Handcrafted Glass Fibre-Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) Furniture in Melbourne

 

Most of us don’t tend to associate fibreglass with concrete. And yet, people have been reinforcing concrete surfaces with alkali-resistant (AR) glass fibre for decades now. It’s commonly used for objects like statues, water fountains, wall panels and – more recently – furniture.

Fibreglass is quite literally very minuscule glass fibres. Things like windows, roofing, boats and bathtubs are actually made with glass fibre-reinforced plastic (i.e. glass fibres in a polymer mix).

However, use concrete and sand instead of plastic, and you’ve got glass fibre-reinforced concrete (GFRC). This is what we do at Concrete Collective, from our cutting-edge workshop in Melbourne.

Our tight-knit team of experienced carpenters handcrafts interior and exterior furniture for homes and commercial settings. From kitchen benchtops and fireplaces to bathtubs, splashbacks and dining tables, glass fibre-reinforced concrete furniture achieves a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic while also being extremely durable.

 

What are the benefits of glass fibre-reinforced concrete?

• Strength: GFRC can have up to 4000psi flexural strength, which is considered an extremely high strength-to-weight ratio.

• Toughness: GFRC is highly resistant to cracks and shatters, and it’s easy to cut without chipping occurring.
• Durability: GFRC is far more durable than precast concrete, cast stone and even some varieties of natural stone. Water can’t find its way into GFRC surfaces, and there are no cracks in the material.

• Weight: The GFRC process allows us to cast concrete in much thinner sections, making it much lighter than if traditional concrete was used.

• Reinforcement: GFRC is reinforced internally, saving us the trouble of resorting to other, more difficult forms of reinforcing uniquely-shaped objects.
• Surface: Because the surface of the material is applied by spray, once it sets there are no voids, gaps or bugholes in the surface finish.
• Sustainability: GFRC is a more sustainable material, due to the fact that less cement is required than other methods, and commonly incorporates recycled materials into the composition.
• Expense: While GFRC is technically more expensive than conventional concrete if we were to weigh equal amounts side-by-side, GFRC surfaces can be much thinner. This means far less materials are used, and the finished product is often more affordable.
• Adaptability: When we spray or pour GFRC into a mould, it can be manipulated into just about any shape, regardless of how complex it is.

 

When it comes to concrete furniture, we are your GFRC specialists in Melbourne

Concrete Collective designs and manufactures premium quality GFRC furniture with impeccable attention to detail – from coffee tables and vanities to tapware, wall panels and more.

In addition to our eclectic range of stylish concrete furniture, our team has produced countless bespoke items for our clients all over Australia. Speak to us about how we can help you create a more inviting and practical environment for your home or workplace, with our luxurious custom GFRC furniture solutions.

 

Get in touch

To contact us directly, please call (03) 9457 4148. Alternatively, you can email info@concretecollective.com.au with your query or request, and we’ll provide a prompt response.