Concrete Kitchen Countertops – Pros and Cons
Some people may consider that concrete countertops are not as fancy as granite or slate. Others think that high-end concrete countertops are a lot trendier than the previously mentioned types.
This is because concrete is not only very similar to slate or granite but is also very hard – or, as some say, rock-solid – making it an ideal fit for kitchens with contemporary designs.
On top of that, concrete countertops add a modern industrial aesthetic to kitchens – even better than most natural stones. Moreover, given the fact that this particular material can also be stamped, etched, stained, as well as sealed, people have the opportunity to create their kitchen countertop just the way they want!
Still, it goes without saying that, like every other thing out there, concrete kitchen tops come with pros and cons that you should take into account before buying one. As such, here are the things that you have to know about this kind of countertops!
The Pros of Concrete Kitchen Countertops
As mentioned above, concrete comes with a rather unique ability that allows you to shape and form it to match your kitchen. This is one of the greatest advantages of concrete countertops.
- Concrete countertops can be easily custom-sized and then shaped to any type of kitchen configuration. On top of that, the costs implied by custom-sizing are not that high.
- Most people choose concrete because it is impervious to heat and doesn’t scratch at all. If you’re a chef, for example, or simply move like a tornado through your kitchen, then concrete will make sure it stays as good as new!
- If you want to feel a bit artsy, so to say, then you can have fragments, glass, shells, stones, and even fiber-optic lights embedded in a concrete countertop. As they say, your imagination is the limit! Plus, embedded lights are very handy when it comes to a kitchen countertop.
- As expected, concrete makes for a long-lasting and extremely durable surface. You will most likely not have to replace your countertop.
- Concrete is also very easy to clean-up and then maintain. However, to ensure such a thing you’ll have to do regular sealings of the concrete countertop.
- Believe it or not, concrete kitchen countertops often improve real estate value, as the material is considered of premium quality.
The Cons of Concrete Kitchen Countertops
Now, moving on to the cons, it is worth mentioning that concrete is also a heavy-maintenance material. While it does come with great advantages, one must also take good care of the countertop on a regular basis.
- They can be quite expensive, with prices as high as $150 per square foot. This initial pricing may make you reconsider, but keep in mind to take its advantages into account as well – especially its customization abilities.
- In order to avoid the staining of the concrete countertops, you’ll have to annually seal the countertop. As mentioned, it does come with a certain amount of maintenance that you have to do.
- Given its weight, a concrete countertop may strain floors and cabinet frames. This is why you should determine whether you want a concrete countertop before you buy other kitchen furniture.
- Last but not least, keep in mind that it’s almost impossible to repair a concrete kitchen countertop if it gets damaged. If the material cracks – mainly due to improper sealing – you will most likely have to replace the countertop. However, with proper maintenance, you shouldn’t experience such issues.
The Bottom Line
In the end, concrete kitchen countertops are the ideal choice for those that want to have a high-end, premium kitchen. However, this doesn’t mean that they should forget about the maintenance or proper cleaning of the countertop.
Even though the material can be a bit too expensive for some, the fact that you can customize and embed items into it is probably the most attractive feature of concrete. The result is on point – namely, concrete is often considered trendier than granite or slate.
Still, as mentioned above, you should determine early on if you want your kitchen to have a concrete countertop, as you’ll have to buy sturdier cabinets and you should have a harder floor as well.