Blog

Concrete is not necessarily the first material you think about when looking to remodel a countertop. It can be a great choice however, there are many things you need to examine before choosing it. For example, you need to see if its cost fits your budget and the advantages and disadvantages. As of 2021, concrete has become one of the more popular options for countertops. It is considered a modern aesthetic and can suit many different kitchen styles.

What is the Best Concrete to Use for Countertops?

It is important to note that you should not use regular Quickrete for concrete countertops. Instead, the concrete should have a PSI of at least 6000. PSI is what indicates how hard the concrete will be once it dries. Additionally, you need to ensure that it does not dry too fast or slow, or you will face issues with cracking later. You can ask Cabinet Manufacturers Denver about the PSI.

Pros and Cons of Concrete Countertops

Pros

• Beautiful
• Can be made of many colors and finishes
• Can add materials such as glass fragments, lights, shells, or stones for a unique look

Cons

• Can be expensive
• Hard to repair
• Might crack
• Must be sealed each year
• Very heavy

Different Finishes for Concrete Countertops

Finding the best concrete for countertops means that you need to consider appearance. The appearance will vary based on what finish you choose. There are usually three main types, polished, stained, and acid stain,

Polished Concrete

This is the best choice for a modern look. It is smooth, looks high quality, and is usually installed as one large, single concrete slab.

Stained Concrete

Concrete is typically slate gray when it dries, but it can be stained. This must be done during installation, which means it must be done somewhat quickly. There are also other options to change the texture as well.

Acid Stain Concrete

The best method for controlling the pigment in concrete countertops is to do what is called acid staining. Rather than use dye, it uses metallic salts and hydrochloric acid. This is permanent versus other options known to fade or chip. The downside is that there is less control with this option.

Colors Available for Concrete Countertops

All concrete is naturally gray, but there are many popular color options. For example:

• Black Concrete: Provides a more modern look and must be done at least 30 days after curing.
• White Concrete: Looks tidy but more easily shows stains.

Pretty much every kitchen has a counter, and choosing a counter is usually done with a few things in mind. There are many different types of countertops, and Formica Laminate is a type of surface material for countertops. It can withstand heat up to 275 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods of time. Similar to other types of surface materials, you should use something underneath hot pans to avoid accidents. When you look at a countertop you probably focus more on the color, but what about its strength? You need to consider if your countertop is scratch and temperature-resistant because everyone puts a different amount of pressure on their countertops. It is easy to assume that you can put anything on your countertop, but that might not be true. This is a bit of insight into how other materials compare.

Laminate

Because Laminate countertops are made of plastic combined with paper or particleboard, they are not very heat resistant. They are also combined with a plastic product so which makes them easily melt or discolor. They are extremely cheap though which is why some people choose to put them in.

Solid-surface

Solid-surface counters are better than laminate but are still composite. Usually made of inorganic materials, they are more heat resistant, but can crack from extreme temperatures.

Granite

Granite is known to be extremely heat-resistant which is why it is more expensive. Hot pans can be placed right on a granite counter without making a mark.

Quartz

Usually, the quartz that is sold is not pure quartz, but instead is a mixture of quartz with inorganic materials. It is heat resistant, but it can discolor if located in direct sunlight.

Marble

Marble is also heat resistant, but if it is not treated it can become scratched because it is a soft stone.

Terrazzo

Known to be extremely aesthetically pleasing, Terrazzo is not a commonly used item. This type of material is compared to granite, in that they crack when they encounter extreme conditions.

Concrete

Concrete is known to be heat resistant, but it can crack when it expands. This is also difficult to install.

Metal

Metal countertops are often made from stainless steel, aluminum, or copper. It is heat resistant, but it can also retain heat and scratch very easily. If you need help deciding on Formica, or any other Granite Countertops Denver, contact us today.

Countertops have changed quite a bit throughout the years. Learn how their design has been influenced! As industries develop and change, it is common for manufacturing to change too. This is why looking at the image of a kitchen from the 1950s looks very different from the ones that you might see today. Countertops, like other common household components, have had their fair share of changes throughout the years. In this article, we will explore what countertops used to be made of, and what these changes tell us.

Countertops and Materials: A Look at the Past

Most of us consider countertops to be a vital part of the home, so much so that people pass on entire homes due to a lack of counter space. They can be a place to prepare food, an opportunity to decorate, and even sometimes a place to sit. So, what changes have they gone through over the years?

Granite Countertops

One of the more popular countertop options was and still is granite. This sturdy and appealing material provides a nice, solid surface—just like a countertop should. As heavy as they were appealing, granite countertops allowed homeowners to dress up their kitchens first starting in the 1920s. Throughout the decades, it became more popular. People still choose granite countertops for their kitchen every day.

Laminate Countertops

Most of us are familiar with laminate countertops, even though we don’t know it. Popular in the 1960s, laminate countertops were considered a really fashionable option. These countertops were easy to wipe down, but more importantly, they could be customized very easily. This meant that, as bold and colorful design choices entered the home, more people sought out laminate countertops that were equally as bold.

Quartz Countertops

This is and was one of the most popular countertop options available. Still popular to this day, quartz is beloved because it has a beautiful look that can vary significantly, and it offers a nice, solid surface. With its beautiful appearance and durability, quartz became an easy choice for homeowners when it was first introduced. Recognized for its neutral color schemes, quartz is one way to instantly upgrade any kitchen. It brings a luxury look that homeowners really seem to love. Whether you’re designing a new home or seeking a renovation opportunity, quartz countertops can be the perfect accessory for your kitchen.

The Takeaway

As we develop new approaches to manufacturing, we find new opportunities—and we can see that with the popular countertops throughout the years. If you are looking for new countertops, Denver is a great place to start looking. At Kitchen & Bath by Design, we offer premium countertops that are nice to look at and can provide the perfect appearance for your kitchen. Pairing function with design, we are able to change the way that kitchens look all around Colorado. Contact us directly to learn more!