The kitchen countertops are one of the most significant elements of your modern kitchen design. It provides space to carry out all your culinary activities from peeling, cutting, chopping to cooking the food. Also, a kitchen countertop is essential so that you can place your kitchen appliances properly. Hence, it is very crucial that you put some thought into choosing the countertop material. There are a variety of options available in the market like quartz countertops, concrete countertops, synthetic countertops, etc.
As the name suggests, concrete countertops have a concrete surface. A mortar mix is used for manufacturing countertops where cement and sand stay in a 1:3 ratio. Later, the concrete countertops are given a coloured finish so that they do not appear like sidewalks. Also, they must be sealed to make them heat resistant and non-porous. Mentioned below are a few advantages and drawbacks of concrete kitchen countertops:
Advantages
1 ) A durable material
If you want a durable material while choosing your kitchen countertop type, you should consider opting for concrete kitchen countertops. In many cases, manufacturers use glass fibers in the manufacturing process so that there are fewer chances of any sign of cracks. Also, it helps to enhance the final product’s durability and ensure that it stays lightweight. Always opt for concrete kitchen countertops for your modern kitchen design if you want them to last for a long period of time and not show any signs of wear and tear.
2 ) It is heat-resistant
Kitchen countertops are frequently used for keeping hot plates or pans while cooking. Over time, this can damage the kitchen countertop and it will start cracking. Hence, you should always opt for kitchen countertops that are not only a durable material but is heat-resistant too. This will prove to be very advantageous as it will help to reduce your expenses required for repairing the kitchen countertop in the future.
3 ) Very little to no maintenance
Buying a countertop that requires high maintenance can not only prove to be expensive but time-consuming as well. You should always opt for options that are sturdy, durable, and require very little to no maintenance. Compared to other materials, concrete kitchen countertops are considered a convenient option as they are much easier to maintain. All you have to do is reseal the kitchen countertops every few years. It is a quick and easy job. If the resealing is done properly, you can clean the countertops with mild soap and water and get rid of stains or bacteria easily.
4 ) Invisible seams
Your kitchen countertop should not look dirty. Besides appearing very unappealing, a kitchen countertop with grout lines diminishes the overall appeal of your modern kitchen design. Hence, you should always opt for materials on which seams and grout lines are very difficult to spot. Grout lines and seams are quite hard to find on a concrete surface. This may not be the case when you use tiles or other alternatives to create countertops.
Drawbacks
1 ) Stains
Despite being one of the most durable materials for creating countertops, a concrete countertop is often not preferred by many homeowners because it is vulnerable to stains. A stained countertop appears very unappealing. To ensure that it does not get stained, sealer and wax have to be applied frequently. Only, this will ensure that cleaning up spills and messes is easy. Many stain-resistant alternatives are available in the market.
2 ) Time required
Custom-made countertops look great but it can be a little problematic if the process takes too long. Creating and designing custom concrete countertops take time and they may not be the best option if you are in a hurry. It may take several weeks to complete the countertops.
3 ) Expensive
If you are looking for budget-friendly options only, concrete kitchen countertops may not be the best idea for your home interior design. Concrete countertops require labour and hence, the overall expense increases. However, this type of countertop is made of premium material and will increase the home’s resale value.