 | The right place at the right time They say that clothes can make the man. But who knew that clothes could make the man money? Donn Bonzheim of Absolute Concrete in Manistee, one of Team Elmer's concrete contractors, recently got a big project thanks to the shirt he wore that day.
Donn was helping friends with finish carpentry at a Logan’s Restaurant in Grand Rapids. A restaurant designer happened to see his concrete t-shirt and started chatting with him about an idea he had for the place. The designer hoped to replace the 52 lineal ft. bar with specialty concrete countertops. It wasn't your ordinary countertop, and Donn was just the man for the job!
The process included creating 2 ft by 4 ft forms to create sections to replace the 52 ft bar area. Rebar half-inch thick was placed around all four sides of the form and exposed on the top where countertop seams meet.
Then a light colored concrete mixture was poured in the form. The mixture--similar to a grout mix with sand, concrete powder, and water only--did not include the usual large stone component of concrete. Once the mixture was laid, it was hand troweled to finish the surface. Then peanut shells were placed in the surface to add slight color variations as part of the restaurant chain's offbeat approach. When the concrete was cured the forms were removed to expose the rebar on the surface. A food grade approved sealer was applied, then beeswax was used to finish polish the surface.
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Donn will be working with Logan’s Roadhouse to replace several bars throughout their restaurant chain with this unique approach. You never know when a t-shirt will get you a great project and an unusual story!
Do you have a great project that just needs the perfect concrete mix? Let us know! (231) 943-3443. | | Versatile concrete? You bet! By Drew Bleeker Concrete, a material traditionally used in driveways and sidewalks, has been transformed with new technology and techniques that make it extremely versatile, durable and an important design element in the home today. Concrete countertops now offer a warm, inviting twist on a traditionally hard, cold material.
What's Your Preference?
Truly unique surfaces can be created for the discriminating homeowner. Countertops with a stylized theme, color or edge profile can be designed to fit any style of home whether it is old-school country to ultra-modern, slim-line design, from rustic to retro. With thousands of colors, blends and textures available, the sky is the limit.
Personalization
Beyond color and texture, concrete can be personalized to meet your wildest expectations. It can convincingly imitate other natural materials. Built-in options such as drain boards, trivets, soap knockouts, towel racks and cutting boards are all possible. Because it is a poured substance, it can take on intricate shapes in the casting process. Logos or company names can be inlaid or etched into the top of countertops, making them a popular choice among business owners as well.
Low-maintenance
Concrete is many times easier to use than most realize. Contrary to popular belief, concrete countertops now can be sealed with a topical sealer that is easy to clean, scratch resistant and stain proof. This sealer can also achieve a wide range of sheens, from flat to matte to high gloss. Cleaning consists of using normal, non-abrasive everyday cleaners.
Environmentally-friendly and Durable
Concrete is one of the greenest, most environmentally-friendly materials found. The ingredients in the mix design are usually locally mined, earth friendly materials such as sand, stone, water and cement. Today's concrete countertops typically use a high performance mix design, which helps eliminate the curling cracking and shrinking that concrete has typically been associated with.
Selecting a Contractor
Ready to go ahead with concrete countertops? When selecting a contractor, it is critical that they understand the natural characteristics of the material. Be sure to visit their showroom, if they have one, and see the quality of the actual projects they have done. Find out how much experience they have and what their background is. Consider the contractor's professionalism and membership in any trade organization.
A well-made countertop by a true professional will outlast the life of the home and transform ordinary kitchens into extraordinary ones. For more information on concrete in the home, visit www.concretenetwork.com or www.concretecountertopinstitute.com.
Reprinted with permission from Michigan HOME and Lifestyle Magazine.
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Talk to local professionals about concrete countertops and find hundreds of design concepts and remodeling ideas at this weekend's HBA Home Expo! The expo will be held Saturday, February 4 and Sunday, February 5 and is now located at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.
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| Award-Winning Projects
 Yep, it's an honor just to be nominated. But it sure is nice to win! Last week, we were thrilled to receive two Awards of Excellence from the Builders Exchange of Northwest Michigan for our work at Long Lake Elementary School and the Elmwood Streetscape, both in Traverse City.
 Our site work at the new Long Lake Elementary School incorporated GPS controlled equipment. This allowed quick construction of the parking lot and geographical topographies, saving TCAPS time and money.
 Despite ongoing changes to the scope and timeline, our crews tackled the Elmwood Streetscape project in time for the busy Cherry Festival and Fourth of July holiday. Homeowners appreciated the Team Elmer's attention to detail, including meeting their access needs and our restoration of green areas.
For more photos of these projects, click here!
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