Asked on Oct 03, 2016
Cement counter tops may not be all they're cracked up to be? Help!
by
Adele Kurtz
+14
I thought I'd try something different in my vacation rental property.
I have so much natural stone and wood in & around this house. I am on a tight budget, that needs to stretch, since this market is loosing ground in this area.
My remodeling contractor was eager to try cement countertops. In hindsight, I probably should have gone for natural stone, but I thought we'd let him hone his skills on us.
A year later, they are cracking & his staining finish feels off-color to me. Too motley for my taste...
Last year, feeling uneasy, I told him NOT to put the 2-step epoxy on... just 2 coats of poly that can come off more easily. And I'd be patient -- until we have the right answer. As a consequence, staining is getting worse.
Now I'm second guessing everything. Before I finish staining the cabinets. Maybe much darker would be better on the back -- to disguise the cracks and really make the copper backsplash & faucet, and stainless steel appliances POP. As close to black/expresso stain as he can get -- maybe with the 2-step super shiny he wants to do. Well lit with under-counter lighting. But ONLY on the back counters.
I'd still prefer to stick with light for the front. As smooth and satin and as LIGHT as possible for the el-shaped island. The cracks may still look bad, tho. Maybe he can fill them? Concrete experts HELP!!!
If I truly hate it, we can change it. Hate to spend more $. It's probably worth trying a fix before giving up.
Whatcha think?
I have so much natural stone and wood in & around this house. I am on a tight budget, that needs to stretch, since this market is loosing ground in this area.
My remodeling contractor was eager to try cement countertops. In hindsight, I probably should have gone for natural stone, but I thought we'd let him hone his skills on us.
A year later, they are cracking & his staining finish feels off-color to me. Too motley for my taste...
Last year, feeling uneasy, I told him NOT to put the 2-step epoxy on... just 2 coats of poly that can come off more easily. And I'd be patient -- until we have the right answer. As a consequence, staining is getting worse.
Now I'm second guessing everything. Before I finish staining the cabinets. Maybe much darker would be better on the back -- to disguise the cracks and really make the copper backsplash & faucet, and stainless steel appliances POP. As close to black/expresso stain as he can get -- maybe with the 2-step super shiny he wants to do. Well lit with under-counter lighting. But ONLY on the back counters.
I'd still prefer to stick with light for the front. As smooth and satin and as LIGHT as possible for the el-shaped island. The cracks may still look bad, tho. Maybe he can fill them? Concrete experts HELP!!!
If I truly hate it, we can change it. Hate to spend more $. It's probably worth trying a fix before giving up.
Whatcha think?
Here is what we stand. Looks better than when we started. But the cement countertops are cracking after a year and off-color.
Here is where I was headed -- I thought maybe we would darken the cabinets so the counters +would pop better. (Fake photo using real items in place.) Thought I would darken oak wood with a grey wash, & keep light cement countertops.
So I started n the island. Grey wash over oak. Looks better to me, but I can tell that we still need to rethink the tops.
IDEAS?
9 answers
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They look really good to me,and I actually prefer them over the rendering, because they are more understated, but I don't have to live with them. Bring him back if you are not satisfied.
B. Enne
on Oct 03, 2016
- See 1 previous
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I believe in your question you mention flaking and cracking. This throws up a flag for me... how long will these remain usable and is it possible to fix them so they meet a high standard of quality? I would do a lot of research on this type of counter top, find people who will give you references to satisfied customers. Then try to see the finished product and when you see something you absolutely love maybe you can talk to the installer of that particular counter top and get a professional opinion as to how it should be done. Your color choices sound great to me, it's the underlying quality of your counters that worry me. when all is said and done and the concrete dust settles, you are the one who has to live with the results.
Paula Hodges
on Oct 03, 2016
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I may go a little bit darker grey than I show in the island, too. Consider that a first coat. But first I need to know if I can get a better finish in the cement.
Adele Kurtz
on Oct 03, 2016
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Love the cabinet color choice. Very smart and sophisticated looking. I am not thrown off by the counters. You may want to just go all out 'rustic' Have him fill in the cracks, blend out color as best to your liking and heavily seal as if it were from some old ruin. Kitchen counters too often are treated as if they are to look like Tiffany display counters. They are purposed to chop, beat up, mix and serve things that used to be alive. Tell people Jimmy Hoffa is believed buried somewhere under them. I kinda like the 'feel' of the mistake becoming part of the process.
Johnchip
on Oct 03, 2016
- See 1 previous
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Beautiful kitchen. I like the look of the counters. When I was a homebuilder no one thought of using concrete for countertops. The cracks tend to be non-structural and result from the natural shrinkage of the concrete. Imperfections are part of the appeal. In fact, hairline cracks and slight irregularities are a natural part of the wear and tear and will not affect the structural integrity in the slightest (such fine cracks are also too narrow to trap food and debris). And while hairline cracks can be patched, such attempts often look far more obvious than the cracks themselves. Most people prefer the aged appearance that this natural occurrence bestows. Countertops are made of cement, lightweight aggregates, and a combination of additives. Additives such as fiber reinforcement, silica fume pozzolan, and acrylic are often used. Some type of reinforcement is used such as structural steel, wire mesh, fiberglass, and/or fibers. Sometimes more than one type of reinforcement is used. The countertops are cured. Countertops are often ground. This achieves two important objectives for him: durability and beauty. Countertops are always sealed. The type of seal, method and number of coats of sealer is unique to each concrete contractor. Most use epoxy sealers, particularly in kitchen areas. The epoxy is harder than the concrete. While this adds to the cost, the quality is superior and the only maintenance that will be required is to apply a good water-based liquid wax every nine months to a year.
William
on Oct 03, 2016
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I would suggest calling the contractor. It sounds like you have a good relationship with him, and you both went into it knowing that he was not experienced with concrete counters. I'm betting that he could fill/skim over the cracks, apply a new finish color, and a better solution to seal/protect. He would probably be happy to help. I know I would if I were the contractor. Good luck!
Lori Verni-Fogarsi
on Oct 04, 2016
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Did you not think that staining would happen if the concrete was left unsealed? Like granite or any natural stone, cement is also a porous material. I suggest you fix cracks, resand the counter tops, use concrete stain to colour cement to your liking and properly seal it.
Cwh6899259
on Oct 04, 2016
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Love the counters! I'd just leave them and enjoy the uniqueness. Maybe more paint on the cabinets. I also had oak cabinets, and I wanted to brighten up my space without "breaking the bank". Keep us posted !
Ann
on Oct 04, 2016
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Just a thought....not sure how expensive it may be. How about filling the cracks with crushed turquoise or other natural stone with color? Then put on several coats of polyurethane, or other thick glossy finish?
Rockie
on Oct 04, 2016
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