Concrete Countertops Are the Right Choice for You! 5 FAQ's To Prove It.

1.   How durable are concrete countertops?

Choosing concrete countertops based on durability alone is quite the wise choice.  Concrete is one of the most durable materials around.  The whole reason for the creation of concrete was to have a material made to last.  Installing concrete countertops means homeowners will not have to concern themselves with thoughts of chipping or breaking their beautiful new countertops. 

2.  Are concrete countertops a good choice for my kitchen?  Are they heat resistant?  Can I cut right on the countertop instead of a cutting board?

While concrete is heat resistant, making it a wise choice for the kitchen, the sealant applied to protect it probably will not be heat resistant.  In order to keep concrete countertops in tip-top shape, it is best to use place hot pots and pans on a hot plate and not directly on the countertop.

It is also not recommended to cut directly on the countertop for the same reason as above:  the sealant.  Cutting directly on the countertop will not damage the concrete, but can damage the sealant, which is applied to protect the concrete from staining.  A cutting board should always be used.

3. Will concrete countertops stain?

That sealer I keep mentioning...well that is applied to the concrete countertop specifically to combat water damage and stains.  Since concrete is a very porous material, a sealant is possibly the most important part of the concrete countertop.  If the sealant is compromised, say by cutting veggies directly on the surface or placing a pot from the hot stove without a hot plate, then water, juices, wine, blueberries, makeup (yes, concrete makes for great bathroom countertops, too!), etc. could very easily slip through the damaged area of the sealant to create an ugly stain.  However, properly caring for concrete countertops will enable them to be stain-free.

4.  Can I customize my concrete countertop to compliment my room design?

Yes. Yes. YES!  Concrete countertops are typically chosen due to the almost limitless customizations.  Concrete can be colored, stained, stenciled to match just about anything a homeowner can think up.  Some homeowners opt to have cutting boards and/or drainers built in, or choose to have a slope into the sink in order to make food prep and cleanup super easy.  Concrete countertops can be enhanced by adding anything from glass, broken ceramic pieces, sea shells, etc. to the overall surface design.  Edge details and backsplashes are another beautiful design option.  Concrete countertops can also be formed in to just about any shape imaginable, due to concrete's ease of manipulation.   Customization of concrete countertops is pretty much limited only to the imagination!

5.  Is it difficult to clean and maintain concrete countertops?

NO!  Concrete countertops need minimal upkeep.  In fact, no more than any other countertop material.  It is suggested that a mild soap and water be used for daily cleanup.  Avoid abrasive soaps, cleansers, pads and such as they can break through that all important sealant.