Following the Trends: Concrete Countertops

As a concrete and concrete tool supplier, we have definitely taken notice of the concrete countertop trend that has emerged over the last few years. To be honest, it is easy to see why! Concrete countertops are a great way to infuse your home or office with a rustic, industrial feel that is sleek and trendy at the same time. They fit in great and can really round out a room’s design, whether it is in an ultra modern office or a farmhouse style home. However, even though concrete countertops have become very popular, they definitely are not for everybody. At Gegra Equipment we have come across a lot of concrete countertop builds. Here are some of the main factors that we think people need to consider when deciding if they want a concrete countertop or not.

What are they made of?

Concrete countertops are made with a mortar mix usually consisting of one part cement and three parts sand. However, there are variables in both prepackaged mixes and mixes made from scratch by pros. Ingredients such as accelerators, superplasticizers, pigments and decorative aggregates will affect both the performance and final look of a concrete countertop. Whatever mix is used, the countertop will need to be polished once it has been installed and has had time to cure. The grinding and polishing process removes the rough finish and adds an attractive sheen. Then, because concrete is porous, the countertops must be sealed with a food-safe sealer. At Gegra Equipment, we have a number of mortar mixes, stains, sealers and tools such as polishers to help you build the concrete countertop you want.

How much do they cost?

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. Doing it yourself is obviously the cheaper option, however unless you are skilled at working with concrete, it may be beneficial to hire a professional. Whatever direction you go in, concrete countertops are still a more affordable option than marble, granite, soapstone, quartz etc.

Customization

Concrete countertops are extremely customizable. They can be formed to fit basically any counter configuration, and you get to choose the exact color, edge profile and sheen. Custom finishes can include marbling and veining, dish draining ridges, and you can choose add-ins such as strategically placed decorative tiles. At Gegra Equipment, we have a number of stains and finishes to help you achieve the perfect look for your concrete countertop.

Strength & Durability

There is no doubt concrete is rock solid and extremely durable. Concrete countertops will last you a lifetime, if properly sealed and maintained! One of the biggest fears is that the concrete will crack over time, which is true, however those cracks can easily be filled and repaired. Gegra Equipment carries a number of concrete repair mortars to help you fix any cracks or chips in your concrete countertop.

Maintenance

Concrete countertops require consistent upkeep. You will need to regularly reapply sealer to protect the surface of your counters and avoid stains. Please keep in mind that concrete is susceptible to stains and scratches. Concrete is notorious for flaunting flaws—which is the most common complaint of unhappy concrete countertop owners. That is because the porous substance can absorb liquids and even bacterial growth, which is why it is incredibly important to seal the surface upon installation. In theory, sealing will make your counters stain-, scratch- and heat-resistant. Gegra Equipment has a number of seals, finishes and polishers to help you maintain your concrete countertop.

While some may be bothered by the imperfections, others love the rustic look and embrace the rich patina that develops in concrete over time. The bottom line? If you are looking for perfection, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you love the rugged aesthetic, go ahead and give it a try. Gegra Equipment has been an authority on all things concrete for over 40 years. We would be happy to assist you with your concrete countertop build, or answer any other questions you may have about concrete pouring, maintenance and repair. Give us a call at (604) 437-9468!