What are concrete worktops?

Concrete worktops are in high demand right now, with many homeowners are drawn to their rustic, industrial style. There’s no doubt they’re making their way into homes across the UK but are you really sure what they are? In this article, we’ll answer the question ‘What are concrete worktops?” and provide you with the pros and cons of this popular kitchen feature. As one of the leading concrete suppliers in Doncaster and Rotherham, you can rest assured that we know a thing or two about concrete! 

Concrete worktops: what exactly are they?

Concrete worktops have become highly sought after in recent years. Strong and durable and extremely versatile, it’s no surprise that so many people are choosing them for their homes. They integrate particularly well into contemporary kitchen designs since they exude a modern industrial look. Concrete can be treated in many different ways, including shaping and pigmenting, staining and texturing. 

There’s a huge range of shades and finishes available and you can even embed tiles or stones into the concrete. This allows you to create a worktop that meets your needs and tastes perfectly. You might assume that concrete worktops are cold and impersonal in their appearance. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Today, concrete countertops are warm and chic, offering an abundance of style as well as function.

“What are concrete worktops?” is a question we get asked here a lot at Doncaster Quickmix. Our team are always happy to answer your questions and provide you with any information you need when deciding whether to invest in concrete worktops for your home. 

The pros and cons of concrete worktops

If you’re not sure if concrete worktops are right for you, it’s best to consider their pros and cons. Whilst this type of countertop surfacing may be ideal if you’re seeking a contemporary look for your kitchen, it may be less suitable if you’re looking for a traditional style or you don’t want to risk it being susceptible to stains or scratches. 

Pros

• Attractive and customisable: Concrete worktops are undoubtedly blessed with attractiveness, renowned for exploiting the industrial style that’s become so popular in recent years. A rich patina often develops over time, giving them a wonderfully rustic look. However, what’s great is that they’re also incredibly versatile. You can customise concrete worktops to suit your needs and tastes, making sure you can turn your vision for your countertops into reality. 
• Durability. Aside from adding style and class to your kitchen, concrete worktops also provide an extremely durable workspace. Concrete is one of the most hardwearing materials in existence, making it ideal for kitchen countertops that are used daily. They will last you many years before you need to replace them. 
• Add value to your property. Since concrete worktops have become somewhat of a status symbol, rivalling granite and many other popular kitchen surfacing options, they may even add value to your property in some cases. The addition of concrete worktops to your home can make it far more saleable, attracting buyers who are drawn to their high-end style. 

Cons

• Concrete worktops can crack. Despite their strength, sometimes they can fracture, affecting their appearance. This most commonly happens when the concrete has been poured in place instead of being pre-cast. The good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of cracking, including adding fibre reinforcement, rebar, or wire mesh. What’s more is that if cracks do occur, they’re usually not very noticeable and are quite easy to repair.
• Stains and scratches can occur. Concrete can become stained and scratched over time. The reason for this is that the material is porous in nature, which means it’s able to absorb liquids and even bacterial growth. Whilst sealing the concrete surface during installation can help to make the worktops stain and scratch-resistant, markings can still be visible. Of course, you should consider that other materials used for kitchen worktops are also vulnerable to this type of damage. 

Ultimately, if you’re looking for perfection, concrete worktops might not be the best choice. However, if you’re attracted to their rugged aesthetic and want to add industrial style to your kitchen, they could be ideal. 

How to care for concrete worktops

Once you’ve made the decision to invest you need to ensure that you care for them well over the years. The kitchen is one of the busiest rooms within the home, so the last thing you want is for your countertops to start looking worse for wear as time goes by. To maintain them and keep them looking their best, wipe them down regularly with a soft cloth or sponge and a mild detergent. You should also be prepared to seal them occasionally, ideally around every six months to a year.

When using your new surfacing, it’s important to treat them with respect. Firstly, never put hot pans directly onto the surface. Most sealers don’t do well under harsh heat. Secondly, you should avoid cutting on concrete worktops since this can also cause scratches to occur. Concrete is one of the strongest and most hardwearing materials. However, worktops made from it need to be maintained to a high standard. Use chopping boards to prevent damage occurring whenever possible.  

Contact us

More and more people are asking us “what are concrete worktops”, with their popularity rising all the time. At Doncaster Quickmix, we’ve been supplying concrete in Doncaster and Rotherham for many years, so why not get in touch to discuss your requirements? Call us on 01302 972997 (Doncaster) or 01709 807977 (Rotherham) to talk to one of our friendly and knowledgeable team. You’re also welcome to send us a message via the website.