Concrete Countertops
We’re considering putting in concrete countertops when we do our kitchen reno. Does anyone out there live with such things and could you report on what they’re like to have, clean-wise, cook-wise, all-ways?
We’re considering putting in concrete countertops when we do our kitchen reno. Does anyone out there live with such things and could you report on what they’re like to have, clean-wise, cook-wise, all-ways?
Shill–thanks much! Would it be possible for me to email you offsite?
Concrete is a mix, and performance varies. Consider also how thick it is in relation to plumbing parts and height of counters. I have a little experience, but get somebody with a lot of experience. You can be very happy if you work out the details. I can help you with shower stalls and tile.
Lots of things aren’t contextual to restored brownstones, but since it’s not really practical to have a coal burning stove with an underpaid Irish girl to cook on it, we make allowances. I say if you like it, it’s your house, go for it. One of the nice things about concrete is the wide array of finishes and looks that you can get out of it. I’d recomend checking out Fu-Teng Cheng’s book “Concrete Countertops” to get some idea of what’s possible.
They are not contextual in a restored brownstone. shillstoner should know that, “fabulousness” notwithstanding.
shillstoner, they may look great, but if you are chopping on them you are ruining your knives. Get a maple chopping surface at least!
Make sure you let your cabinet installer know you intend to use concrete. They are very heavy and require extra strength support.
We chop up produce and support wet and oily things on our fabulously edgy and stylish concrete countertops all the time. They do stain, which adds to their patina and fabulousness. They are the best possible work surface and they do indeed look amazing. I totally love them!
concrete countertops are for showing off one’s unique sense of style and edgy sophistication. They are not for chopping up produce or for supporting wet or oily kitchen/cooking things.
I have them at my house, but they are fireglazed- not ground, which is what a lot of people do now (Or it’s called something else, but it’s a natural finish). The fireglazing presents some issues with cracking- but it looks more like crackled finish, and doesn’t really flake off.
To be honest, I think you have to be a little more delicate the way you set down glass or metal objects, but I think the overall look is really interesting with tons of depth.
You have to be a little more careful overall, but they are a wonderful look.