Honest material,
made to fit.
A material that becomes whatever the room needs.
Stone comes out of a quarry. Quartz comes off a production line. Concrete starts as nothing in particular, and that is exactly why we love it. Every piece we make at CreteWRX Alaska is cast by hand in our Chugiak shop, shaped around one space, one design and one set of people who will live with it for decades.
Nothing off the shelf
No slab yard, no catalog, no twin in the neighbor's kitchen. Each piece is made once, for one place. When you build with concrete, you get something no one else has.
If you can draw it, we can cast it
Any shape, any edge, any color from warm earth tones to deep charcoal. Integral sinks, waterfall ends, drainboards, ledges and inlays are cast right into the piece, not added later. Designers stop working around a material's limits and start designing the room they actually want.
Designed together
We work alongside builders, designers and homeowners from the first sketch to the final seal. Shop drawings, color samples and finish choices are part of the process, so the finished piece is one you helped create, not just one you picked.
Made for fire
Concrete is non-combustible, which makes it a natural fit for fireplace surrounds, hearths, fire pits and fire tables. A cast surround wraps the firebox in clean, unbroken lines, so the fireplace becomes the room's centerpiece instead of a patchwork of tile and trim.
A finish that lives with you
Concrete is a natural material, and it ages like one. Over time it develops a soft patina, the same way good leather or an old workbench earns its character. We seal every piece to protect it, and then let it become part of your home's story.
Stronger and lighter than you'd think
Much of our work is cast in glass-fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC). It lets us make pieces thinner and lighter than traditional concrete while staying strong, which means bigger spans, crisper edges and easier installs on site.
Living with concrete
How long will it last?
A well-cared-for concrete piece can last a lifetime. Every piece we make is sealed before it leaves the shop, and with everyday care it will outlast most of the finishes around it.
Will it stain?
Every piece is sealed before it leaves the shop, but wipe up spills right away, including water, wine and oils, and don't leave wet towels or soap dishes sitting on the surface. Clorox bleach works well on simple stains: wipe it on, then rinse with clean water. Over time concrete develops a soft patina, and small marks from everyday life are part of its character.
Anything to know in the first few weeks?
Your piece is ready for daily use, but the concrete keeps finishing its cure for about 4 to 6 weeks, so go easy early on. Wipe up spills right away and don't leave wet towels, containers or soap dishes sitting on it, so it can breathe.
Can I cut directly on it?
Please don't. Use a cutting board, and put coasters, felt pads or rubber bumpers under unglazed ceramics and sharp-edged items. Concrete is tough, but it isn't indestructible.
Can I set hot pans on it?
Always use a trivet or pad under hot pots and pans, and don't set hot pot lids on the surface. Concrete itself handles heat well, which is why it's so good for fireplace surrounds and fire features, but direct heat from cookware can damage the sealer on a countertop or vanity.
How do I clean it?
Keep it simple and non-abrasive. Simple Green, Windex or a similar gentle household cleaner with a soft cloth is all it needs, and bleach is fine for stains. Avoid abrasive scrubbers, harsh chemicals, rubbing alcohol and acetone, which can wear down the sealer.
Does it need to be resealed?
Plan on a fresh coat of sealer every 3 to 6 years, depending on how hard the piece is used. It's a simple renewal of the protection, and we take care of it: just call us when it's time. For extra protection in between, a monthly coat of Cerakote Ceramic Spray goes on like furniture polish and adds a water-repelling layer that keeps the surface looking fresh.
Isn't concrete really heavy?
Less than you might expect. Our pieces typically weigh about 11 pounds per square foot, similar to or lighter than natural stone. Much of our work is cast in GFRC, which lets us make pieces thinner and lighter than traditional concrete while still looking substantial, and edges can be built up to look thick and solid without the full weight. We'll talk through weight and support for your space before anything is cast.
Can you match a color?
Yes. Bring us a paint chip, a tile or a photo, and we'll make color samples for you to see in your own light. Finishes range from smooth and polished to hand-troweled and textured.