Do concrete countertops crack?
Yes: Cracking is inherent to concrete and "hairline" cracks may develop. A crack in your countertop is not structural as we reinforce our countertops with a variety of materials. Cracks may occur at any point in the "life" of the countertop and can be easily filled with a matching color of epoxy or left alone adding to the rustic appeal of an imperfect natural surface.
Do Concrete Countertops Stain?
Yes: Acids in items such as red wine, lemon juice and vinegar can actually etch the surface of concrete. The type of sealer used will influence the resistance to stains. However, overtime a patina will develop that enhances the appearance of the surface, similar to other natural surfaces. The best way to reduce staining is to clean the spill soon after it occurs.
What maintenance is necessary?
Very little (if any) routine maintenance is required for your concrete countertop. If a penetrating sealer and wax are used a slight buffing is recommended every 2 to 3 years. Other types of sealers require even less maintance. All of our sealers are rated by the USDA as food safe. The best way to clean a concrete countertop is to use a non-abrasive, non-ammoniated, surface cleaner such as Simple Green or warm soapy water.
Can I cut on concrete countertops?
Yes and no. Technically you could but we would strongly recommend against it. Not only will this dull your knives rapidly, it will also scar the sealer which compromises the sealers ability to resist stains. Integrated cutting boards create interesting accents to your countertop.
Can I put a hot pot directly on my concrete countertop?
Yes, but… Concrete is heat resistant however thermal shock can cause the surface to chip or flake if extreme heat is applied thus it should be avoided. We recommend using a trivet or have us include brass, copper, or stainless steel rails as in integral trivet.
How much do concrete countertops weigh?
Our typical countertops are 2 inches thick and weigh approximately 20 pounds per square foot of surface area. Most cabinetry is sufficient to hold the weight of our countertops. If the supporting cabinetry is made of particleboard or MDF thinner than ½", reinforcements with plywood are necessary.
How thick are concrete countertops?
Our typical countertops are created to be 2 inches thick. By allowing for 2 inches of depth the occurrence of cracking is significantly reduced. The sense of mass can be further enhanced by creating a thickened front edge and oversized backsplashes.
What about seams?
Depending on the configuration of the countertop and the spacing of cutouts seams may be necessary. Seams are typically necessary in layouts where an L-shape or U-shape are specified and on either side of a large sink opening. Seams are generally used to eliminate internal stress in the countertop, which in turn reduces the possibility of cracking. Seams can be filled with pure silicone to create a clean flexible seam or accented with decorative metal or wood to create an attractive detail within the countertop.
What factors influence the cost of concrete countertops?
Beyond the square foot price several factors may increase the cost of your countertop. A few of these include: Irregular or curved shapes, custom edges, under-mounted sinks, as well as integral trivets, drain boards and cutting boards.
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