What is GFRC?

Submitted by Deco-Crete Supply on Tue, 02/16/2021 - 3:49pm

Have you ever wondered what people are talking about when they say they used GFRC to cast a concrete countertop? Well, the truth is GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) has been used for a long time in the general building industry. In the last 15-20 years however, it has become very popular in decorative concrete. The material is incredibly versatile and has many uses. With its reduced weight and the ability to cast at vertical angles GFRC can be used to create an endless possibility of concrete creations. 

When it comes to creating concrete counter tops out of GFRC, the templating and forming processes are relatively the same as a traditional wet cast concrete mix. The casting is where things start to get different. GFRC needs to cast upside down, so pouring in place is not an option. Casting GFRC consists of multiple layers (one face coat and two backer coats) instead of countertop only needs to be 3/4"-1" thick, but you can form the edges as thick as you want. This will give you the ability to create countertop that appears to be 2" thick but will weigh less than half as much as full thickness concrete. 

GFRC can be mixed with heavy-duty handheld mixer, so there is no need to own or a drum mixer. Mix designs consist of Portland Cement, Silica Sand, VCAS (pozzolan), DuraCast Modifier, water, Deco Super Flow (water reducer), and ARC Glass Fiber

Other benefits of GFRC include-Fast turnaround times (you can demold in as little as 24 hours). Reduced chances of cracking, the ability to create and install larger pieces, as well as a great deal of freedom on the design end of things. 

There might be a little more to learn with GFRC, but it will be well worth your time. If you have any questions on GFRC or anything else related to decorative concrete, feel free to send us an email Jeff@deco-cretesupply.com

-Jeff Hershberger

 

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