Concrete Countertop Forms
enCOUNTER is usually placed 1.5” to 2” thick. The weight of concrete at 2” thick is 25 lbs. per square foot which is easily supported by standard cabinets. No additional bracing is necessary. Most contractors use plywood to provide the base over the cabinets.
Countertop projects that include cantilevered sections, like a breakfast counter or a table require temporary forming and bracing. A rule of thumb is that you may cantilever half the supported distance. For example, if 24” of the top is supported by the cabinets, you could cantilever 12” out from the cabinet for a total of 36”.
Once the concrete has reached sufficient strength to be self supporting the forms may be removed. The longer the distance the more important it is that the concrete fully cure. enCOUNTER gains strength rapidly, but still allow 4 to 7 days before removing the forms. Please call us if you have questions about the timing, spanning unusual distances or reinforcement.
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enFORMS
You can use any type of edge form with the enCOUNTER mix, but the most popular are the enFORM reusable form liners. enFORMS, the reusable and flexible 2” high form liners, come in three shapes: Coral with Shells; Split Faced Granite; and Chiseled Sandstone. Pictures of each of these can be found in the Gallery.
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enSINKS
Sink molds, both one time use and reusable; a variety of shapes and sizes for vanity tops. Kitchen sinks to follow and custom sink mold made to order.
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enPLUGS
Reusable knock-outs for faucets and drains.
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enVISIONS
enVISIONS is a specially grooved plastic sheet that imparts a reflective surface to the enCOUNTER Thin Wall mix. One of the enVISIONS designs is placed on the base material and serves as a pre-cast form liner to receive the enCOUNTER mix.
CASTING MAT
There are four casting mat choices with more designs on the way. They are: Italian Glass Tile; Reflective Stones (a pebble design); Shimmering Tile; and Snakeskin. The Italian Glass Tile design features 5/8-inch squares, while Shimmering Tile offers 1/8-inch squares. The effect is a prismatic appearance similar to glass tiles. The end result is a stunning countertop, backsplash or shower wall with a pattern that reflects or refracts light. A 5/8-inch enVISIONS Italian Glass Tile square contains 63 microscopic grooves, all slanted in one direction with the direction varying from square to square. enCOUNTER, modified with This Wall Technology, consolidates into those microscopic lines. enVISIONS is sold in 35” wide sections. For examples of each, check out our Gallery.
BASE MATERIAL
The base material is a heavy 15 mil sheet of plastic that imparts a glassy and polished appearance when it is removed from the surface of the enCOUNTER casting. The base material is sold in 48” wide sections.
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