IN THIS POST
– Pros of Concrete Countertops
– Cons of Concrete Countertops
– Maintenance of Concrete Countertops
High-end concrete countertops have become one of the top kitchen trends for 2020 – and for all the right reasons.
While marble, granite and quartz have always been considered the most popular types of kitchen countertops by homeowners across Pakistan, concrete is quickly gaining prominence as a modern and trendier alternative to traditionally used materials.
If you have never seen a concrete kitchen countertop before, you are probably picturing a cold grey slab installed inside a distinctly industrial-looking cooking space. However, the truth is that high-end concrete countertops are much more versatile than that. Of course, they fit the industrial aesthetic perfectly, but they can also be a brilliant option for contemporary and minimalistic kitchens.
Grey and black concrete countertops can be a great addition to your kitchen. But if you are looking for something a bit more stylish, you can opt for acid-stained, stamped and etched countertops. Dry polishing the concrete countertops is also a common method to both enhance and toughen the material.
If you are on the fence about installing concrete countertops in your kitchen, we’ve compiled some of its most prominent advantages and disadvantages that might help you reach a decision.
Pros and Cons of Concrete Countertops
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of concrete countertops.
As the table above shows, there are quite a few pros and cons of concrete countertops that need to be discussed.
Let’s take a look at them.
Pros of Installing Concrete Countertops
Here are some of the most noteworthy advantages of concrete countertops.
Durability and Functionality
This probably goes without saying, but concrete is one of the most durable building materials. If you opt to include this material into your kitchen décor, you won’t have to worry about getting a replacement for a few decades – provided it is properly installed, sealed and maintained.
These kitchen countertops are not only modern and beautiful, but they are also remarkably functional.
Highly Resistant to Scratches
Concrete doesn’t scratch easily, especially if it is sealed on a regular basis. Even if you accidentally drop a heavy pot or a pan on the countertop, it will remain safe and sound.
When it comes to the kitchen, you should always use materials that don’t get damaged easily. In this regard, concrete countertops are certainly the top choice for your home.
Impervious to heat
Whether you install a black or white concrete countertop, you can guarantee that it will be impervious to heat. Since hot items are pretty common in any kitchen, its resistance to heat makes installing concrete countertops a wise choice for your cooking space.
Can be acid-stained, etched and polished
Gone are the days when concrete kitchen countertops were nothing more than a cold and dull-looking grey slab of cement, sand and gravel aggregate.
Dry-polishing concrete countertops has always been a popular option to beautify and strengthen it. However, you can now find much more modern options available in the market today. High-end concrete can be etched, acid stained and even embedded with stones and glass fragments for a stunning look.
On a side note, here is a comparison between cement, concrete and mortar that you might find helpful.
Easy to clean and maintain
Concrete countertops are pretty easy to clean and maintain – as long as they are properly sealed.
The best way to clean concrete countertops is to wipe them down with a soft sponge dipped in a solution of warm water and mild dishwashing liquid. For more stubborn stains and marks, you can use a pH-neutral cleaning solution of your choice. Just make sure not to use any abrasive chemical cleaners and refrain from scrubbing the surface with a hard material.
Can add value to your home
Concrete may be common construction material, but it is considered a premium and high-end alternative for a kitchen countertop.
Owing to their durability, concrete countertops can last you ages, thus adding value to your home. Also, you can easily upgrade them every few years by re-polishing or re-staining them.
Cons of Installing Concrete Countertops
These are some of the main problems with concrete countertops that homeowners might face.
Need to be sealed on a regular basis
As might have noticed while going through the pros, concrete kitchen countertops need to be sealed on a regular basis to avoid scratches and food stains. This is because concrete is inherently porous, which means even some spilt water can penetrate the surface and form stains. In fact, it can even lead to bacterial growth, which is why it is recommended to seal your countertop every 12 to 36 months.
Other than protecting the surface, using a good water-proofing sealer will also help enhance sheen and colour of concrete countertops.
Heavier than other materials
Concrete countertops can be considerably heavier than those made of other materials, such as wood. This can put a strain on the cabinet below and may even bend their frame.
It is always better to consult an expert when it comes to installing concrete countertops in your kitchen because you don’t want to inadvertently damage your cabinetry.
If you are interested in learning more about different types of wooden cabinets and their rates, you should check out our comprehensive guide on the topic.
It can stain rather quickly
As mentioned above, concrete can get stained rather quickly – unless it has been sealed properly.
Since food and water spills are quite common in kitchens everywhere, your concrete countertops can start looking dirty and dingy within a few days on installation if you don’t treat them with care.
Not impervious to cracks
Much like the concrete floors, a concrete countertop is not resistant to hairline cracks either.
Cracks usually appear when concrete is poured in place instead of installing a pre-cast. However, this problem rarely surfaces in high-end, good-quality concrete countertops owing to additional fibre reinforcement and wire mesh.
On the other hand, it is also important to note that most concrete cracks are easy-to-fix. In fact, you don’t even need to hire an expert to get rid of them.
Relatively Costly
The cost of concrete countertops is relatively higher than that of other popular materials.
However, you must consider this as a one-time-investment, as the installation and repair costs of concrete kitchen countertops are significantly cheap.
Maintenance of Concrete Countertops
To put it simply, concrete countertops require some basic maintenance. If you take care of them by sealing the surface every year or so, you won’t have to splurge on another countertop for the next couple of decades. It is also better to wax the countertops at least once a month to make sure nothing penetrates the surface.
Just like marble, granite and quartz, concrete isn’t impervious to any sort of damage. It may not show signs of distress very early on, but if you don’t dedicate some time towards their maintenance, the general wear and tear would become very apparent.
The bottom line is that if you are interested in minimalistic or industrialist décor for your kitchen, you should go ahead and give concrete kitchen countertops a try. Just make sure to purchase good-quality material and a water-proof sealant.
If you already have concrete countertops, feel free to share your experience with us by sending an email on blog@zameen.com.
For those who are planning to re-do their cooking space, our guides on best flooring ideas for your kitchen, backsplash ideas and choosing the right type of faucet will definitely come in handy.
To learn more about kitchen trends for 2020 as well as different types of kitchen countertops, stay connected to Zameen Blog – the best home décor and real estate blog in Pakistan.
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