Get Inspired Member Login
Get Inspired Member Login

Browse Our Knowledge Base

A Recommendation for 100% CSA Usage in Concrete Countertops

I have encountered many different approaches among concrete countertop professionals in using CSA cements. Some use portland cement, CSA cement and pozzolan blends to achieve high-quality concrete. I recommend against this approach, as it adds complication and negates the benefits conveyed by CSA cements.

Pozzolans are substituted for portland cement to address a host of problems caused by a by-product of the reaction of portland cement with water: calcium hydroxide. Calcium hydroxide makes concrete weak and causes effloresence. Pozzolans consume calcium hydroxide, thus improving the quality of the concrete.

When CSA cements react with water, they do not produce calcium hydroxide. Therefore, simply substituting CSA cement for 100% of the portland cement eliminates all of the problems listed above and obviates the need for pozzolans.

Let me say that again: Simply using 100% CSA cement (and 0% portland cement) completely eliminates all the problems that portland cement caused and pozzolans were trying to solve. Why in the world would you substitute CSA cement for only part of the portland cement, leaving all the problems that then need to be remedied with pozzolans? In my opinion this merely adds complication and expense without providing much benefit. It causes people to spend endless hours tweaking their mix proportions when they should be focusing on selling countertops. I recommend the simple “100% replacement” approach that saves time and money and maximizes benefits.

Comments are closed.

The Maker & The Mix

Exploring the art and science of creative concrete

Join us LIVE Every Wednesday!

Time: Every Wednesday 8:00am Eastern time

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us05web.zoom.us/j/89768306546?pwd=WFgxaTdJOFM5b0p0RDc4emc4SUJ6QT09

Meeting ID: 897 6830 6546
Passcode: z2RtQ7

GFRC Seminar
Instant Free Access:

You will learn:

The biggest mistake almost everyone in the industry is making that compromises strength and risks failure.

A cost-conscious, from-scratch mix design that really works

Exactly which tools and materials you really need, all non-proprietary and at the best prices.

How to make DIY concrete countertop free seminar

DIY Seminar
Instant Free Access:

You will learn:

A simple, from-scratch mix design that really works!

How to template, form, mix, cast, cure, polish, seal, install.

Exactly what equipment you need – and don’t need