Pros and Cons of Concrete Countertops

Have you been wondering about the pros and cons of concrete countertops in your next remodeling project or home build? Aside from the fact that concrete is known to be a durable material and the fact that a concrete countertop looks unique, there are other factors that should be considered before making the decision to install this surface. 

We’re going to take a look at the pros and cons of choosing to install concrete countertops and why this decision may or may not be ideal for you or your clients. Keep reading to learn more. 

The Advantages of Concrete Countertops
Generally, most people will find that the pros of concrete countertops outweigh the cons. The fact remains that concrete is a durable countertop material that can be shaped into the exact dimensions of your kitchen space. 

Because concrete can be stained, acid-washed, or even painted, using this material can offer homeowners a wide variety of aesthetic possibilities. In addition to this, you can choose to use stones, recycled glass, shells, or fiber optics to further enhance and customize the look of your counters. 

Concrete is mostly resistant to scratches; if a scratch should develop, there is a high chance it can be repaired with a little effort. Additionally, this material is heat-resistant which is important for areas like kitchens and bathrooms where hot pots and other items are often set upon counters. 

Depending on how the materials for concrete are sourced, it can be environmentally sustainable. Because of the durability of concrete countertops, the need to replace them over time is minimal which adds to the material’s sustainability.

Disadvantages of Using Concrete For Your Counters
Unfortunately, there are a few disadvantages of concrete countertops. Concrete can and does crack when too much pressure is applied. However, cracks are usually simple to repair. 

While concrete can be customized to your liking, it is also prone to staining from food, water, and other liquids because it is a porous material. It can also harbor bacteria if the surface isn’t cleaned properly. The best way to help prevent this is by sealing the surface and reapplying the seal every 1-3 years. 

Unfortunately, the frequent need to re-seal your countertops brings up another disadvantage of using concrete for this surface area of your home. Concrete requires maintenance and certain cleaners should be avoided, making this type of surface less than ideal for people who prefer easy care and cleaning.

When installing concrete countertops, you’ll want to ensure that the cabinet frame can support its weight. This may mean adding additional support or changing the cabinet base completely to ensure that no damage occurs and to avoid warped wood at a later date. 

Finally, the cost of concrete countertops is comparatively high when considering other types of materials for use in a kitchen or bathroom. The fabrication and installation of concrete countertops will require a fair amount of skill which adds money to the overall cost of using this material in design aesthetics.  

Making a Decision
The pros and cons of concrete countertops will mean that this material isn’t meant for everyone to use as their primary bathroom or kitchen surface. When you’re deciding on whether this countertop material is the best choice for your home or a client’s project, you’ll want to consider lifestyle factors like children making messes or if maintenance will become too much of a hassle. 

You’ll also want to keep in mind that concrete can take anywhere from two days to one month to fully dry and set. 

Concrete countertops are a beautiful addition to any home and can help increase the resale value. While the material isn’t completely scratch-resistant and does require some work when it comes to maintenance, but then again, most other high-end surfaces need maintenance and won’t remain picture perfect forever.

Finding a Concrete Contractor
To ensure that you receive the best possible results - either as a home builder, interior designer, or as an individual -  you will need to work with an experienced concrete contractor who is familiar with the use of concrete as a countertop. 

Be sure to ask the contractor about how the materials for their concrete are sourced, as well as their recommendations about maintenance, care, and if they offer a warranty or repairs within the first year. 

Ideally, the contractor will be able to walk you through the pros and cons of concrete countertops and answer any questions you may have about using this material.