Article: Concrete Counters: The Latest Craze in Luxury and Status ...

Countertops in your kitchen and bathroom are the defining factor between luxury/status or utilitarian work spaces. The choice in materials for your countertops will undoubtedly be what makes the value of your home increase or stay the same. Picking the right countertop for increased value and usability comes down to two different materials, granite or concrete. These two materials are comparable in price, so what other factors will help you decide whether concrete is right for you? In the past, most people thought granite meant top of the line status and luxury. That old notion has been updated by the increasing popularity of concrete. These concrete countertops are not the same as the sidewalk outside your front door. Concrete is no longer considered ?industrial? or ?dirty?, and its attributes can far out weigh the old notion that granite is best. Let?s discuss the attributes of concrete over granite for countertops.

What are the aesthetics of concrete over granite?

When it comes to appearance and ingenuity, concrete wins every time. The range of possibilities is limited only to the imagination of the creator. To start, concrete can be poured so it can take on any shape you desire. This includes curves, built in extras and of course that all important personal touch. Adding drainage, sinks, cutlery slots, and even a water fall feature can be done simply by using poured concrete. Mixing color into the concrete mixture creates different looks to accentuate your color scheme, or use natural pigments and pebbles to copy the look of granite, marble or any other stone material.

How is a concrete countertop made?

We know that concrete is a mixture of cement and aggregates. Aggregates can be sand, pebbles or crushed limestone which is added to the cement mixture to create specific

needs, such as increased strength or color and texture. For countertops the aggregates can be anything the homeowner wants, to customize and accentuate their desirable design.

What about the durability and maintenance of concrete over granite?

In terms of durability and strength, the two materials are pretty much on par. Black granite will definitely show scratches, as would black concrete. For food preparation, any acidic foods cut on the surface can affect both materials over a period of time. So in my opinion, it comes down to maintenance when deciding between concrete and granite for your countertops. Concrete being a porous material is more susceptible to stains than granite, which means you may need to resurface the concrete more often than granite. This may sound scary to some, but maintenance with concrete can be done by you at home, instead of hiring a professional to maintain your granite surfaces. Diamond pads ranging from 800-3000 grit should do the job, scrubbing until the stain disappears then replying the sealant and wax. For chips in your concrete, a grinder is used to reshape and polish the area, and then of course followed up with the sealant and wax.

Is it true that concrete countertops weigh more than granite?

No, that is untrue. According to the expert Mr. Bob Villa, ?A square foot of concrete and a square foot of granite both weigh in the area of 20 pounds per square foot.?

Finally, deciding between these two high grade options is a personal one. You now have enough information to decide which is right for you. Both materials will cost anywhere from $50-$100/sq ft installed. So, if you want that 20th century luxurious charm of granite in your kitchen or bathroom then go for it.

If you would prefer the newest 21st century luxury in your home, something more interesting, color/design specific, or something creative, concrete is the best material on the market. Guests will ?sink? in envy.

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