I was really disappointed with this book, for one almost half of it is pictures of countertops, if I wanted that I could just look it up online. I paid to get tips on how to make countertops, and that is one thing this book is lacking. Some of the information isn't even correct, such as the part where it says that Eclipse additive is used to waterproof the concrete, but in reality Eclipse is a shrinkage reducer. Also there are tons of spelling and grammatical errors, which wouldn't be a big deal if there was actual useful information, but it just shows how they apparently didn't put too much time into this book and only wanted to get it published quickly. There isn't one mix recipe in the book, which is something that would be good to know if you are making this kind of countertop. If you want a picture book, then this is a book for you, but if you need to know how to make countertops I would keep looking. Cast-in-place Concrete Countertops: A Guide for Craftsmen
Excellent overview with good illustration. I was disappointed in lack of completeness of detail on how the framing is done and particularily if the bottom of the frame is left in place after the cement is pourd or if and how it is removed. I did not find this detail readily availabe. I am sure others would have other questions but this was the one most important for me. I still do not get it.
I found this book fairly informative, but it lacked adequate details to be a useful manual for anyone making these to a commercial quality. Most of the information given is familiar to anyone used to working with concrete, but I have made a few concrete tops before reading the book and was looking for something to refine my skills and perfect the finish. Advice on the best ways to screed and trowel to avoid colour variations and undulations that only appear after drying for instance.
It would also have been useful if metric conversions to all the weights and measurements were included in brackets.
What I mean by work-book is that you have to work-through-this-book, with patience. Having read the other books on the market by Cheng and Rhodes, and various others (of which I easily devoured) I found myself having to put this book down time and again because i simply felt a bit bored with it. Sure, it has useful information, but the instructional pictures could use a bit of work and the text of the book could have been slimmed down a bit. I am not impressed with the designs in this book either. Aesthetically, form and function do not dance here. If you're angle is the cast-in-place method, not necessarily a waste of time and money.
Even in the introduction the author admits a pre-cast in melamine will create better results than a cast in place.
Don't bother with this if you want professional results. No DIYer will be able to trowel nearly as smoothly as a precast. Cheng or Buddy Rhodes books address this style.
Tom Ralston is both a passionate artist and a technical master when it comes to custom colored concrete work - and in his book he instructs everyone from the novice to the experienced contractor. And it's a fun read - kind of like a friendly conversation as he takes you on an intimate walk through the homes and gardens of many of his clients for whom he and his eclectic staff of artisans and masons have created art pieces that are as functional as they are beautiful. The book also details planning, preparing, estimating and constructing cast-in-place countertops and bathtub surrounds with lots of photos of the process. If you are a professional contractor or a homeowner designing a new home, remodeling or landscaping a yard, this book will give you lots of ideas that don't need to be expensive to add highly creative pieces to your plan. - Patty Damron'
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