Awesome

I have been looking for ways to add onto my Concrete Home Business this book was an essential add on to show me how to add counter tops. Find out more at our website. www.insulatingconcretehomes.com

An invaluble secret has been revealed by this book

For the author to give the secrets away that he does in this book to his very special craft tells a lot about him as a person. Many people would love to keep unique skills such as this to themselves. This book contains every piece of information you need to create your own work of art that doubles as a kitchen counter or an end table, the possibilities are endless.

The format of the book is more of a guideline on how to create from concrete than a step by step procedure on how to conjure a countertop from cement. The author shows examples (very nice photography) of work that he has done and gives details on how it all came together, so it isnt as dry as a manual on how to assemble a swingset or an entertainment center. Each part of the process is outlined by chapters, of which go into detail on how to construct a mold, mix cement, design, etc. The reason for this is there are so many ways to change each part of this process and expand on it, to me it seemed the author wanted to incite creativity upon the reader to make this art bigger and create upon the ideas that he has rather than just saying "take a mold, pour, glue it to some wood and viola". He gives multiple examples on the many unique things that can be done, things to avoid that cause problems such as sections too large (heavy), cracks, etc.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in creating with concrete things that are outside of the mainstream. Concrete isnt just for sidewalks and driveways!

From Grogg to Artisan

As a young man I paid for my through school by doing concrete work - sidewalks, driveways, paths... etc - At the time I felt concrete had a certain fluid beauty - but that was lost on all my co-workers. Today many years later as a business professional I'd come across Buddy Rhodes web site - and eventually that lead me to this book and building my own countertop. Form Soup to Nuts - this book is it. Design - Mold making - installation - care and finishing. It has it all - in beautiful semi-gloss photos. It's well written and easy to follow. If you're looking to build your own or are simply interested in the design aspect - give this book a browse. My wife even picked it up to look at the beautiful kitchens.