Concrete FAQ's

• What is it?
• It's solid precast concrete. Although most pieces are cast semi-hollow to avoid prohibitively heavy pieces, our products are not lightweight shells, and will have all the aesthetic qualities of solid, enduring pieces.

• Does concrete stain?
• Yes. Solus concrete is exceptionally strong, dense and it is sealed against water and contaminants with a penetrating sealer. However, concrete is, by nature, a porous material and therefore, susceptible to staining. Prolonged contact with overly acidic, alkali or heavily pigmented substances should be avoided. If proper care is taken, your concrete decor item will last a lifetime.

• Is your concrete prone to cracking?
• No. Concrete tile will not spontaneously crack on its own. It is only as strong as the substrate upon which it is set. A new or unstable subfloor can cause cracks in tile. Settlement or building shifts may cause cracks in hearths. The use of anti-fracture membranes can serve to mediate the potential for cracks.

• What about heat?
• Our concrete is relatively unaffected by temperature change. Our mantels have been extensively tested for heat resistance and will not crack due in normal fireplace applications. (This applies to gas, wood-burning or electric fires.)

• What is that beautiful finish on your pieces?
• There is no finish on the surface of the concrete. The smooth, statin finish is the cast concrete surface. The sealer we use is of the penetrating variety and has no effect on the concrete's appearance. The colour is integral with pigments put directly into the mix.

• How do you ensure consistent colour?
• All of our colours have very specific batch formulas. This means that the overall tones of pieces of the same colour will match. Concrete, by nature, though will have natural colour variation from piece to piece dependent on size and shape of piece and exact environmental conditions occurring during each piece's cure period. Further, the colour of each piece will have slight modulations within the piece. It is these colour characteristics that ensure that your decor pieces will always have a natural, organic aesthetic and not look artificial or plastic.

• Do you do custom work?
• Yes. Over the past few years, we have worked hard to develop a product line that we hope will fulfill your decor needs with consistent quality, affordability and timeliness. But if you do have special requirements, or unique elements in your project, we would be happy to work with you to bring your ideas to life in concrete.