Your surfaces should not only support your personal requirements to-a-T, but they should also fit well with your intended atmosphere and aesthetic preferences. No matter what look you’re going for, or what your practical needs are, concrete kitchen surfaces can provide the best of both worlds. They act as beautiful statement pieces, which will accent your interior design, as well as being durable, hard-wearing, functional elements of your kitchen.
For information on DIY projects, choosing the perfect contractor for your needs, and how our worktops are manufactured and installed, see our page Can I make a polished concrete worktop as a DIY project?. Below we have surmised some important points of information you should consider when looking for a perfect polished concrete countertop.
Cost
The cost of your polished concrete countertop will vary, depending on a variety of factors including size, style, and customisation.We offer a range of personalisation services including bespoke colours, textures and mixes with additions like pebbles, shells, trinkets, sea glass or even fibre-optic lights. If you would like a surface with an in-built sink or draining rack, this may also affect the cost.
Some other aspects of your order that may affect the price are for example; surface thickness, cutouts, and extras, like splash-backs or metal add-ons. We provide a quick-quote service on our website if you are looking for a price estimate, which includes a short form where you can fill in the details of your project. We will do our best to respond within 24 hours.
In terms of installation, prices will vary according to the weight of the worktop, and the distance travelled to the fitting location. You could also opt to collect your project personally, but some heavier orders may not be suitable for transportation in light vehicles.
Looking after your countertops
If your polished concrete surfaces are well sealed, they should last for a significant number of years. In order to maintain their quality, you should reseal your surfaces regularly with wax or another sealer. If you neglect this, you may find your surfaces stained with red wine, vinegar or even by brightly coloured sauces. Topical sealants can provide extra protection against marks and mishaps. For more information on how to look after your concrete worktops, see our page How to properly look after your concrete surfaces.
Why choose concrete surfaces?
There are many materials that can be used to manufacture kitchen work surfaces. Some of these include laminate, tiles, granite, and quartz, as well as our beloved concrete. Each of these materials has its advantages and disadvantages, but here are some reasons we think concrete is the best choice.
- Concrete comes in an unlimited array of colour variations. As our concrete is mixed to order, we can add dyes and create any colour you think would suit your aesthetic preferences.
- As its manufacturing process includes moulding, we can create any shape or design you desire. Your final polished concrete counters will fit your space perfectly, as all our pieces are made to your exact measurement specifications.
- You can add personal textures to your concrete mix. Try doing that with a granite slab! Whether you want shells, pebbles, or sea glass, we can incorporate them into your order.
- Concrete is a natural material, and so develops with age. With the right care, your surfaces will form a beautiful patina over time.
Although there are many reasons to choose concrete, there are also some negatives to consider. Nothing is perfect after all! Concrete has to have a sealant applied as a topcoat, to prevent it from staining, heat damage and absorbing water from the environment. This is because it is a porous material when left untreated. This said, with the proper sealant, concrete can be as clean and crisp as any other kitchen surface material.
Get inspired!
So you’ve decided that you want a polished concrete countertop in your new kitchen. But which one? There are so many options and variables to consider. We recommend exploring our Pinterest for unique designs and inspiration for your own kitchen environment.
We love…
- Bright white concrete countertops make a clean and classy statement. You could even combine sea glass into the mix for an extra bit of pizazz.
- Surfaces that are consistent throughout your home; perhaps a classic grey polished concrete surface in both your kitchen and your bathroom. Matching worktops create a sense of continuity in your living environment.
- If you're aiming to impress, consider opting for fun and unique colours for your countertops. Choosing a counter colour that stands out and isn't commonly seen, such as mint green, peach, or soft pink, is certain to capture the attention of your dinner guests and make them contemplate their own home renovations. This approach works particularly well if you have an integrated interior colour scheme.
The good and the bad and the concrete
Like all things, concrete has its pros and cons. This said, concrete is after all, concrete. It is a miracle of human ingenuity, durable, flexible, moldable and attractive. Although it does have some disadvantages, we believe the advantages of liquid stone outweigh the disadvantages.
The bad stuff:
- Concrete is sometimes known to crack, due to its strength. This usually happens during the pouring process, and our pieces are pre-cast. This means Stonemade worktops are very unlikely to break under pressure.
- Concrete worktops do require some upkeep to keep them looking good. However, most other materials also require maintenance of some sort so this is not a problem unique to concrete.
The good news:
- If cracks do appear, they can be fixed easily. Small hairline cracks do not need attention as they will not affect the structure of your work surface.
- With regular and correct sealant application, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about the state of your surfaces while they are in use. Just cleaning them often enough should suffice.
Concrete surfaces are also impressively cost effective. If you were to order a custom cut stone, granite or quartz worktop, it would be much more expensive. Imagine spending that much on a kitchen counter - you’d be scared to even use it!
If you’re one for following the latest trends, you’re also in luck. Concrete worktops are rustic looking, and gel perfectly with the fashionable, shabby-chic, industrial style aesthetic.
Whether your property is an old cottage, a city flat, or a modern apartment, a polished concrete kitchen surface can complement the style of your home perfectly.
