Concrete Countertops Offer Durable Beauty

Concrete isn't just for structural building. It's the stuff counter tops are made of. Concrete counter tops, in fact, are sweeping the kitchen design industry with their beauty and versatility.

Thanks to the properties of concrete, this building material can be worked and molding into almost any shape, size and design. The benefits of concrete counter tops are many, but rest assured, they are not gleaned by compromising beauty. Those who have these counter tops find they are almost impossible to differentiate from other hard surface materials favored by kitchen designers.

There are a few basic looks that concrete counter tops can take on thanks to the use of different colorings, aggregates and coatings. These include:

Marbleized: Using different pigments and creation techniques, master counter top makers can take concrete and make it virtually indistinguishable from a slab of marble. The beauty is sealed in.

Trowel: Offering a rougher surface than most counters, this design is one that many adore for its unusual beauty.

Terrazzo: By adding glass or marble into the mix, concrete counter tops can take on a variety of different looks in terrazzo. This can add an extra dimension of beauty to the countertops.

In addition to having a variety of appearances, these counter tops do have some ups and downs. They are, overall, quite comparable with other single sheet designs. Things buyers should know about concrete tops include:

* Sealer. Concrete counter tops must be sealed to ensure staining and other damage are avoided. When a sealer is well applied, the counter tops can resist all sorts of problems. Despite this, there are things that can compromise the sealer, so it's important to make sure the job is done correctly and it's protected from damage. The rules associated with concrete care aren't much different than most regular counter tops come with even most of the "high-end" designs.

* Cutting issues. While some counter tops are meant to be cut on directly, concrete is not one such creation. While the concrete can handle direct cutting, the sealer cannot. When cutting is done directly on the surface, it impacts the sealer, which could lead to stain problems down the road.

* Heat issues. Again, concrete itself can take the punishment, but the sealer might not. With this in mind, it's recommended that hot pans and bowls not be placed directly on the counter tops. Just like working with Corian or other similar counter tops direct heat is worth avoiding to protect the beauty of the counter tops.

Offering a remarkable beauty, concrete counter tops are amazing to behold. It's very difficult for anyone who doesn't know what they're made of to tell by appearance. When crafted by masters, the designs can be simply fantastic.

Although concrete is well known for its building properties, the fact is this material isn't just for under surfaces anymore. Concrete counter tops are taking the kitchen industry by storm. Known for their durability and beauty, these counter tops are comparable in looks to some of the top designer choices, such as granite, quartz and beyond.