling us at 1-888-392-3620, emailing us, or submitting your inquiryhere.
We ship nationally and internationally through freight. Smaller objects (e.g. certain sinks) can be sent through parcel service. Numerous products leave our facility every day.
Standard products lead time is about 5-7 weeks. For custom projects, the lead time averages at roughly 6-8 weeks, with more complex projects taking more time. Lead times will vary depending on the season and complexity of the project (custom elements) and other factors. Call us to find out current lead times.
There are four key differences between our products and those you find elsewhere:
Trueform exists to create heirloom-quality pieces. To achieve this, we utilize an artisanal concrete mix that has been continuously refined and improved over the course of 15 years to yield products with the greatest possible durability and aesthetics. These bespoke materials are simply more expensive for us to purchase. Many so-called “concrete” products on the internet are not actually concrete at all - but in fact, a form of lightweight gypsum or resin designed to simulate concrete. While they often look authentic in pictures, you will know the moment you tap on it or try and pick it up that they are not what they seem.
Each of Trueform’s products is handmade by craftsmen right here in the USA. Products made in the USA are generally more expensive than those made overseas as the higher cost of labor, materials and factory space has to be factored into the price. And because we offer such a wide range of configurable options, this increases the complexity of our processes.
Our custom products require a significant amount of time and attention from the very onset - including quoting, templating (if applicable) technical drawings, discussions of fabrication techniques, the novelty factor (entirely new parts or components), and installation (if applicable). While it means you get exactly the output you want, the resources required drive up the cost.
We custom-pack our larger products (e.g. tables) into individual custom crates for shipping in order to avoid damage during transit. Our damage rate is less than 1%.
Overall, when you purchase concrete products from Trueform, you can expect a finely-crafted artifact using industry-leading manufacturing processes and with the added benefits of customization you just can’t get anywhere else.