What You Need to Know About Concrete Countertops

I was watching HGTV the other day and homeowners were creating their own concrete countertops for their kitchen. I immediately thought, "Wow, out of all the possible materials why would they chose concrete?" After doing some research I can confidently say: many reasons!

If you think that the only people who could possibly own a concrete countertop in their kitchen are free-spirited artists living in some cold loft in the city, then you couldn't be more wrong! Concrete is no longer the cold, damp surface that once lived in your basement walls. It's hip, it's chic and it's everywhere. Concrete is basically cement, made of water, sand, pigment and dry mix. You can make your own or you can purchase concrete countertop mixes from professional builders or home improvement stores.

Benefits
The benefits of a concrete countertop surface are many. First, it has an industrial modern look, which many homeowners are going for these days. Secondly, it's basically cement, so you know that the surface is hard and can take quite a bit of wear and tear. My favorite reason why concrete is such a great choice is the customization and uniqueness of each piece that is made. You can add just about anything you want into the concrete mixture from recycled glass to glitter.

Sealing, Cleaning and Care
Concrete countertops are similar to many other surfaces in that they need to be sealed. Sealing not only protects the surface but helps increase its durability and maintain its color. It is also recommended that the homeowner use a coat of wax every few months to help prevent damage or moisture buildup.

Although concrete countertops can withstand high temperatures, placing hot pots directly on a concrete countertop is not recommended. You should avoid dragging knives on the surface as well. Spills should be cleaned up as quickly as possible. Cleaning up is easy with just soap and water. Stay away from abrasive cleaners, and anything containing bleach or ammonia because they may damage the sealant. Sounds easy enough to me!

How Does Concrete Measure Up?
Like marble, granite, soapstone and butcherblock, concrete holds up just as well when treated with care. While it may not have the heat resistance of granite or the scratch resistance of marble it lasts just as long. It is more heat resistant than soapstone and butcherblock countertops however, but it is always wise to err on the side of caution and use a trivet.

DIY Your Own Concrete Countertop
The best part of owning a concrete countertop isn't in the owning but in the making! You can DIY your own concrete countertop. When's the last time someone told you to go to the quarry and DIY your own granite counter?! Check out this great step-by-step tutorial on DIY Network. Also, over on Instructables, one DIY-er shows you how he created his very own concrete countertops and see the whole process.