The Advantages and Disadvantages of Concrete Countertops

Concrete countertops have been making their way back into homes as of recently and it looks like they are here to stay. After all, they provide homeowners with a surface that is entirely customizable as well as functional in a number of rooms including both kitchens and bathrooms. You can even use them in outdoor spaces, too! In addition to being functional, though, they are also quite stunning as you can turn them into virtually any style that you would like. However, you can also count on them to last as they are very durable, simple to clean, and maintenance is not a hassle at all. The list of advantages goes on. Therefore, keep reading to learn more about all that a concrete countertop can offer you. 

One of the greatest benefits of concrete countertops is the fact that you can customize them in any way shape or form that you would like. Indeed, you can select whatever color that you would like in any shape that your space requires. In addition, you can have a unique edge to it, even adding embeds such as glass or pebbles if you would like. You can also top of your concrete surface with a polish so that it is shiny. Therefore, while you can keep it its natural grey color, you can personalize it to look like surfaces such as granite or marble, to name a few. You can even make it look more modern or rustic with the help of various textures and finishes. Concrete is also really easy to work with when it comes to adding custom features like drainboards or cutting boards, for example. 
As we mentioned earlier, it is also very durable and it can be made even more durable if you add things like glass fibers. As a result, not only is it durable, but it is also lighter in weight. A lot of the time, whenever you make it, many also add reinforcements to ensure that it lasts for a long time while preventing cracks at the same time. In addition, if you seal and wax them properly and actually take some time to maintain them, they won’t stain. That being said, though, it is recommended that you clean up any messes that you make immediately. 
Another benefit includes the fact that concrete countertops cost very low in comparison to many of the other surfaces that you can choose from today. In addition, you can lower the price even more if you choose to make it on your own. Indeed, while concrete countertops do take a bit of time to cure, the process itself is not too bad and actually quite rewarding if you DIY concrete countertops. After all, you really don’t need that many tools and materials to do so while you don’t have to be experienced either in order to make a good one. That being said, though, it is important that you do some research beforehand to make sure that your DIY concrete countertop project is completed successfully. Therefore, if this is something that would be of interest to you, please visit our website, Concrete Countertop Solutions, today. You’ll find all of the materials and tools that you will need all in one location accompanied by copious amounts of resources to help you out with the construction of your very own concrete countertop. However, if you would like a sneak peek into the process, keep reading to learn more about what it’s like to make your own concrete countertop.

Before you start working with the actual mix, you are going to want to make a mold for your concrete surface. You can do son in a number of different ways including wood, melamine-coated particleboard, as well as our very own z-forms, which is arguably the easiest and safest way to go. Then, you are going to attach it to some Durock to your countertop, for instance, as well as add some reinforcements. As soon as your base is all ready, mix your concrete based on the mix that you got. We recommend that you follow the instructions as they will ensure that you mix the right consistency. As soon as your mix is ready, begin to fill in the form, gently smoothing it out with a trowel to ensure that it is leveled and smooth. We also suggest that you tap the edges of the form during this process as this will ensure that your concrete surface will have as few air bubbles as possible. Once your entire mold is filled, smooth it out and then prepare it for the curing process. The best way to do so is simply by covering it with a plastic sheet. Keep the sheet there for about 18 hours, or until dry. As soon as it is dry, the first thing that you will want to do is get rid of the mold. It should snap off with only the slightest force. Once you’ve got your bare slab, you can fill in any air bubbles that may have surfaced during the pouring stage as well as sand down any parts that you feel could be smoother. Then, wipe off the surface to prepare it for the final stage. 
In order to bring your concrete countertop making process to completion, begin by adding various stains to it in order to achieve the color and the pattern that you are going for. You can skip this step, though, if you are going after a more industrial, grey look. Once it’s dry, you will need to add a sealer to the top of it to make sure that you properly protect it for use. As soon as it is sealed, though, you are all good to go!
As you can see, making your concrete countertop truly isn’t as difficult of a process as you may have thought at first, therefore, if this is something that interests you, don’t hesitate to try it out!