The Pros and Cons of Concrete Countertops
When stone countertops are thought of, concrete countertops are often overlooked. Choosing the correct material for your new countertops can be quite a daunting task, so you should know something about your different options. What could they offer to you? Why and when should you be cautious? Concrete countertops are made with a special blend of concrete that makes it very smooth. The countertops are ground and polished to give them a beautiful finish. The countertops can be fabricated prior to installing, or for some jobs, they are poured at your home. If they are poured at your home, the process can be very lengthy and messy, talk to multiple fabricators to see what your options are.
Pros of Concrete Countertops:
If you know anything about some of the different countertop options, you’ll know that some stones, especially engineered stones, come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Cement is the most customizable as each piece is poured specifically for your project. You can choose any color and design your own pattern if you want. If you have a skilled fabricator, they may even be able to inlay shells or other stones. Cement countertops bring a clean, industrial style to your space, which works well for some contemporary homes.
Cons of Concrete Countertops
Concrete is considerably more expensive than most other stones. Additionally, as an engineered stone you might think that it is low maintenance like quartz, but the opposite is true. Concrete is porous and stains easily. It needs to be sealed regularly or it will be highly susceptible to stains. Integrity of the stone is also low, even with internal mesh or rebar reinforcement, cement can crack fairly easily. Cracks are nearly impossible to repair without leaving signs of damage. Cement countertops also come with the weight of concrete, which may be too heavy for some cabinets, and could require reinforcement or not be an option for your cabinets. Concrete countertops are also quick to show signs of wear, and scratching is inevitable, although they can be hidden by a fresh coat of sealer.
With the many options for countertop materials available, weigh your options carefully before committing to a certain material. Cement countertops are higher cost and higher maintenance, but the customizability may be attractive enough to some people that they might be willing to overlook the list of drawbacks. Learn more about the pros and cons of granite, marble, quartz, and soapstone.
