Shirestone Countertops
Creative Designs Within Reach
by Christina Yeager
Looking at Shirestone countertops, it is hard to believe the materials are created on site without the help of templates or fabrication.Having the look and feel of natural stone or slate, Shirestone countertops provide an incomparable look and feel for any commercial, residential, indoor or outdoor arenas, and are the perfect fit for new construction or remodeling.
Unexpected Beginnings
Shirestone CustomCountertops stems fromMatt Jecker's original contracting company, Stone Craft, LLC. Jecker, a Missouri native, became intrigued with concrete products and their artistic qualities while being exposed to the materials during his work as a graphic designer.With the help of his wife, Debbie, Jecker's contracting company began and his artistic eye for custom flooring projects catapulted the company to success.
Jecker's reputation as an artist and craftsman grew to alpine heights upon completion of numerous residential and commercial projects in southwest Missouri. Quickly thereafter, he sensed a demand for "something different" in countertop surfaces. In 2004, after Jecker spent five years developing and refining techniques for a unique custom product, he formed Counterfit Systems, Inc. The second company was created to train, license and provide materials to nationwide, qualified dealers to be authorized to sell and install Shirestone Custom Countertops. By summer of 2007, there were nearly 200 authorized dealers and installers in more than 40 U.S. states and Canada.
A Design for All
Shirestone countertops are an incredibly versatile product, and are easily maintainable. With installation available even on existing countertops, the surfaces are extremely durable while remaining relatively lightweight.
No two counters are the same with Shirestone. The countertops are custom designed to fit any shape. Options are available, such as inlay additions and lighting. The beauty of Shirestone countertops is unavoidable; swirls of color inundate surfaces, creating a facade of natural stone or slate in a seamless, non-porous material.
Jecker says the company has worked hard to perfect its product, hiring a scientific team to help with mix designs. The involvement produced great results. Thanks to the science behind the product, Jecker's countertops have reached an elevated status?and everyone wants a piece. It is not a hard task for most builders to become dealers, as they can easily create Jecker's countertops.
Builders now have access to non-porous, lightweight and durable countertops that maintain a natural look of slate or stone. And Shirestone products are a blessing since tops are mixed and poured-in-place with a continuous pour on site, saving the builder from weeks, even months, of waiting for the product to reach the jobsite from a fabricator. Although builders can bring Shirestone into their building repertoire, Jecker says they need to keep in mind that it is not something to be bought into like a franchise. Shirestone sells the raw materials directly to builders while providing training and certification.
Jecker recognizes the contribution made toward builders' profit margins. Shirestone also helps builders create a unique identity for their companies through its numerous creative countertops. Creativity is the key to Shirestone designs. From custom designed backsplashes to outdoor living areas to bars?a new world is created. The product is developing a tremendous following with its high-end quality. Shirestone's success is due to its being the ultimate design solution to any creative canvas dilemma.
The Process
Shirestone countertops are hand-crafted using a proprietary formula designed to create a durable yet lightweight casting material. Most projects are poured on site, providing a seamless surface while assuring a perfect fit. Each top is custom stained using a variety of colors and
