Concrete counter tops in the kitchen, good or bad?
by
Lisa D
+13
We are pretty handy and thinking of installing concrete counter tops in our kitchen. Any thoughts or tips. I like the idea of granite/quartz but definitely doesn't fit my budget and I don't want to go tile and like the feel of a stone material.
15 answers
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They are an affordable DIY solution and can look nice is properly executed. Concrete is porous and would need to be sealed more often that regular stone. Composites are typically maintenance free.
SawHorse Design Build
on Feb 21, 2012
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Agreed on affordable. Not as sure on DIY. It's a pretty complicated, time-consuming process, so just know what you are getting yourself into. At the very least, spend some quality time on this site, and get his book: http://www.concreteexchange.com
3po3
on Feb 21, 2012
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Hmm Concrete countertops as DIY? I love it. but not sure you should do it especially if you are handling cement and it's counter parts for the first time. There is a lot of chemistry involved in this process and is better if left to the Pros.
Yamini LEED AP at Urbanmotifs
on Feb 21, 2012
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I have seen this done and wouldn't advise a DIY'er. I am very handy and creative, but definately would not attempt this myself. Try to find someone who knows how to do it and is reliable. Get customer referrals and check with Kudzu, Angies list, and Better Business Bureau before handing them any $$$. A wise man once said 'The bitterness of poor quality outlasts the sweetness of a low price".
AA Marble & Granite, LLC
on Feb 22, 2012
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I love them. They impart a soft, earthy, hand-crafted element to a room but are absolutely as "luxurious" as natural stone in my opinion. "Pro"s include that concrete is repairable, highly customizable in line with any design theme/color scheme, and now much lighter in weight when the counters are comprised of Glass-Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC). The biggest disadvantages are its cost and a lead time of a few weeks from template to installation. All this aside, the choice basically comes down to style preference. Check out http://www.brickstone.com and http://concretejungleonline.com/about.htm for more info and photo galleries.
Nora
on Feb 22, 2012
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I have had clients do these themselves and they turned out pretty nice. The final product finish would be determined by the skill set of the person doing the work. I would practice on a small piece of furniture before doing the whole kitchen just to make sure you are comfortable doing it. Otherwise, consider stone since it will go in quickly and have a smoother finish.
SawHorse Design Build
on Feb 22, 2012
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Thanks everybody! I will definitely check out the sites you have provided. I forgot to mention that it wont' be little ole me just doing this. My father is a contractor and will be helping me too. @Nora I like the idea of hte soft earthy feel too!
Lisa D
on Feb 22, 2012
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I would re-think the concrete as a DIY. I have a few clients who have concrete and they are not entirely happy with it...these folks all had it commercially done and the price was way up there at or above granite...personally I have been doing a lot of very large granite tile counters. These tiles can be as big as 18" wide and full depth, some include a formed bull nose front. With clean tight 1/8 to 1/16" grout lines they are very slab like...at a fraction of the cost. http://www.bathandgranite4less.com/kitchen-countertops/
KMS Woodworks
on Feb 22, 2012
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Concrete is becoming more popular, looks great and is greener. But installation is labor intensive and tricky. As per @KMS Woodworks, If you decide to have this done professionally, you may find that the price of the quartz/granite is not much different once you factor in the labor costs for concrete. If price is a key factor DIY maybe your only option. Also remember there is more maintenance after installation to ensure the top looks as good as the day you installed it. Good Luck!
Rule4 Building Group
on Feb 22, 2012
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Lisa, I didn't realize you were considering DIY. As a decorative painter, several years ago, I discovered SkimStone while they were still in the process of developing their Bonding Primer to enable DIYers to resurface old laminate and tile counter tops with tintable hybridized cement to achieve the look of concrete counters without the heavy labor. Being the adventuresome artist type I tried it as soon as it hit the market and have been using it ever since. Last year I gave a few workshops in kitchen transformation using SkimStone and paint. This year I'm ramping up my presentations to teach DIYers how to use this in their own homes. It's a great cost-effective solution that you may want to consider. Check out the photos in my profile or at http://www.frogtape.com/promotions/Earn-Your-Stripes.aspx (Click on "Details" of Nora F.'s Cooked Up Kitchen)
Nora
on Feb 22, 2012
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I would agree with SawHorse. It's great you have help from your father but, if neither of you have tried installing concrete counter tops before. I would practice on a piece of furniture. This way you have a much better idea for the process and any possible obstacles you may come accross. Good luck, and we look forward to seeing pictures after the project is complete!
HandyANDY - Handyman & All Repairs, LLC
on Feb 22, 2012
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Can't remenber the name of the product but the counter top was made from recycled glass. Strong & pretty. Saw it on some home improvement show
Denise G
on Feb 22, 2012
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you can ' seed ' many things into conc then polish the tops IF you're considering cast-in-place,,, pre/cast are often cast upside down then carried into the house & set into place,,, there isn't an easy learning curve however the 1st lesson is DON'T USE REGULAR CONCRETE - many bagged mixes are available ( buddy rhodes is 1 [ no financial interest in ANY product on the market ]),,, 2nd, NEVER expect to find any material at apron/vest stores ! structural reinforcement placement is critical to final use & longevity of the c-tops,,, the proper sealer will be a blessing & the wrong 1 a nitemare ! good luck !
Its Really Concrete, Inc.
on Mar 08, 2012
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there is a little more to it if you want them to look like what you see online and the really nice concrete countertops. Check out this company, www.Burcollc.com they do amazing concrete countertops, and things you wouldnt even imagine you could do with concrete
Robert
on Mar 09, 2012
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It can be done but you need to have some concrete experience and a little forming knowledge. I poured our entire new house about 90 square feet of countertops with embedded glass and stained and sealed. The hardest thing about this is flipping the slabs to work on them after they are cured. Then getting them on the cabinets where they belong. Total cost of my countertops with staining and sealing, $800. try buying laminate for that price. if anyone wants a small tutorial let me know and I will gladly pass on pictures and my knowledge.
Ed Barth
on Mar 18, 2015
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