Microconcrete design is all the rage, and with the growing interest comes cheap substitutes and imitations. But how do you tell real, handmade microconcrete furniture from a mass-produced, low-quality copy that won't last long?
At Betoniq.cz, we specialize in premium quality. We have prepared a comparison for you to help you distinguish authenticity, durability and investment value .
1. Patina and Texture: Craftsman's Impression vs. Machine Print
You can see the biggest difference at first sight and touch.
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Real micro concrete (Betoniq) |
Cheap imitation/Mass production |
|---|---|
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Unique patina: Hand-applied with a trowel creates a unique texture, subtle color transitions and depth. No two tables will ever be the same. |
Uniform appearance: Often a wallpaper, melamine or foil with a repeating, artificial pattern is applied. It gives a flat and unnatural impression. |
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Tactile quality: The surface is pleasant, matte and has a slight depth. |
The surface is often too smooth, plastic-like or unpleasant to the touch. |
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Authenticity: You can actually see the imprints of the handwork . |
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2. Composition and Durability: Composite vs. Hollow Laminate
This is where the bread is broken in the area of longevity. Microconcrete is a composite material based on cement, polymers and fine fillers.
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Real micro concrete (Betoniq) |
Cheap imitation/Mass production |
|---|---|
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High strength: Hand-applied thin layers on a solid substrate create a highly durable composite . Not prone to cracking. |
Fragile material: Often used is thin laminate, plastic, or a layer of poor quality, heavy resin that is brittle and cracks easily. |
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Water resistance: Thanks to the final polyurethane varnish, the surface is perfectly sealed and impervious to water and stains. |
It relies only on a thin layer of paint or foil, which is easily damaged. Damage allows moisture to penetrate into the core. |
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Maintenance: Almost maintenance-free. Just wipe. |
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3. Weight and Mobility: Light Art vs. Heavy Handling
Concrete furniture evokes a sense of weight, which is often true of imitations. However, real microconcrete uses modern technology to reduce the weight.
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Real micro concrete (Betoniq) |
Cheap imitation/Mass production |
|---|---|
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Light weight: Microconcrete is applied in just millimeters on a lightweight supporting frame. Our side tables are lightweight and easy to move. |
Heavy and impractical: Some imitations use cheap and heavy concrete. Such furniture is difficult to move and can damage floors. |
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Quick installation: Thanks to their reasonable weight, our pendant lights are also easy to install. |
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Comparison Chart: Why Quality Is Always the Better Choice
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Criterion |
Real Microbeton (Betoniq.cz) |
Cheap imitations (Foil, Laminate) |
|---|---|---|
|
Texture and Patina |
Handmade, unique, with depth. |
Machine, repetitive, flat. |
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Endurance |
Polyurethane varnish, composite, water resistance. |
Thin layer, easy to damage, swells when moisture enters. |
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Lifespan |
Long-lasting, an investment for years (gains patina). |
Short (wear and tear is visible after 2-3 years). |
|
Weight |
Lightweight and mobile. |
Often unnecessarily heavy, or on the contrary, plastically light. |
Conclusion: Invest in authenticity and craftsmanship
Don't pay for the illusion of concrete . Micro-concrete furniture b etoniq is an investment in authentic material and honest handwork.
When you choose our bedside table or ottoman , you are buying a piece of art that has a story, will last for years, and thanks to its handmade design, you will never see the same design in another home. That is a value that cheap mass production simply cannot offer.
