Concrete kitchen countertops
Wondering about the details before choosing concrete?
Finish Choices
- Think about how you want your countertops to look. Concrete is highly customizable; you can go for a smooth and highly polished finish, a soft matte finish, light texturing, an aggregate finish, or any number of combinations and shades using pigments. Consider the pros and cons of each finish type: Smooth countertops are easy to wipe clean, while matte finishes hide scratches and imperfections. Textured finishes can be harder to clean if food particles get into the texture, while aggregate finishes tend to show dust. Light-colored countertops can brighten the room and may show fewer smudges, while darker countertops could show dust and water marks.
Strength and Weight
- Consider the thickness and weight of concrete countertops. The countertop itself is typically around 2 inches, on average, but the edge profile may make the countertop appear thicker or thinner. Make sure your cabinets are strong enough to support the weight of the concrete. Have your installer evaluate the strength and stability of the cabinets, counters, and the floor before making your final choice.
Cutouts and Craft
- Decide if you want the same sink as the one you are replacing, or pick a new one. Once the concrete is cast and allowed to cure – Britannica explains the why of it at com/technology, there is no adjusting the sink cutout, cooktop cutout, faucet and sprayer hole locations, and overhangs. Be sure your installer has these in place before starting the project. If you’re replacing other appliances, be sure to measure them. You can’t assume your old appliances will fit into the new space.
- Understand that each concrete countertop is hand-crafted. Depending on the finish, each piece will be one-of-a-kind with slight variations in color and finish. It’s the charm of artisan-crafted concrete!
Concrete countertop finishes
- Have your installer show you how the sealer affects the color of the original sample. Sealers change the color and sheen of the original piece and vary in their level of stain protection. Always review a sealed sample before making a final choice; the team at Kitchen Remodeler Davie covers concrete countertop installation Davie, while your installer can address project-specific details.
- Discuss seams with your installer. If the countertops are built in sections, there will be seams. Work with your installer to discuss where the seams might fall, how to best disguise them, and how to plan around them. Think about seams in the backsplash area at the sink, in corners, and the number of seams down a longer run.
Aging and Care
- Know what will and won’t happen with a concrete countertop over time. There will likely be slight color variations in the final piece. Over time, tiny air voids might appear, and hairline cracks are possible. These are considered to be part of the beauty of concrete.
- Consider maintenance requirements. With proper care, a concrete countertop can last a lifetime. Your countertop will require periodic maintenance, which could vary depending on the type of sealer used. You can help your countertop last by wiping up spills immediately, especially acidic ones, by using cutting boards, and not setting extremely hot pots onto the surface.
- Discuss repair procedures with your installer. Ask if chips and cracks in your concrete countertops can be fixed and if the repairs will be noticeable. Ask about polishing out scratches, etc.
- Make sure you receive written maintenance instructions before your installer leaves.
Concrete is heavy! Figure out how the installation crew is going to move your countertops through your space. Doors, corners, stairs and elevators should all be measured to ensure your countertops fit before they are delivered, as it may take multiple people to lift and maneuver your countertops.
You’ll also want to make sure you have adequate protection in place for your cabinetry, floors and walls to avoid damages. Make sure children and pets are removed from the space, and have all of your plumbing, existing countertops, fixtures and sink disconnected.
You will also need to confirm with your plumber and electrician what day they will be coming back to reconnect everything once your countertops have been set. Remember, concrete has long lead times, so you’ll need to plan accordingly and hold off on getting your appliances delivered and installing your backsplash until you know your final dates.
Before Fabrication Begins
- Have your installer return for a final walkthrough. This allows you to walk the job together and check that the cabinets have been leveled and can support the weight of concrete. You will need to finalize your new appliance measurements and discuss any changes before the installer leaves so the countertops can be fabricated accurately. Review the final edge and seam locations, and check your sample one more time. It’s a good idea to write down the color number, sealer, and any other notes from the sample and leave them with your contractor. These details come in handy during installation.