Crack Me Up

OK Brandon, this one's in reference to your inquiry into concrete. I'm going to throw my best sales pitch, and we'll sit if you can hit it. When discussing concrete with potential customers, I usually get about the same 3 to 4 questions. Personally, I get tired of answering them, but I also understand peoples' concerns. So, here goes. Q #1. So how does it compare to granite? Granite has set the standard for so many years, it's the modern day wall to wall carpet. Everybody has it, which makes it not quite as special as 25 years ago. Plus, you can buy certain veins cheaper now, than 25 years ago. Technically, this question isn't quite fair. It's kind of like asking how that SUV compares to that thoroughbred horse. Both are modes of transportation, but completely different modes of transportation! It's better to compare the companies that produce the countertops. But, here's my take. All my concrete is poured off site, and all molds and tops are made in the shop, where we do a wet grinding & polishing process. After its cured and sealed, we transport them to be install. Wearability is different than granite. Over time, your piece of concrete forms a 'patina'. Maybe some discoloration due to use, which adds to its charm and appeal. It basically ages along with it's owner. Q #2. I've heard concrete cracks. Is that the case with countertops? Yes and no. I've had great success over the years due to the fact we over engineer our countertops. They're reinforced with rebar, steel mesh, reinforcing fiber, and a few other secret ingredients to help eliminate the possibility of cracking. All the steel is welded together, then suspended in the mix. But just like anything, it has its limitations. We can pour up to an 8' piece before we have to create a seam. Otherwise, the top gets so long, it could crack under its own weight. I had a customer insist on his countertop not having any seams. Even after I warned him of the consequences, he still insisted. I caved in, and broke a rule I vowed not to. After installation, it cracked as I suspected it would. I was rewarded with poetic justice when the crack appeared at the 8' mark. Even though it cracked, due to the steel reinforcement, it was still one piece. If it were granite, you would now have 2 pieces of granite. Q #3. How much does it cost? It starts at $65/sq. ft. That's for plain gray concrete, simple edge detail, and no frills. Most people say that's what they want until they see what's in our showroom. Then its like the proverbial 'kid in the candy store'. OOOh, I want this, and can I have that? Well.... yes, but the price just went up due to the 16 hours worth of work you've added to the complexity of the project. I know it seems like I'm a greedy, money hungry, ruthless business man, out to step on everyone in my way, but I kind of like to be reimbursed for working. One thing I want future customers, or even just 'tire kickers', to keep in mind is, concrete's formless until it sets up. It can be molded into just about any shape imaginable. It can be sculpted, tinted, acid stain, acid etched, stamped, textured, ground and polished, three dimensional. You can't do a lot of those features with granite, unless you break it up into pea gravel size pieces, add with it some sand, portland cement, water, and mix. That last little bit of sarcasm just made me smile:)