| $ Installation: $30 - $90 per hour | $ $ Concrete Countertops: $65 - $135 per square foot |
Nowadays, numerous materials can be used to design and create the kitchen, bathroom, or outdoor space that you have always wanted to have.
In these spaces, countertops are generally one of the most important parts that help to establish and integrate the rest of the elements in that area.
Even though natural stones have been highly popular in the last few decades, man-made materials have started to gain more popularity because of their potential for customization and adaptability to different kinds of shapes and styles.
One of these man-made materials is concrete, and in the next few sections, we’ll discuss concrete countertops, their main characteristics, and their cost.
Table of Contents
What Are Concrete Countertops?
Concrete countertops are just what it sounds like: countertops made of concrete.
Concrete is the result of a mortar mix of cement and sand.
However, when making concrete countertops, other materials can be added to the mix to personalize or customize the countertop according to your preferences.
Even though people might not associate concrete with luxury or with a refined style, this material provides high versatility that can adapt to almost any type of area and style.
Where Are Concrete Countertops used?
Concrete countertops can be used in numerous settings, but they are particularly popular in kitchens, kitchen isles, bathrooms, outdoor kitchens, and even in commercial settings.
It is important to mention that these countertops are generally very heavy, so the place and support that it’s going to be used, must be adequate.
That is also why it’s recommended to hire professionals to create and install concrete countertops.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Concrete Countertops?
As with any other material, concrete countertops have both advantages and disadvantages.
In the end, the choice you make will depend on your personal preferences and the material that adapts better to what you’re looking for.
Advantages
One of the main features of using concrete to create a countertop is its durability; it’s an extremely solid material if it has been installed by professionals and if it has been sealed.
Another important advantage, it’s their versatility, as we have previously mentioned.
Don’t think concrete has only one look, you can adapt it and add pigments and other materials that will make it look like natural stone or any other way you want it to look.
Unlike other man-made countertop materials, concrete is heat resistant, so you can even place hot pans directly on top of it and it will not damage the surface.
Disadvantages
It might be difficult to believe, but concrete is one of the most expensive materials to use in countertops, and it can be more expensive than some natural stones.
Another disadvantage is that they are high maintenance; you’ll need to seal them regularly in order to avoid stains that could compromise their safety.
Concrete is a truly heavy material, so it must be handled and installed by professionals since in some cases, it could be too heavy for the area where you want it.
Concrete countertops can also have small cracks throughout the years and if you’re not comfortable with this, repairs are difficult in this material.
What Is the Difference Between Granite and Concrete Countertops?
Granite has been one of the most popular materials used in countertops.
The main difference between these two materials is that granite is a natural stone and concrete is a man-made material.
Even if granite can come in a large variety of colors, it can’t be as customizable as concrete or other man-made materials.
Granite is generally less expensive than concrete, easier to maintain, and less vulnerable to scratches.
How Much Do Concrete Countertops Cost?
Various factors can have an impact on the cost of concrete countertops, such as the style and color you choose, the surface where it’s going to be installed, the edges you select, and the installation process, as well.
On average, you can pay from $65 to $135 per square foot.
The installation is usually between $30 and $90 per hour, but it can increase if you need to remove an old countertop or depending on the style you select.
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