Skip to main content
search

CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS

Designs, Forms and Finishes for the New Kitchen and Bath
by FuTung Cheng with Eric Olsen

Kitchen and bathroom countertops may never be the same, thanks to FuTung Cheng — master of residential design and construction — and a common material called concrete. Featured in high-end kitchen magazines, concrete has become the material of choice for more and more homeowners, professionals and do-it-yourselfers who see the expressive and functional elements of concrete countertops.

Concrete kitchen and bathroom countertops are an increasingly popular trend, and Concrete Countertops: Design, Forms, and Finishes for the New Kitchen and Bath is the first to explain the process behind these beautiful and functional interior art forms. FuTung guides the builder step-by-step in bringing this exciting medium to life. He provides both the inspiration and the technical reference to turn even a first-time kitchen countertop project into a personal success.

With remarkable attention to detail, FuTung starts by introducing the reader to concrete countertops in the overall context of kitchen design. Subsequently, FuTung takes the reader/builder through a real-life project of building a concrete kitchen countertop. FuTung’s instructions cover every stage of this process from making the concrete countertop mold (or form), mixing and pouring the concrete to curing, polishing, and installing the finished piece. Concrete Countertops also offers valuable troubleshooting advice (from a seasoned professional) and useful tips on maintaining a concrete countertop.

Lavishly illustrated with over 350 color photographs of countertops in the building process as well as completed kitchens, it’s easy to see that the possibilities for creative expression are endless. A nationwide bestseller, Concrete Countertops is sure to inspire the designer — and builder — in us all!

Softcover, 9-1/4 x 10-7/8 in., 208 pp, with color photos and drawings. Published 2002 by Taunton PressISBN 1-56158-484-3, # 070599

From the Back Cover
“Concrete Countertops will give architects and builders the know-how and confidence to draw and/or build what discerning homeowners are requesting in work surfaces these days. This is the tool they’ve been looking for to help bring their clients’ concrete dreams into concrete reality!”

– Sarah Susanka, author of The Not So Big House and Creating the Not So Big House
“Over the past decade, the most requested article from our back issues has been about making concrete countertops. And more than anybody, FuTung Cheng has been the innovator calling the public’s attention to concrete as a material worthy of the finest interior detailing. This is the kind of book that will make you see a common material in a whole new way, and maybe even make you want to roll up your sleeves and play with it.”

– Chuck Miller, Special Issues Editor, Fine Homebuilding
“This book celebrates the beauty of design drawn from nature. FuTung Cheng demonstrates that we can bring art and creativity back home in sustainable architecture that is both timeless and elegant.”

– Alice Waters, Chez Panisse restaurant

EDITORIAL REVIEWS

From Library Journal

At first, the idea of using concrete for kitchen countertops has the same appeal as using cardboard boxes for cabinetry or dining on the floor. Naysayers are in for a surprise as Cheng elevates this pedestrian building material to a new level, using it to create beautiful and functional countertops. They are a far cry from rough sidewalks, having polished surfaces that can be colored or have interesting objects cast into them. Cheng shows the entire process: design considerations, mold-making, concrete selection, installation, and maintenance, all using straightforward instructions supplemented by excellent illustrations. Showing an innovative use of a common and inexpensive material, this title should be part of comprehensive public library home improvement collections.

CONCRETE AT HOME

Innovative Forms and Finishes for Floors, Countertops, Walls and Fireplaces
by FuTung Cheng with Eric Olsen

Get inspired as designer FuTung Cheng, recognized master craftsman of decorative concrete design, leads you through limitless concrete applications in Concrete at Home, the follow-up to his ground-breaking Concrete Countertops. In this stunning book, the best-selling author reveals the anything-is-possible flexibility of concrete in an impressive variety of architectural examples.

Part design study, part instruction manual, Concrete at Home introduces the reader to the basics of designing with concrete as well as the tools and techniques for bringing the concrete creations to life. FuTung presents each decorative concrete application — such as a wall, fireplace or water feature — from the perspective of its underlying design principles before proceeding to discuss the main steps involved in building it.

Chapters cover composition, texture, and color techniques used for the various concrete applications. Illustrations show how to integrate functional and artistic features into varied concrete applications. Technical references include instructions and diagrams as well as the author’s comments and suggestions based on more than 25 years of experience with concrete.

Concrete at Home is packed with hundreds of photos that give insight into Cheng’s work and provide the inspiration and know-how to get you started on your own decorative concrete project. With an approachable style and beautiful photography, the book will open a world of creative possibilities while providing the necessary guidance and confidence to experience concrete firsthand.

Learn:

  • concrete mix design, mold/form building, pouring, curing, finishing, and troubleshooting
  • various functional and decorative concrete applications like countertops, floors and walls, water features, fireplaces, and more
  • key design considerations, composition, texture and color techniques
  • concrete design throughout the home, from kitchen and bath to the living room, bedroom, as well as exterior applications

Combining cutting-edge design with helpful how-to information, Concrete at Home offers ingenious ideas for planning and building walls, fireplaces, mantels, hearths, and exterior and interior floors, as well as tips on incorporating architectural elements such as counters, sinks, columns, and water pieces into the project. The construction of forms, footings, and ties is detailed in clear, easy-to-follow instructions, and special attention is given to finishing techniques, including adding color, texture, and inlays.

Softcover, 9-1/4 x 10-7/8 in., 224 pages, with color photos and drawings. Published 2005, ISBN 1-56158-682-X, # 070763

EDITORIAL REVIEWS

From Publishers Weekly

Finishing touches and whimsical elements are important, and this detailed manual “contains a healthy respect for the discipline of the basics plus a twist of attitude from the artist.” Readers possessing both skill and moxie will do best with this volume; since timing, measurements and other considerations are so important when working with concrete, the best approach would surely involve a thorough reading—or two—before deciding which one to undertake. And with a bit of thought and creativity, a wide variety of found objects (bits of coral, even a bowling trophy) can add personality to a piece. Cheng manages to infuse a DIY book on a nontraditional subject with personality, and his dry humor and offbeat approach to home design come through nicely. (Apr.)

CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS MADE SIMPLE

Book and DVD Guide
by FuTung Cheng

Concrete Countertops Made Simple offers homeowners and remodeling contractors complete how-to information to create beautiful custom concrete countertops without spending the small fortune. One of the easiest things to do to increase your home’s value and appeal is updating the kitchen and bath countertops.

This simple 7-step book/DVD set is all that’s needed to produce a practical, personalized countertop within two weeks using basic tools and material. FuTung Cheng takes the reader through the process of designing, forming, pouring, finishing, and installing a concrete countertop that will look great and survive the test of time. Explaining the process like a chef guiding you through a recipe, Cheng shows that even an amateur with the simplest tool can produce fantastic results the very first time. It’s fun, affordable, and personally rewarding!

Paperback/DVD, 9 3/16 x 10 7/8 in., 112 pages, with 150 photographs and 30 drawings. Published 2008 by Taunton Press, ISBN 978-1-56158-882-4 Product #070927

Close Menu