POULSBO —  If Absolute ConcreteWorks principal artisan Tommy Cook needs to use laminate board and PVC pipe to make a mold for a concrete counter top, he’ll do it.

If it takes foil, leaves from the forest or any other random objects to create his artistic endeavors, then that’s what it will take.

But the work that comes out of his company’s production studios must meet one requirement.

“If it’s not functional, we won’t do it,” Cook said.

Cook, along with business partner and company president Steve Silberman and their crew, has been working out of one of the industrial park suites off Minder Road since March, but what Cook and the company create using concrete is nothing short of extraordinary.

One of the company’s signature pieces is its custom-made “pond” sink, in which both the counter top and water basin are irregular in shape — much like the edges of pond — green in color and typically has rocks and beach glass incorporated into the piece. The client can choose the type of support base they want for the sink, which could be another piece of sculpted concrete or, as seen in the company’s showroom, a piece of driftwood.

While they use the simple science of concrete, it’s what they add to the mixture and how they create the sculpture that brings their unique pieces to life.

Colors are added by hand, using acid stains and liquid dyes, and many of the pieces are created from molds built on site. Most of those molds are disassembled after being used once, but the pieces are often used in other molds for new projects.

The company takes great pride in its environmentally-friendly operations, including using water-based finishes and recycling materials.

For larger pieces, a special mix called glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) is used, which has an additive in it to keep the piece from cracking under immense weight.

“It gives us the capacity to do strong pieces (while keeping) the weight down,” Cook said as he pointed out the one-inch thick 10-foot by 4-foot conference table in the showroom. The table also displays the company’s use of colors as Cook created a vibrant ocean and beach scene into the table top. It is supported by sculptures in the shape of seahorses.

Employees and the clients collaborate on what the final piece will look like. In fact, Cook gets much of his inspiration from clients.

“I have so many ideas running through my head,” he said. “I love what I do — I just think it’s cool.”

Silberman and Cook strongly encourage client participation in the creation of their work, such as contributing beach glass, rocks or leaves from their property to be incorporated into the piece.

“We help personalize their products,” Silberman said.

“They can really make it theirs,” Cook added.

Cook started in the concrete business about seven years ago and has been in construction all his life, including designing kitchen and bathrooms and working as a general contractor.

“Everything I’ve done plays into what I’m doing now,” he said.

Silberman joined Cook after the two worked together on remodeling Silberman’s kitchen and was impressed by the business and appreciated Cook’s friendship.

“We feel like we come to fun everyday, not work,” Silberman said.