While most people view concrete countertops as a utilitarian option and not something for beauty, they are growing in popularity among homeowners. They are proving that they can be pieces of beauty and functionality for any modern kitchen. Concrete countertops have since become a popular trend for kitchens, bathrooms, bars, and outdoor entertainment areas. They beat other countertop choices such as granite, marble, butcher block, and quartz in their durability and versatility. Their customizable features allow homeowners to reimagine their kitchen, bringing in personality and enhancing practicability. In this article, we look at concrete countertops and why they make a great choice for your kitchen.
Durable
The last thing you want is to change your kitchen countertops every now and then. Thankfully, concrete countertops provide a lasting solution that can serve you over the lifetime of your home. Ideally, concrete countertops are a mix of sand and cement. You can expect the results to be a strong material that can hold for ages. You only need to maintain it well to have it in top shape throughout the years.
The worry that homeowners have is that concrete cracks. However, the cracking of concrete countertops depends on how it was made. For instance, if the concrete was poured in instead of precasting, cracks can be common. But the good thing is that cracks can be prevented by reinforcing the mixture with wire mesh, fiber, or rebar. Also, cracks are pretty easy to repair and are hardly noticeable.
Customizable
One of the biggest advantages of concrete countertops is that it is highly customizable. You can achieve the design style that you want including contemporary, modern, traditional, and more. Moreover, it can be molded into different shapes and styles to meet the unique needs of your kitchen. You can also add custom features such as trivets, cutting boards, and drainboards fitted to enhance functionality.
If you want it stained, pigmented, or stained, you have endless options with concrete. Concrete countertops can also be embedded with tiles or colored stones to give you the color and look that you want.
If you want a natural and rustic feel, you can choose to leave the concrete in its natural gray. Otherwise, it can be customized to create a look of wood, marble, or even granite.
Cost-effective
You may argue that concrete counters are expensive to install owing to the time and labor that goes into them. However, the durability of concrete outweighs the cost. Moreover, concrete countertops are considered premium surfaces that increase the value of your home. The cost of installation, however, depends on what you want. If you want too much customization or personalization, you are likely to pay more for it. But you can bypass the cost by installing the concrete countertops yourself.
Concrete countertops can be precast or poured in, but the installation process is simple. If you choose to DIY, here are the steps to follow:
- Measure and build the mold
- Mix the concrete
- Pour it into the form and vibrate to remove air bubbles
- Leave it to dry to cure the concrete
- Remove the concrete slab from the mold
- Smoothen the surface by sanding and using slurry to fill voids
- Apply a sealer after it is completely dry
- Lift the slab into place
- Adhere the slab to the cabinets with silicone caulk
It would be ideal to work with a professional throughout the installation process. Kitchen remodeling professionals will offer expert advice for your kitchen renovation in Huntsville, Auburn, Birmingham, or where you are. They will help you choose a sealer that is resistant to heat and scratches. You can also benefit from professional installation for a stunning and functional kitchen.
Easy to clean and maintain
Maintaining and cleaning concrete countertops is easy and doesn’t take a lot of your time. Just like any other countertop material, you are likely to deal with stains and scratches. But taking preventive measures is important to keep your countertop in top shape. For starters, avoid cutting directly on the countertop. You can have a cutting board customized on the countertop for cutting purposes. Likewise, place hot pans on trivets rather than directly on the counter to prevent burns to the sealer.
In case of stains, applying a good sealer during installation or maintenance routine can take care of that. A good sealer that is designed for food preparation areas can help you keep away stains. Also, make it your habit to clean spills immediately.
When cleaning your concrete countertop, make sure to use a cleaner that is PH-neutral. In addition, keep in mind that abrasive cleaners or aggressive scrubbing pads can harm the sealer. Stick to soft sponges and pads for the job. Lastly, routine sealing and waxing are needed to keep the countertop looking new and clean.
Conclusion
If you are torn between installing concrete countertops or other materials, you have many reasons to choose concrete. With its versatility, you can achieve the look, design, and style of your preference. You might also appreciate the durability and ease of maintenance that comes with concrete countertops.