Concrete Countertops

What do Concrete Countertops look like?

     Concrete countertops are a warm natural looking material that corresponds with the popularity of more natural materials like wood, stone, and brick.
     Chemical stains, coloring pigments, various aggregates, and epoxy coatings can give concrete the look, texture, and feel of quarried stone such as marble, granite, and limestone.
    
CMA GROUP CONCRETE LLC. offers three surface finishes:

1. Veined: Buddy Rhodes' signature surface. After the surface is worked with pigment-infused concrete, a diamond-impregnated grinding disk zigzags across the slab, revealing marble-like veining in the background. While gently textured, the surface is smooth enough to roll a piecrust or write a letter.

2. Steel Trowel: The smooth, mostly monochromatic surface is notable for its obvious trowel marks and subtle variations of light and dark (think of an Italian plastered wall).

3. Terrazzo: Glass or marble chips worked into the background create a two-toned mottled effect, adding textural interest under the smooth surface.

Most concrete countertops are cast in a shop where lines and edges can be formed precisely and the countertop can be cast, cured, and sealed under controlled conditions.

Concrete countertops will exhibit subtle variations in color and texture, which most people feel contributes to its beauty. Each slab is hand cast so none will be exactly identical.

Who chooses concrete countertops?

 Concrete countertops are a warm natural looking material that corresponds with the popularity of more natural materials like wood, stone, and brick.

Chemical stains, coloring pigments, various aggregates, and epoxy coatings can give concrete the look, texture, and feel of quarried stone such as marble, granite, and limestone.

CMA GROUP CONCRETE uses product from Buddy Rhodes Studio, Inc.
Concrete comes into its own. Concrete is not a static material. If you seek a surface that will not evolve or acquire character over time, choose another material. Rather, concrete is what Rhodes calls "high touch." Handmade and tactile, it is influenced by its interaction with the craftsman and eventual user. For the many people who love concrete, the unpredictability is part of its attraction. Veining, texture and color vary, and regular use impacts a warm patina to the surface over time.

Do concrete countertops crack?

Not always, but concrete countertops can develop hairline cracks. The cracks tend to be non-structural and result from the natural shrinkage of the concrete.
As Buddy Rhodes Studio, Inc. notes:

Imperfections are part of the appeal. In fact, hairline cracks and slight irregularities are a natural part of the wear and tear and will not affect the structural integrity in the slightest (such fine cracks are also too narrow to trap food and debris). And while hairline cracks can be patched, such attempts often look far more obvious than the cracks themselves. Most people prefer the aged appearance that this natural occurrence bestows--in contrast to the cold and unvarying smoothness of plastic products such as Corian and Formica.

No matter what reinforcing method is used, hairline cracks may still occur. The hairline cracks are non-structural and should be considered part of the character of each slab.

Will Concrete Countertops Stain?

Concrete countertops have sealers applied for water and stain resistance. (Left in its natural state, unsealed, concrete is porous and will stain.)

 Staining can occur if the sealer is compromised. (See: cutting on or setting hot pans on concrete countertops.) Simply inquire from your concrete countertop contractor how their countertops have been sealed and how the countertops resist staining.

Cutting on Concrete Countertops/ Placing hot pans on concrete countertops

Can you cut on Concrete Countertops?
No. Cutting on the concrete countertop won’t hurt the concrete, but will damage the sealer, which can affect the sealers ability to keep out water and stains. Cutting boards should always be used when chopping or preparing foods.

Placing Hot pans on Concrete Countertops
Placing hot pans on the concrete countertops should be avoided. Concrete is very heat resistant, but the concern (like with cutting on concrete countertops) is damaging and or discoloring the sealer.  You can use hot plates or a hot pad.