Design basics for concrete countertops 

Slab thickness

We can produce a concrete countertop with a slab thickness 3/4"-6".   Our standard at Fundo Design is 1.5".  Other thicknesses (thinner or thicker) will add to the cost in one form or another.  A thinner slab may require additional renforcement in the form of carbon fiber grid or structural steel.  A thicker slab obviously utilizes more materials and built in costs for handling/installing overweight pieces.  A 3" concrete countertop weighs approximately 36 lb/sq. ft. requiring many cabinets to be reinforced to handle the additional weight.

Best bang for the buck:  1.5" thickness

Size

At Fundo Design we can theoretically pour seamless monolithic countertop up to 24 ft long.  Though possible the logistics and associated costs of pouring, processing, transporting, and installing an 864lb piece drastically reduce the economic feasibility.  One 24' piece will cost multiples more than three 8' pieces of similiar design.

Rule of thumb:  Longest piece should not exceed 7'-6"

Best bang for the buck:  Heaviest piece should not exceed 275 lb.

Shape

Traditionally complex shapes would drive the cost of a concrete countertop into the stratosphere.  At Fundo Design we utilize computer aided drafting (CAD) and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machinery to design and fabricate our molds.  This allows us to produce shapes not possible by traditional methods and we can do it economically.

Rule of thumb:  Seams are a great place to use do something different with shape.  Make that seam a design feature utilizing a wave, puzzle piece, or zipper.

Integral Features

Not utilizing integral features in your concrete countertop design is a lost opportunity to leverage the unique possibilities of concrete.  Drainboards, sinks, soap dishes, cutting boards, towelbars, etc...are a great way to bring a 3d feature to your 2d countertop.

Best bang for the buck:  A small and inexpensive feature like a integral fruit bowl can add dimension,interest, and utility to your concrete countertop.

Inlays

The ability to inlay materials into the surface of the countertop creates tremendous design opportunities.  Use your imagination to personalize your countertop.  Wine bottles from your favorite vineyard, shells from the beach, or your mother's broken china will work.  What's important to you?

Rule of thumb:  Inlay materials be non-hygroscopic (does not absorb and retaining an appreciable quantity of moisture).  For example wood items should not be used