Are Concrete Counters Expensive?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Are concrete counters expensive? The cost of concrete countertops ranges from $65 to $135 per square foot . This price usually includes the countertop design, materials, construction, and installation. Concrete countertops cost is not in the material, but rather in the artisan’s skill and creativity.

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Are concrete countertops cheaper than granite?

Generally, concrete countertops are not cheaper than granite . Concrete starts at around $65 per square foot, while basic granite can be as low as $40 a square foot. Concrete counters are an artisan product that come with higher labor costs.

How much cheaper are concrete countertops?

Concrete countertops are hand crafted, which requires a lot of labor, so these countertops are not cheap. The average cost per square foot is $65 to $135 . (For comparison, marble countertops cost about $110 to $250 per square foot.)

What are the pros and cons of concrete countertops?

  • Pro: Concrete is durable. The strength of the cement-and-sand mix alone has some hailing it as a rock solid (we had to) design choice. ...
  • Con: But it can crack. ...
  • Pro: Cracks can be fixed. ...
  • Con: Concrete is susceptible to stains and scratches. ...
  • Pro: So is basically everything else.

Are DIY concrete countertops expensive?

DIYing your concrete countertop may cost around $8 to $15 per square foot , while a contractor will charge $2,500 for a $3,000 project. Labor counts for 80% of the total cost of concrete countertop installation.

Can you put hot pans on concrete countertops?

Heat Resistant – As long as the proper sealer is used, concrete countertops are heat resistant . As a result, they can withstand heat from warm pots and pans.

What is the cheapest countertop?

Laminate is the most affordable material for use in countertops . It comes in a wide variety of colors and styles, many of which are created to look like granite, marble or other high-end materials. Most laminate countertops are attractive and surprisingly durable.

Do concrete countertops crack?

A: Yes. Not always, but concrete countertops can develop hairline cracks . The cracks tend to be non-structural and result from the natural shrinkage of the concrete. However, some countertop cracks can be prevented.

How do you maintain a concrete countertop?

How do I clean and maintain concrete countertops? As long as your concrete is properly sealed, it should be as easy to clean as a laminated surface. As a general rule, use a pH-neutral cleaner and avoid the use of aggressive scrubbing pads or abrasive cleansers that can wear away the sealer .

Do white concrete countertops stain?

Concrete countertops scratch & stain easily .

This is especially true for white concrete countertops! Cement is actually a pretty fragile surface that stains and cracks easily. It is also highly absorbent and must be sealed before you can use it in your kitchen.

Are concrete countertops still in style?

While quartz, granite, and marble countertops are popular with designers, concrete remains a desirable option on the periphery , offering flexibility and a creative potential that other materials simply cannot provide.

Do concrete countertops need to be sealed?

Because concrete is naturally porous, concrete countertops should always be sealed to protect them from food stains, scratches and water absorption . The right sealer will not only protect the countertop surface, but also enhance its color and sheen.

Is there a granite that looks like concrete?

Jett Mist Granite

Much like concrete, the solid nature and dark hue of this slab can cause it to appear heavy. Pairing it with contrasting, white cabinetry can create a bold interior design look.

How hard is it to make concrete countertops?

Does concrete table top stain?

Concrete may exhibit spotting and hairline cracks due to exposure to the elements and expansion and contraction; scratches will appear due to usage. Our concrete tables are sealed, but due to the natural porosity of the concrete top, tables are not impervious to staining .

How do you clean concrete countertops?

Wipe & rinse with clean cold water.

Thoroughly wipe down the counter with a damp sponge, non-abrasive soft cloth or paper towel to ensure a residue-free surface. Optional: Dry and polish. For extra shine on your concrete counters, follow your cleaning with Simple Green Stone Polish.

Is there a quartz that looks like concrete?

Concrete comes in different finishes and shades, and so does quartz that looks like concrete . Quartz countertops inspired by concrete come in different finishes and styles so you can coordinate with your kitchen. For those that want a very subtle, solid-colored countertop, the Metropolitan is an ideal choice.

Is concrete heavier than granite?

Some claim that concrete is heavier than granite, and that even cabinets that are strong enough to support a granite countertop might buckle under the weight of concrete. But this appears to be untrue. They weigh about the same [source: BobVila.com].

What do I need to know about concrete countertops?

While concrete is not scratch-proof, it does resist scratches remarkably well , especially when compared to softer counter materials such as solid surface or laminate. Concrete, too, can be customized by the addition of small items pressed into the top surface.

What looks like granite but is less expensive?

Material Cheap to Expensive (Per Square Foot)* Marble/Quartz/Engineered Stone $50-$90 Wood $50-$100 Soapstone $50-$100 Stainless Steel $65-$150

What is the easiest countertop to install?

Plastic laminate counters are one of the most affordable and DIY-friendly. The material is also readily available in a wide range of colors and styles, including faux marble countertops. Plus, they are incredibly low-maintenance and don’t require the annual upkeep associated with many other higher-end materials.

How do I change my kitchen countertops on a budget?

Use a Countertop Paint Kit

You can purchase paint kits that allow you to update the look of your countertops. The product is simple to use and can give you the look of stone for less than hundred dollars. If you want a new look, but don’t want to spend a lot of money, painting your countertops is a great option.

How thick does a concrete countertop have to be?

HOW THICK ARE CONCRETE COUNTER- TOPS? Standard thickness is 1 1/2” with a minimum of 1 1/4” and maximum of 3” . Any thickness beyond 3” can be achieved using techniques to give the appear- ance of the desired thickness, yet still maintain weight and size within desirable limits.

How thick should concrete counters be?

The standard concrete countertop slab thickness is 1 1⁄2 to 2 inches , similar to countertops made of marble or granite. However, contractors can create the illusion of a thicker countertop by casting a drop-front edge.

Can concrete countertops chip?

Answer: Chips can happen when a sharp impact occurs near the corner or edge of a concrete countertop . These areas are vulnerable because there is little material available to resist the full impact of a pot, pan or other heavy object. A beveled edge signifigantly reduces chipping.

Are concrete countertops more durable than granite?

Concrete is very heavy, and the crack could develop as it settles, especially if there are some flaws in the support structure. These hairline cracks are easy to repair, but they can still be an issue for many homeowners. Granite countertops, on the other hand, will not easily crack when installed by professionals.

Can you use bleach on concrete countertops?

It is not recommended that you use any harsh chemicals such as bleach or even Lysol wipes on your concrete countertops to clean and disinfect . These products will leave stains on your surface and will eventually wear away the sealant.

What can you not put on a concrete countertop?

You should not use any bleach-based cleaners, abrasive powders, acidic cleaners like vinegar, lemon or citrus, Lysol, or hard water mineral cleaners like CLR for concrete countertop care.

Is white concrete expensive?

“If you’re just buying a bag off the shelf, it could cost two to three times as much as gray cement. But the labor’s the same and the mixing’s the same, so the in-place costs dilute that increase. In-place costs for white concrete ready-mix are probably 20-30 percent more .”

How do you make concrete countertops look like white marble?

  1. Step 1: Choose Contrasting or Complementary Colors. ...
  2. Step 2: Clean Countertops Thoroughly. ...
  3. Step 3: Patch and Seal. ...
  4. Step 4: Use Painter’s Tape. ...
  5. Step 5: Apply a Primer. ...
  6. Step 6: Mix Glaze and Topcoat. ...
  7. Step 7: Dip Drop Cloth in Glaze. ...
  8. Step 8: Lay Drop Cloth on Countertop.

What is the best concrete to use for concrete countertops?

The best concrete mix for countertops is one with high compressive strength, smaller, rounder stones and some flexibility. QUIKRETE® Countertop Mix (No. 1106-80, -81) is a specially formulated high-strength concrete mix for pre-cast and cast-in-place concrete countertops. It works really well and comes in 80pound bags.

What is the most popular countertop for 2022?

Quartz countertops remain the most popular countertop trend going into 2022, with 73% of experts responding that it would be the most popular trend for homeowners this year.

What is the most popular kitchen countertop for 2020?

Polished Granite Countertops

Still the top choice of most homeowners, traditional granite countertops offer a high-end look that adds to your kitchen’s value while providing a durable prep surface.

What is the most popular countertop right now?

1. Quartz . Currently the most popular choice in kitchen countertops, homeowners choose quartz surfacing because of its many advantages. Quartz doesn’t need to be sealed, and its seams blend very well.

How long does it take for concrete countertops to cure?

Curing: Proper curing increases the strength an durability of concrete. Curing should be started as soon as possible and should continue for a period of 48-72 hours . Countertop Mix should be moist cured by covering with plastic sheeting.

Is concrete food Safe?

Rebecca Patel
Author
Rebecca Patel
Rebecca is a beauty and style expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a licensed esthetician and has worked with top brands in the beauty industry. Rebecca is passionate about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and she uses her expertise to create informative and helpful content that educates readers on the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.