When we think of concrete, we typically associate it with foundations, floors, and walls. What more and more people are realizing, though, is that concrete also makes for one of the best countertop materials currently available.
Think about it: concrete is highly customizable, very durable, widely available, and cheaper than most materials that boast the same level of customizability and durability. You can choose to have your countertop created right at home or have it pre-cast at a remote location to make the remodeling a less busy and less cluttered undertaking.
Here’s a quick rundown of what a concrete countertop brings to the design table:
- Endless color, edge, and inlay options – A very wide range of available color dyes give you countless options for your concrete countertop. Mix in some brown tones, for example, and you have a concrete counter top that’ll feel right at home among wooden kitchen cabinetry. You can further personalize it with custom detailed edge forms and unique embedded inlays such as pebbles and seashells.
- Any shape and size – Whether you want a simple straight countertop or a curving, multi-level affair, countertops of all shapes and sizes are possible with concrete. You can opt for a truly unique design or combine it with colors and finishes to replicate more expensive and rare materials.
- Sheer versatility – Concrete’s customizability plays a large part in its versatility. Whether you have a traditional kitchen or a modern one, a French Country-inspired space or an industrial cooking area, you can style your concrete countertop to blend in and enhance the look of your space.
- Proven durability – Cured correctly, concrete countertops can last for decades with minimal maintenance. Concrete is already inherently strong, and modern sealer technology has helped increased its resistance to heat, scratches, and stains. Food-safe sealers also make the countertop likewise food-safe. Even if you use it as an outdoor countertop, it’s durable enough to survive even extreme weather conditions.
- Unique Aesthetic Charm – Concrete countertops are handmade and hand-finished by skilled artisans. This makes each of them unique; two concrete countertops made by the same artisan will typically have subtle variations in color, shade, and texture. It’s not static, either. If you want it to, you can choose a sealer that lets the concrete develop a warm patina over time. Even the hairline cracks caused by seasonal movement of cabinets and the house itself can add a very natural and evolving character to your kitchen space.
Please note that before you go out and buy a few sacks of cement for your concrete countertop, there are a few important considerations to be made.
First, make sure that the craftsman you decide to go with has experience with concrete countertops. A craftsman who only makes concrete floors likely won’t have the specific skill set needed to create a truly lasting countertop.
Second, concrete countertops can take a long time to finish. Depending on your design, a lead time of four to six weeks isn’t uncommon for pre-cast concrete countertops. Make sure to factor in the lead time when planning out your remodeling project.