The Problem With Concrete Countertops That No One Talks About
Thank Pinterest, thank Joanna Gaines, thank marble madness overload—but concrete countertops have taken over farmhouses in the past few years. It's easy to see why: Installing concrete counters is a sure way to infuse your home with a rustic yet industrial feel that's at once trendy and unfussy.
But after testing them out, other homeowners have voiced some serious concerns which made us wonder: Is concrete all it's cracked up to be? Learn more about the material, including the costs and time it takes. Plus, weigh the pros and cons to see if cement counters are right for you.
Concrete Counters: To DIY or Not to DIY?
The cost of concrete countertops will depend on if you go the DIY route or have them professionally installed (either pre-cast or poured in place)—and how much personalization you want. Concrete can be cast into any shape and pigmented, stained, or textured with all kinds of shades and finishes; you can even embed tiles, stones, etc.
According to ConcreteNetwork.com, the average cost per square foot is $65 to $135, and the average cost of installation is $40 to $50 per hour, per person. Consider how quickly you need them, too: Once poured, it takes 28 days for concrete counters to fully cure.
Pros and Cons of Concrete Countertops
Pro: Concrete is durable. The strength of the cement-and-sand mix alone has some hailing it as a rock solid (we had to) design choice. After all, concrete is made up of the same material found in sidewalks.
Con: But it can crack. Does the thought of a hairline fracture make you cringe? That's a risk that comes along with concrete countertops, most commonly when poured in place rather than pre-cast. Of course, you can prevent cracks to a certain extent by adding fiber reinforcement, rebar, and/or wire mesh. Still, cracks happen, whether because of pressure or the natural settling of the house.
Pro: Cracks can be fixed. Thankfully, those fractures are usually not super noticeable and pretty easy to repair.
Con: Concrete is susceptible to stains and scratches. Concrete is notorious for flaunting flaws—the most common complaint of unhappy homeowners. That's because the porous substance can absorb liquids and even bacterial growth, which is why it's incredibly important to seal the surface upon installation.
In theory, sealing will make your counters stain-, scratch- and heat-resistant. But in reality, even sealed concrete will show markings, especially spills like olive oil, red wine, juice, or coffee. Something as simple as water spots might result in a pretty sloppy style that would drive a Type A person crazy.
Pro: So is basically everything else. You won't find anything on the market that's indestructible. Yes, concrete can scratch and stain, but so can pretty much every other material, including granite and marble. While some may be bothered by the imperfections, others love the rustic look and embrace the rich patina that develops over time.
The bottom line? If you're looking for perfection, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you love the rugged aesthetic and are passionate about patina, go ahead and give it a try. Just do your research, and make sure you do the maintenance.
How to Care for Your Concrete Countertops
Whether you love or hate the "worn in" look, you should know how best to care for your counters. You'll want to reseal every one to three years. "Avoid abrasive cleaners and scrubbers that can damage sealer," Havenly's Head of Design, Shelby Girard, tells CountryLiving.com. "To prevent stains, use cutting boards, and clean up messes quickly. Wax countertops monthly once sealed to prevent stains."
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