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David R. Combs, CSI, CCS, CCCA
Senior Member
Username: davidcombs

Post Number: 101
Registered: 08-2004
Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 11:56 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Seems like as good a time as any to start a new thread . . .

I don't normally do this, but I'm getting desperate.

Whould anyone out there happen to have a spec section for Concrete Countertops they'd be willing to share?
(Division 3 or 12, doesn't matter; but field-fabricated, not precast)

I've tried the Concrete Countertop Institute's website, and enCOUNTER's, but neither has any offerings in the way of a guide spec.

Willing to trade for the ever-popular "Player (i.e. spec section) To Be Named Later."

david.combs@perkinswill.com

Let the bartering begin!
Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI
Senior Member
Username: rliebing

Post Number: 322
Registered: 02-2003
Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 12:37 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

No spec, but try a goggle search for concrete countertops-- everything from books to articles, and a concretenetwrok.com site.

You may not find a CSI format specs, but quick look/see showed lot of info for a spec Section, and with your skill, should be no sweat!
Lynn Javoroski CSI CCS LEED AP SCIP Affiliate
Senior Member
Username: lynn_javoroski

Post Number: 310
Registered: 07-2002
Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 12:39 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

David,

Sorry - I just spent about 15 minutes searching through paper and electronic archives to no avail. (we *almost* specified a concrete countertop; it did get installed, but was not specified). What I do remember from my research (as well as looking at the actual installation), however, is that it's critical to provide separation between the concrete and whatever else is part of the countertop - any wood or steel, for example. Concrete retains moisture for a long time and neither wood nor steel like moisture.

I also know that I did find some help on the internet. Wish I could help more.
Anne Whitacre, CCS CSI
Senior Member
Username: awhitacre

Post Number: 302
Registered: 07-2002
Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 12:56 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

if you think of the concrete countertop as a very large stair tread, you can specify it that way. (I've done them for exterior camping shelters and also for interior work). you need a decent vapor barrier; you pour the concrete using a stiff mix of some sort (4000 psi usually works in our area, or 5000 psi; but then we put in all sorts of pretty aggregates) and then protect it. if necessary, allow for bolts from the bottom so it can be screwed into some accessory framing.
David Axt, AIA, CCS, CSI
Senior Member
Username: david_axt

Post Number: 624
Registered: 03-2002
Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 02:03 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

I don't have a spec, but you can always buy the book.

http://www.taunton.com/store/pages/070599.asp

Or check out the FAQ:

http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuilding/pages/h00162.asp
Margaret G. Chewning FCSI CCS
Senior Member
Username: presbspec

Post Number: 89
Registered: 01-2003
Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 02:50 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

David,
I remember seeing such a product on This Old House a long while back on the Tucson house renovation. http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/knowhow/adding/article/0,16417,201577,00.html

I went to their website and found some other articles and links that may be useful. http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/search/results/1,17088,,00.html?archive=&query=concrete+countertops

http://www.chengdesign.com/ is one of the links to a person that designs and makes the counters.

Hope this helps
Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP
Senior Member
Username: lazarcitec

Post Number: 199
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Wednesday, March 01, 2006 - 03:50 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

david - just flew back in town
Will email an excellent article from Journal of Light Construction.

I'll check my database later today after I normalize from Calif time and see if I have a spec on concrete contertops.
One of the Architects I work with uses concrete counterops in this projects all the time.
David R. Combs, CSI, CCS, CCCA
Senior Member
Username: davidcombs

Post Number: 103
Registered: 08-2004
Posted on Friday, March 03, 2006 - 10:44 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Thanks, all, for the feedback, leads and information.

It is very much appreciated.

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