Iron-oxide pigments
Countertop Pacs contain 10 or 25 lbs. of the company's pure pigments and are designed for use in concrete countertops, furniture, mantles, and other decorative applications. Use the recommended pigment addition rate to attain a shade, or experiment with blends to attain a wider range of custom colors. Alabama Pigments Co. 800-531-1172. www.alabamapigments.com
Powdered color for countertops
This company's powdered Ultra-Fine Pigments, available in a pallet of 15 colors, will replace its line of liquid colors. To use, simply place water-soluble bag in the mix water, mix well, then add the concrete mix to produce a beautiful integral color. Buddy Rhodes Concrete Products LLC. 877-706-5303. www.buddyrhodes.com.
Recycled glass
Crafted by hand, Urbanslabs are sustainable cement-based slabs consisting of 60% recycled, post-consumer glass containers such as beer, wine, and liquor bottles that commonly are sent to landfills. They can be cut, bull-nosed, seamed, and polished just like the fabrication of natural stone slabs. They can be used for a variety of surfaces such as countertops, bathroom vanities, floor tiles, wall-clad panels, and outdoor living surfaces. Available in six colors, the slabs are offered in two sizes -- 8 ft. by 3 ft. x ¾ in. and 10 ft. x 5.5 ft x 1-¼ in. Eco Surfaces Mfg. 714-954-0161. www.urbanslabs.com
Concrete cutting
One person can easily create geometric shapes in concrete with the 110-v handheld Dekrasaw. Front and rear roller guides allow users to follow a chalk line for accurate straight-line cutting. An optional pivot base simplifies cutting arcs and circles. Blastrac. 800-256-3440. www.blastrac.com
Crisp paper stencils
Paper Stencils are floated into concrete to add the look of textures with low relief and crisp joint detail, making them suitable for adding grout lines and joints. The stencils can be used indoors or outdoors on surfaces like driveways, interiors, pools, walkways, and patios. Field pattern stencils are available in 500 and 1000 square foot rolls and border stencils are available in rolls of 100 linear feet. Brickform. 800-483-9628. www.brickform.com.
