Why Choose Concrete As a Finish Material?
Concrete appeals to people who are looking for something unique. Unlike factory-made countertops, concrete surfaces are handcrafted, personalized and made for each owner. This allows a customized appearance in color, finish, size, shape, and design.
Concrete has a natural, organic look and texture compared to synthetic or manufactured materials.
Concrete provides the option to make a functional space that showcases your unique style and is a valuable investment for any home.
Do Customized Concrete Countertops Crack?
It is extremely unlikely that your concrete countertop will crack. The concrete is exposed to much higher levels of stress during handling and installation than clients ever will under normal use.
Are concrete countertops expensive?
Concrete Countertops are comparable in cost to other premium surfaces such as granite, quartz, and marble.
Concrete provides a level of customization that in most natural stone cases are impossible to recreate. This means that concrete can have a wide range of cost. But, unlike other surfaces, concrete surfaces are custom made for each project, eliminating the need for owners to purchase excess and unused slab material, which can save money.
What options are there for color with concrete countertops?
Colors are nearly limitless with concrete. It can be light and bright, white to a deep dark black, or everything in between; Grey’s, blue’s, green’s, yellow’s, brown’s, red’s, mixed colors, we can even make it look like wood!
How Heavy are concrete countertops? Do I need to modify my cabinets?
Concrete countertops are typically less than 10 lbs/SF. No special considerations are necessary for your
cabinets.
How thick are concrete countertops?
The majority of the slab is typically around ¾ of an inch thick. The desired finished thickness look is up to the owner. Kitchens and bathroom counters are traditionally 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 inches thick. However, thicker looks have become popular, especially on bathroom vanities, with edges 4-6 inches thick.
Are concrete countertops good for outdoor kitchens and bars?
Yes. Concrete is very durable and extremely resistant to the elements making it a great choice for outdoor designs.
Can I cut on my concrete countertops?
No. Always use cutting boards. As with most natural stone countertop materials, cutting on the surface directly can damage the seal or damage your cutlery.
Can I put hot pots or pans on my concrete countertops?
Rapid heat gains and losses are not good for any stone surface and can damage the sealer. While sealed concrete can withstand 300-400 degrees of heat, its best to use hot pads and trivets.
Do concrete countertops stain?
All stone is porous. Staining of a concrete countertop is unlikely, but it is possible. Lawler Construction countertops are sealed with the industries leading sealers and are extremely stain and etch resistant. With good housekeeping habits and sealer as a backup, your countertop will look great for decades.
Do concrete countertops scratch?
Yes, they can. Typically, scratches are only in the sealer which can be repaired. Use of pads and trivets is recommended. Concrete, like any stone surface, should be protected.
Does the sealer require routine maintenance like granite or marble?
Not for a long time. With the same care you would give a more traditional stone surface, like granite and marble, it should be maintenance free for many years.
How do I find out more about concrete countertops?
The internet is full of erroneous information. Give us a call with all your custom concrete countertop and/or decor questions and we’d be happy to answer them.