Concrete countertops?

Question

I was just wondering if anyone has used concrete countertops on your rehab projects. I saw them used on one of the hokey shows on the tube and recently came across a concrete countertop business for sale. I had no idea they were in use up here... Maybe they arent and thats why he is selling the business!

Im always looking for different ways to used my creative weirdness, so opinions and experiences with them would be greatly appreciated.

James H. · Answer

Concrete is not green. It takes an incredible amount of heat and energy to melt limestone and the other constituents combined to make cement. Porous concrete for pavement may be considered green, but that is only because it is pervious, which reduces runoff. Recycled concrete may be considered green, but only because it reduces the use of new aggregates and reduces demolished concrete's presence in landfills. But concrete, as a material, is not green. It has a huge carbon footprint.

A good concrete countertop will also not be cheap. Concrete countertops require special mixes and highly skilled artisans to have a crack free finish.

Joel Owens · Answer

I remember reading up on concrete countertops years ago as a choice when I was looking at rehabbing houses.

If I remember correctly many things can go wrong with concrete countertop. A big issue I remember is the weight of the countertop and that causing issues with having to beef up the bottom cabinets and structures to carry the load.

Once you factor all of that in it is just quicker and easier to do laminate or a slab of granite and throw it in. Tile as back splashes people do not mind but most dislike tile for the countertop as the grout lines are hard to clean.

Shari Posey · Answer

I sold a house with them and most of the buyers thought they were cool but weird. Around here, granite is the standard.

The sellers put them in and in hindsight they wouldn't do it again. They weren't cheaper than granite and they required more maintenance than they expected.

Glenn Espinosa · Answer

I've yet to used them but will be experimenting with it in my market in the near future (on rentals initially).

Concrete countertops have come a long way and a lot of them are actually pretty attractive now.

One way to market them is to emphasize their eco friendly and healthy benefits. Throw all that "carbon footprint" saving the earth stuff out the window, though - you'll through off potential buyers. Have the info available for people who want to geek out, but don't focus on it when marketing the feature.

Focus on its hypoallergenic benefits especially for people with young kids. Concrete is easy to clean, doesn't harbor allergens, and unlike some countertops choices, won't harbor mold. You may pull some heart strings with concerned mothers and that might be all you need to get a sale.

Be careful, a few other easy and cheap rehab decisions and you'll be fast on your way to a "green" property. :)

Karen Margrave · Answer

I've never used them, but love the look in the right type of house design. I watched one of the tv shows where they made them, can't remember which one. House Crashers, or Property Brothers maybe? Google it. Post pics if you end up doing them!

Randy F. · Answer

Hey Joel!  I think they've come a long way over the past few years. Its sturdy enough to build 1 1/4" x 3' x 7' panels. I was impressed when I saw that. On beefier countertops they do a partial pour, lay in a sheet of styrofoam and then complete the pour, fully encasing the foam in concrete. Im sure they are much lighter than granite.

I've actually done quite a few granite tile countertops. These homeowners were just set on them. They wanted the look without spending the money on slabs. Its pretty high up here. I use granite tile with a micro bevel, run 1/16" grout lines, and use epoxy grout. With full grout lines dirt isnt trapped and they are easy to clean.

Paula Smith · Answer

I'm not sure I've seen any homes out here with concrete counters. I'd stick with what is popular, while I love the creative angle, it's all about what's going to sell.  Popular choice is typically the best for a quicker flip.

Shari Posey · Answer

I've never resealed my granite counters even though I know people say you should. (I've never had a problem.) This owner had to reseal quite often and they actually did stain from food so they had to be restained and then resealed.

I've never met a single buyer that preferred concrete or tile counters.

Randy F. · Answer

I wondered about maintenance.  Do you know... Was it that they need to be sealed more frequently than granite?

Randy F. · Answer

Hate granite? No, but does a kinda sorta dislike work? Granite has been all the rage for quite some time now, but I like to be different! Doubt it will pass any time soon. My fat thumbs have taken long google walks and Ive seen some really awesome stuff and Ive seen some really hideous stuff as well. Me thinks yous guys are correct in that it takes a skilled artisan to turn out more than boat anchors.

I have a feeling they may get a similar reaction to what tile tops get. People either love them or hate them. It appears the design possibilities are endless tho. Im definitely interested maybe. Thanks for your input!  :c)

Concrete countertops?

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