One of the newest innovations to come into the home design market in the past few years is the use of concrete countertops. This type of kitchen countertop is not only spectacular looking and easy to care for, but it also inexpensive.

Benefits of Concrete

Concrete has been used in outdoor applications since Roman times. The Romans were the first to develop this versatile and hard stone and sand product to create amazing roads, walls and fountains.

In today’s settings, you can find concrete used to make the same products and more. And one of the best and easiest ways to use concrete is for kitchen countertops. Concrete kitchen countertops can be created in almost any color you can imagine and present a hard surface on which you can easily place hot cookware and serving dishes.

One of the best benefits to using concrete countertops is that they are an extremely versatile decorating element. Concrete is not limited to the flat gray of sidewalks or backyard patios. Instead it can be colored and even texture placed on it. You can embed tiles or other elements like glass beads or pebbles in it. Additionally, your concrete kitchen countertop can be fabricated in almost any shape you need.

Concrete is also extremely inexpensive, particularly when compared to other countertop materials, like granite or marble. For the do-it-yourself homeowner, it is possible to create your own concrete countertop, but be prepared to a great deal of work and effort on your part.

Choosing a Fabricator/Installer

Because concrete countertops are a relatively new innovation in kitchen design, it is important to choose a fabricator and installer who has experience and a good understanding of how your countertop should be properly fabricated and installed.

If you are lucky enough to have a friend with one of these wonderful countertops, ask them who did their fabrication and installation work and if they did the job themselves, quiz them on problems that they encountered with the project. When talking to a potential contractor, ask them about their experience and the different kinds of designed that they have created for homeowners. Also talk to them about the different design elements that you are thinking about, including shape, texture, color and any embedded elements.

Besides experience, you also should ask for an estimate and about issues such as insurance to cover workers if they are potentially injured while working at your house on your project. Finally, you should contact your Better Business Bureau and state contractors licensing board to make sure that the contractors does not have any complaints against them and is licensed to do the work in your state.

It is usually a good idea to get at least three estimates when choosing a contractor for any remodeling project. Once you have an estimate from a contractor you feel comfortable with, then find out an estimated schedule and go ahead and book your project.

Concrete is a great material for kitchen countertops. The advantages of having a concrete kitchen countertop are tremendous -- they are inexpensive, they are versatile and they can be beautifully designed to fit into any kitchen décor.

Interested in concrete countertops for your home? Get your project started by submitting a free BuyerZone request for countertop price quotes.