Caring for Concrete
Concrete is a beautifully natural and handcrafted material designed to be lived with and enjoyed over time. Much like natural stone or marble, each piece carries its own subtle movement, variation, and character, which is part of what makes concrete so unique.
Our pieces are sealed multiple times prior to leaving our workshop and do not require ongoing resealing or intensive maintenance. In most cases, caring for your concrete is simple and low-maintenance, and with a little awareness around everyday use, your piece will continue to age beautifully for many years to come.
The information below is intended to help you better understand the nature of concrete and how to care for your piece in a practical and realistic way. In addition to the below, we have a more specific guide available here for Bathware and a guide available here for our Tables.
Everyday Use & Surface Protection
Our concrete surfaces are designed for everyday living, however like most premium surfaces, they will benefit from thoughtful use and care.
To help preserve the sealer and finish, we recommend gently placing objects onto the surface rather than dragging rough or heavy items across it. Items such as serving dishes, cookware, chopping boards, handbags, boxes, groceries, or decorative objects may scratch the sealer if slid across the surface repeatedly.
Small felt pads underneath decorative objects, trays, or ceramics can help minimise the chance of marks over time.
Our concrete is very durable, however the protective sealer can become susceptible to marking or staining if deeply scratched or pierced.
Cleaning Your Concrete
Day-to-day cleaning is very simple.
A soft damp cloth or sponge with mild water-based cleaners is generally all that is required. After cleaning, we recommend drying the surface before placing objects back on top.
As with most sealed surfaces, abrasive scourers, harsh chemicals, acidic cleaners, citrus-based products, bleach-based products, or high alkaline cleaners should be avoided, as these may gradually affect the sealer and appearance over time.
If marking occurs, avoid aggressive scrubbing, as forceful cleaning can compromise the protective sealer.
Spills & Staining
Our concrete is sealed multiple times to help protect against everyday use, however we still recommend adopting a simple “wipe as you go” approach or as we like to say "walk, don't run" to clean up a spill.
Products such as cooking oil or body oil, oil based foundation, red wine, coffee, spaghetti sauce — should be wiped up when noticed rather than left sitting for extended periods.
Products containing strong pigments such as turmeric and curry powder or cosmetics such as hair dye, fake tan, nail polish, nail polish remover and acids can mark the concrete more quickly so be mindful of this when using these products.
For products such as hand soap, hand cream, decorative oils or scents and flower vases, we recommend placing them on a decorative tray or dish to prevent moisture or residue becoming trapped beneath the object over time.
Like other natural stones, prolonged exposure to certain substances (listed above, but not limited to) or when moisture or residue becomes trapped, may result in permanent marking or discolouration.
Moisture & Trapped Liquids
Our concrete needs the ability to breathe naturally.
If moisture becomes trapped beneath objects such as vases, pots, soap dispensers, or containers, it may lead to temporary or permanent markings.
Using trays, coasters, or protective dishes beneath these objects is the best way to minimise this possibility.
For outdoor tables, we recommend leaving the table uncovered rather than using fitted covers, as covers can trap moisture and humidity against the surface. Leave your outdoor table completely blank when not using it to avoid moisture or residue becoming trapped.
Heat
As with most sealed surfaces, we recommend using trivets, chopping boards, or protective barriers beneath very hot items such as cookware, baking trays, or heated hair tools.
Direct high heat may affect the protective sealer causing the sealer to warp or mark.
Chips & Impact
Concrete is an incredibly strong material, however like natural stone and marble, it is considered a rigid rather than elastic material. This means that while durable, sharp impacts along edges or corners may cause chips if significant force is applied.
If minor chipping does occur, we are able to provide a colour-matched fill product to help soften the appearance of the area.
Weight & Support
Our concrete products are engineered and reinforced for their intended application, however excessive weight or force on unsupported areas should be avoided.
This is particularly relevant for unsupported overhangs, edges, or central spans of tables and benchtops. Standing or applying excessive weight to these areas may place unnecessary stress on the piece.
It is also important that cabinetry and supporting structures including flooring is level and adequately installed to ensure sufficient support.
Outdoor Use
Our concrete performs beautifully outdoors and is well suited to weather-exposed environments.
To help preserve the finish outdoors, avoid leaving objects on the surface. If objects are left on the surface, moisture can become trapped causing marking or discolouration.
What if I mark or scratch my concrete?
If you notice a mark, stain or scratch on your piece, the best first step is to email us clear photos along with a brief explanation of what has occurred. The more information you provide, the better.
Once we review the images, we can provide guidance on possible next steps and advise whether there may be options to help minimise or improve the appearance of the area.
As every situation and finish is different, there is unfortunately no universal solution or guarantee that a mark or scratch can be completely removed or restored. However, we are always happy to review the issue and provide advice and support wherever possible.