Concrete Countertops: a High-End Option

It can be argued that concrete countertops historically haven’t received much attention from many architects or builders. This most likely is due to the lack of knowledge about the material, and the misconceptions of what it offers. However, new technology is moving concrete countertops into the realm of granite, and possibly even surpassing it due to its custom possibilities.

“In today’s custom world, [concrete countertops] are different than anything else a customer can get and it can be simple or extravagant. People want something different because they are tired of granite. By using concrete, it doesn’t look like their neighbor’s house,” says Rob Rodgers, president and owner, Concrete Studios in Columbus, Ohio.

Virtually any desired color is possible with concrete countertops. Craftsmen usually can match colors to paint books, tiles or other materials. “The main advantage of concrete is that you can get any color you’re looking for,” says Clint Collins, owner, Collins Decorative Concrete, San Diego.

In addition to color, clients have the option of embedding materials into the concrete. “Customers can personalize their countertops. We did a bathroom vanity for a client who collected coins from all over the world. We embedded those coins into the vanity. We have embedded horseshoes, nuts and bolts, and even computer chips for people who are into computers,” Rodgers says.

Other available aggregates are recycled glass, seashells, stainless steel, copper, tile or whatever the imagination desires. “I can cast-in trivets into the concrete near the oven. I will work with the client and how they use their kitchen,” says Chip Miles, CEO, PlasmaStone, New York City. Some craftsmen are embedding fiber optics into these surfaces for another interesting effect.

Concrete countertops are not only for contemporary applications; they can be designed to fit in traditional settings as well. “The initial customer thinks it’s contemporary but when they see the samples, they see it can fit in a traditional house. It doesn’t have to be sleek and shiny — it can be soft and warm,” Rodgers adds.

Sealing Protection

One major misconception of concrete countertops is they stain easily. This might have been the case 15 years ago but new technology in sealers has eliminated that problem. “There are different sealing options. You can start off with a low spectrum such as acrylic that will enhance the color, and give marginal protection. Then there are waxes that will enhance the look but are not [resistant] to stain protection. Then there are the high-end silicates that give protection against heat, etching and stain,” Collins says.

Miles adds that concrete countertops don’t need to be resealed once they are installed. “Granite needs to be sealed on a yearly basis but the busyness of granite hides stains,” he says.

Some craftsmen will tell their clients that a patina will develop. “Some sealers are water-based with wax and if the surface isn’t waxed every couple of days, a patina will develop. The sealer and the wax break down and the patina comes from surface contaminants,” Miles says. Overall, most concrete sealers are resistant to acid and wine.

One should consider that these countertops do crack. However the cracking is not like the large cracks found in sidewalks.

“Hairline cracks can occur but are harmless to the piece. They are literally hairline and if you’re not looking for them, you won’t see them,” Miles says. Because the cracks are so small, food and other matter doesn’t get stuck in them.

Creation Methods

Concrete countertops can be created by way of three different processes: precast, cast-in-place and concrete slabs. Precast is the most popular way of creating a concrete surface. In this style, a craftsman will make a template of the countertops at the site, make forms in the shop and then install it at the site. Many craftsmen will require cabinets be installed and all plumbing be ready at the time of the installation. Both Rodgers and Miles install the sinks themselves to make sure everything fits correctly.