The Concrete Podcast

Sometimes, life takes everything you’ve built and washes it away. That’s exactly what happened to Caleb Lawson of Lawson Design in Canton, NC, when Hurricane Helene tore through his shop, leaving him with nothing but a choice—give up or rebuild. In this episode, we walk through the storm, the wreckage, and the lessons that followed. Caleb shares what it was like to start from scratch, the surprisi...

Most concrete makers are charging too little, working too hard, and wondering why the numbers don’t add up. But what if pricing wasn’t the problem - what if the strategy was? This week on The Concrete Podcast, BG sits down with Jared Case of LC Wood & Crete, a concrete countertop and flooring company out of Wichita, KS. What started as a casual shop conversation turned into a real talk on what it...

Success in concrete—like life—is about knowing what to fix, what to charge for, and what to let go. In this episode of The Concrete Podcast, we’re talking shop on everything from perfecting your mix to getting paid for storage, because craftsmanship isn't just about the pour—it’s about the business behind it. We’ll cover: * MatteMax mastery—how to get stronger, more predictable results. * The art...

You poured your heart into that concrete countertop, but now the sealer’s failing, and you're stuck wondering how to fix it. Maybe you're considering a concrete kitchen sink—spoiler alert: don’t. This week on The Concrete Podcast, BG and Jon lay out the hard truths and smart strategies for maintaining concrete countertops, stripping failing sealers, and making design choices that actually boost yo...

After a three-week break, we’re back—and we’ve got a full pour of insights for you. This episode of The Concrete Podcast is all about setting yourself up for success, whether you’re crafting a massive casting table, mastering the art of intentional mottling in concrete, or understanding why Design Is Every Thing. We’ll also talk about an upcoming Kodiak Pro Demo Day (a free event you won’t want to...

In this episode of The Concrete Podcast, we’re unpacking the small details that lead to big wins in the world of concrete design. From weighing every material—yes, even bagged goods—to mastering the art of lowering the sheen on a countertop, we’ll guide you through strategies that ensure precision and elevate your craft. We also dig into the essentials of fiberglass rebar placement, where to use i...

Start 2025 off right with a fresh perspective on community, creativity, and concrete. In this episode, we talk about what it means to foster a tribe that thrives on collaboration and growth. Celebrate Alicia Dietz’s incredible grant win and learn how her journey inspires us all. We also uncover why more isn’t always better—spoiler alert: mixing 1300 lbs of Maker Mix in a barrel mixer can teach you...

As we close out 2024, we’re bringing clarity to a topic that can transform your success in 2025: perceived value. Building on last week’s discussion, we’ll explore how understanding and communicating the true worth of what you offer can elevate your craft, increase your impact, and attract more of the right opportunities. This episode is an invitation to look inward, refine your messaging, and ali...

As we turn the page on 2024 and look toward a fresh start, every concrete artisan faces one big question: How do you price your craft so your business truly thrives? In this episode, we’ll clarify the path ahead—examining fair pricing strategies, tackling the quirks of using CementAll for countertops, and understanding the new ICT Fusion Sealer. Along the way, we’ll also share a rare year-end oppo...

Step into the world of concrete artistry with this week’s episode of The Concrete Podcast. Together, we’ll uncover the secrets to maximizing the beauty and impact of super pigments in your projects, addressing common challenges with decorative aggregates, and bringing new life to a 20-year-old countertop ready for resealing. We’ll also take a moment to spotlight the groundbreaking Neverest Concret...

Coming back from Thanksgiving, we're bringing the heat—literally and metaphorically. In this episode of The Concrete Podcast, we walk you through why a torch is your secret weapon for sealing success and reveal our pick for the best epoxy sealer for concrete sinks. Plus, we’re shining a light on Alicia Dietz, a fellow artisan who’s elevating the craft with her unique creations. We’ll also introduc...

In this special Thanksgiving episode of The Concrete Podcast, we’re raising a glass (fiber) to you, our listeners, and tackling the questions that keep your projects moving forward. Wondering which AR Glass Fiber stands the test of time? Struggling to get your slurry color just right? Need a shower pan finish that keeps your footing steady? Or searching for top-tier concrete countertop mix Down Un...

This week on The Concrete Podcast, we’re walking through the challenges and victories that shape your creative journey. Whether you’re wrangling foam coring, debating the best buckets for casting, or searching for how to make a perfect black concrete mix, we’ve got answers. Tackling everything from countertop mix insights to practical tips, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you...

In this episode of The Concrete Podcast, we're thrilled to welcome back Gabriel and Ashlea from Designer Concrete Supplies LTD, straight from the UK. If you're in the world of concrete—or you’re eager to break into it—this episode is all about transforming your process and leveling up your craftsmanship. Gabriel and Ashlea share game-changing tips on mold building, from the fine art of applying co...

Happy Halloween from The Concrete Podcast! 🎃 BG kicks things off with a tale that'll give you chills—a spine-tingling story of the scariest day in his concrete career. Then we shift gears to talk about curling in concrete slabs—a topic that haunts many in the industry. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just curious, this episode’s filled with insight, some eerie tales, and a bit of Halloween spiri...

This week on The Concrete Podcast, we’re getting into the craft of board formed concrete. You’ll learn the ins and outs of the process, how to get that perfect textured finish, and the best approaches to overcome common mix challenges. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned pro, we’ll also walk you through building torsion box shop casting tables—a game-changer for precision casting. Join us...

Welcome to The Concrete Podcast. This week, we're getting beneath the surface to unlock the riddles of color mottling in your concrete projects. Ever scratched your head over those unexpected hues? We'll shine a light on the causes and discuss potential remedies to set things right. Then, we'll introduce a sealer so revolutionary, it doesn't fit into any old box—it's time to rethink what you know....

Hey there, concrete enthusiasts. Ever stood before a project thinking, "There's got to be a better way to do this"? Well, slide on in, because this week on The Concrete Podcast, BG and Jon are ready to turn that underwhelming table into a conversation starter. We're talking about joining melamine pieces to stretch your casting surfaces further than you thought possible. We'll tackle the art of mit...

BG just wrapped up the 3rd Concrete Design School Fundamentals Workshop, and let me tell you, the table the class crafted is nothing short of phenomenal. In this episode of The Concrete Podcast, BG and Jon explore the importance of tracking concrete curing with temp sensors, discuss hand mixing alternatives that might just save your back, and dive into why time truly is money in our line of work....

Get ready to level up your craft. In this episode of The Concrete Podcast, we’re tackling the nitty-gritty that makes all the difference. You’ll hear which AR Glass Fibers are worth your time, insider tips for caulking your forms (and keeping that color just right), and how to stop making those pesky sealer mistakes once and for all. Plus, BG’s fired up about a new mold-making product that he lear...

Welcome back to The Concrete Podcast! After a brief break, we’re here to share a little wisdom from the trenches, so you don’t have to make the same mistakes. We’re talking about the headaches and heartaches we’ve hit over the past few weeks—like why offering installation can be more trouble than it's worth, how DustyCrete powder plays a game-changer, and the silent but deadly power of hydraulic p...

Episode 117 is here, folks. This week on The Concrete Podcast, we’re talking about the finer points of mold rubber for concrete—how to use it right, avoid the pitfalls, and take your creations from good to downright legendary. But that’s not all; we’re also getting into the world of colored glazes and stains, those subtle yet powerful touches that bring concrete to life. Whether you’re just starti...

This week on The Concrete Podcast, we're exploring the world of SCC GFRC mixes. We'll share insider tips on perfecting your mixes, setting realistic expectations as a concrete craftsman, and minimizing that pesky fiber ghosting. Plus, we’ll reveal the best glass fibers currently available here in the USA. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is packed with knowledge to...

This week on The Concrete Podcast, we’re kickin’ back with Justin Burd, a true concrete craftsman who never hits the brakes. Justin’s all about that relentless drive for excellence, and he's here to share his journey. We’ll talk acid etching cast-in-place concrete countertops, offer some solid advice for folks wanting to break into the biz, and give you a glimpse into where this ever-evolving indu...

Ever wondered about the importance of weighing your water with precision when batching concrete? We're gonna break it down for you. Plus, we'll walk you through the art of slurrying concrete to get that flawless finish. Got thicker items like pavers and planters on your to-do list? We've got the perfect mixes for that. And let's not forget about the unique challenges of concrete thermal expansion...