Take a Look: Concrete Countertops Pros and Cons

There once was a time when granite countertops were the ultimate luxury kitchen must-have. Now, homeowners have a staggering variety of choices when it comes to countertops, from butcher block to marble, soapstone, quartz, and, yes, concrete. Concrete countertops give your kitchen an industrial look that works well in ultramodern and farmhouse kitchens alike.

Concrete countertops are made with a mortar mix, usually consisting of one part cement and three parts sand. However, there are variables in both prepackaged mixes and mixes made from scratch by pros. Ingredients such as accelerators, superplasticizers, pigments and decorative aggregates will affect both the performance and final look of a concrete countertop.

Whatever mix is used, the countertop must be polished after it’s been installed and has had time to cure. The grinding and polishing process removes the rough finish and adds an attractive sheen. Concrete is porous, so the countertops must also be sealed with a food-safe sealer.

If you’re leaning towards concrete for your own kitchen countertop material, here are a few concrete countertop pros and cons to consider.

Concrete Countertop Pros

Durability

There’s no doubt concrete is rock solid and extremely durable; it can easily handle the wear and tear of everyday use in the kitchen or bathroom. In fact, concrete countertops will last you a lifetime if properly sealed and maintained. And unlike some other materials, it’s heat-resistant, “Concrete is pretty tough. Once sealed, it handles heat well, so you can put a hot pan right on it without worrying,” says Coates.

Customization

Concrete countertops are extremely customizable. “The shapes and forms you can build are virtually limitless, and they can be built in a shop or cast in place, which is a huge plus,” says Coates. “You can shape them to fit any kitchen layout and choose different colors, textures, or finishes.” You can also customize the edge profile and sheen to fit your taste. Other special finishes include marbling and veining, dish-draining ridges, and decorative add-ins, such as stones, colored glass or metal shavings.

Style

Of course, the main reason you might choose concrete countertops is because you like the look. “They’ve got that cool, industrial vibe, which is great if you’re going for a modern or minimalistic look,” says Coates. Pair concrete countertops with other rustic finishes like wood grain shelving and stainless steel accents. Or, with the color choices, you can use concrete to mimic other more expensive countertops like soapstone and marble.

Eco-Friendly

Concrete countertops are eco-friendly because of their lifetime longevity, which reduces waste. Concrete also requires less energy during production. Other man-made materials, like quartz or porcelain, rely on large machinery to add heat and pressure for bonding, while concrete cures and hardens on its own. To decrease your carbon footprint even more, Coates recommends using locally sourced materials and incorporating recycled mix-ins like glass.

Concrete Countertop Cons

Maintenance

Although durable, concrete countertops do require consistent upkeep. You’ll need to regularly reapply sealer and wax to protect the surface of your counters and avoid stains. Spills and messes should be cleaned up right away.

“You need to reseal it every one to three years with food-grade wax (think beeswax) to keep it from absorbing stains or bacteria,” says Coates. “I recommend using a mild, pH-neutral cleaner for day-to-day cleaning. Avoid harsh, acidic cleaners because they can wear down the sealer.”

Price

Concrete countertops are handcrafted, which requires a lot of labor, so they are not cheap. According to The Concrete Network, the average cost per square foot is $65 to $135. (For comparison, marble countertops cost about $110 to $250 per square foot.)

Because concrete is so customizable, many factors can affect the price. “Adding things like custom shapes, built-in sinks, or unique finishes can bump the price up,” says Coates. “Installation is also a big factor. It’s pretty labor-intensive to pour and finish concrete properly, so paying a pro to do it right can drive the cost higher.”

Hairline Cracking

Concrete is structurally sound, so if installed properly, you won’t encounter any big cracks, but hairline cracks are possible. Slight discoloration and tiny chips also naturally occur and add to the patina of your countertops as they age. For some, imperfections are part of the appeal and charm of concrete countertops. However, it’s something to keep in mind if you want countertops that always look new.

Time

Concrete countertops might not be the best choice if you’re short on time. To design, cast and cure, you should plan for a turnaround time of at least a few weeks. Curing itself can take from three to seven days. And keep in mind that the more humid the climate where you live, the longer the cure time.

Are Concrete Countertops Right for Me?

Overall, concrete countertops are a good choice for those who prioritize customization and don’t mind some natural patina as the material ages. Keep price in mind, though, because custom finishes and professional installation can drive the cost up substantially. Concrete is an excellent option for an experienced DIYer. Forming and installing the countertops yourself will eliminate labor costs, but it’s not a project for beginners. DIY concrete countertops require skill, special tools, and lots of time.

About the Expert

Matthew Coates is a Seattle architect and president of Coates Design. Coates has used concrete countertops in several of his designs over the years, and personally installed DIY concrete countertops in two of his own homes. With more than 20 years of experience, he is recognized for his innovative and forward-thinking approach to high-performance architecture and sustainable design.

Sources

Concrete Countertop Mix, Concrete Network, 2020