Joe as professional counter top folks, I think part of out job is to educate consumers. I never wanted to "talk someone into something" because of my own preferences. I educate them as to the pros and cons of any particular material, and let them choose what is best for them. But, I also believe that all countertop products are good, for the right application. Just as you would never "sell" someone that a polyester product is right for an outdoor application, or solid surface for a BBQ area (heat and BBQ don't mix well), I would never try to talk someone wanting stone into solid surface.
Educate and you will get your fair share, push someone into a particular product and I think your asking for problems, and, not doing your professional responsibility.

I think that Wags and Joe are talking about different parts of the sale. Wags is talking about honest information designed to help the customer make an intelligent choice in materials, while Joe is talking about imparting information that sells himself over the competition. In my opinion both are important parts of the sale.

There, fixed. Merry Christmas!

I had mentioned a bit ago I would be addressing what to do with some concrete tops.  These were made about 8 yrs ago.  The owner has learned to  care for them with  cleaning and period re sealing...but.   I recommended that she have the man(friend) who made them  recondition them.  Nothing doing!
Bottom line is she says they are too much work.   The man who made them attended the Chang and Buddy Rodes  classes and I have seen them being made so I know they are  made properly.   In this case, concrete tops are not for her.    The substrate was screwed down from the top side so I haven't  deceided how im to get them off with out a huge mess or hurting the cabinets.

inside edge severely worn and ragged,  cracked and bad stains.    Not here to bash concrete, this man does some cool stuff with ground polished concrete and shells inlays along with fiber optic lighting,  as I said last post,   just  not for this customer.

These days (it was very different 8 years ago), there are sealers that don't stain and don't degrade and don't require any maintenance beyond cleaning. This is not just a case of whether the client is right for concrete. Modern concrete countertops should not behave this way. Please do not think that this is representative of concrete countertops!!!

Please do not think that this is representative of concrete countertops!!!



Lane,   no worries,  Im here to learn.

David:

As bad as that is, it is georgous compared to Shirestone, a product I saw at one of the trade shows. Shirestone claims to be solid surface and not concrete, however. Shirestone dealers and some customers are flipping out.


Joe