Topical Considerations

A third-generation concrete contractor and the author of Cast-in-Place Concrete Countertops, Tom Ralston acknowledges a debt to his father and various

A third-generation concrete contractor and the author of Cast-in-Place Concrete Countertops, Tom Ralston acknowledges a debt to his father and various concrete industry mentors who exhibited a flair for making ordinary concrete extraordinary. The desire to transform conventional concrete into something beautiful became his primary focus when an economic slump during the early 1990s led Santa Cruz, Calif.-based Tom Ralston Concrete (TRC) to diversify, specializing in countertops among various niche applications. That emphasis prompted his mastery of acid stains, skim coat overlays, and interior cast-in-place. In his lavishly illustrated, 144-page book, Ralston shares with readers his hard-won knowledge, enabling cast-in-place fabricators to create countertops of stunning variety.

Accordingly, the fine craftsmanship detailed in Cast-in-Place Concrete Countertops satisfies both aesthetic and economic aims. In a foreword to the book, architect Steven Reardon, AIA, CSI, emphasizes the value of decorative concrete countertops in taking a project to the next level. Dramatically improving one of the first surfaces visitors will see as they walk in the door, he affirms, concrete countertops combine the best of functionality, durability, and beauty, with myriad colors, patterns, and textures possible.

Moreover, Ralston’s expertise and willingness to share ideas and information have enriched the volume. Says Reardon, Tom Ralston is one of those rare contractors that architects respectfully call ÎcraftsmanÌ. In watching him work, it is obvious that Tom has spent countless hours of research and experimentation to develop techniques that bring beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces of artwork to the home or business. Û [email protected]; www.schifferbooks.com