Versatility of Concrete Countertops

It is now possible to give your kitchen a whole new look with customized concrete countertops. Long gone are the days when these plain and boring slabs of cement were used for the sidewalks and driveways. They add to the aesthetic appeal of your kitchens and bathrooms with their varying textures and colors. Since, each slab is hand cast individually, no two pieces will ever be the same. This gives a unique and distinct touch to your kitchen interiors. There is no limit to the endless variety of different concrete slabs available and thus, finding one that blends in perfectly with the theme and color scheme of the kitchen and bathroom will be an easy task. The thickness of these slabs can also be selected accordingly.

Concrete are ideal as countertops for both your kitchens and bathrooms, since they offer you the flexibility of experimenting with creative and innovative ideas and designs that can easily be integrated into the architecture of your homes. Most of them are designed and tailor made to suit the individual specifications and preferences of the customers. Concrete countertops are precast into cement molds, thus making it easier to incorporate trivets like drain boards, built-in sink and soap dishes. You can enhance and give your kitchen an exclusive look with the help of glass chips or fiber optic lighting. Lend a personal and inimitable style by embedding broken bits and pieces from your mementos.

Although, there are various options like laminates, ceramics, marble, granite, hardwoods, and stainless steel available in the residential market for use as countertops, concrete would be an ideal choice because they are more economical as compared to other countertop materials like granite and marble. Concrete sells on the basis of rate per square foot and is determined by factors like the surface finish and any objects embedded in it, rather than the size of it. Other than using conventional shapes and designs to give your concrete countertops a finishing touch, the edges can also be decorated with brass inlays or even stainless steel strips.

Depending on the customer’s choice and requirements, the concrete countertops may be formed at the manufacturer’s facility or if the shape and size are out of the normal range, it can also be formed at the place where it is to be fitted in. Pertaining to the customer’s specifications, the manufacture adds color pigments and epoxies into the concrete blend to give the slab, appropriate color and strength. Although, concrete are an apt countertop solution for your kitchens as well as bathrooms, however they are not durable and resilient enough to be used outdoors. Exposure to extreme climates cannot only damage the finish, but excessive heat can also cause flaking.

It is important to remember that concrete countertops are not meant to be used as cutting surfaces; otherwise the knife blade can scratch the finish. In order to promote the durability and resistance of concrete countertops, it is vital that you seal them with an appropriate finishing sealer or else they may be subjected to staining and discoloration, whenever you accidentally spill products of acidic nature like red wine, lemon juice, and vinegar. Hence, ensure that the manufacturer uses an epoxy finish or a penetrating sealer.