Frequently Asked Questions

GRC planters and street furniture can be coloured in a variety of ways including the integration of a pigment or with the application of different types of surface coatings such as paints or acid oxides.

Each of these colouring options has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, no matter which colour finish you choose to go with, it is generally good practice to obtain an actual colour swatch before placing an order for any GRC project.

Electronic swatches are notoriously unreliable because they are highly reliant on the computer and monitor being used to view them. Therefore, the same electronic swatch may look considerably different on two separate computer monitors.

For more information refer to the “COLOURED GRC” information sheet held in the “Download Library” section Satu Bumi’s web site at: www.satubumi.com.au

GRC is an incredibly versatile material for pre-casting. Therefore, the finish and texture options available for GRC are extensive and include: -

• Colour coating such as paints and oxide washes.

• Integrated pigments.

• Integrated aggregates.

• Surface finishes such as brushed or pitted.

• Moulded-in finishes such as faux timber.

For more information, refer to the “Custom Made GRC Options & Extras” selection from the “Custom GRC Solutions” drop down menu on the top of each page of the Satu Bumi web site at: www.satu.bumi.com.au

Yes. Reckli is a highly regarded, international supplier of pre-cast concrete textured moulds. Upon request, Reckli forms can be used by Satu Bumi in GRC moulds.

Yes. Where swatches are required, the following process should be followed to ensure there is no confusion between the customer’s understanding of what is signed off on Satu Bumi’s shop drawings and the practical result:

• Satu Bumi will send two copies of the relevant swatch to the customer.

• The customer can keep one swatch copy for future reference.

• Production will not start until Satu Bumi receives customer approval of the swatches via email.

Yes. As part of Satu Bumi’s early-stage customer service, at no cost and with no obligation, Satu Bumi will provide potential customers and architects with conceptual drawings of custom designs as a basis for establishing a reasonably solid vision from which to provide a realistic cost of production estimate.

Yes. Upon request, Satu Bumi will provide prototypes.

The maximum dimensions for pre-cast GRC products are more to do with the practicalities of transport and installation than any specific limitation of GRC as a base pre-cast material. However, the following are guidelines that Satu Bumi generally recommends from a practical perspective: -

• ‍Height: No more than 1.5 m

• Length: No more than 2.5 m

• Width: No less than .5 m

  and No more than 2.5 m

Yes. Tiles can either be glued to the GRC itself or attached using ferrules imbedded in the GRC during manufacture. However, where possible, glueing is generally a preferred method because it does not require any engineering certification.

Splitting planter designs into two or more segments to facilitate transport and installation practicalities, then joining the segments on-site, is a very effective way of delivering large form planters.

For more information on how this is done, select the “Custom GRC Precast Landscaping Formwork” option from the “Custom GRC Solutions” drop down menu option at the top of any page of the Satu Bumi web site at: www.satubumi.com.au

Satu Bumi can add both reinforcement and fixing ferrules to any side and at any location on its GRC planters to enable the attachment of glass, timber, steel or aluminium railings to provide a complete balustrade solution.

Each balustrade solution will require engineering certification for the fixing design. Satu Bumi will work with its customers to arrange appropriate prototypes of the GRC elements of the balustrade design to enable the required testing to be undertaken as part of the engineering certification process.

Balustrade solutions that will sit on the external face of a building will generally require an AS 1530.1 fire rating certificate for the GRC elements of the solution. Satu Bumi can provide this upon request.

Satu Bumi has an extensive range of Options & Extras for its GRC products that will enable architects to align the functionality and/or aesthetic appearance of any balustrade project.

For additional information: Refer to the “Custom Made GRC Balustrade Planters” option on the “Custom GRC Solutions” drop down menu at the top of any page of the Satu Bumi web site at: www.satubumi.com.au

Yes. For examples of Satu Bumi’s H Planter design: Refer to Satu Bumi’s “GRC Planters” Catalogue 2026, a copy of which is held in the “Download Library” on Satu Bumi’s web site at: www.satubumi.com.au

Yes. Access panels made of GRC can be incorporated into the design of GRC planters and would typically be attached to the planters using stainless steel ferrules. ‍

Access panels are typically used in conjunction with H planter designs where the floor of the GRC planter is raised to provide a void within the walls at the bottom of the planter that can house irrigation plumbing.

Satu Bumi’s CityScape GRC H-Planter design option has been specifically created for balconies where space is generally tight, weight is a potential issue, and the option of built-in drainage plumbing is appealing. All CityScape planters are water, fire, and UV resistant which, in conjunction with their “H” design, makes them an excellent option for apartment, office, and hotel balconies.

For examples of Satu Bumi’s H Planter design: Refer to Satu Bumi’s “GRC Planters” Catalogue 2026, a copy of which is held in the “Download Library” on Satu Bumi’s web site at: www.satubumi.com.au