In the small town of Boston, Kentucky, Martin and Karyn Dickerson have built more than just a business. They’ve created a family-driven passion project. Work The Concrete Designs is all about pushing the boundaries of what concrete can do: crafting stunning countertops, furniture, and custom pieces that bring personality and durability to homes and businesses.
From Foundations to Fine Art
Martin has been working with concrete since the late ‘80s. For most of his career, it was all about traditional flatwork, foundations, and structural projects. That all changed when his wife wanted concrete countertops for their home in 2016.
With decades of concrete experience under his belt, Martin figured, “How hard could it be?” Turns out, making beautiful, high-quality concrete surfaces is a whole different ball game. That challenge sparked something in him. By 2021, he was taking classes with Jeff Girard at The Concrete Countertop Institute (CCI), diving deep into the art of creative concrete.
Now, instead of just pouring slabs, he’s crafting unique, custom pieces—from fire tables to high-end bar tops—each one built to last and designed to stand out.
Concrete & Community: A Family Business
At Work The Concrete Designs, it’s not just about the concrete—it’s about family. Martin and Karyn run the business together. Their two sons, daughter, daughter-in-law, and even granddaughter are all involved in some way. They’ve made it their mission to not only create amazing work but also build lasting relationships with their clients.
Martin has also connected with other concrete artists worldwide. He’s attended events like CCI’s Legends of Rock in May 2023, where industry pros gathered to share techniques, business insights, and creative ideas. For Martin, this global community has been a game-changer. It inspired him to push his designs further while staying true to the craftsmanship he’s built over the years.
Making the Ordinary Extraordinary
Work The Concrete Designs operates on a simple but powerful mindset: “If it doesn’t exist, let’s create it.” That philosophy has led to some truly unique pieces, including:
- Custom Bar Tops – Sleek, durable, and made to be a statement piece.
- Outdoor Fire Tables – Functional, stylish, and built to transform any backyard space.
- Concrete Furniture – Everything from coffee tables to benches, proving that concrete can be both artistic and practical.
Customers love the work Martin and his team do, with one saying, “We are very happy with our outdoor fireplace top made by Work The Concrete. Their workmanship and service are top of the line!”
Talking Concrete with Jeff Girard
Recently, Martin sat down with his mentor Jeff Girard on the Power Users video series to talk about his journey from structural concrete to decorative design. In the chat, Martin shared what it’s been like making the shift, the challenges of learning new techniques, and the freedom that comes with creating unique, custom pieces.
One of the biggest takeaways? Concrete is way more than just a building material. It’s an art form. From experimenting with color and texture to getting the perfect mix, every project is an opportunity to innovate and refine the craft.
Want to hear more? Check out the full interview on YouTube.
Here is more information about various topics that Martin mentioned in the interview: