Concrete can be used in numerous applications using a variety of techniques. It is tough enough to last for decades to come, strong enough to be used in structural applications, and malleable (before curing) to be molded into almost any shape or shape. It can be used in floor, wall and ceiling applications, or it can be used to build statues and furniture. It can be made to look industrial and cool, as well as traditional and warm. With so many applications, it’s almost safe to say that concrete can be used to make just about anything, and countertops are no exception.
Concrete countertops made their debut in restaurants, retail establishments, and homes more than a decade ago; however, they have become more accepted in recent years. Once a countertop material just for DIYers and exceptionally rich concrete countertops, they are now beginning to find their way into mid-priced homes and common commercial applications.
Using concrete countertops has become an increasingly popular way for designers and homeowners to achieve a look unmatched by any other material. Concrete countertops can add the perfect design element to almost any design style, including traditional, earthy, modern, industrial, contemporary, and more. Concrete countertops are only limited to imagination and the ability to realize the forms as such.
Key components that affect the appearance of concrete countertops
Aggregates.
All concrete requires fine and coarse aggregates to achieve proper consistency and strength. In fact, these aggregates are a main composition of concrete. In countertop application, aggregates are of great importance. Obviously, the aggregates must allow the concrete to set as it should. However, aggregates can also play a role in concrete countertop aesthetics. For example, the type of fine aggregates chosen (ie sand) can dramatically change the color of the finished product. Also, if the countertop is polished, the process can grind the concrete and expose the aggregates. In this case, the sizes and colors of the aggregates are as important as any concrete color to the final appearance of the countertop. Also, if you expose the aggregate, consider using aggregates other than gravel, including broken glass, marble or granite chips, nuts and bolts, etc.
Portland cement.
Portland cement is the binder that holds concrete together. Because traditional Portland cement is gray in color, it can affect the overall look of your concrete countertop. If you are looking for a countertop that can be easily stained in dark colors, or if you want to leave your concrete countertops the natural gray color, then regular Portland is the right choice for the project. However, if your concrete countertop is going to be white or light-colored, or you need to stain or stain it easily, choosing a white Portland cement may be more appropriate. It has the same binding properties as traditional Portland, only it is white in color when cured. White Portland is the only way to get a truly white concrete countertop.
Colors.
There are a variety of techniques that are used to achieve a certain color on a concrete countertop. One of the most basic methods is to add a pigment to the concrete mix before pouring the countertop. These colors are often called integral colors or integrated colors. Solid colors add color to the entire countertop, making the center of the countertop the same color as the surface. This is especially important if you are grinding or polishing after pouring. Post-pour colors will fade, exposing the original color of the concrete. Some post-pour concrete staining techniques include stained concrete countertops, stained concrete countertops, and stained concrete countertops. Each coloring method will result in a unique and different result. Generally, the same rules apply for pre- and post-pour concrete countertop staining techniques as for regular concrete slabs. Be sure to review the rules and tips for each of these techniques before trying. For example, you may want to wait until your concrete countertop is fully cured before applying any stain, which can take up to 60 days for interior applications.
Sealants.
For each concrete countertop, you will want to use some type of sealer. Concrete is porous by nature, so you will need a sealer to prevent the pores from absorbing bacteria, stains, etc. There are many different sealants. Because this sealer will protect your concrete countertop investment, don’t waste money on this step. Especially for kitchen applications, choose an FDA approved sealant. There are also some that are less complicated than others, so pay attention to details like application procedures and the duration between a new application. Sealants can come in many different glosses and even tints. A higher gloss sealer tends to bring out the richness of the colors, while a flat or matte sealer will tone the concrete countertop a bit. Tinted sealer should be used with care because if the color conflicts or if the particle count of the stain is too high, it can completely ruin the hard work you put into the concrete countertop.
Decorative supports.
Concrete countertop manufacturers have been testing many unique ways to differentiate their countertops. A semi-common technique is to embed decorative materials into the concrete countertop when the concrete has not yet cured. Inlaid materials can include seashells, tiles, natural stones, glass, etc. Even more delicate objects such as preserved leaves can be embedded. Although a sealer can add some protection, always consider the long-term durability of the materials you choose to embed in the countertop. Countertop artists have also been playing with objects to impress in concrete. If used on a functional countertop, prints should be shallow to avoid creating an area to collect dirt and grime. Print materials are plentiful and can include rubber stamps, hand or foot prints, leaves and sticks, cookie cutters or cake pans, etc.
Surface finishes.
For the surface, there are many different finishes you can choose from including flat, polished, patterned or printed, smoothed, textured, and more. This finish can have a huge impact on the final look of your concrete countertop.
Edge shape.
If you can imagine an edge finish, it is available with concrete countertops. The only limitation is the manufacturer’s ability to create the mold or shape. Of course, square corners are a common and easy edge shape for concrete countertops. Additionally, you can use a router, such as those used on granite or marble countertops, to create edge styles that include bull nose, rounded corners, triple egg, ogee, and more. There are also a variety of Styrofoam and rubber edge molds that can mimic wood trim, uneven rock edges, and many more. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can create your own molds. Just remember: you only have one try. If you’re wrong, the only solution is a new concrete countertop.
Sinks
If you’re really looking for a streamlined look with your countertop, consider molding your sink into the concrete countertop. This will mean that you have a flowing piece that represents the countertops and sink without seams. There are even more sink shapes available with concrete than with other materials. Again, if you can dream it up and build the mold, you can do it with concrete.