How to create an "X" factor! banner

Products used: Exposed Aggregate

Summary:

Jason Torbet from Polished Concrete Ltd has been in the business of creating beautiful concrete and masonry finishes for his customers for many years. This time he was able to use his skills on his own home by starting with Firth’s Architectural Masonry 20 series and an aggregate polished concrete floor - then working his magic!

When it came to choosing products for his own home he knew where to turn. Jason explains, “We chose Firth’s 20 series half height block in Black Onyx with Dricon’s Black Onyx grout to match as we wanted to create a feature wall in the lounge using a black block.”

Jason asked his block layer, Andy Sale from Sale Masonry Ltd, to stack bond the block to create the modern look he was after. “Once the wall was laid we ground it in-situ and polished it to a 200# finish,” adds Jason. “We then thoroughly vacuumed and mopped it several times with a microfiber mop before applying a specialist penetrating sealer - which doesn’t have any enhancing properties other than to seal the block.”

To complete the ‘look’ Jason chose a 25mpa 19mm structural concrete mix for the lounge floor with all sided mirror ‘broadcast’ throughout. This was also polished and sealed to perfection.

Firth was also asked to supply concrete for the driveway which was 25mpa 19mm standard structural mix and includes a half shot of black oxide from Firth’s Atmospheric range - to complete the picture.

“We love the finish of our lounge wall as it ties in really well with the Diamond Polished Concrete floor,” says Jason. “Many of our friends and family have shown great interest in it as a feature wall with a difference. We agree the black blocks are the ‘X’ factor. We have done many walls for our clients over the years but this one has to be my favourite.”

Jason says that to achieve amazing results, getting the correct advice before pouring floors or laying blocks is essential.

How to create an "X" factor!

Professionals used in
How to create an "X" factor!

About the
Professional

Firth is one of New Zealand's best known and most trusted trade names in concrete. They have been developing, manufacturing and delivering concrete and concrete products to New Zealanders for almost a century. 

90 year proud history

The history of Firth is part of the history of New Zealand. Firth's capability extends through the construction industry, roading & infrastructure, industrial and commercial projects to residential builds.

Industry leading

All of our products are formulated to meet strict NZ standards. Our engineers ensure Firth customers consistently receive delivery of the highest quality product that they can rely on. Our concrete products are tried and trusted so customers can be sure what we make, makes the grade. Always.

Our national, dependable brands include: Firth Certified Concrete®, Firth Masonry, Firth RibRaft® floors, Dricon® bagged concretes, mortars and sands.

Innovation that endures

From day one innovation has been at our core, but not at the expense of long lasting durability. In 1925, the 'original' Firth family with their entrepreneurial spirit created innovative concrete products that made life easier.

Today's wider Firth family still carries that same can-do spirit into today's market challenges. Our designers work alongside our engineers to ensure new designs will stand up to the rigors of time.

Kiwi Made

Like the people who manufacture them, our concrete ranges are all products of New Zealand. We employ 650 people spread across 70 plant sites throughout the country.

Firth's strength lies in its regional relationships delivering a quality service locally to loyal customers, every day.

At ArchiPro we recognise and acknowledge the existing, original and ancient connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to the lands and waterways across the Australian continent. We pay our respects to the elders past and present. We commit to working together to build a prosperous and inclusive Australia.