Concrete countertops are tough, stylish statement pieces, but they have some drawbacks. They’re expensive, require a good deal of maintenance, and may stain or crack. Plus, they’re very difficult to install unless you’re a skilled DIYer or you hire a pro.
I personally love the look, but if you’re in the market for countertops, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of concrete before investing a lot of money in this stylish option.
Pros of Concrete Countertops
Sleek and Stylish
If countertops were pieces of art, concrete would be among the most expressive. You can shape and size them nearly any way you like and even embed stones, fiber-optic lights, or other adornments.
Like stone countertops, concrete can improve your home’s value because it’s considered a high-end product that is attractive, durable, versatile, and long-lasting.
If you’re like me and love the industrial look with a rustic touch, a concrete countertop may be the right choice for you.
Highly Durable
Concrete countertops are tough; the mixture of cement and sand doesn’t crack easily. With proper maintenance, such as regular sealing, concrete countertops can last a lifetime. Structural cracks, which are cracks thicker than 2 to 3 mm, are unlikely as long as your countertop is well-made. These cracks affect the durability of the structure.
With that said, note that hairline cracks thinner than 2 to 3 mm can occur, especially close to moist areas like your sink because of shrinkage.
Resist Heat
Having to place a trivet on your countertop before placing your freshly cooked dinner can get tiring. But don’t worry about it; with a concrete countertop, you’re off the hook. This countertop handles heat like a champ.
However, keep in mind that you should pick a heat-resistant sealant or your sealant will get damaged.
Resist Scratches
While concrete countertops aren’t completely scratch-proof, their tough surface is hard to scratch compared to softer alternatives like laminate or wood.
Easy to Repair
Some countertops can’t be repaired. You may be able to cover minor scratches, but deep cuts, gouges, and impact damage are there to stay. Not if you have a concrete countertop. Concrete is relatively easy to repair by sanding, polishing, or patching.
Offer the Option of an Undermount Sink
Undermount sinks not only look sleek but allow you to easily wipe crumbs, spills and other debris directly into your sink.
However, it’s important to note that undermount sinks have some downsides. You have to be careful about placing heavy cast iron pans into them because you might damage them. The undermount sink itself is also prone to chipping, which may penetrate the sealant.
Cons of Concrete Countertops
Pricey
Concrete countertops aren’t cheap; their great features come at a price. They are made of a special countertop mix with minimal aggregate for a smooth finish. However, most of the cost is in labor because the material needs to be poured or precast and installed by professionals.
Concrete countertops typically cost between $65 and $150 per square foot, including installation, but may cost up to $175 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the project. Labor for installing concrete countertops costs around $55 to $135 per square foot, or $30 to $90 per hour.
By comparison, laminate countertops are affordable. They tend to cost anywhere between $20 and $80 per square foot, including installation, although sometimes they may be more expensive.
In addition, the heavy weight of your new countertop may stress your cabinets and floors. So, you may need to install additional support for them, too.
Maintenance Can be a Drag
The tradeoff for the durability of concrete is that it requires a good bit of maintenance.
Concrete countertops need to be sealed upon installation and may require regular re-sealing to repel stains and prevent etching. You’ll probably need to reseal every one to three years, but maybe as often as every six months, depending on how much you use your countertop and how careful you are.
Alternatively, you can use epoxy resin over unsealed concrete. This gives a glossy, beautiful finish and makes the surface more durable and resistant to stains.
Porous Surface May Stain and Trap Bacteria
You can get away with accidentally cutting into your concrete countertop, but it won’t be nearly as forgiving of stains. The surface of concrete countertops is incredibly porous, absorbing liquids and even trapping bacteria. And if that doesn’t put you off, this might: the porosity may even trap smells.
Additionally, concrete countertops are prone to etching from acid stains. Once again, don’t forget to seal your concrete countertop every one to three years.
Nevertheless, over time, the surface of your concrete countertop may become stained, rugged-looking, and almost patina-like. If you’re into that aesthetic, it may not be a problem, but you’re forewarned.
A Pain to Install
Installing a concrete countertop requires precision and expertise. It’s messy and labor-intensive. If you’re getting a once-piece slab rather than pouring it on site, you need to get precise measurements. These need to be fully cured before installation, which takes 28 days. If you want to pour the concrete, you need to work quickly, and you must level it quickly.
More Resources
Compare the pros and cons of concrete countertops to other materials. Check out:
- Tile Countertops: Pros and Cons
- Quartz Countertops: Pros and Cons
- Marble Countertops: Pros and Cons
- Granite Countertops: Pros and Cons
- Laminate Countertops: Pros and Cons
- Stainless Steel Countertops: Pros and Cons
Note: Home Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with pros in your area.
Main Image Credit: ML Harris / Adobe Stock / License
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