A recent trend in home design is concrete countertops. These durable blocks are being used in kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and hosting areas. Concrete is a durable material that is used in multiple different projects. It has an industrial chic aesthetic and can be created in a variety of colors and designs.  

From construction to decoration, concrete is a timeless material, but is it suitable for countertops? This blog will share the pros and cons of these types of countertops and how they can serve your home. 

Can Concrete Countertops Be DIYed?

Creating your own countertop is a unique way to add some flare to your home. Concrete is a very user-friendly material, but when making countertops, a simple mix isn’t going to provide you with longevity. There are specific concrete mixes that can help DIYers achieve the countertops of their dreams. Mixing a countertop concrete mix and pouring it into a large mold can work for residential countertop design. 

However, there are some considerations you should have before creating concrete countertops. It requires a bit of planning and workmanship to get the counters to the right shape, height, and size. Patience and care are needed during any DIY project, so if you have doubts it is best to hire a professional. 

One notable feature of this composite material is its weight. Before you jump into making a concrete countertop, you should research the weight restrictions on your cabinets or island. Reinforcements or replacement of the cabinets may be necessary to support the countertop weight if you want the look of concrete. 

Pros Of Concrete Countertops

Let’s talk about some of the benefits that concrete countertops bring to a home. Depending on your needs, these may not seem like benefits to you, but each home will be different. 

Durability

Concrete is an extremely strong material that is used for indoor and outdoor projects alike. It is resistant to scratches and heat when sealed properly, which makes it a good option for flooring or countertops! The strength of concrete makes it a comparable option to granite or quartz for some homeowners. Concrete mixes typically have a lower cost than these natural stones, so if durability is the determining factor for your countertops, concrete could save you money. 

Unique Aesthetic

Not many homes have concrete countertops, as the material often feels cold or industrial. However, when mixed with additives, concrete can elevate a modern or contemporary home. Adding a unique element will give your space a one-of-a-kind appeal. 

Eco-Friendly

Concrete is made from multiple sustainable materials. If you are looking to make your home more sustainable, using recycled or eco-friendly aggregates is the way to do it! Your home can be green with a solid and sturdy countertop design. 

Cons Of Concrete Countertops

Concrete comes with a few maintenance concerns that you will need to keep in mind when installing it in your home. 

Prone To Cracking

While it is a durable material, it is prone to cracking over time. Cracks are even more likely if your countertops are not reinforced with some type of support. Damage is often the result of natural expansion from temperature fluctuations. Once these have developed, they are hard to reverse. Cracked or dented countertops are unsightly and can change the vibe of your kitchen or bathroom. 

Weight

These countertops are heavier than other materials. While natural stone can be heavy, concrete is dense which often contributes to its weight. Stell or other support is needed to reinforce the structure. This may result in a more time-consuming installation process. Avoiding issues with the lower cabinets or an island will require some extra research on the weight requirements of the cabinet material and further support materials. 

Potential High Cost

While residential concrete can be fairly inexpensive, choosing the right mix for a countertop can come with higher costs. Especially if you hire a professional to install the countertop, the design, labor, and installation will be more costly than doing it yourself. 

What Style Homes Look Best With Concrete Counters

Concrete can be made in different colors and utilized in a variety of home designs. Concrete countertops are common in kitchens, laundry rooms, mudrooms, or bathrooms. 

Certain colors can help you mimic other natural stones like marble. Textures and finishes can also be incorporated into concrete countertops to help them blend seamlessly into your home design. Concrete works well in modern, contemporary, and eclectic homes. 

Custom Countertops From OOTW

Out of the Woods Cabinetry offers custom cabinet and countertop options for homes and commercial spaces. Our construction is high quality and made of the most durable materials. Our team can help you create custom features that will make your home completely unique. If you determine that concrete countertops are the right choice for you, our professionals can help. Reach out to OOTW to learn more about all our material options and schedule your project today!

Including an outdoor kitchen in your landscaping design can provide a fun entertainment space while also adding value to the home. Creating outdoor kitchens can include countertops, cabinets, and major appliances. 

Outdoor countertops not only need to be hygienic, they need to be durable to all different kinds of elements. The opinions on what stone surface is best for an outdoor kitchen vary widely. Aesthetic appeal, durability, color, and maintenance should all be considered when choosing countertops for outdoor kitchens. 

Benefits Of Stone Countertops

Solid stone countertops provide many benefits for kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and outdoor hosting spaces. Most common stone options will require low maintenance and prove heat resistance. This means that you can set hot pots and pans on the countertops while prepping food and less cleanup. 

Granite and other stones can last for many years when they are cleaned properly. Using nonabrasive cleaners will help the countertops last for many years. Using a natural stone countertop will be a more cost-effective investment. 

Granite

One of the more affordable stone types, granite is an aesthetically pleasing option that won’t break the bank. Granite fits a wide range of design aesthetics while still providing durability for outdoor kitchens. This countertop material is scratch-resistant so you can have peace of mind about dents and scratches damaging your outdoor counter. 

Outdoor kitchens will be exposed to the sunlight, which can cause the granite to become extremely hot. If you use a dark granite color, it can heat up even faster. To avoid this problem, put your outdoor kitchen under a structure or choose a lighter granite color. 

Limestone

A contemporary stone option is limestone. Limestone can range from $25-70 per square foot. Whether your outdoor kitchen is contemporary or classic, limestone will fit right in. These stone countertops can be polished or unpolished to help fit your kitchen design.

Limestone is easily stained, which can keep it from being implemented in outdoor kitchens as it is exposed to weather, insects, sun damage, and more. Limestone can be easily stained by food or heat as well. All countertops should be reinforced to keep the natural stone from cracking. It is most important for limestone as it is heavy and prone to splitting. 

Sandstone

Sandstone provides a sleek surface for outdoor settings. It is a versatile option for outdoor entertaining spaces and can include intricate designs. Sandstone is a timeless option that will enhance the beauty of the surrounding landscape. 

In extremely hot or cold climates, sandstone can become damaged. It is still more durable than tile, metal, or wood for outdoor kitchens. 

Challenges Of Including Stone Outside

Choosing a stone option should ultimately come down to your budget and how it can handle weather factors. 

Local Climate

Finding the best stone surfaces for outdoor kitchens will honestly depend from home to home. Since the kitchen will be outside and open to all external factors, you should take this into consideration. Granite and quartzite are good options in frequently changing temperatures. These stones maintain their surface integrity during all seasons. 

Usable Space

Depending on the vibe you want for the space, raw stone options can take up a large amount of space and dominate the kitchen design. Large stone slabs command attention which can be distracting if you want to achieve a more natural look. 

Maintenance Considerations

Cleaning your stone outdoor countertops is essential if you want them to last. Most countertops are easy to wipe down, but making quick work of food spills will prevent them from staining. Porous stone materials also need to be resealed every couple of years. If you don’t feel you can keep up with the upkeep, you may want to opt for a different countertop material. 

Countertops From Out Of The Woods

When it comes to outdoor kitchens, countertops can be a focal point and easy conversation starter. With natural stone countertops, you will be able to host with ease without worry of damage.

Our team manufactures countertops for homes and businesses alike. Out Of The Woods uses the highest quality materials to help change the atmosphere of any space. When you add beautiful and durable countertops to your space, you will have improved appearance and functionality. When you want to combine nature and style, work with our designers at OOTW. Reach out to us or visit our shop to see all the options available to you!