There are many materials used for countertops, laminate, ceramic and porcelain tile, marble, granite, stainless steel, synthetic epoxy compounds and hardwoods. One of the newest materials to be used for countertops in the residential market is concrete.
What advantages does a concrete countertop provide to the homeowner - primarily the ability to create a unique aspect of your room. Unlike most countertop materials concrete has the advantage that you can embed objects in such as a piece of ceramic or porcelain tile to act as a trivet or a cutting board which is level with the surface. Concrete can be cast into almost any shape imaginable and it can be textured or polished.
It is possible to have sinks cast directly in the concrete countertop or you can choose to have a surface or undermount sink made of another material.
Concrete generally compares in price per square foot with marble and granite. The price is based on the complexity of the form, any embedded objects and the surface finish rather than the actual size of the countertop. When shopping for a concrete countertop it is important to visit the manufacturer and discuss the details.
Edges of a concrete countertop can be finished with traditional styling and shapes, but with concrete, it is also possible to provide decorative inlays such as brass or stainless steel strips.
Depending on the manufacture and the shape of the required countertop it can be formed directly in place or at the manufacture’s facility. Having it manufactured in a controlled environment production facility, generally provides a better product.
The coloring of concrete is accomplished by blending color pigments into the concrete mix. Hence, the color is not on the surface but is throughout the countertop.
It is important to point out that a concrete countertop is not created with general purpose concrete available in 60 pound bags at your local home improvement center. Depending on the manufacturer the concrete will have epoxies and materials such as fiberglass added to the blend to provide strength.
Surprisingly, concrete countertops are generally not recommended for outdoor use. Freezing problems in cold climates and UV problems in very sunny climates can cause problems with the finish.
A concrete countertop is not made to be a cutting surface. Besides the fact that you can scratch the finish with a knife blade, it will destroy the knife blade edge as well. As a cutting surface, concrete is no different than natural stones such as marble or granite. Concrete also reacts in the same manner as granite to excessive heat. Areas that experience excessive heat may flake.
It is important to apply a good finished sealer to concrete to avoid possible staining by acid based products such as red wine, vinegar, tomato and lemon juice. Some manufacturers use an epoxy finish that is actually harder than the concrete itself. Other’s use a penetrating sealer and wax combination.
Family Room Project
Hello all!
I've just finished one of my projects and thought I give you some insight. My first project was a poured-in-place. This technique is by far the simplest way to create your decorative concrete project. The form work is pretty basic and relatively simple to make. You won't need to have a shop or move your pieces, which can often weigh more than 200 pounds. Also you don't need to worry much about the curing process if your poured-in-place project is done in a heated room. Just remember that if the room is not heated please don't let the temperature drop below freezing. If this happens, the water will turn to ice crystals, which will weaken the concrete. If possible try to maintain a temperature between 55-78 degrees.
The poured-in-place technique does have some drawbacks. The first is design, which is limited but not impossible. For instance, the use of inlays or semi-precious aggregate(stones/gems) to appear flat on the surface will be a daunting task for anyone, even a skilled craftsman. To create a smooth, flat surface one need's a certain amount of skill. The easiest way is to use a straight board to screed the top of the concrete, just move your board back and forth with a slight upward tilt. Another drawback would be to create a countertop with an undermounted sink, integral drainboard or cutting board knockout. Difficult yes, impossible no. Also, poured-in-place can be messy especially if you decide to grind and polish your project, otherwise it's not too bad. Just remember to use lots of plastic! I would recommend a poured-in-place project if your a first timer or even if you have some experience with concrete. The major drawback is a lack of design elements.
Here are a few photos of my poured-in-place project. One more thing that I thought you should know is that I used my own mix design for this project. For all you first timers, please remember that it is not as simple as going to the store and buying a few bags of concrete, mix and pour. If you do it this way it will look like [you guessed it] concrete. There are certain procedures we must do in order to achieve a piece which will not crack or become weak. It is some what of a science, but basically it has to do with water, admixture, reinforcement, and curing(properly hydrated). I would recommend buying a bag of concrete and experimenting with some color, just don't use more than 10% of color to volume of cement(ex: 10 pds. cement, no more than 1 pd. color). Try not to use more water than recommended. Maybe if I have some more time in the future I will write an article about my mix design. I should also say that this project took me about 4-5 hours to complete. It actually took me less time than that but I had to wait for the concrete to stiffen up a bit before I stripped the forms. I'll have my other project on here in the near future, with plenty of pics. It will be a cast-in-mold countertop for my kitchen with decorative inlays, integral drainboard and an undermount sink, plus more. I'm really excited about this project and can't wait to finish. Check back to see my next project, it's looking great.
Concrete Countertops - Setting A New Trend In Home Decor by Samantha Davis
Unless you have seen a concrete countertop, you might think it is an ugly slab of material that is porous and gray. But concrete countertops are as versatile and as colorful as their stone counterparts and more affordable and nothing like concrete blocks. In fact, concrete countertops can look so similar to their stone counterparts that some will not be able to tell the difference.
Concrete countertops are making a big splash in home decor because of the trend toward a more natural, stone appearance of countertops in kitchens and bathrooms. Many who cannot afford the more expensive granite or marble are moving toward concrete countertops.
You can find concrete countertops in almost as many colors as laminate countertops. Hues of blue, red and green along with the natural stone colors are available. Concrete countertops can be designed to match any kitchen or bathroom decor. Most concrete countertops are custom made, so you can put as much of your personality in it as you like regarding color, shape and design. Ask your contractor for samples of his work and don't be afraid to ask for something unique!
Many contractors will pre-cast concrete countertops at a shop. This allows them to use special tables and allows them to seal the concrete countertops in the shop. If a kitchen or bathroom has a peculiar shape or design, a contractor may chose to build the concrete countertops at the home to adapt to the edges and corners of the surface.
Concrete countertops must be sealed. This is so that the countertop will be stain-resistant. You will need to wax the concrete countertop every few months so the countertop can retain its shiny, new look. Be sure to read your owner's manual for instructions.
Concrete countertops are much stronger than any natural surface such as granite or marble. They are resistant to heat and scratches, meaning you don't have to worry if you accidentally set a hot pot or pan on the countertop. But if you want to cut vegetables, you will need to use a cutting board since cutting a concrete countertop will leave a mark. Newly installed concrete countertops can become warped if the temperature changes suddenly. Ask you contractor how to prevent this if you live in an area where temperatures are sometimes extreme.
Like most countertops, you need to avoid abrasive products when cleaning your concrete countertops. Make sure you wipe away all spills immediately. A mild soap should keep the concrete countertops looking like new. And as mentioned earlier, waxing is required every few months. Concrete countertops need to be resealed every few years. Check you owner's manual for exact specifications.
Concrete countertops range in price from $55 to $125 per square foot, since most of them are custom-made. You can find a qualified contractor in the yellow pages that will make and install your concrete countertops. Ask him to see a sample of his work before agreeing to sign a contract to install your concrete countertops.
Kitchen Counter Weight
Kitchen Counter Weight: Respect the hardest working surface in your house by Karen Hoeve
It's a place to put your red hot pots and pans. It's where gallons of messy foods and discoloring liquids are spilled each year, where the sink overflows and where you cut the vegetables when you can't find a cutting board. The kitchen counter is where cans land when they fall out of the cupboard. It's where you stand to get things off the high shelf. It has to be tough.
The counter is the main surface in the most visited room in the home. It's where the guests always end up. It's a place to put your drink during the kitchen party. It's where the food gets laid out for the buffet. It's where your new friend stirs sugar into their coffee. It has to look good.
The kitchen counter is also the place where you sweat the most. It's where you're dealing with hunger, dishes and groceries all at the same time. Food's coming in and food's going out while the garbage piles up. You're home from work to feed the family and hoping you can spend some time together before you all drop off to sleep. It has to be easy.
Fortunately there are a number of countertops that are tough, good-looking and easy. None of them are perfect but some will suit you better than others, so before you agree to the first thing that catches your eye, shop around a little. Your kitchen counter is the hardest working surface in the house and it deserves respect.
Here's a quick run down of the main players in today's wide world of countertops. All of them have proven themselves to be durable but sadly, nothing lasts forever. Chips, cracks and stains will happen, so weigh your lifestyle needs against your budget and personal style to find the one that will fit your kitchen.
1. Granite - This is the new darling of the kitchen reno. Granite is a natural solid stone countertop that can be had in a selection of colors. Extremely durable and nice to look at, granite is also heat and waterproof. Cons: It resists stains and scratches but not entirely. Seams are visible. Granite can be high maintenance and has to be resealed every year. Imported and expensive.
2. Quartz - Beautiful quartz countertops offer many of the same benefits as granite, but come in a wider range of colors. These counters never need resealing or polishing. They resist scratches, heat and stains. Cons: Seams are visible and installation is expensive.
3. Polished concrete - Customizable counters can be had in any shape or size you want and will take on any color you care to tint them. These seamless counters are heat and scratch resistant and they look good. Cons: They also stain easily and are very expensive. Can be hard to find skilled tradespeople.
4. Solid surface - Usually acrylic, these counters are solid all the way through and give you a durable surface without seams. Waterproof. Small scratches can be sanded away. Wide range of colors and designs. Cons: Though these counters can look solid, they can be scratched easily and become damaged by heat and knives.
5. Recycled glass - Looks great. This alternative to natural stone combines colored recycled glass with concrete to make an attractive countertop that's good for the environment. Cons: Properties are similar to granite so while it resists heat and scratches, it stains easily and needs to be resealed regularly. Expensive.
6. Laminate - The old standby, laminate is cheap and versatile. Made of plastic layers bonded to paper or particle board, it comes in an endless variety of colors and patterns. Somewhat durable. Cons: Can be permanently damaged by heat and knives and shows scratches easily. Once ruined, it can't be fixed.
7. Tile - Why don't we tile our kitchen counters more often? Tiles make a durable, easy-to-clean counter that is inexpensive and can be done yourself. Ceramic is heat and scratch resistant. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Cons: It also chips and cracks easily, and makes a poor cutting surface. Though tiles come clean, grout becomes stained.
8. Wood - Comes in a range of colors and finishes with maple and oak being the most popular. Makes a fairly easy-to-clean surface and gives a nice warm effect to the room. Can be damaged by heat and water but can also be sanded and resealed. Makes a good cutting surface. Cons: High maintenance countertop that needs regular oiling.
9. Stainless steel - Great looking modern countertop. Heat resistant and durable. Seamless. Easy-to-clean. Cons: Also expensive and noisy. These counters dent easily and dull knives.
Expect time to add character to the countertop you choose just like anything else in your home. No matter what material you decide on, make sure it's one you love and you can't go wrong.
About the Author
Karen Hoeve is a Raleigh Real estate agent. Her passion for helping people find the perfect home makes Karen the one to call when you're looking for a home in Raleigh North Carolina.
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