The Advantages of Choosing Concrete for Your New Countertop
A concrete countertop offers many advantages over one produced in a factory from granite or marble. A concrete countertop is fabricated and polished by a highly skilled artisan to create a natural, organic texture and appearance that cannot be matched by a factory-produced countertop.
A concrete countertop can be custom made with a wide array of colors, finishes, sizes, shapes, edge details, and designs. Concrete can also be customized with trivets, drain boards, embedded personal mementos, and freeform shapes. A concrete countertop is the most unique, personalized, and individualistic element of any kitchen.
Glass-fiber reinforced concrete countertops use less cement than regular concrete and large amounts of recycled materials. Since GFRC is stronger than standard concrete, the countertop can be created in thinner sections and weigh much less.
Countertops made of concrete are generally around the same price as countertops fashioned out of granite or marble. Producing them with recycled materials can reduce costs. Concrete countertops are so durable that they last for a long time, making them a wise financial investment.
Concrete can also be used for an outdoor countertop. Concrete is weather-resistant and can stand up to freezing temperatures better than granite or tile. Since it has no grout lines, concrete is easy to clean.
Because concrete is a porous surface, it should be covered with a food-grade sealer or finishing wax to prevent stains and water absorption. Cutting boards should be used to prevent scratches in the sealer.
If your concrete countertop is sealed, it should be easy to clean with a pH-neutral cleaner. Do not use aggressive scrubbing pads or abrasive cleaners because they can wear away the finish.
A concrete countertop can develop minor hairline cracks. They are usually due to shrinkage of the concrete and are non-structural. Most cracks can be prevented by using fiber, rebar, or wire mesh for reinforcement. Any hairline cracks that still occur add to the appearance and character of the concrete.
Concrete countertops can last for decades with regular use and maintenance. It is likely that they will never need to be replaced. With such durability and potential for customization, concrete is an ideal choice for a countertop.