Concrete Countertops: Design, Form, and Finishes for the New Kitchen and Bath

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Summary: What a great book
Review: This book covers pretty much everything you could want to know. The technique of mold building, mixing, pouring and curing is covered in exquisite detail. The author doesn't pretend that concrete is easy to use or that it's for everyone, he just presents the facts as he knows them. The narrative is honest and not condescending. Like a professional recipe, the concrete mixture is specified by weights-a more scientific approach then by eye. The photography is first rate and the ideas that are presented in terms of finishes and design motifs are all first class. The best book on this subject that you are likely to ever find. Full marks.

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Summary: This is a Great, informative book
Review: This book gives realistic, practical information along with believable suggestions. I have been building and have done cement work for many years, feeling I have done an excellent job. This book has several tips I can apply to make my projects even better.

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Summary: Inspiration
Review: This book has given me the inspiration I needed to include an on-site countertop for my kitchen remodel in an old farm house. I'm going to order Cheng's next book and DVD and then really get started. Also, my brother just ordered this book after seeing mine.

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Summary: Glad I bought it.
Review: This book is excellent, especially in the mold making details, giving specific info on drainboards, sinks cut outs, holes for faucets, finishing the concrete, and installation. The one missing element is specific formulas for turning out particular unusual colors of concrete, especially those done in white cement plus color. The only way I see to come up with anything beyond a basic grey plus tint powder is thru small trial and error experimental pours. The mold making process is more daunting than I'd originally expected (a woodshop would help); however, I'm undeterred, and fully intend to build a mold and pour a concrete countertop by end of summer.

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Summary: wonderful book
Review: This book is jam-packed with creative, innovative and beautiful ideas. Great photography, design, and easy-to-understand instructions and tips. Well worth every penny paid, and then some. Can't wait to make our own cement countertop. A++ Highly recommend!

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Summary: Worth it
Review: This has some great info and concepts, worth the investment.

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Summary: If you love natural materials, consider this!
Review: This is a beautifully written and illustrated book - rich in technical information and artistic ideas. The authors are clearly well-experienced in this field and are really helpful to the average contractor or designer. They even include basic cement recipes that they use, and walk you step by step through the design and construction process.

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Summary: Do it yourself
Review: This is a must book if you're really interested in creating your own finished flat artistic concrete work. The major drawback is that the author works with a group and they build and move -- yeah MOVE, as in pick up and carry -- concrete countertops. Only the last chapter is devoted to the build-in-place option and that's the one most do-it-yourselfers would follow. Lots of great picture and diagrams and good technical info on the nature of concrete finishing. Try some small slabs destined for the garden before you tackle a countertop.

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Summary: The "bible" of Concrete Countertops
Review: This is the "bible" when it comes to Concrete Countertops. With this work, Fu-Tung Cheng has certainly "written the book" on this subject. Not only is it inspirational, it provides a step by step reference for those wishing to get their hands dirty and make their own concrete countertop. Easy to read, easy to follow, and beautiful to look at--this is definitely a must have for anyone interested in kitchen design and/or having a concrete countertop in their home.

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Summary: excellent, start to finish
Review: This is the exact book I have been searching for, a complete guide, start to finish on concrete countertops. Of course Cheng leaves out some of his architectural secrets but this book will get you off and running.