When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Well its been awhile since I've logged in, but I was growing tired of the massive amount of ads this place has now. Being a subscribed member all the while, I would usually just come and check the random pic thread as a guest. Now that I'm logged in, I wanted to share a few things with you guys to see what you think!
The concrete foundation business has been good, but its too volatile. Not only do my mother and father depend on my success, but I'm now up to 6 full time employees that I don't want to lose. Never mind what I want for myself. That's why I decided to open another business that will get us into the rest of the concrete market and hopefully help level us out year round. So far it's been over a year in the making with lots of time and money invested, but I'm getting closer.
Currently, we have roughly 20 products ready to launch with another 20+ in the testing stages. From small items in just about every product category you can think of, to large custom business/home installs, we can make it. Anyone can mix up a bag of concrete and call themselves an "artist", but I'm willing to bet that just one foundation we pour is more concrete than these people have ever touched. That's why with 52 years in business and over 100 years experience between us all, I think we have a good shot at this!
Going to post a few samples and would love some feedback from you guys. Good or bad, the criticism is welcomed. Also, the miata has been sitting but will become the company car! I plan on going through it from top to bottom and then wrapped to look like polished concrete with the logo. The logo obviously being a llama, which those of you that know me from before can understand why.
Skull paperweights & bottle openers.
Weather station.
Bottle openers.
Ashtray.
Poker card holder, succulent planters and concrete tops with LED lights.
Paperweights.
The concrete fireplace in our office gives an industrial feel, while keeping it clean and modern with a black polished concrete mantel.
Welcome back
So you're basically adding an "artsy" part to your mostly commercial company. Pretty cool, but will be hard to compete with all the super cheap china knockoffs that are being sold for literally pennies.
Welcome back
So you're basically adding an "artsy" part to your mostly commercial company. Pretty cool, but will be hard to compete with all the super cheap china knockoffs that are being sold for literally pennies.
Thanks man! Well even though we do big commercial projects, we're mostly a high end residential company. Regardless, both industries are up and down like crazy and I'm hoping getting us into online sales will help. These smaller items are just the easiest way to get the ball rolling. Its the other products I'm working on that should bring in a premium. All of which will be original designs protected with patents.
Originally Posted by aidandj
Careful. Someone might complain that you aren't a vendor on the site.
I couldn't imagine why, I'm not offering anything for sale. Merely looking for opinions is all.
I like where this is going. The black aggregate especially. I could see indoor fountains and stuff like that.
Ashtrays and paperweights have limited function in modern America. BUT, If I were a business looking for ashtrays, I would definitely consider you design. Looks good.
PM me your info and I'll send you one! Just let me know if you want a paperweight or bottle opener. In return, just post some shots of it online for me. Not a deal for everyone, but I'd say we go way back on here.
Originally Posted by 18psi
You should make Miata wheels, to compete with longdongjong for heaviest 15" wheels on the planet
I'm already working on making molds to make a few concrete bits for the Camaro!!
Originally Posted by DNMakinson
I like where this is going. The black aggregate especially. I could see indoor fountains and stuff like that.
Ashtrays and paperweights have limited function in modern America. BUT, If I were a business looking for ashtrays, I would definitely consider you design. Looks good.
Thanks man! The polished concrete really has endless possibilities. Granite and marble are nice, but they're not customizable like concrete. Here's a table we made for the shop (4 different colors, reinforced with rebar, 800lbs). You can slide a bottle down this thing like its on ice!
Again, the smaller stuff is just to get something going, but my end goal is larger items. Over the next few weeks we'll be starting a charcoal bbq at our shop and I think once people see it, they'll want it.
I think that polished table top looks as cool as anything. A buddy of mine in AZ had custom concrete countertops in his kitchen - I never saw them in person but the photos looked good. I think the look of that tabletop wins by a mile, though. If I ever get around to doing my kitchen over, I would absolutely want something like that. Maybe you can hook up with a local kitchen and bath outfit.
I think that polished table top looks as cool as anything. A buddy of mine in AZ had custom concrete countertops in his kitchen - I never saw them in person but the photos looked good. I think the look of that tabletop wins by a mile, though. If I ever get around to doing my kitchen over, I would absolutely want something like that. Maybe you can hook up with a local kitchen and bath outfit.
Thanks man! You saying that helps confirm what others have been telling me for the past year. Everyone thinks that the polished tops should be my first move. Where are you located? Once I have things in motion my plan is to be able to ship these anywhere, so long as the buyer is willing to pay the freight. Whether its a fireplace mantle, coffee table or made to fit countertops, they can be shipped. If its local enough I'd have the ability to deliver and install as well.
This is a coffee table I'm still working on for my house. I think we fit somewhere around 25 Heineken bottles in the mix. Improves strength while upcycling!
Originally Posted by concealer404
I would be interested in a pimpnasty concrete BBQ when we move. Not sure how that would work though, being so far from CT.
BBQ's will be tougher, but I'm sure I can figure out a way to make prefabbed pieces that can be shipped. For ours I plan on integrating our foundation company's logo into the front with led lights passing through the glass. I'll post some pics when we get going on it.
A buddy of mine that's been working on this with me plans on moving back out to CA within the next year as a pilot. We've talked about the possibility of opening a shop out there with him running it. Still a long way away from that, but it could help on shipping costs dramatically.
Originally Posted by aidandj
I want concrete counter tops and tables. those things look awesome.
Do they have similar properties to marble/granite? Like able to withstand hot pots/pans. And not scratch with a knife?
I've been testing different mix designs and sealers for durability. I'm happy to report that I can meet all those criteria! The countertop itself would be sealed with a food safe, non-toxic sealer, that requires minimum maintenance to keep it looking good. Sections can be marked out and raised/lowered as a pot holder, soap dish, cutting board, etc. Everything man, even the kitchen sink. The sealer I've been using seems to hold up well to abuse in regards to scratching and dropping items on it as well.
Originally Posted by aidandj
Ahhh. So is this really just a reason to drink more Heineken
100%! I've been toying with the idea for years and after doing some research on it, the benefits are legit. A testing company we use for our foundation projects is going to work with me on getting our own data after testing some cores I make them.
Originally Posted by DNMakinson
What is the typical # per square foot weight for a cement countertop?
Typically around 20-25lbs per sqft. Depending on aggregate used, slump, reinforcing, etc. One thing is for certain, it's going to be heavy!
Originally Posted by concealer404
+1 to countertops. Would love to have countertops finished like that heineken infused coffee table.
Thanks for the feedback man! The glass is great, but it doesn't end there. We did the porch in front of our office with stones that absorb light (artificial or natural) and glow. For outdoor areas or bar tops I think they look awesome!
Originally Posted by aidandj
Labels facing up though
If this takes off I'll be investing in a machine that removes the labels and silica when crushing them, so unfortunately no haz labels. This one being a test, we just put bottles in a 55gal drum and smashed them with a hand tamper as we drank more. What a mess....
I'm mostly in Maine about 5 hours from you, but still in CT a lot for business and family stuff. I have more important house stuff to do first, but when I'm ready for the kitchen I will definitely contact you.
Figuring about 1.5" thick for a countertop. Would like to be able to estimate weight - I have a 2500HD and could maybe handle transport with that even if it takes a couple trips.
06-20-2017, 12:03 PM
Absolutely Concrete
3
