How to create an "X" factor!

Architectural Masonry 20 Series Firth’s Architectural Masonry is an advanced masonry block that integrates the use of high performance materials with good design detailing and workmanship. Honed walls transform into a granite look. Here Firth’s 20 series half height block is used in colour Onyx with Dricon’s Black Onyx Mortar.

Polished Concrete Exposed Aggregates are achieved by washing away the top layer of concrete to leave the surface layer of aggregate exposed.

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.