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Furniture

Tess Parisi

Application

Concrete furniture is a design topic that is most likely not talked about due to its cold and hard feel.  It is mostly used for floors, walls, and exterior features, but there are many furniture pieces that commonly are made of concrete.  

Most concrete furniture is made in molds or placeholder blocks that is then taken off once the concrete dries.  This way it is completely settled and can withstand anything.  It is also usually finished with a sealant to prevent anything from getting in possible holes.

 

The best type of concrete to use for furniture is glass fiber reinforced which is four times more dense than wood reinforced.  This lighter weight concrete can be molded into almost anything.  

Testing Organizations:

MyUSF:  https://myusf.usfca.edu/purchasing/facstaff/furniture/standards

Concrete Testing Lab: https://tecservices.com/construction-materials-testing-laboratory/concrete-testing-laboratory-2/

ASTM Standards:

C125-21 Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates

D6449-99 Standard Test Method for Flow of Fine Aggregates for Fabric Formed Concrete (Flow Cone Method)

C1535 - Standard Practice for Application of Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems

Use in Interior Setting

1. This space includes a table made of concrete as the countertop and wood as the legs, which shows a nice contrast between heavy and light materials.  This countertop has a straight edge profile, which might be harsh for a countertop but it gives it a clean look.  

2. This is a concrete chair made to look like fabric.  It is a artistic pice and an functional chair that gives creativity to the space.  

3. This white concrete block is topped with a large pice of glass to show structure and strength as well as balance and delicacy. 

4. This indoor/outdoor concrete coffee table is functional and built to last in the weather of the outdoors and within an interior so it can be kept throughout a lifetime. 

5. This long concrete coffee table is sturdy and does not seem too heavy through its open nature.  There could also be a larger version of this that is used as a dining table or large office desk.

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© 2021 by Jenny Lee, Grace McDonald, Kasey Denis, & Tess Parisi

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