The complete guide to concrete countertops part 2

Concrete worktops really add a little something to any kitchen, garden, or workspace - so we’ve committed to providing you with the best possible work surfaces to make your home stylish, long-lasting, and ready for anything life throws at you or your family,

If you’ve not already read part one to our guide on concrete worktops, then you should check that out here to learn how thick your surfaces should be, how they are installed, and whether to go DIY or hire a contractor,

Otherwise, continue reading to find concrete countertop inspiration, and information about the maintenance, cost, advantages, and longevity of your pieces.

Maintenance

How long your concrete countertops last very much depends on how well they are sealed. Red wine, citrus, and oil can all stain and leave long-lasting marks on concrete, but using the correct sealant and wax can easily prevent this from happening. Family homes with young children and pets can opt for a topical sealant, which is more difficult to apply but provides much more protection.

Price

As with anything, the price of your concrete worktops will depend entirely on the amount of space you want to cover, and the type of concrete you order. After all, there’s a whole range of colours and textures available.

The price of separate projects also depends on the thickness of the surface, the number of cutouts for appliances, and additional items such as drainers, metal rods, and splashbacks. Our polished worktop surfaces from Stone Worktop start at £250 + VAT per meter, based on a depth of up to 600mm and an edge thickness of 50mm.

Fitting costs are dependant on the weight of the project and the distance travelled, however, clients can choose to collect their products. You should consider the weight of your order before placing it in the back of a small vehicle .Receive a free no-obligation quote by filling in this form.

How does it compare?

Concrete is a very popular choice of worktop, however, there are also other materials such as granite, laminate, tiles, and quartz to consider when redesigning your home. We understand it can get difficult and confusing.

Polished Concrete is often chosen by many as there’s a whole range of colour choices available - many more than any other surface.

It can also be cast into any shape and size, unlike its worktop competition, and an unlimited amount of custom edges can be created by contractors such as ourselves.

Concrete can also be personalised by the buyer as pebbles, recycled glass and seashells can all be mixed in for a unique design. Its appearance also improves with age as concrete is a static material that develops character over time to fit in with its surroundings well.

However, as mentioned above, concrete is porous so it does need to be sealed before use. The sealant also protects worktops from high heat.
Inspiration
Decided that concrete is the way to go for you? We’ve found a few great designs to get you inspired.

There’s a whole range of trendy concrete countertops to be explored on Pinterest - all of different colours and textures. We particularly love medium grey pieces that are consistent in both the kitchen and bathrooms of homes, as it gives the place a finished look.

For a clean look, go for white, or grey surfaces with cutouts for a white sink. And, if you’re looking for something that stands out from the crowd, go for work surfaces that have glass pieces sprinkled on top and throughout.
Pros and cons
There are tonnes of advantages to concrete worktops and very little disadvantages, but we’ll go through them now. To start, concrete is very durable - after all, it’s made of the same material as some pavements. But, because of this, you should be aware that it may crack, more commonly when poured in place. Luckily, our worktops are pre-cast which are less likely to break under pressure. Nevertheless, if cracks appear, they can be fixed easily.

Generally, the largest cons surround the upkeep of concrete surfaces. But, if you seal your workspaces well and look after them, stains and scratches shouldn’t be an issue.

Concrete is also really cost-effective, especially for large work areas where materials such as granite and marble would be way too expensive to fit.They also look super rustic, which is really in fashion at the moment.

They work great in farmhouses, modern houses, and apartments looking to create a bulky industrial vibe that still looks absolutely flawless.

Simply use a concrete cleaner to keep your surfaces looking their best and they are good to go for years.


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