| Unless you have seen a concrete countertop, you | | | | that the countertop will be stain-resistant. You will |
| might think it is an ugly slab of material that is | | | | need to wax the concrete countertop every few |
| porous and gray. But concrete countertops are as | | | | months so the countertop can retain its shiny, |
| versatile and as colorful as their stone | | | | new look. Be sure to read your owner's manual |
| counterparts and more affordable and nothing like | | | | for instructions. |
| concrete blocks. In fact, concrete countertops can | | | | Concrete countertops are much stronger than |
| look so similar to their stone counterparts that | | | | any natural surface such as granite or marble. |
| some will not be able to tell the difference. | | | | They are resistant to heat and scratches, |
| Concrete countertops are making a big splash in | | | | meaning you don't have to worry if you |
| home decor because of the trend toward a more | | | | accidentally set a hot pot or pan on the |
| natural, stone appearance of countertops in | | | | countertop. But if you want to cut vegetables, |
| kitchens and bathrooms. Many who cannot afford | | | | you will need to use a cutting board since cutting |
| the more expensive granite or marble are moving | | | | a concrete countertop will leave a mark. Newly |
| toward concrete countertops. | | | | installed concrete countertops can become |
| You can find concrete countertops in almost as | | | | warped if the temperature changes suddenly. Ask |
| many colors as laminate countertops. Hues of | | | | you contractor how to prevent this if you live in |
| blue, red and green along with the natural stone | | | | an area where temperatures are sometimes |
| colors are available. Concrete countertops can be | | | | extreme. |
| designed to match any kitchen or bathroom | | | | Like most countertops, you need to avoid |
| decor. Most concrete countertops are custom | | | | abrasive products when cleaning your concrete |
| made, so you can put as much of your | | | | countertops. Make sure you wipe away all spills |
| personality in it as you like regarding color, shape | | | | immediately. A mild soap should keep the |
| and design. Ask your contractor for samples of | | | | concrete countertops looking like new. And as |
| his work and don't be afraid to ask for something | | | | mentioned earlier, waxing is required every few |
| unique! | | | | months. Concrete countertops need to be |
| Many contractors will pre-cast concrete | | | | resealed every few years. Check you owner's |
| countertops at a shop. This allows them to use | | | | manual for exact specifications. |
| special tables and allows them to seal the | | | | Concrete countertops range in price from $55 to |
| concrete countertops in the shop. If a kitchen or | | | | $125 per square foot, since most of them are |
| bathroom has a peculiar shape or design, a | | | | custom-made. You can find a qualified contractor |
| contractor may chose to build the concrete | | | | in the yellow pages that will make and install your |
| countertops at the home to adapt to the edges | | | | concrete countertops. Ask him to see a sample |
| and corners of the surface. | | | | of his work before agreeing to sign a contract to |
| Concrete countertops must be sealed. This is so | | | | install your concrete countertops. |