Concrete Counter Tops

By: Steve Galashaw | Posted: 17th August 2006

The durability and customizability of concrete counter tops makes them a versatile choice for your kitchen or barbeque area. The ease with which concrete counter tops can be made and installed put them into the range of most do it yourselfers as well. Concrete counter tops are less expensive than stone or stone composite counter tops. The customizability of concrete counter tops only enhances the desirability of this material for counter tops.

Concrete counter tops can be formed in place or preformed, as you desire. Using preformed concrete counter tops has the advantages being able to make them under controlled conditions. Having set conditions of temperature and humidity make pouring the concrete into the forms easier and faster. Building your forms in place at the installation site makes customized implantation of extra ornaments in the concrete for individualization of your concrete counter tops. Make them uniquely yours by adding personally or family made items to the wet concrete.

Concrete counter tops can be solid units with the sink basins as an integral part. This allows easier cleaning of the surfaces since there is no seam between sink and counter top to catch particles often missed with other styles of counter top and sink combinations. You can also customize the appearance of both the counter and sink basin by implanting items in the concrete as it is being formed. This customizability is one of the reasons for the rise in popularity of concrete counter tops in modern construction.

Concrete counter tops are versatile and can be used in many situations. Not only can they be used for kitchens and bathrooms, but also they can be used in outdoor and utility applications. Building an outdoor recreation area with tables and a permanently installed barbecue is a nice use for concrete counter tops. Concrete will withstand the elements better than many other materials. When choosing a color for your outdoor concrete counter tops, make sure the color is highly resistant to UV rays to prevent the color from fading over time. The strength and durability of concrete makes it ideal for outdoor and utility uses.

Concrete is a hard abrasive porous material that needs to be sealed against moisture and stains. To protect this seal, cutting boards should always be used when using your concrete counter tops for food preparation. This will protect both the seal on the concrete and your knife and help to maintain the beauty of your counter tops. Wiping up liquids spilled on the surface will help to prevent staining on your concrete counter tops. Making your concrete counter tops last for the generations they are capable of will protect your investment.

About The Author:

Steve has been a professional interior designer for more than 10 years who specializes in the renovation of the kitchen. If you are interested in tile countertops, be sure to start at http://www.purecountertops.com .This article is free for republishing
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