A Comprehensive Guide About Concrete Countertops
If you are looking for a countertop unlike any other, then concrete countertops are the way to go. The problem with surfaces like granite or engineered quartz, among many others, is that they are very limited when it comes to design options, often leaving people unsatisfied with the end result. In addition, they are such a common countertop surface that these materials have become almost outdated with how much use they have seen. Concrete countertop surfaces are complete game changers, though, as they offer a much larger variability in design, while still being just as, if not more, durable than the other surfaces. Indeed, there are so many choices when it comes to color, width, shape, as well as embellishments, to name a few. It is safe to say that no other material comes even close. What’s neat, though, is the fact that concrete countertops can either be made by professionals, or you can even choose to do your own DIY concrete countertop project. This is very different from most materials as they are typically mass-produced or excavated out of the ground. This is essentially why you can make your concrete countertop look like virtually anything.
So, how much do concrete countertops cost?
Well, the price can vary depending on whether you hire a professional to do it, or if you choose to make it on your own. Much like anything that is handcrafted, concrete countertops can be a bit expensive, too, when an artisan makes it. In addition, there are even more costs associated with transporting the slab from one location to another as well as based on the complexity of the slab itself. For example, thicker slabs, irregularly shaped slabs, and slabs with integral drainboards will all lead to higher costs, just to name a few. While it can be cast-in-place, there is still a cheaper way of doing things. DIY concrete countertops is a great way to lower the price, but what’s more, is the fact that the process and the end result is very rewarding! While it may seem like a daunting task at first, it is actually not all that complicated, even a novice could do it! The key, however, is that you have the right tools and materials. At Concrete Countertop Solutions, you can find everything that you need all in one place. Indeed, regardless of whether you need a mold, a countertop mix, or a coloring agent, we’ve got it all. The best part is that we also offer numerous tools such as guides and video tutorials that way you get all of the information that you need in order to successfully make your very own concrete countertop. Keep reading to learn about a few tips and tricks that can help you out when you make your first concrete countertop.
DIY Concrete Countertop Tips
Know that over time, concrete countertops do tend to have hairline cracks. There is no need to let this worry you, though, because there are certain measures that you can take beforehand in order to prevent that from happening. Indeed, you are just going to want to make sure that you properly reinforce your mold before pouring in the concrete and you will also want to make sure that the placement is correct, too. In addition, concrete is a porous material, so in order to prevent air bubbles from appearing in your surface, you are going to want to lightly tap the edges of the mold as you pour and smooth the concrete mix. Now, don’t worry if a few end up popping through once it is dry. You can easily hide them with some putty; the end result will be completely seamless.
If you are someone who is looking for a very smooth finish, you can easily accomplish this with a polisher. Just grind it gently over your dry surface and you will get it to be as smooth as butter in no time. When it comes to protection, it’s imperative that you choose a sealer based on the kind of use that your countertop will get. There are many different kinds of sealers available today for different purposes, so make sure you do some research before you make your selection. They even offer different kinds of shine, so please read your sealer carefully!
Now, to finish off our guide, it is important that we touch on how to maintain it. Keep reading to learn how easy it is to both clean and keep up with your concrete countertop.
How to Keep Up With Your Concrete Countertop
Despite the fact that concrete countertop surfaces are way different than today’s most popular materials, know that when it comes to cleaning it, they don’t differ much from them! Indeed, all that you need is a bit of gentle soap combined with warm water in order to clean up your countertop. We recommend that you do so once a day. Please stay away from harsh chemicals and various other cleaners because they could actually end up doing more damage than good!
Now, with regards to maintaining your concrete countertop surface, you will need to apply a wax coating to your surface every once in a while in order to protect it from the typical wear and tear that comes from it being used often. Keep in mind that other surfaces actually require way more work than this, so consider yourself lucky! After all, everything in life needs a little bit of care if you want it to last long! The beauty of concrete, however, is that it does end up getting better with age. Therefore, a bit of wear is only natural and we can promise you that you will come to really appreciate its worn look with time. If anything, any imperfections will simply bring character to your concrete countertop surface!
There you have it, folks! If this guide has sparked your interest in making your own concrete countertop, the best place to begin your journey is on our website, Concrete Countertop Solutions.
