How Concrete Countertops Measure Up to Other Materials

Imagine you’re looking to do some renovations around the home. Your kitchen is looking a little old and you know a new countertop could really improve it. The problem is you don’t know the first thing about countertops and you don’t know where to begin. Your wife says she wants a granite countertop, but your friend tells you that you could save money on a concrete one. What do you do?

If you’re confused over which countertop to choose, you’re in the right place. Although concrete is far from the only material, when it comes to kitchen countertops, it has advantages that others don’t, namely versatility. In this article we’ll compare several countertop materials, discuss their pros and cons, and explain why concrete is both an economical and sustainable choice.

Things to Compare While anyone can see that a concrete countertop is beautiful, not everyone knows about the many benefits that concrete countertops offer. Because of its unique composition, concrete is an all around better material than granite, laminate, or quartz. With concrete, the only limit is your own imagination, as you can design and personalize it however you want. Using coloring and staining, you can create a unique design to your own taste. What’s more, you can create a unique edge for your countertops and cast them to any shape or size. So instead of having the same, typical countertop as your neighbors, yours can be a unique work-of-art.

Let’s see how concrete compares to other countertop materials by taking a closer look at specific characteristics.

Heat resistance​ - When it comes to heat resistance, concrete performs very well. However, it’s better to not place hot objects directly on them, as it could damage the epoxy sealant. Just use a heat protector like a trivet for your hot dishes and it will hold up fine.

Cost ​ - The factor that folks are usually the most concerned about, cost is often the determining factor when it comes to choosing a countertop material.

Concrete - The price for a concrete countertop is often in the mid range when compared to other materials. Depending on the size and quality of installation, it could cost from $65 to $135 per square foot.

Laminate - By far the cheapest material, laminate costs less because it has a tendency to not last as long as other materials, and is easily damaged. It ranges from $20 to $50 per square foot.

Granite - Due to its extraction process in large slabs, granite is a more expensive material. They cost from $70 to $175 per square foot.

Marble - The most expensive material, marble ranges from $110 to $250 per square foot.

When it comes to cost, you shouldn’t be put off by concrete’s price range. Although it is a little more expensive than some materials, it offers unique advantages. It is very malleable and can be made to any shape, form, or color you want. It is also extremely durable and will last you a lifetime.

Stain resistance ​ - Since your countertop is in the kitchen, it’s essential that it be resistant to staining. When properly sealed, concrete will block any stains from ruining your countertop. Laminate, tile, and quartz are also resistant to staining. Granite is not.

Color variety​ - Concrete allows you to make your countertop as unique as you want, as well as add designs with staining. This allows you to match your countertop with the colors of your kitchen, and not vice versa. While laminate, tile, quartz, and granite are also available in different colors, none of them offers the variety and uniqueness that concrete does.

Shaping ​ - Unlike other materials, concrete can be cast in place to any shape and size needed. Other materials, like granite and quartz, must be cut and shaped before installation.

Visible seams​ - Some large concrete countertops may show seams, but they can be easily hidden with a filler. Granite and tile have visible seams, while laminate and quartz do not.

Edge options​ - One of the major advantages of concrete over other materials is edge design. Using pre-molded plastic edges, you can make a unique edge in any form you want. All other materials must be cut beforehand, which can take a lot of time, effort, and ultimately cost you more money.

Inserted Materials​ - You can further personalize your concrete countertop by embedding items within the concrete itself, such as pebbles and seashells. It is not possible to embed items in any other materials.

Improved appearance over time​ - Unlike all other materials mentioned, concrete is not static, but changes and over time will acquire a unique appearance.

Concrete vs Granite

Granite is one of the most common materials or countertops. Like concrete, it is both resistant and durable. When comparing costs, granite is slightly more expensive.

Although granite comes in many varieties and color schemes, only concrete allows you to adjust color to your exact specifications. Moreover, you can color and stain it so that it looks like almost any material, such as granite or marble. Besides its color advantage, it can be poured and installed in one large, seamless piece. Granite, however, is usually installed in several pieces, which will create visible seams in an otherwise flawless countertop.

Concrete vs Quartz

Quartz is another common material for countertops. Like concrete, quartz is highly customizable. Since it is a fabricated stone you can choose from a wide range of colors and patterns, but still not as many as concrete. When it comes to cost, quartz is much more expensive.

Quartz is strong and durable but does not offer as much versatility in texture as concrete does. With concrete you can imitate materials found in nature, like stone and wood.

Conclusions

Choosing countertop color and design for your kitchen isn’t easy, so why not choose the material that gives you ultimate control while allowing for mistakes and corrections? With granite, quartz, and laminate, you have to match the kitchen to the countertop. But with concrete, you can design and color the countertop to match the kitchen. We hope this article has helped you understand the benefits of concrete compared to other materials, and wish you success on your concrete countertop project.