The look of concrete countertops are influences by a lot of factors like the kind of aggregate, what binders are used, the pigments, the sealer, the finish plus any inlays or imprints. Aggregates can either be coarse or fine and can have an effect on the overall appearance with finer particles tinting the overall color of the counter. Sand on white cement can additionally impart a hue on the counter. Pigments may be used to actually change the color of the concrete. A few householders wish to have styles printed on the concrete or things such as fossils inlaid into the concrete to personalize the design. Finally, the sealer may change the looks of the counter while it comes in an assortment of finishes. Â
Concrete countertops are still a comparatively new type of counter, and there remains the misunderstanding that because the counter is made from concrete, it will require additional supports. In actuality one square foot of typical concrete counter weighs only 18.75 lbs., only 0.75 lbs. more than just granite. A good amount of modern kitchens don’t wish to have extra supports however older cabinetry, or bar tops on knee walls may need additional brackets to support the counter. Â
When choosing concrete countertops a homeowner has to take into account whether or not this kind of counter suits the homeowner’s lifestyle. Concrete demands more maintenance than granite, requiring regular stripping plus wax resealing every three months. Additionally, the concrete can change over time, contracting plus expanding with temperature changes plus creating hairline cracks to appear. Even, the concrete counter is inclined to chips, scratches plus stains. Â
The foremost benefits of concrete countertops are both the durability and versatility of concrete. The concrete can be tinted plus have any design the homeowner desires. Additionally, in contrast to with granite, a concrete counter can be poured in place, which means [that the] counter has no seams at all. Another major advantage of concrete is because it is a lot more environmentally sustainable, as it doesn’t use petroleum-based goods, nor does it use non-renewable materials. A few concrete counters even contain recycled materials, such as aggregates made of recycled glass.Â
Despite the undeniable fact that concrete is a highly durable material, the sealer for concrete is simply not, and should not be exposed to hot pans, not should the counter be used directly for cutting as that too can break the sealer and cause additional problems for the concrete like producing it more inclined to stains. If the sealer has been exposed to burns plus cuts, the ideal thing the homeowner may do is reseal the counter so that the concrete remains protected.
Filed under Kitchen Remodeling by on Jun 26th, 2010. Comment. 
Concrete is an extraordinary material that is practical, expressive, and aesthetic all at once. From a primal and formless slurry, you can transform it into virtually any shape that becomes a solid mass. The possibilities for creative expression are endless. You can grind, polish, stamp, or stain it. You can embed meaningful objects within it. Concrete has substance and mass, permanence and warmth. It feels earthy, and is at home in both traditional and modern settings. It assumes forms that irrevocably touch our daily lives-bridges, highways, floors, walls… even countertops. Concrete is also surprisingly tactile. Cast and shaped, it can f eel like stone rounded by the sea. Textured and colored, it can echo the patina of timeworn tile. It first occurred to me to make a countertop out of concrete in 1985, when a friend and I were hired to design and renovate a professor’s house in the Berkeley Hills. He gave us a modest budget and announced, “This is all I can afford to spend; do whatever you want.” Armed with this rare creative license (and plenty of youthful exuberance) we aimed to be as innovative as possible.Â
This invitation to imagine, play, and explore inevitably led me to experiment in my own kitchen, where concrete and I began what is now our nearly two-decade dance. My first countertop was a single piece containing 11 cubic feet of concrete. It weighed nearly 1500 pounds and took 10 people-and 2 engine hoists-to turn it over once it had cured. We barely managed it, but the piece came out beautifully and is still being put to good use today.Because of its adaptability, concrete finds itself welcome in all areas of the home, especially in the kitchen and bath, but also in fireplaces, patios, garden paths, or water features. Concrete can also be used as a floor material with enormous creative advantages whether seeded, stained, stamped, broomed or diamond-finished. It can be a sole performer or play the supporting role to tile, mosaics, decorative aggregates, stone, wood, or metal. It is inexpensive, durable, noncombustible, impervious to decay, and also very effective for passive solar gain in the right application.
The author runs a website providing Mothers Day Gifts and he is good at house inspection and car rental.
Â
Filed under Remodeling by on Apr 1st, 2010. Comment.
One big trend for tabletops and countertops are those produced from concrete. The new concrete is a far cry from what you may think of when you hear the term. Modern concrete that is used for making countertops utilizes new products which makes it possible for them to use many different styles, colors, and designs. When looking at this type of concrete many people may even think it is something else.
Concrete has many advantages over other materials used for countertops. One great thing about concrete is that you get a natural look and slight color variations throughout. With small accent lines and watermarking it can give you a real custom made look. You can use concrete in just about any style of home from the super modern to rustic.
Concrete countertops start out with a product that is either white or grey. This give the product a lot of versatility in terms of color. Color can be added to the wet mix of concrete which gives you a fairly consistent color all the way through the product. Another way to change the look of concrete is by adding stains and dyes once the concrete is cured to give you a very different look. You can also use a combination of both of these techniques to create a spectacular result. There are also some makers of concrete countertops which use a special concrete mix which makes air pockets as it dries which can be filled with a different material. This gives a nice highlighting effect. There are many different techniques which can be used to customize the concretes surface.Â
Some of the more commonly used processes include stamping, polishing, grinding, and placing items such as recycled glass or pebbles into the surface. It is possible to create concrete items in just about any size or shape since it starts out wet. This allows you to create just what you need for your application. A few tips on hiring a contractor.
Filed under Remodeling by on Mar 20th, 2009. Comment.
Concrete kitchen countertops are a perfect pick if you are looking for an almost limitless supply of colors and patterns. The ability to make almost any shape or pattern is another huge selling point when it comes to this type of countertop choice. On top of the different colors, which are almost without end you can combine concrete with either glass or marble to make a awe-inspiring look that will make your kitchen a one of a kind among family and friends.Â
Concrete is made by mixing cement aggregates, colors, fillers, and acrylic material and then poured over a reinforced material to form the shape. After that it is polished and ready to be sealed. Concrete is a porous surface so it must be sealed properly, and resealed periodically, to keep it looking like the day you bought it.Â
Concrete kitchen counter tops can either be prefabricated or done on site depending on what exactly you are looking for. Prefabricated offers less options then the on-site ones but also cost a good deal less than its counterpart. Either way you can get a variety of edges, corners, and other types of fabrication done to it before it is done. Also because it is cast from a mold you can get the concrete with everything from sinks to cutting boards built into it which gives the countertop a nice flow and uniformity.Â
Pros:
-{Almost limitless amount of colors, patters, and designs available to you|Amount of colors, patterns and designs is almost limitless}
-Strong and resilient
-Long lasting (concrete kitchen countertops can last for decades with proper maintenance)
Cons:
-Cost
-Can scold if hot pots are placed on the countertop (this can be avoided by putting pot holders down first)
-Can also crack if not treated regularly
The cost of concrete kitchen countertops are pretty steep, $50-60 for the prefabricated ones and $160-170 a square foot for the on-site ones with all of the bells and whistles. This initial cost is much higher then most other countertop options but once you have them you will realize why they are worth every penny. If a one-of-a-kind look combined with functionality concrete kitchen counters are a perfect choice for you and your family.
Hello my name is Steven Tikas and I have a website that I have dedicated to helping people make an informed and educated decision when dealing with kitchen remodeling. For more specific information about concrete kitchen countertops or just for general information about which kitchen countertop materials are available for your kitchen check out my website.
Filed under Kitchen Remodeling by on Jan 8th, 2009. Comment.