Cement Countertops

[Queen K]

I admit the thought never crossed my mind until someone suggested it today.

Does anyone have a cement countertop? Pros and Cons, and I don't mean what the websites say.

I've googled. I've read. I've come here for real life posters who have them.

Does anyone know of a shop who has one on display? Cuz I don't.

[Fancy]

http://www.thingsconcrete.com/

Sorry, don't know any info - just came across this website.

[pjeadiesgs]

I never thought about cement for countertops until I recently watched a Discovery Channel series called Junk Raiders. They didn't have money to purchase any decent countertops and weren't able to find any salvage materials either so they built forms right in place and poured concrete countertops. They were absolutely beautiful and I am anxious to spend some time experimenting myself!!

[flamingfingers]

I never thought about cement for countertops until I recently watched a Discovery Channel series called Junk Raiders. They didn't have money to purchase any decent countertops and weren't able to find any salvage materials either so they built forms right in place and poured concrete countertops. They were absolutely beautiful and I am anxious to spend some time experimenting myself!!

What about acid leaching through and destroying the concrete? What do you seal it with to prevent this? What about the amount of radiation put out by the concrete?

Personally speaking I would go with tried and true.

[Queen K]

Epoxy is supposed to seal concrete. Several coats. And the website I looked at offered concrete pre-mixes for people to make and pour their own.

I want to know who has a concrete countertop and would you do it again?


Concrete emits radiation?

[grammafreddy]

Here's a comparison of various materials/surfaces ...

http://thepioneerwoman.com/homeandgarde ... omparison/

Here's how it is done ... a smart person who was rather handy could do it themselves. I know I could.
http://thepioneerwoman.com/homeandgarde ... untertops/

[Queen K]

hmmm, after reading what Pioneerwoman said about concrete countertops I definitely don't want one. Can't be too rough with it? Can't put hot pots on it? I was hoping for more out of concrete somehow.

The second website link was the most useful for comparing different surfaces. Sounds like Stainless steel is the overall best, next to granite.

[kccayenne]

I know people who absolutely love theirs, have done it in a couple of houses. Personally, I like the idea of laminate countertops, concrete and marble seem so cold and hard. Although, concrete (with a super smooth finish) and marble are best for rolling out pastry due to the cold factor...

[Fancy]

There are many different types of sealeant that can now be used on your countertop. Depending on the use of the countertop will determine if you need a food safe or more of a general use sealeant.

From the site I posted. I love the designs (bear etc.) that can be incorporated.

[grammafreddy]

From the site I posted. I love the designs (bear etc.) that can be incorporated.

Those are really cool. I like them, too, but I think I would get tired of them eventually and want to have some different colours/scheme and then I'd be stuck with that. I tend to go with the basics in long-term fixtures (high ticket items), such as countertops, and then add my punches in accessories.

[logicalview]

Cement countertops were originally invented by a couple of stoned cement workers while sitting in their kitchen partying.

They built a form, mixed two sacks of concrete, smoked another fatty and waited for it to dry.

Viola a sidewalk on the top of a cabinet.

As time evolved, and after more dope, they thought of sealing the top because cement is as porous as a sieve for food preparation. Then one night after excessive partying they thought of adding some powered colour to the mix to make the cabinet sidewalks look better.

At the next party their friends ended up dancing on these new elevated sidewalks. How cool was that.

Then one night, when everybody was really blasted, someone, somehow started a thought. What if, they could, find other stoned people who would actually buy this stuff.

[Queen K]

Folklore! I love it.

Cement countertops are not necessarily attractive to me anyways, it's just that I have to explore all the options or I'd never to happy.

[Logitack]

whats the price difference between arborite, corian, silstone and granite?

[Queen K]

whats the price difference between arborite, corian, silstone and granite?

Good question. We plan to visit Eroko's again and get it sorted out. There is a granite place across the lake too. I want to check them out.

[Graham Adder]

I like good ol' laminate counter tops...Formica...Arborite...whatever.

Counter tops need 'give' for my lifestyle and concrete, granite or other solid surface tops don't forgive. You tip a wine glass and it shatters. You drop a favorite dish and it breaks.

I also find countertops to 'date' a home by color or material. Using a lam-top you have the affordable option to switch it up in a few years as trends change. Switching it up is not so much an option when your countertops cost as much as most people's cars.

I'm not fond of the lacquer or epoxy type finishes used on concrete. I've seen solid granite covered in resin/epoxy that started to chip and flake and it was a real mess to deal with getting refinished. I can only imagine it would be just as bad or worse to deal with on concrete.

You can get lam's now-a-days that look remarkably like granite, marble and such, but without the expense or the unforgiving 'tude. Apply the right edge finish and you can fool most people until they touch. I have yet to find anyone that likes to warm up a cold 'rock' top with their arms or elbows at the breakfast bar.