Introduction to GFRC Course

Learn our complete Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) production process from mould making and mix design through to casting, finishing and sealing. This online course teaches the methods used to create lightweight concrete benchtops, vanity tops, sinks and furniture.

Learn Directly From Us

Learn from the people who developed our GFRC methods, whether online or in person.


Industry Experience

Built on techniques developed through 15+ years of commercial concrete manufacturing.


Real Studio Methods

Learn the same workflows we use in our own commercial manufacturing studio.


What You'll Learn

Learn our complete GFRC production and design process used to create lightweight concrete benchtops, vanity tops, sinks and architectural concrete products.

  • Mould making and preparation

  • GFRC mix design and materials

  • Face coats and backing coats

  • Spraying and reinforcement techniques

  • Demoulding and finishing

  • Sealing and detailing

  • Troubleshooting common issues

  • Production workflows used in commercial fabrication

This course has two learning pathways:

"We don't hold back any information. We teach it exactly as we make it, day in, day out."

Philip Mark Martin

Course Instructor, Concrete Studio Director

Philip Mark Martin

Whether You're Starting or Scaling

Who This Course Is For

Whether you're completely new to GFRC or looking to refine your existing skills, this course is designed for anyone who wants to create professional-quality concrete products.


Builders & Contractors

Expand your current services and skill set. Learn practical GFRC fabrication techniques for residential, commercial and custom concrete projects.


Product Designers

Turn product ideas into durable, lightweight concrete pieces by understanding how professional GFRC products are designed and manufactured.


Makers & Artists

Create furniture, basins, sculpture and architectural pieces using proven GFRC techniques developed through years of commercial production.


Beginners

Start with the right techniques from day one and learn professional GFRC methods without relying on scattered videos, forums or trial and error.


Architects & Designers

Gain a deeper understanding of GFRC design, fabrication and specification to confidently integrate concrete into your projects.


Key Course Topics

  • GFRC Materials & Mix Design

  • Mould Making

  • Spray-Up & Casting Techniques

  • Reinforcement Methods

  • Integrated Vanity Tops

  • Concrete Basins & Sinks

  • Furniture Production

  • Sealing & Finishing

  • Architectural GFRC Fabrication

What will I actually be able to make?

By understanding the complete production process, you'll develop the practical skills needed to create your own furniture, benchtops, sinks and custom concrete pieces with confidence.

  • Vanity tops with cast-in sinks

  • Vessel basins & washbasins

  • Concrete benchtops & worktops

  • Lightweight foam-core pieces

  • Furniture tops & table surfaces

  • Custom moulded GFRC products

From Course to Finished Project

The project below represent just one of the applications possible with GFRC. A custom kitchen benchtop made using techniques taught on our online course.

Learn In-Person

Want to learn more about what it's like to take this course in-person?

Australian Course Dates


$2,420

AUD inc GST

14 - 15 Aug 2026

Fri / Sat - places remaining

28 - 29 Aug 2026

Fri / Sat - Sold Out

Not scheduled

Fri / Sat

Spanish Course Dates


€1,330

EUR inc IVA

Not scheduled

Fri / Sat

Not scheduled

Fri / Sat

Not scheduled

Fri / Sat

Learn Online

Whether you're looking to learn the fundamentals of GFRC or want access to every future course we release, there's an option to suit your goals.

All Current and Future Courses Included

$395

Note: all digital courses are priced in USD

Limited All-Access passes at this price


All Access: Complete GFRC Course Library


  • Everything included in Introduction to GFRC

  • Lifetime access to every future course

  • Access to all future course updates

  • Member Q&A sessions and webinars

  • Early access to new course releases

  • Help shape future course content

  • Refundable against any future in-person workshop

5 Modules

$245

Note: all digital courses are priced in USD


Introduction to GFRC Production


  • Instant access to the complete course

  • Learn the exact methods used in our workshop

  • Detailed video and written training modules

  • Lifetime access and future course updates

  • No adverts or unnecessary filler

  • Refundable against any future in-person workshop

Course Outline - What You'll Learn

Introduction to GFRC Production

MODULE 01

Mould Making

Learn the foundations of successful GFRC production through proper mould design and preparation. This module covers the materials, techniques and setup methods required to create accurate, repeatable moulds for concrete benchtops, vanity tops and architectural products.

You'll Learn

  • Types of materials used for formwork and mould construction

  • Mould setup techniques that save time during production

  • Building moulds for benchtops, tables, vanity tops and furniture

  • Sealing moulds for clean, professional edges

  • Creating blockouts for sinks, tapware and fixtures

MODULE 02

Mix Design & Materials

Learn the GFRC mix design and material selection process used in our own workshop. Understand how fibres, polymers, pigments and aggregates work together to create strong, lightweight concrete products.

You'll Learn

  • The exact mix design and methods we use every day

  • Face coat and backing coat preparation

  • Working with forced-action and planetary mixers

  • Hand mixing techniques for smaller projects

MODULE 03

Casting & Reinforcement

Master the casting techniques used to create lightweight, high-strength GFRC products. Learn how to avoid common defects while improving strength, consistency and finish quality.

You'll Learn

  • GFRC spraying techniques

  • Avoiding pinholes and weak edges

  • Applying reinforcement correctly

  • Creating lightweight foam-core structures

  • Face coat and backing coat application

  • Filling, screeding and trowelling

MODULE 04

Demoulding & Finishing

Learn how to safely remove pieces from moulds while protecting the finished product. Understand the timing, handling and finishing techniques that help achieve professional results.

You'll Learn

  • Preparing for successful demoulding

  • Avoiding warping, twisting and damage

  • Safe lifting techniques

  • Removing blockouts and sink forms

  • Grinding and finishing concrete surfaces

MODULE 05

Sealing & Detailing

The final stage of the process. Learn how to prepare, seal and detail concrete products for durability, appearance and long-term performance.

You'll Learn

  • Surface preparation for sealing

  • Different concrete sealer systems

  • Penetrating versus topical sealers

  • Grouting and pinhole repair

  • Polishing and final detailing

  • Applying primers and top coats

  • Quality control and final inspection

About Your Instructor

Philip Mark Martin

Phil’s journey with concrete began in 2003, when he created bespoke concrete furniture while restoring heritage properties on London’s South Bank. After moving to Australia in the late 2000s, he founded Concrete Studio: one of the first studios in the country dedicated exclusively to architectural concrete for interiors.

A designer at heart, Phil has always been driven by form, material, and innovation, balancing creativity with technical precision.

Based between Australia and Spain, he leads the development of global operations while continuing to shape the design direction that gives Concrete Studio its identity.

Philip Mark Martin

Learning through making

Hear from our students

These reviews come from students who have attended our workshops and training programmes. Their feedback reflects the practical, hands-on approach we take to teaching GFRC, concrete mould making, casting, finishing and sealing techniques.

Five stars

Testimonial

I would do this same course over and over again. Classmates were great. Most importantly, Phil & Brent incredibly kind, patient and easy going. Nothing was ever a problem. If you think to do this course, don’t hesitate. Two days of relaxed creative fun.

A image of student

Kendel Inverarity

Artist

Five stars

Testimonial

I just took part in a recent concrete casting workshop with Phil and Brett. It was absolutely brilliant from beginning to end! Phil is so generous with his knowledge, friendly and accommodating. We made a stunning vanity sink and table top. Well worth the course fee and I could not recommend this experience more highly 10/10.

A image of student

Monique Tippett

Artist

Five stars

Testimonial

Totally awesome experience!

Phil and the team are at the top of their game and couldn't do more to share the knowledge they have gained. So refreshing when most artisans keep their secrets closed to the rest of the community.

An image of student

Brad Groenewold

Workshop Student

What You'll Be Able to Create

The projects below were created by students attending our in-person GFRC workshops. They demonstrate what can be achieved by applying the same production methods, techniques and workflows taught throughout our training programmes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need previous concrete experience?

No. Our courses are designed for complete beginners through to experienced makers and professionals. We guide you through the entire process, from mould making and casting to finishing and sealing.

How is the course delivered?

The course is delivered entirely online through our training platform. Once enrolled, you'll receive immediate access to all course materials and can learn at your own pace from anywhere in the world.

How long will I have access to the course?

You'll receive lifetime access to the course, including future updates and improvements to the training material.

What is GFRC?

GFRC stands for Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete. It is a lightweight, high-strength concrete that uses alkali-resistant glass fibres for reinforcement, allowing the creation of durable concrete products with thinner sections and reduced weight.

What will I learn in this course?

You'll learn the complete GFRC production process, including mould making, mix design, casting, reinforcement, demoulding, finishing and sealing techniques used to create professional-quality concrete products.

What kinds of products can I make using these techniques?

The skills taught in this course can be applied to a wide range of GFRC products including integrated vanity tops, concrete sinks, vessel basins, benchtops, furniture pieces, table tops and custom moulded concrete projects.

What equipment do I need?

Many of the techniques taught can be practiced using relatively simple equipment. Throughout the course, we discuss both professional workshop setups and smaller-scale approaches suitable for individual makers.

Can I start a concrete business after completing this course?

The course teaches the practical production methods used in commercial GFRC manufacturing. While every business is different, many students take the skills learned in this course and apply them to professional projects or business ventures.

Is this course suitable for architects and designers?

Yes. Architects and designers often take the course to better understand how GFRC products are designed, manufactured and detailed, helping them make more informed design and specification decisions.

Will I be able to make concrete sinks and vanity tops after completing the course?

The techniques taught throughout the course are the same methods used to manufacture integrated vanity tops, concrete basins and sinks within our own workshop. These products form a core part of the training.

Is support included?

All-Access Members receive access to member Q&As. Course updates are also included as new content becomes available.

Can I upgrade to an in-person workshop later?

Yes. The purchase price of this course can be credited towards a future in-person Concrete Studio School workshop, making it an ideal starting point before attending hands-on training.

What Is GFRC?

GFRC stands for Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete. It is a lightweight, high-strength concrete that combines cement, fine aggregates, polymers and alkali-resistant glass fibres to create durable architectural products with exceptional design flexibility.

Unlike traditional concrete, GFRC can be cast in thinner sections while maintaining excellent strength and durability. This allows makers and fabricators to create lightweight concrete benchtops, vanity tops, sinks, furniture and architectural elements that would be difficult or impractical using conventional concrete methods.

The glass fibres act as reinforcement throughout the material, helping to reduce cracking, improve tensile strength and increase overall performance. Combined with modern polymers and production techniques, GFRC has become one of the most widely used materials for architectural concrete fabrication.

At Concrete Studio, we use GFRC to manufacture concrete basins, vanity tops, furniture, cladding and custom architectural products. The techniques taught in this course are based on the same production methods we use in our own workshop every day.

Whether you're interested in concrete furniture, concrete benchtops, concrete sinks or architectural concrete fabrication, learning GFRC opens up a wide range of creative and commercial opportunities.