Concrete Countertops: The Good, The Bad, and The Budget-Friendly Update
Considering a kitchen upgrade? Concrete countertops offer a stylish, cost-effective, and DIY-friendly solution. But before you dive in, let’s explore the pros, cons, and long-term durability of this popular choice. We’ll delve into real-world experiences and provide insights to help you decide if concrete countertops are right for your home.
Having lived with concrete countertops for a while now, I often get asked about my experience. It’s time to give a comprehensive look at what it’s like to live with these beautiful surfaces.
Let’s dive in and see what you can expect.
Here’s what our concrete countertops looked like when we first revealed our kitchen makeover a few months ago:
Shiny, beautiful, and seemingly flawless! They definitely made an impact.
But how do they hold up to the realities of everyday life? We put our countertops to the test with regular cooking and all the wear and tear that comes with it. So, after living with these countertops for a while, here’s my honest take:
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The Good
Pro: Cost-Effective
One of the biggest advantages of concrete countertops is their affordability. We were able to transform our entire kitchen for a fraction of the cost of granite or quartz. This budget-friendly aspect makes concrete an attractive option for homeowners looking to refresh their space without breaking the bank. For us, the entire project cost less than $300 – a significant saving, especially considering the size of our kitchen.
Pro: DIY-Friendly
Concrete countertops are surprisingly easy to install yourself. While the process can be messy and time-consuming, it doesn’t require any specialized tools. (A sander is helpful, but not essential.) This DIY aspect allows you to have full control over the design and finish, making it a rewarding project for any homeowner.
Pro: Unique Aesthetic
Concrete countertops offer a unique aesthetic that complements various design styles, from farmhouse to industrial to modern. Their inherent character and imperfections add a touch of personality to any kitchen. That rustic, raw look is part of what makes them so appealing. Just keep in mind that “imperfections” are part of the charm.
Maintaining the look is relatively easy. A simple granite cleaner will keep them fresh and clean.
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The Bad
Con: Scratch-Prone
One of the biggest drawbacks of concrete countertops is their susceptibility to scratches. Despite careful research into the best sealing methods, we found that our countertops still showed scratches over time. While we try to be as careful as possible, the reality is that daily use takes its toll.
You’ll notice scratches from things like sliding dishes or cutting on the surface. Fortunately, a fresh coat of sealer can easily repair these scratches, bringing the surface back to its original condition. It’s an ongoing maintenance task to keep in mind, but it’s not a deal-breaker.
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The Ugly
Con: Grease Stains
Grease stains are another potential issue with concrete countertops, especially near the stove. Cooking with olive oil and having a bacon enthusiast in the house, we’ve learned to take precautions.
While the staining isn’t widespread, we do have noticeable grease splotches on either side of our stove. This means we now use dish towels to protect the surfaces from splatters and spills.
The area near the stove is especially prone to these stains.
We’re planning to apply another skim coat of concrete and reseal this section soon to address the issue.
However, despite these drawbacks, the concrete countertops have held up well. Water beads up on the surface, and cleaning up spills has been relatively easy, even if we’ve missed a spot.
Final Verdict
Overall, I would still choose concrete countertops again, despite the scratching and staining. The unique aesthetic and budget-friendly price point make them a worthwhile investment. They may not last for decades like granite or marble, but they offer a great value and a beautiful look for a fraction of the cost.
Thinking about installing concrete countertops in your kitchen or bathroom? We’d love to hear about your experiences! Share your thoughts and any DIY project tips in the comments below.
You can also check out our IKEA farmhouse sink and get more tips there!
