When it comes to countertops, then you surely want to call a quartz installer or quartz countertop contractors for quartz countertop installation. But if you look around there are many other countertops which are getting popular such as concrete.
The slabs are made of sand, cement and water is hard and exudes modernism as well are great for a rustic appearance. Many homeowners are now preferring concrete due to its texture and elegant look. Still, if you are tempted to call a quartz installer or quartz countertop contractors, you can read the pros and cons of concrete below and then make a final decision.
Pros of Concrete Countertops
- It’s a great option for people who want to give a modern touch and texture with stones and a rustic look. It looks very natural and elegant.
- Concrete can be greatly customized using tiles, beautiful stones, shells, glass pieces placed like a mosaic or textures and many other fragments can be used. This gives you a choice to design your concrete countertop in any way you like and prefer and you have a wide option for designs.
- Concrete kitchen countertop slabs can be shaped into any design and can also be given any sort of texture that the homeowners want for the best kitchen design ideas. Any type of color pigments can be added and also other characters such as shimmer and glitter to make them stand out and create a unique countertop.
- They are very hard and can withstand wear and tear, but that does not mean you treat it brutally.
- Concrete is heat resistant which is essential for a kitchen as you will have regular hot pots and pans but still you should be careful in placing very hot pans directly and use a heating pad for safety.
- Concrete countertops are also scratch resistant, which is due to the sealing which is done on top of concrete countertops.
- Concrete will give you value for your money in the future as it is very much durable and will last you a long time and is also known to increase the value of your home if you want to sell it later on.
- If you have cost issues then concrete countertops are also DIYs. You can take some tips from the internet and YouTube and create your own rustic concrete slab.
- Concrete countertops can be cleaned easily using only a washcloth and soapy water.
Cons of Concrete Countertops
- Concrete countertops are extremely expensive. Even if they will give you value for money later in future, the one-time purchasing and installing cost is a lot.
- Concrete countertops take a lot of time to be constructed. As they are made from scratch, they require special attention for the addition of pigments and colors and also any other customization such as tiles or stonework. Then the concrete needs time to completely dry. The total process takes around 45 to 50 days.
- Concrete countertops require a lot of maintenance which is a huge drawback for homeowners. They should be immediately sealed after the installation and should be resealed in every 1 to 3 years or else they will damage and get stained.
- Concrete is non-porous in nature and that is why it needs sealing but still, you should immediately wipe off any spills or food substances so that it does not seep in.
- Concrete is very much prone to stains such as juices, caffeine, oils, and red wine and if they are not immediately wiped or cleaned, then they will leave a mark or stain on the countertops.
- Hairline cracks are very common in concrete and if you regularly take care of your concrete then you can prolong its prevention but you cannot stop it. Some homeowners like the cracked feel as they say it enhances it while for some it is a complete drawback and looks damaged.
- Using knives and sharp objects directly on the concrete can damage it and create weak spots which can later turn into cracks and scratches.
- Concrete usually changes with time so the color will change and fade from its initial installation stage.
If you feel that the cons outweigh the pros then you can call in your quartz installer or quartz countertop contractors rockville md.
