CONCRETE TABLE TOPS

Natural shrinkage will cause minor cracks to appear. However, they do not affect the structure of the concrete table top. In fact, shrinkage can enhance its look.

Sealers help prevent absorption of water and staining. Make sure you never place anything hot on the sealed surface to avoid ruining it

When properly sealed, concrete table tops are easy to manage. Use a cleaner that is pH-neutral and never use any rough scrubbing pads. Take care of the sealer by avoiding abrasive cleansers as well.

If cut directly, it will indeed cause minor scratches. But the good news is that damage can be limited with the sealer on top, which makes repairs easier.

Natural shrinkage will cause minor cracks to appear. However, they do not affect the structure of the concrete table top. In fact, shrinkage can enhance its look.

Absolutely! Contrary to popular belief, concrete can take on different styles. Concrete tabletops are completely customisable, and in fact, options are virtually endless. You can select the colour, shape, embeds, and edge profile you want. The tabletop can look minimally shiny or as glossy as you want it to be.

Of course, you can leave concrete in its natural grey state if that’s what you prefer. Suppose you like the look of other materials, such as granite and marble, but you favour concrete’s durability. In that case, you can replicate the appearance of the material you desire with no problems.

Concrete is a material known for its durability. As a testament to concrete’s durability, historical structures like the Coliseum, Pantheon, and Pompeii still exist today. Concrete tabletops can even be reinforced with glass fibres, which can help make the tabletops more robust and lightweight. Such a reinforcement increases the lifespan of the countertop while also providing support for long, continuous spans and overhangs. You can’t achieve that with granite and other popular materials.

The concrete finish can be heat-resistant, which is primarily useful for kitchen counters where you could place hot plates.

Not really. Counters made from concrete are made to last for years; however, they can be vulnerable to stains. It’s a common issue with kitchen tabletops since food messes can easily stain the surface. The key is in the sealer and wax. These products should be used to help homeowners protect the surface of the counters.

Make sure that you wipe away the spills and messes when you see them. That way, they do not stick on the tabletop. But the good news is that if you’re used to tile, you don’t have to worry about cleaning grout lines.

Concrete tabletops do not need a lot of time to make and install. However, if you are pressed for time, you may be a little disappointed. Custom countertops do take a lot of time to design and cast. Plus, you have to wait for the concrete to cure. Speed is a disadvantage with concrete tabletops, so make sure that you efficiently plan your schedule.

The turnaround time can take at least a few weeks, and you also have to wait before you can use the tabletops for kitchen items or food preparation.

Concrete tabletops are typically designed by hand. Because of the handcrafted nature of the material, it means that you will most probably pay more. The added labour and premium material used will increase the total cost of the project.

However, compared to other materials, concrete tabletops are so much more affordable. Plus, concrete is durable and can be styled according to your preferences. It certainly increases the long-term value of your home. Therefore, concrete tabletops are worth the investment.

Contractors have different ways to make concrete tabletops, but the general process is mostly the same. It begins with mould building using melamine coated particleboard. Concrete is then mixed with the specially formulated benchtop mix. After everything is mixed, concrete will be poured. This step is a bit complex because it involves trowelling to ensure the entire form is filled. Tamping is also required to release air bubbles.

Curing the concrete is next, which may need at least 18 hours. Before finishing the surface, the slab will be removed from the mould, pulling it from the edges. The sealer is applied later, and the new tabletop will be installed.

Concrete is naturally porous, so it requires a sealer to prevent the material from absorbing stains and liquid spills. Food-grade sealers may be needed if the tabletop will be installed in a food prep area like your kitchen or bar. Note that the sealer does not mean you can place hot pans and pots. The high temperatures can quickly damage the sealer, so make sure to use heat protection like a trivet.

As for cleaning, you just require a pH-neutral cleaner. Don’t use rough pads or abrasive cleaners, which can degrade the sealer. Learn more about concrete tabletop maintenance from our concrete countertop care guide.