If imitation is any proof of popularity in the remodeling world, then you might say slab granite is just about the hottest thing going for countertops.
Numerous companies have created lower-priced products that simulate the look of the natural stone and its cousins, marble and limestone.
Granicrete, introduced in 2006 by Phoenix-based Granicrete International, is one of the latest, featured on The Learning Channel’s “Flip That House” and ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”
Kevin Johnson discovered the line of resurfacing products at the World of Concrete trade show in Las Vegas last year and was so inspired he became a Granicrete distributor and installer.
His new business, Alternative Counters &Floors of Marysville, will make its debut at the Everett Home &Garden Show, which opens Friday.
“You can get any kind of stone you want,” Johnson said. “You name it.”
Granicrete — a 1/8-inch layer of specially formulated concrete, faux finished to look like stone — can be installed right over existing counters or used to create tabletops and other accent pieces.
Epoxy sealant gives the material a shiny, granitelike look, though it can be buffed down for a matte finish.
One-eighth of an inch may sound too thin to be durable, but Johnson is quick to demonstrate Granicrete’s toughness: He places a 4-inch-square sample of the product on a concrete floor, whacks it as hard as possible with a hammer and hands it back, unscathed.
Granicrete countertop edges can be rounded. The standard is a rough texture, a look that is expensive to create with natural stone but easy to do with concrete.
Granicrete countertops are seamless — and heat and stain resistant. The counters should not be used as cutting boards or exposed to abrasive cleaners, said John Cooper, Johnson’s father-in-law, one of many family members who work in the business.
Johnson’s Marysville showroom features large slab samples in a variety of colors and styles for counters, as well as samples of Granicrete’s flooring system, which can imitate tile, slate, flagstone and even wood, indoors or out.
Formerly in the concrete-sealing business, Johnson said it’s surprisingly simple to create one-of-a-kind stone looks by using Granicrete’s line of specialty paints and spray bottles.
His shop can closely match the look of stones or patterns sold at other stores. Johnson just needs a sample to work from.
“It’s very cool, being able to be creative,” Johnson said. “It’s all custom.”
To boost the distribution side of his business, Johnson is offering training seminars once a month for homeowners who want to install their own Granicrete as well as people who’d like to become certified installers.
Prices for installed Granicrete counters run $40 to $50 per square foot. Real slab granite, meanwhile, often starts at $65 a square foot.
Installed Granicrete flooring costs from $6 to $20 a square foot.
Classes for prospective installers, which take 1½ days, are $499 for flooring or counters and $899 for both.
Sarah Jackson: 425-339-3037, sjackson@heraldnet.com.
Alternative Counters &Floors
3923 88th St. NE, Suite J Marysville 360-653-5900 E-mailkevin.johnson@acfseattle.com www.granicrete.com
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