Concrete Countertops

Especially perfect for unusually shaped countertops, concrete surfaces are strong, heat and scratch resistant, and textured. These countertops are custom fit and usually cast right in your home. Although they can be on the expensive side, concrete counters are much stronger than any other natural surface. These counters can be color-tinted with creative colors and inlays and have various textured feels.  

Concrete surfaces are made entirely of natural materials. A mixture of water, cement, sand, stone and pigment creates the material. Concrete must be sealed properly to resist strains and water damage.   

Cost: About $75 to $200 per square foot.

Personal Touches  

Along with being expressive and aesthetic on its own, embedded vintage tiles, shells or other objects can add personality to concrete countertops. For an ultra-personalized look, carve in your initials! With casting, shaping, and other methods, concrete can have a variety of textures. Concrete will always be unique with all of the different pigments, stains, and aggregate colors that are offered.  

Cleaning Concrete  

Although heat and scratch resistant, concrete countertops do require some maintenance. Spills should be rinsed promptly and using abrasive cleaners should be avoided. It is also suggested that concrete be waxed every one to three months and resealed every one to two years.  

You should not cut directly on concrete or place hot pans on it. Although heat resistant, damage and discoloring to the sealer can still occur when material is exposed to high temperatures. If concrete is not sealed than it is porous and will stain.  

Concrete is very durable, noncombustible and resistant to decay. On the other hand, concrete countertops can crack from natural shrinkage, and trying to patch them can make the cracks more obvious. Many people who opt for concrete surfaces embrace their hairline cracks and irregularities, because they give a natural and authentic look to the concrete. Also, the hairline cracks are nonstructural.