The complete guide to concrete countertops part 1

Concrete countertops are not only modern, stylish, and effective, but will last you and your family a lifetime. Concrete is designed to withstand heat, stains, and the odd knock, meaning that it is the perfect all-round material for any family’s worktops.However, it is hard to know where to start on where to buy them, who to hire (if anyone) and how to keep them looking as good as the day they were fitted. Here is our complete guide to concrete worktops, including who you should trust to build and fit them, how they are fabricated and installed, and the wide range of colours and finishes available to you.

Should I hire a professional?

Building your own concrete countertops from scratch can be tough. After all, doing it this way means it’s not all about the fitting - it’s about choosing the right concrete mix, ensuring you’re attaching the worktops to your cabinets in the right way, and which sealers to use to make sure the pieces stay looking their best.

For the average handyman, it would take a while to craft and fit the perfect worktops. So if that isn’t your thing and you simply want quick and easy results, you should definitely look towards hiring a contractor.

Additionally, if you’re aiming for custom colour countertops, drain boards, butcher blocks, or integral sinks features, then it’s better to look towards a professional.If you’re wanting concrete pieces that are mixed with stones, glass, tile, or inlays, the same applies here, too.

Finding the right polished concrete contractor

We recognise that it is difficult to trust someone to both build and install your dream kitchen workspaces. It is important to choose someone that understands the look you’re going for and knows exactly how to go ahead with it.

You’ll need to make sure you choose someone with a variety of references, has a good amount of experience and creates sustainable products.

Our team at Stone Worktops are experts at doing just that. We know exactly how to create great-fitting, polished, and beautiful workspaces that work around your family, rather than your family having to work around them.

How are concrete worktops fabricated and installed?

Concrete is a natural composite material that is usually made out of rocks, sand, and fly ash, and a cement binder such as limestone and calcium sulfate, plus water.

The majority of concrete countertops nowadays are precast, as this means they can be made to order in any size with a range of colour, texture, and durability options. This means the shape and thickness can also be changed to ensure that the worktops fit in with sinks and other appliance cutouts.

Installation is an exciting but important time, meaning that every single step needs to go right to ensure customer satisfaction. Sink supports need to be installed first to withstand the weight of the concrete, then all the slabs should be dry fitted before being glued down. Shims will need to be added on almost every installation to make sure the workspaces look clean and attractive, then flexible chalk is used to hold the worktops in place without adding unnecessary stress as a rigid adhesive would.
Sounds good - what are my options?
Concrete countertops come in a range of colours and polishes to ensure that every customer has a workspace that not only suits them, but their family, lifestyle, and kitchen aesthetics. Our worktops come in eight different colours, including a range of greys, black, white, and natural.

They also come in four different finishes- light, medium, heavy, and highly polished/glossy. Whatever look you’re going for, we’re sure that our team will be able to find countertops that work for you.

The great thing about concrete is that it is naturally highly customizable - so whether you have a highly traditional farmhouse or a high-tech space with all the gadgets, there’s a countertop to fit every bathroom, outdoor space, and kitchen.
The bottom line
Ultimately, contractors are the best way to go to get the best bang for your buck. They’re the best way to receive the best reliable service that will allow you to take a step back and watch the magic happen.

If you would like to know more about concrete worktops, read part two to our ultimate guide.

Alternatively, to arrange a free no-obligation consultation, fill out a form online. We’ll be able to get back to you within 24 hours with the best price possible for our team’s fantastic work.


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