If you’re unfamiliar with concrete countertops, you are probably feeling a little amused with the whole idea of having a sidewalk where your kitchen counter top or bathroom vanity should be.
I can assure you that this comical vision is far from the stylish, warm and natural look of this surface. Concrete countertops can be customized with unique colors, unusual shapes and specialty finishes not available with other surfaces.
Truly a designing dream, concrete countertops are rapidly gaining popularity with restaurants, hotels and homeowners.
Colors
Virtually any color can be achieved with cement counter tops. Every fabricator of mixes their own recipe of sand, water and stone and custom color pigmentation can be added to the mix or stains can be applied in the later stages. Either way you get a unique color variation to your finished countertop.
The particular coloring process results in hues that are warm and rich with earthy tones. Considering that the colors found in nature provide us with an amazing spectrum from sandstone creams to deep reds and every shade in between, your choice is almost endless.
The most popular colors are creams, grays and browns that are a natural complement to popular decorating and design materials like wood, stone, stainless steel and brick.
Design possibilities
As coloring pigments, stains, various aggregates, and epoxy coatings are added to the concrete mixture, your countertop may be created to resemble the look, texture, and feel of quarried stone such as marble, granite, and limestone.
Interesting objects such as shells, coins and glass tiles may be set into your counter top to enhance any decorating theme or give added depth to you counter top surface. This is particularly beneficial to restaurants and hotels when creating a decor theme, but offers equally enticing design possibilities for your home as well.
Like stone or other natural surfaces, concrete is not a static material and it will acquire character over time.
Unlimited Shapes and Forms
If you desire a non-traditional shape, then concrete countertops definitely are the most versatile surface on the market. Your countertop can be as unique as your imagination. Molds can be individually shaped to perfectly suite any space or unusual location.
Curves, L-shapes and V-shapes are all available options when designing concrete countertops.
Trivets for hot pots and pans can be made and built-in sinks are popular for both kitchen and bath.
Many edge styles are possible so you’re sure to find one you like, but each fabricator is a bit different so your choices will depend on your contractor.
Fabrication and Installation
As with coloring, each manufacturer has their own method. They may pre-cast the counter top in a shop controlled environment, or create it on location.
Concrete countertops are made with a combination of cement, lightweight aggregates and additives such as silica, fume, pozzolan and acrylic fiber. Structural steel or wire mesh and/or fiberglass is used for reinforcement. Sometimes the concrete may be ground or polished to achieve a finer, smoother finish.
The final step when installing your countertop is sealing the concrete. The type of sealer used varies so, consult with your installer.
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We all have to spend a certain amount of time in the kitchen and whether or not you enjoy cooking, the time that you do spend there can be much more pleasant in bright, modern surroundings..jpg)
