Concrete countertops are fascinating in the sense that they seem to wax and wane in terms of popularity. They are the hottest thing in residential construction for a few years, then nobody wants them. Then they make a surprising come back just a few years later.
So where do we stand now? Concrete countertops are enjoying a resurgence, especially with new construction in the Salt Lake City area. That is good news for us here at Modern Craftsman. It may be good news for you, too. If you are building a new home or thinking about remodeling your kitchen, here are the top five reasons to love concrete countertops:
1. They Are Aesthetically Unique
As creators of functional art, aesthetic beauty is almost always at the top of our list. Concrete is a wonderful material in that it's aesthetically unique. There is no other material in the world that looks quite like it. On the other hand, laminate countertops are dime a dozen. If you've seen one, you've seen them all.
On the other hand, concrete countertops can be individualized by way of stains, dyes, and textures. You can have something that looks and feels completely unique. You can have a concrete countertop that is exclusively yours in every sense.
2. They Age Quite Gracefully
We always recommend sealing concrete countertops to protect against chips, cracks, and major stains. Yet concrete is still a porous substance. There is no way to guarantee a concrete countertop will still look brand-new years down the road. But that is not necessarily a bad thing.
Concrete ages quite gracefully if it is poured and finished the right way. And just like a good piece of wood or metal work, concrete does patina. Believe it or not, there are plenty of people who think aged concrete countertops look far better than brand-new. Who are we to argue?
3. They Are Durable
Concrete countertops may be prone to cracks and chips, but there is no countertop surface that is 100% guaranteed to remain unblemished forever. Every construction material has its weaknesses. As for concrete, it is quite durable. It can stand up to an awful lot of punishment over many years of service. And when cracks and chips do appear, they are easily repaired. You don't have to replace the entire surface.
4. They Make Great Work Surfaces
As concrete is heavy, it offers a solid service on which to do your kitchen work. That may be important if you are the kind of person who doesn't like to feel things moving underneath you. Concrete offers a solid surface for kneading bread dough, chopping nuts, or cutting vegetables.
When all of your work is done, properly finished concrete cleans up easily. A little soapy water and a soft cloth does the trick. You clean up in no time and you're on your way.
5. They Are Perfect for the Modern Kitchen
Personally, we think concrete countertops are perfect for the modern kitchen. They work very well with stainless steel appliances and both tile and concrete floors. They work well with modern cabinetry that emphasizes straight, clean lines and neutral colors. And because concrete countertops can be stained or dyed to create virtually any look, complementing a modern paint scheme is a piece of cake.
Concrete countertops may not be for everyone. They may take some to get used to if you have never experienced them before. But at the end of the day, concrete is a great material for designing custom countertops that offer the function you need with the aesthetic beauty you want.