What is a concrete bench?
Concrete benches are traditional and durable pieces of outdoor site furnishings that are sure to grab people’s attention. These sturdy, theft-proof concrete benches look wonderful and last forever in parks, schools, shopping centers, office complexes and many other commercial facilities. With consistent seasonal maintenance and repairs, quality wood or metal benches typically last 15-20 years in public outdoor spaces before requiring replacement.
Are concrete benches good?
Low Maintenance, High Durability Concrete Bench Concrete is a great material for site amenities because it requires very little maintenance, is extremely durable, and the heavy weight is a natural theft deterrent. Concrete has enormous compressive strength. This is why it’s often used as a foundation for homes and buildings. But it has terrible tensile strength, meaning that if it’s hit or bumped in some way, it can easily crack. This holds true whether the concrete is in your driveway or used as your countertop.At what age is concrete its strongest? Concrete gains most strength within 28 days but continues to strengthen slowly afterward. This affects its load-bearing capacity and long-term resilience.However, its tensile strength is extremely weak compared to many construction materials, including our products. This means that it’s easy for concrete to chip and crack — damage which can easily grow and will grow over time.However, its tensile strength is extremely weak compared to many construction materials, including our products. This means that it’s easy for concrete to chip and crack — damage which can easily grow and will grow over time.Concrete can last up to 100 years, depending on several external factors that have a marked effect on its durability. In addition to its extended lifespan, concrete is one of the most utilized substances in the world for several reasons. It repels fire and water and is affordable for large-scale construction.
What are the disadvantages of concrete benches?
As you may have expected, concrete is by far the heaviest of all bench materials. This makes them difficult to move around — and fairly expensive to ship. It also means they’re not ideal if you’re going for a flexible setting that you’d switch around every now and then. How thick can I make my benchtop? Because concrete is such a versatile product it can be made as thin as 25mm up to any thickness you want. Weight does not become a major issue as GFRC allows the weight to be kept at a minimum.There are also a wide range pigments, stains, and aggregate colours, so each concrete benchtop can be as individual as you like. The general rule of thumb for benchtops is about 50mm thick. A 50mm thick slab weighs approximately 120Kg/m².Most benches tend to be between 2 to 6 inches thick, both being extremes, as far as I’ve seen. The thickness of a bench top is important for other reasons including stability of the surface (prolonged flatness) and weight. If you’re flexible, I’d say 3” is a good target.How thick can I make my benchtop? Because concrete is such a versatile product it can be made as thin as 25mm up to any thickness you want.
Are concrete bench tops expensive?
As a product, concrete is very affordable. However, the labour-intensive construction process means you should expect a cost of between $1,200 and $3,000+ per square metre for a concrete benchtop (depending on the style and thickness). In terms of durability, both are considered quite durable materials. With proper care, both materials will last a lifetime. Concrete requires more attention than granite as it is naturally a highly porous material. Staining is the most common complaint from homeowners with concrete countertops.Concrete benchtops have many benefits. Durable and hardwearing, they are also incredibly versatile. Considering how they are made – poured in situ or pre-cast – they can be customised into virtually any shape or size.There are also a wide range pigments, stains, and aggregate colours, so each concrete benchtop can be as individual as you like. The general rule of thumb for benchtops is about 50mm thick. A 50mm thick slab weighs approximately 120Kg/m².To generalise, concrete countertops are a lot more expensive than laminate alternatives, but only a little more expensive than engineered stone benchtops. On the other hand, they are generally more affordable than natural stone materials such as granite or marble.
How long do concrete benches last?
A well-made concrete bench can easily last 30 years or more with minimal maintenance required. The dense, solid nature of concrete prevents rot, cracks, splinters, and erosion problems. It won’t warp, bend, or become brittle and fragile over time. How long does concrete last on average? For many projects like building structures and homes, the concrete used is expected to last about thirty to hundred years, depending on the installation methods and construction style.Modern concrete—used in everything from roads to buildings to bridges—can break down in as few as 50 years. But more than a thousand years after the western Roman Empire crumbled to dust, its concrete structures are still standing.