When working with a professional design team to develop imaginative ways to express your personal style, consider choosing concrete countertops for your kitchen remodel. We have found that clients appreciate the distinctive beauty, durability and adaptability of this natural material in their homes. One of our resources for concrete countertops is Cheng Design in Berkeley, California. Founded in 1978 by Fu-Tung Cheng, Cheng Design has won many awards  and built a reputation for their innovative use of sculptural concrete.

Why Choose Concrete?
Concrete can be transformed into virtually any shape and the potential for creative expression is unlimited. It can be grinded, polished, stamped, or stained. Some clients choose to embed meaningful objects within it. Concrete embodies an earthy permanence and looks good in both traditional and modern settings. Because of its adaptability, concrete can be used in any area of the home, especially in the kitchen and bath, but also in fireplaces, water features, or outdoors. Concrete countertops are relatively inexpensive, especially when considering their high level of durability.

Cheng Design creates their beautiful countertops in two types of concrete:

Geocrete: This reinforced pre-cast concrete product has a 5000+ psi strength rating and a “glass like” surface created with a proprietary finishing process. Countertops are available with unique accessory choices like integral drainboards, concrete sinks, and mosaics. Custom variations include aggregates and inlays, along with metal and wood accessories such as cutting boards and trivets.

Neomix: Lightweight and ultra strong, this pre-cast concrete product is made with Cheng Design’s Neomix reinforced concrete mix. Neomix has a 10,000+ psi strength rating, which is double that of Geocrete. Neomix is 1/2″ thick and can be made as long as 9 feet long without seams. Like Geocrete, this product is available as a simple slab or with a variety of customizations.

Both Geocrete and Neomix are sealed with a proprietary sealer which combines the protection of topical sealers with the look and feel of penetrating sealers. The sealer penetrates the concrete surface and provides surface protection, resisting acids, stains and cleaning products.

When planning your kitchen remodel, unexpected materials like a concrete countertop bring a sense of individuality to your environment. Our team helps you explore the many options available to you as you transform your home.

Warm, durable, and adaptable to every home’s style, wood flooring is a popular choice for kitchen remodeling. There are several options to consider when selecting the right wood flooring for your home.

Hardwood Floors
Solid hardwood floors are timeless in style and can last a lifetime with proper care. They also provide better air quality in a home by trapping less allergens than other floor types. There are hundreds of woods to choose from, including Cherry, Walnut, Maple, Hickory, or Birch, along with many exotic species. Each hardwood floor will be distinct because of the variations found in nature. Unlike other wood flooring options, hardwood cannot be installed straight on concrete or on top of an existing floor. While initially a larger investment than some other flooring choices, hardwood floors add substantial resale value to your home.

Engineered Wood Floors
The top layer of an engineered wood floor is the same genuine hardwood as a solid hardwood floor. Giving the appearance of solid wood, an engineered wood floor is actually a thin wood layer over 3-12 layers of plywood, high density fiberboard, or hardwood. Engineered wood is more resistant to damage from moisture or humidity than solid hardwood flooring and is more adaptable in application, as it can be installed on top of existing concrete or a wood sub-floor. Just like hardwood, engineered wood is available in a vast array of wood species and has an excellent resale value in your home. When working with a budget, engineered wood is the middle ground between solid hardwood flooring and wood laminate flooring.

Luxury Vinyl Wood Floors
Design and technology combine in luxury vinyl wood flooring, presenting an alternative material that looks remarkably like hardwood. Authentic hardwood colors and textures are created in realistic plank lengths and widths, some featuring beveled edges and ends. Luxury vinyl is built to last with several layers. The top protective layer is made of an enhanced urethane that makes it easy to clean and resistant to scratches and scuffs. A protective clear film layer adds durability and helps protect against rips, tears and gouges. The printed design layer recreates the look of natural wood planks in very realistic detail. Luxury vinyl wood flooring is water-resistant, durable, easy to maintain and can be installed on any surface.

Wood Laminate Floors
Wood laminate flooring is a remarkable simulation of wood that provides the appearance of solid hardwood flooring at a much lower cost. This innovative alternative to hardwood flooring is composed of several layers of materials. The core layer is usually made of high density fiberboard. A decorative layer, which is a photograph of wood, is fused on top of the core. Wood laminate floors are easy to clean and durable, making them a popular choice in homes with pets  or children.

Which wood flooring is right for you? Our professional design team can guide you through your options as you select the floor that best expresses your personal vision for the kitchen remodel of your dreams.