Concrete Countertops

beige tone concrete countertopConcrete countertops are one of the newest types of kitchen and bathroom countertops offered.  New innovations in the way concrete is formulated means that modern concrete countertops are relatively light and can be produced in an array of colors.

What Are Concrete Countertops?

Concrete countertops are mixed from newer blends of concrete that work well in the home.  Additives mean that they can be made thinner, and therefore lighter, and yet maintain the strength needed for durability in the kitchen or bathroom.  Concrete is more of a custom material and countertops are often framed and poured right in the kitchen or bathroom, though many are made offsite as well.  Utilizing various stamping and staining techniques, many homeowners choose personalized touches for their concrete kitchen and bathroom countertops.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths: Strength is certainly one of the reasons for choosing concrete.  It is very durable and hard, and not easily chipped.  These countertops can be custom-formed on site to fit even oddly sized or shaped areas.  Concrete can be pigmented to achieve just about any color you want.  The bathroom and kitchen countertops can also be personalized in hundreds of ways.  Some homeowners customize their concrete surfaces by embedding shells, tiles, pieces of colored glass, or stones.  They can be textured too.  Concrete countertops are very trendy at the moment, though no one knows how long that trend will last.

Weaknesses: These are expensive countertops – in the price range of granite or quartz countertops –  so they may not be an option for everyone.  Most dealers charge $70-$140 per square foot for installed countertops. Concrete requires a level of maintenance about the same as a granite countertop would.  They need to be sealed regularly in order to make the surfaces easier to clean.  Even then, they are susceptible to being stained by coffee or juice.  Putting a lot of weight on a corner may also cause them to crack.  Trendy now, will they be passé in just a few years?

Who Should Consider Concrete Countertops?

If you like the look and don’t care whether or not they remain in style, you should consider this material for your bathroom and kitchen counters.  If you’ve got a creative streak and truly want to create a one-of-a-kind countertop, concrete is the perfect medium through which to produce it.  You’ve got tremendous artistic freedom to craft just the look you want for your home.  Because concrete has a contemporary, somewhat industrial look, concrete countertops are also a good choice for homeowners who want a modern, clean, understated look in their kitchen and bathrooms.