Concrete countertops are among the most popular and versatile types of kitchen countertops available. Concrete Contractors Tampa can also customize them to fit almost any design and color scheme. It doesn’t matter what kind of home you live in; concrete countertops are a great choice. Because they’re durable, easy to install and customize, they’re ideal for kitchens. These are also available in a wide range of designs too.
Concrete countertops have several benefits, particularly their ability to be formed into just about any shape and finished exactly to your taste. While concrete isn’t actually scratch-resistant, it certainly resists scratches very well, especially compared to more soft countertop materials like laminate or solid surface. You can also expect the durability of concrete countertops to hold up over time. Even though these counters are commonly made with Portland cement and stone aggregates, they can also be custom-made to include granite or other additional countertop surfaces.
A major advantage to concrete counters is that they’re much easier to clean than Laminate or Formica countertops but not immune to problems. Still, there are some easy things to keep in mind when cleaning concrete surfaces, as well. Unlike laminates and Formica, concrete is a porous material and can absorb liquids. This could result in a build-up of lime, which not only discolors your counters but can also be hazardous. For this reason, it’s important to apply a sealant to concrete surfaces every time you finish the project. Once sealed, you can expect that stains will be much easier to remove.
One of the easiest ways to protect concrete surfaces is to coat them with a polyurethane sealer after they’re installed. While not necessary, this coating will add an extra layer of protection, keeping stains from occurring and helping to keep moisture from reaching the surface beneath. While precast concrete countertops and pre-cast lumber typically come with a protective coating, most homeowners choose to apply their own. To do this, mix a few tablespoons of water and an application aid designed for concrete, such as a sponge. Allow the solution to dry completely before using it to sand the project, and be sure to use a towel to wipe away excess water gently.
If you choose to install your own countertops, be sure to purchase quality products from a trusted supplier. In addition to ensuring a quality product, you’ll also save yourself some hassle by avoiding installation professionals. While you should find several do-it-yourself guides on the Internet, getting quality advice can be difficult. When getting your concrete countertops from a reputable supplier, you’ll get the information you need to make an informed decision, from questions to assist with installing your countertops to the process itself.
Once your counters are installed, you must make sure they’re maintained. This might include periodic sealing or repairs, depending on the material. It would help if you planned to spend a few hours cleaning up spills and other messes every few weeks, as well as repainting when necessary. To ensure the longevity of your concrete countertops, make sure you buy the right sealant and care for them correctly.
However, before you buy any sealant, you should know that different sealants work differently with different kinds of concrete. Epoxy is the most commonly used type, providing a uniform look to slabs no matter what their color. If you want your concrete countertops to have a distinctive look, consider applying another kind of sealants, such as glazing or textured coating. By choosing a different sealant, you’ll get the appearance you want without having to pay an outrageous price.
Another thing you should keep in mind is that the appearance of granite countertops and concrete slabs can be altered somewhat when they’re sealed. If your countertop is sealed, you’ll find that certain stains and even colors won’t show up as much. In general, sealed concrete countertops will need about two coats to look as good as they did the first time you installed them. If your countertops aren’t sealed, however, the sealant will let some stains show through. In that case, you’ll probably want to choose a different sealant, one that’s less permeable. However, if your countertop is a porous material, a penetrating sealant will seal the surface and make it look new.