Concrete Countertops

I have never been a fan of concrete countertops. When I think concrete I think of the sidewalks or the flooring in the garage and all the cracks it gets over time. I believe concrete is concrete it will act the same no matter where it is placed. I must be one of the few designers that think this because apparently it is very trendy right now. Whatever a person wants they can get. Im not going to forbid a client anything they request for "their" home. I mean it can be beautiful but I don't trust it to last like everyone says it will. Anyways I have found some pros and cons about this material for the countertop. Let me know if you are for or against concrete. 

Pros

• There are many advantages to concrete over other materials. Besides the cost if you do it yourself, there is the ability to shape it into anything you want. You can have your countertop continue down and become a side of the cabinetry. It can extend up into the backsplash. It can curve and angle in any direction and shape you want as long as you are able to form it. With different dyes and stains, you can get it to match any color you want and look like natural honed stone or polished stone. Concrete is also a very durable material and will last a lifetime as long as you care for it properly .

Cons

• While concrete countertops are attractive there are also some disadvantages. If you decide to have someone else do it, the cost is comparable to getting granite or marble, If you decide to do it yourself there is a lot of work in the installation of the formwork plus the finishing of the concrete. Some people see it as art form that takes years of experience to master. Concrete still needs to be maintained. It needs to be sealed and resealed over the years. Even the best sealers will not last a lifetime and resealing it will depend on how heavily you use the countertop. Plus concrete changes over time. Stains and use will change the look of it, so if you like it when it is first poured you might not like it six months later once it has fully cured and settled. Concrete countertops will shrink as they dry, and you will develop some hairline cracks along with the voids you probably got when you poured it. It is also very heavy, so you will need to reinforce you cabinetry or add in some foam to lighten the load.

  
  

  ***I would never recommend you do concrete countertops yourself because it can damage and break too easily.