Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - Info on concrete countertops and more...

Hello,

We are in the process of building (rather having built) a new home, and we are looking to use concrete coutertops. It appears to be fairly new (maybe just recently fashionable) and it really appeals to us. However since there are not a lot of people currently with concrete countertops it is hard to get opinions on if they are a wise decision.

If you have any opinions, information, links, or ideas when it comes to concrete countertops I would greatly appreciate it. The pricing seems fair from my initial checks and the weight is just above granite (yes they are both heavy).

Secondly I saw in a magazine kitchen cabinets that were painted with auto-motive paint, the wood was something like a shop grade birch or along those lines, the result was a very smooth finish, much like a vehicle(not metallic paint). It was a very clean look. Again this being something that is not in wide spread use, if you have any info on this process or have seen/done them in the past feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any advice or opinions anyone might have.

Scott

As you already know these are fairly new in the industry and as such they are done by professionals. This can be installed as a pre-cast or cast-in-place.

Once it is installed, it is recommended that a lacquer sealer be applied at least once a year to help prevent stains and water damage. The type that is used runs about $110 for a 5 gallon pail. It is not stain-proof even with lacquer applied as any scratch will allow penetration to the raw surface thus any scratch will also allow water to penetrate as well. I have heard of options such as a raised glass top surface but at that point, why even install this.

The plus side of these is that they can be formed into various shapes to include the integral sink and decorative edge treatments. It can be stained and textures can be added but in a kitchen this may not be advisable.

The bad side is that it must be sealed properly and routinely and cutting on it will leave marks so a cutting board is a good idea. To top it off, water damage is a very big issue and if this was bathroom sink, maybe it would be a good option. The kitchen area is one of the most abused locations for any type of countertop, let alone the sink.
Scott_Free,

The cost for concrete can be from $55 - 100 per square foot. Not a cheap venture but one that you may like as long as you realize the drawbacks.

I really don't consider this a DIY'er project even though you may have found a "How-to" site. The kitchen countertops done in concrete are usually designed to use conventional sinks, either drop in self-rimming or under-mounted so the issue of the sink hole is not an item here but in a bathroom that is another story.

If it were me, I would choose another option for overall performance and look. It appears that this option is only being considered due to trying to make it yourself and the money to do so but this isn't just "buying a bag of pre-mix" and there you go - countertop.

I cannot provide info on the use of automotive paints but lacquers are widely used and done so by spray application for an awesome look. This again is not a diyer project.

Hope this helps!

Thanks for the info.

Yea I have heard of people doing/attempting these things themselves, and persaonlly woul done turn to a professional to get the job done right. The draw backs you mentioned about the concrete are worth taking note, and we will have to consider them in our final decision.

Have you heard anyhting about cracking due to natural shrinkage of the concrete?

Scott_Free,

I have had only 2 clients using concrete for countertops. They both regret it.

this is something that I had made up,

Countertops - Concrete

CONCRETE This hardened mixture of water,cement, and sand or gravel isn’t just for your basement. It can make quite a statement in your kitchen. Counters are usually precast to fit a mold or cast on site. Consider applying a lacquer sealer to prevent stains and water damage or covering it with a raised glass top. $55 - $100 per sq.ft.

Pros
Can be worked into different shapes such as integral sinks and decorative edge treatments
Resists scratches and heat
Comes in a variety of colors and textures

Cons
Stains easily
Prone to crumbling and cracking
Cutting on it will leave marks
Quick temperatures changes can cause curling or warping to newly installed

Hope this helps!