Concrete Countertops: Pros, Cons, and DIY Crafting Guide

Concrete countertops are a great surface choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor entertaining areas, thanks to their ability to marry functionality and beauty with superior durability and ease of maintenance.

Here are some of the major pros and cons of concrete countertops to help you decide whether or not concrete countertops are a good choice for you.

Concrete countertops benefits

• Customization

When it comes to concrete kitchen countertops, customization possibilities are almost endless. You have the option of choosing your desired color and shape.

You can also pick a unique edge profile, add some decorations, or polish the surface for a glossy finish.

Concrete kitchen countertops can be left with their natural grey or they can be customized to imitate the appearance of marble, granite, or wood.

A wide range of finishes exists to match any design option, including rustic, traditional, modern, or industrial. Custom features such as drainboards, trivets or cutting boards can be cast into the counters.

Sine aggregates or decorative glass can be added to the concrete mix to deliver a stunning stone-like appearance.

• Durability

Adding glass fibers to concrete mix results in a strong, lightweight, and durable counter – which is far less likely to crack.

Besides, reinforcement allows for long, unified spans and bold overhangs not possible with materials such as granite.

Concrete countertops drawbacks

• Costly

The handcrafted nature of cement countertops demands higher labor costs, which can be a major setback for individuals working on a tight budget.

However, polished concrete countertops can increase the long-term value of a house, which makes them a worthy investment.

• Time-consuming

Designing, casting, and curing concrete kitchen countertops is a time-consuming affair that could discourage anyone in a hurry to move into a new home.

RELATED: A Guide to Buying Quartz Countertops

It is advisable to work with a turnaround time of about three weeks when planning to install custom countertops in your house.

• Staining

While concrete countertops are designed to last for decades, they are susceptible to stains. It is therefore advisable to frequently reapply sealer and wax to protect the surface. You should also form a habit of cleaning up spills right away.

How to make DIY concrete countertops

It is possible to make some DIY concrete countertops if cost is a concern to you. However, you should keep in mind that this is a complex task that requires specialised tools and a great deal of experience.

It is advisable to stick with a simple countertop design.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Create the mold

Use melamine-coated particle board.

2. Prepare the concrete

Obtain a specially formulated countertop mix.

3. Pour the concrete

Trowel to fill the entire form, then compress to release air bubbles.

4. Cure the concrete

Cover with plastic canvas and let it dry for at least 18 hours.

5. Remove the slab from the mold

Dismantle the mold, and pull it away from the edges.

6. Finish the surface

Smoothen any imperfections and fill cavities with slurry.

7. Apply a sealer

Confirm the concrete is cured, clean, and dry before sealing.

8. Mount your new countertop

Lift the counter into place, and then use caulk to fix it to your cabinets.

FAQs

How long will concrete countertops last?

If properly designed, cured, and installed, concrete countertops can last for decades without ever requiring any replacement.

They are likely to last the entire lifespan of your house.

Join 15,000+ pros getting our weekly digest of news and insights.