FAQ

• Q. What is Precast Concrete?

• Q. What Precast Concrete does Laguna Precast supply?
  FEATHERWEIGHT CONCRETE™ FOAMCAST CONCRETE™

• Balusters
  Sections/Pins/Top Rails/Bottom Rails

• Posts & Columns Pier/Newel/Pilaster/Vertical/Horizontal

• Caps Wall/Post/Finials

• Foamcast Precast Surrounds/Sills/Keystones

• Trim Details Base/Corbels/Cornice/Rosettes/Quoins

• Table Sets Cement/Tile/Granite & Travertine Tops

• Benches Cement/Tile/Granite & Travertine Tops

• Planters Pots/Urns/Basins

• Fountains Moveable/Built in Place

• Finishes & Colors Custom Designs/Stock Colors

• Before & After Gallery Photos

• Q. How do I order?

FAQ

Q. What is Precast Concrete?

A. Precast Concrete is a variey of products manufactured from concrete in a reuseable mold or form. Precast Concrete is a broad term for many types of casted concrete, it encompasses products like fountains, pottery and concrete table sets, which would be referenced as Precast Concrete Bollards or Site Furnishings. Precast Architectural Concrete is non-structural facades that give character to architecture. Paneling, cast stone details, planters and fencing balustrades are all examples of facades. Precast Concrete is also used to make large items such as sound walls, underground drain systems and even building systems that are structural.

Q. What types of Precast Concrete does Laguna Precast supply?

A. FEATHERWEIGHT CONCRETE™
FOAMCAST CONCRETE™

A. Site Furnishings and Architectural Facades. We supply Site Furnishings and Architectural Facades to Architects, Developers, Contractors, Installers and Homeowners. (see minimum order) Laguna Precast supplies non-structural precast concrete parts including facade details, furniture, water features and balustrade fencing. We have nine product categories to facilitate and decorate an allure of landscapes and structures.

B. Laguna Precast features FEATHERWEIGHT CONCRETE™. It weighs 40% less than ready mix concrete, and at over 2000 PSI, it is just as strong. It is an available option for most of our products for an additional 20% charge. We often recommend its use for less structural strain, easier installation and less shipping costs. Balusters are often ordered in FEATHERWEIGHT CONCRETE™ for installations on balconies.

C. Laguna Precast's Architectural facades that are vertically installed use FOAMCAST CONCRETE™. Without compromising strength, as foam details do, it has 1/2'' of 8000psi. glass fiber reinforced concrete over foam. The FOAMCAST CONCRETE™ products make precast installation the fastest and easiest in the industry. Screws or nails support the details and keep them straight as the adhesive dries.

To see Baluster products, pricing and gallery, click on a photo.

Balusters-Sections/Pins/Top Rails/Bottom Rails

Specifications

To get a products dimensions and drawings, write down there three digit product code. When viewing the product you can click on it's image and link to the AutoCAD/PDF page. Then click on the code you want to retrieve. They are very detailed and will answer most installation questions and dimensions of the product. Homeowners can ask there contractor or installer any questions that are specific to the job. If you are looking for help with your job, see our list on Architects/Contractors/Installers/Engineers page or email us your zip code and job type so we can offer local referrals in your area.

General Installation

Baluster Sections,(101-106) are three linear feet long and have seven pieces. They include five balustrade pins, one top rail and one bottom rail. Balustrade pins have re bar running thru them and extending out of the tops and bottoms. Bottom rails are precasted with holes spaced seven inches on center and top rails have a grooved channel underneath them. Currently available in five different adjustable radius OD's* that accommodate most all curves.

To see Baluster products, pricing and gallery, click on a photo.

On a level area without an elevation drop, the first step of section installation is setting the bottom rail. The installation surface, (wood,cement slab,block wall or footing) will determine the materials needed for bottom rail attachment. The second step is evenly placing and setting the balustrade pins re bar into the bottom rails precasted holes. Use pour stone, latex thinset, spec mix, epoxy or another type of adhesive/mortar, (depending on the job application) to secure them. Be sure that all pins are plum and level until adhesive/mortar dries to prevent shifting**. The last step is to secure the top rail onto the tops of the pins re bar with the same adhesive/motar. Some applications will require re bar running perpendicular across the tops of pins and tying to each pins re bar.(check local codes and see more specific plan drawings*** on this site)

Be sure to sponge clean excess mortar before it dries. We suggest 1/4'' spaced grout lines. For radius sections, raked elevations or radius raked installs,(stairs) we strongly suggest that only experienced masons/contractors perform installs****.

*Outside Dimension
**If you leave the job before the mortar dries and the pins shift, the material
often needs to be replaced.
***See details on the PDF file below.
****If your surface is a flat and level concrete slab, the job is easy. If there is elevation changes such as stairs, there will need to be a lot of cutting. This should
be done by a Mason.

To see AutoCAD & PDF's, click on this photo.

Quality

Alkaline resistant fiberglass, Colton Block-type 2 type-4 cement, white cement, re bar reinforced, water reducers, add mixes. over 2000 PSI strength. Temperature/climate resilient ............. Baluster pins are items with dramatically changing shapes and we guarantee them not to break, but sometimes hairline cracks occur that we can not guarantee. See the before and after gallery pictures of Laguna Precast balusters on commercial buildings, and even homes of satisfied customers.

Textures

Laguna Precast products are manufactured with one of three different types of molds, fiberglass, latex or silicon. Each of these materials give a different texture to the finished product. We use silicon molds for smooth finished products with less details in them. Examples of silicon molded products are wall caps, (307, 308 and 309) window sills and surrounds; our Foamcast™ products, (404, 405 and 406) are good examples. Latex is best for items with fine details such as planters with designs, (812,813, and 817) and fountain parts that have lifelike designs such as the Palm tree fountains and also fountains, (901, 904 and 908). Finally fiberglass molds are used to mass produce with less cost and labor. They yield a texture that is slightly courser than silicon or latex. Our products that are made with fiberglass molds are most balustrade pins, table sets, benches and some other examples are many of the posts & columns. Laguna Precast uses the most cost effective materials to achieve the most attractive look for our products. Be sure to click on the pictures to see each product close up view.

Balusters pins have a slightly coarse texture to them, while the rails are a smoother finish. The top rails are comfortable to lean against or sit on. This unique texture blend is not only attractive, it is multi functional.

To see Posts & Columns products, pricing and gallery, click on a photo.

Posts & Columns Pier/Newel/Pilaster/Vertical/ Horizontal

Specifications

To get a products dimensions and drawings, write down the three digit product code. When viewing the product you can click on it's image and link to the AutoCAD/PDF page. Then click on the code you want to retrieve. They are very detailed and will answer most installation questions and dimensions of the product. Homeowners can ask there contractor or installer any questions that are specific to the job. If you are looking for help with your job, see our list on Architects/Contractors/Installers/Engineers page or email us your zip code and job type so we can offer local referrals in your area.

General Installation

Posts for balusters are often just mortared in place and attached to top rails with re bar doweled into them. Below is an example of permitted installation for a balcony job. Engineers will have to approve or stamp designs by Architects for contractors to receive permits in many projects. Some jobs such as landscape decoration, posts are simply mortared to a footing.

To see AutoCAD & PDF's, click on this photo.

Columns are installed differently in just about every application. The horizontally divided columns are stacked and usually filled with concrete and vertical columns are typically wrapping a structural post or beam. Both types of columns are difficult to install correctly and we suggest that only licensed contractors assemble them. Contractors that are new users of Laguna Precast columns can contact us for instructions and suggestions that pertain each type of installation.

Quality

"Jim H. info"- Alkaline resistant fiberglass, Colton Block-type 2 type-4 cement, white cement, re bar reinforced, water reducers, add mixes. over 2000 PSI strength. Temperature/climate resilient ............. Columns are items with.... See the Before and After gallery pictures of Laguna Precast Columns on commercial buildings, and even homes with our happy satisfied customers.

Textures

Laguna Precast products are manufactured in three different types of molds, fiberglass, latex and silicon. Each of these materials give a different texture to the finished product. We use silicon molds for smooth finished products with less details in them. Examples of silicon molded products are wall caps, (307, 308 and 309) window sills and surrounds our FOAMCAST CONCRETE™ products, (404, 405 and 406) are good examples. Latex is best for items with fine details such as planters with designs, (812,813, and 817) and fountain parts that have lifelike designs such as the Palm tree fountains and also fountains, (901, 904 and 908). Finally fiberglass molds are used to mass produce with less cost and labor. They yield a texture that is slightly courser than silicon or latex. Our products that are made with fiberglass molds are most balustrade pins, table sets, benches and some other examples are many of the posts & columns. Laguna Precast uses the most cost effective materials to achieve the most attractive look for our products. Be sure to click on the pictures to see each product's close up view.

To see the Caps products, gallery and pricing, click on a photo.

Caps-Wall/Post/Finials

Specifications

To get a products dimensions and files, write down there three digit product code. When viewing the product you can click on it's image and link to the AutoCAD/PDF page. Then click on the code you want to retrieve. They are very detailed and will answer most installation questions and dimensions of the product. Homeowners can ask there contractor or installer any questions that are specific to the job. If you are looking for help with your job, see our list on Architects/Contractors/Installers/Engineers page or email us your zip code and job type so we can offer local referrals in your area.

General Installation

Caps are normally mortared in place. We recommend using a high quality product to do this. The climate will help you choose on the type of mortar that is best for the job. A Laguna Precast sales rep will help or recommend products for your climate after you pay for the order. Cutting is usually minimal when installing caps, there is going to be areas like corners or ends of wall lengths to cut. When placeing caps on long straight leanghts of walls be shure to use a string line. If you don't know what a string line is use a contractor/mason for the job!

Quality

"Jim H. info"- Alkaline resistant fiberglass, Colton Block-type 2 type-4 cement, white cement, re bar reinforced, water reducers, add mixes. over 2000 PSI strength. Temperature/climate resilient ............. Caps are items we guarantee them not to break. See the Before and After gallery pictures of Laguna Precast Caps on jobs, and even homes with our happy satisfied customers.

Textures

Laguna Precast products are manufactured in three different types of molds, fiberglass, latex and silicon. Each of these materials give a different texture to the finished product. We use silicon molds for smooth finished products with less details in them. Examples of silicon molded products are wall caps, (307, 308 and 309) window sills and surrounds our Foamcast™ products, (404, 405 and 406) are good examples. Latex is best for items with fine details such as planters with designs, (812,813, and 817) and fountain parts that have lifelike designs such as the Palm tree fountains and also fountains, (901, 904 and 908). Finally fiberglass molds are used to mass produce with less cost and labor. They yield a texture that is slightly courser than silicon or latex. Our products that are made with fiberglass molds are most balustrade pins, table sets, benches and some other examples are many of the posts & columns. Laguna Precast uses the most cost effective materials to achieve the most attractive look for our products. Be sure to click on the pictures to see each product close up view.

All of our new Caps and Finials are made with silicon molds to give them a smooth texture. We are always making new molds and are currently expanding this category. Call or email us to find out what products are available that havn't posted yet. We are always willing to make new custom molds for large orders.

Precast:To see the gallery and prices, click on a photo.

Precast Foamcast-Surrounds/Sills/Keystones

Specifications

To get a products dimensions and files, write down there three digit product code. When viewing the product you can click on it's image and link to the AutoCAD/PDF page. Then click on the code you want to retrieve. They are very detailed and will answer most installation questions along with dimensions of the product. Homeowners can ask there contractor or installer any questions that are specific to the job. If you are looking for help with your job, see our list on Architects/Contractors/Installers/Engineers page or email us your zip code and job type so we can offer local referrals in your area.

General Installation

Precast has installation has changed forever with FOAMCAST CONCRETE™. Vertically attached Foamcast details are installed in a fraction of the time solid precast details are installed. Simply by inserting a screw or dowel into the surface of attachment, applying adhesive to the back of the detail and then pushing the detail onto the screw or dowel that will hold it in place until the adhesive dries. The foamcast detail is light enough to hang on the screws and still has the integrity of solid precast with 3/8'' of glass fiber reinforced concrete over the foam. FOAMCAST CONCRETE™ has the look, feel, integrity, and strength of solid precast with the rapid installation ability of a foam or basecoated foam detail. A foamcast detail is also cost effective, considering not only the labor savings compared to solid precast installation but the fact there is no need to base coat for stength or stucco over it for texture and color.

Quality

"Jim H. info"- Alkaline resistant fiberglass, Colton Block-type 2 type-4 cement, white cement, re bar reinforced, water reducers, add mixes. over 5000 PSI strength. Temperature/climate resilient ............. homes with our happy satisfied customers.

Durability

Foam details often get damaged for many reasons. They are often coated with a thin layer of base coating and stucco, sometimes just stucco color coating. This is simply not strong enough to withstand the elements or environment that the details will encounter. Track homes in the United States are often detailed with foam. Damage can occur when a child leans a bicycle onto a foam detail, it can possibly dent or even puncture a hole in the detail. Other areas of homes such as eves or cornice that are above the first level can become nests for birds or other small animals. When a ladder is used to reach upper levels of the structure it can penetrate holes in foam details. FOAMCAST CONCRETE™ details are concrete with a foam insert for installation. They will withstand the elements and the kids, birds or other unforeseen problems.

Trim DetailsTo see the gallery and prices, click on a photo.

GFRC Trim Details- Bases/Corbels/Cornice/Rosettes/ Quoins

Specifications

To get a products dimensions and files, write down there three digit product code. When viewing the product you can click on it's image and link to the AutoCAD/PDF page. Then click on the code you want to retrieve. They are very detailed and will answer most installation questions and dimensions of the product. Homeowners can ask there contractor or installer any questions that are specific to the job. If you are looking for help with your job, see our list on Architects/Contractors/Installers/Engineers page or email us your zip code and job type so we can offer local referrals in your area.

General Installation

Precast has installation has changed forever with FOAMCAST CONCRETE™ details. Vertically attached Foamcast details are installed in a fraction of the time solid precast details are installed. Simply by inserting a screw or dowel into the surface of attachment, applying adhesive to the back of the detail and then pushing the detail onto the screw or dowel that will hold it in place until the adhesive dries. The foamcast detail is light enough to hang on the screws and still has the integrity of solid precast with 3/8'' of concrete over the foam. FOAMCAST CONCRETE™ has the look, feel, integrity, and strength of solid precast with the rapid installation ability of a foam or basecoated foam detail. A foamcast detail is also cost effective, considering not only the labor savings compared to solid precast but the fact there is no need to base coat for stength or stucco over it for texture and color.

Quality

Jim H. info- Alkaline Resitant fiberglass,Colton type 2-4 block cement, Riverside white cement, rebar reinforced,...

Durability

Foam details often get damaged for many reasons. They are coated with a thin layer of base coating and stucco of sometimes just stucco color coating. This is simply not strong enough to withstand the elements or environment that the details will encounter. Track homes in the United States are often detailed with foam. When a child leans a bicycle into a foam detail it causes a dent or even a hole in the detail. Other areas of homes such as eves or cornice areas that are above the first level can become nests for birds or other small animals. When a ladder is used to reach upper levels of the structure it can penetrate holes in foam details.Foamcast details are concrete with a foam insert for installation. They will withstand the elements and the kids, birds or other unforeseen problems.

Table Sets-To see the gallery and prices, click on a photo.

Table Sets-Concrete/Tile/Granite&Travertine

Specifications

To get a products dimensions and files, write down there three digit product code. When viewing the product you can click on it's image and link to the AutoCAD/PDF page. Then click on the code you want to retrieve. They are very detailed and will answer most installation questions and dimensions of the product. Homeowners can ask there contractor or installer any questions that are specific to the job. If you are looking for help with your job, see our list on Architects/Contractors/Installers/Engineers page or email us your zip code and job type so we can offer local referrals in your area.

General Installation

Although heavy, Laguna Precast table sets are simple to install. Use a polyurethane adhesive to glue the tops to the bases. Areas with high traffic or public places consider gluing the bases to the ground as well.

Quality

"Jim H. info"- Alkaline resistant fiberglass, Colton Block-type 2 type-4 cement, white cement, re bar reinforced, water reducers, add mixes. over 2000 PSI strength. Temperature/climate resilient ............. See the before and after gallery pictures of Laguna Precast table sets, and even homes with our happy satisfied customers.

Durability

Made out of concrete and reinforced with steel Laguna Precast table sets will last forever and endure all climates. Clean them by hosing them off with your garden hose. Low maintenance furniture that doesn't need to be replaced or refinished every other year like most outdoor furniture.

Benches-To see the gallery and prices, click on a photo.

Benches-Concrete/Tile/Granite&Travertine

Specifications

To get a products dimensions and files, write down there three digit product code. When viewing the product you can click on it's image and link to the AutoCAD/PDF page. Then click on the code you want to retrieve. They are very detailed and will answer most installation questions and dimensions of the product. Homeowners can ask there contractor or installer any questions that are specific to the job. If you are looking for help with your job, see our list on Architects/Contractors/Installers/Engineers page or email us your zip code and job type so we can offer local referrals in your area.

General Installation

Although heavy, Laguna Precast benches are simple to install. Use a polyurethane adhesive to glue the tops to the bases. Areas with high traffic or public places consider gluing the pedal stools to the ground as well.

Quality

"Jim H. info"- Alkaline resistant fiberglass, Colton Block-type 2 type-4 cement, white cement, re bar reinforced, water reducers, add mixes. over 2000 PSI strength. Temperature/climate resilient ............. See the before and after gallery pictures of Laguna Precast benches on commercial buildings, and even homes with our happy satisfied customers.

Durability

Made out of concrete and reinforced with steel Laguna Precast benches will last forever and endure all climates. Clean them by hosing them off with your garden hose. Low maintenance furniture that doesn't need to be replaced or refinished every other year like most outdoor furniture.

Planters-To see the gallery and prices, click on a photo.

Planters-Pots/Urns/Water Basins

Specifications

To get a products dimensions and files, write down there three digit product code. When viewing the product you can click on it's image and link to the AutoCAD/PDF page. Then click on the code you want to retrieve. They are very detailed and will answer most installation questions and dimensions of the product. Homeowners can ask there contractor or installer any questions that are specific to the job. If you are looking for help with your job, see our list on Architects/Contractors/Installers/Engineers page or email us your zip code and job type so we can offer local referrals in your area.

General Installation

No installation is necessary, just place them where you want them and add your favorite plants.

Quality

"Jim H. info"- Alkaline resistant fiberglass, Colton Block-type 2 type-4 cement, white cement, re bar reinforced, water reducers, add mixes. over 2000 PSI strength. Temperature/climate resilient ............. See the before and after gallery pictures of Laguna Precast Planters on commercial buildings, and even homes with our happy satisfied customers.

Durability

Made out of concrete and reinforced with steel Laguna Precast planters will last forever and endure all climates. Clean them by hosing them off with your garden hose. Low maintenance concrete that doesn't need to be replaced or refinished every other year like plastic pottery.

Fountains-To see the gallery and prices, click on a photo.

Fountains-Movable/Built-in

Specifications

To get a products dimensions and files, write down there three digit product code. When viewing the product you can click on it's image and link to the AutoCAD/PDF page. Then click on the code you want to retrieve. They are very detailed and will answer most installation questions and dimensions of the product. Homeowners can ask there contractor or installer any questions that are specific to the job. If you are looking for help with your job, see our list on Architects/Contractors/Installers/Engineers page or email us your zip code and job type so we can offer local referrals in your area.

General Installation

We recommend using a licensed contractor or landscape company to install and give you a warranty on fountain installation.

Quality

"Jim H. info"- Alkaline resistant fiberglass, Colton Block-type 2 type-4 cement, white cement, re bar reinforced, water reducers, add mixes. over 2000 PSI strength. Temperature/climate resilient ............. See the before and after gallery pictures of Laguna Precast fountains on commercial buildings, and even homes with our happy satisfied customers.

Durability

Made out of concrete and reinforced with steel Laguna Precast fountains will last forever and endure all climates. Clean them by hosing them off with your garden hose. Low maintenance concrete that doesn't need to be replaced or refinished every other year.

Finishes & Colors-To see the gallery and prices, click on a photo.

Colors-Custom Examples/Laguna Precast Stains

Custom Colors

There are many ways to color concrete to get the look you want, or the look you want to create. The Finishes gallery and page shows examples of colors created by our customers and contractors. Common products that are used to color concrete are paints, stains and clear coatings. With unlimited options the project designer and/or customer can make their own choices.

Laguna Precast Colors

Laguna Precast offers five different acid stain color options for our products. Acid stains are created by a chemical reaction with the concrete, and while they penetrate color into the concrete, they are not always consistent. Acid stains make concrete look more like a natural stone rather than a solid painted color. We recommend ordering our precast with its natural concrete white color for most all of our products. With so many options available, and the difficulty of matching colors off the job site, we do not guarantee colors. Go to the gallery to see some of your options and email or call with any questions.

Durability

Laguna Precast uses acid stain colors that penetrate 1/16'' into the concrete to give a natural stone look. Color will always lighten with time and sunlight but last for years as all colors do.

Before & After-To see the gallery and prices, click on a photo.

Before & After

Browse the gallery and scroll down the page to see examples of past jobs and get ideas for your project.

Q. How do I order?

While browsing the site write down the 3 digit item codes and quantities of the products you need, then use the calculator to input items & quantities of your material. The calculator will add up the order and also give you shipment weight and number of pallets for your order. Email sales to have a representative complete your order estimate with shipping charges. Have your project plans available to help us assist you with questions when calling. Please allow 2-4 weeks for product delivery for most orders. There is a 2,000.00 minimum product order for all shipments or products can be picked up FOB at our freight forwarding company in San Diego CA.