concrete countertops??

[cjnix29]

Ok, I think we have decided against doing flooring this year. But I am thinking of new countertops. I got an estimate for concrete countertops. Anyone have these? Do you like them? The price was actually pretty good, and it's different. I can't afford granite or quartz. Thought this was a good alternative.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

never heard of concrete counter tops ...

 

[MissAndrea]

We have them but just got them a few months ago. Our neighbor does construction and was learning to do them so he gave us a good deal to practice on our house. We were getting ready to redo our counters anyway so that's why he offered. We like them though! We had crappy white laminate before so this is way better. They are very customizable! We had some type of shiney laquer stuff put on top that way it's very smooth, like granite. It's less industrial feeling with the laquer (or whatever it is).

 

[cjnix29]

We have them but just got them a few months ago. Our neighbor does construction and was learning to do them so he gave us a good deal to practice on our house. We were getting ready to redo our counters anyway so that's why he offered. We like them though! We had crappy white laminate before so this is way better. They are very customizable! We had some type of shiney laquer stuff put on top that way it's very smooth, like granite. It's less industrial feeling with the laquer (or whatever it is).

have you had any problems with staining? we have crappy white laminate too, and I hate it. happy to find someone that has them!

 

[mistysue]

Have you looked into composite granite surfaces?
Dupont (makers of Corian) make a line called Zodiac- there is also a Canadian company that makes a line they call Hanstone. I work in construction (industrial) but we've been finding that the Hanstone is 1/3 of the cost of Zodiac for us and it is physically and chemically the same product.

I do mean really identical, they buy the rights to make a patented material from the same company but Dupont is known better so they charge more.

I don't know how concrete does as a top, I would be sure to ask how temperature sensitive it is, especially if you don't use A/C or set your thermostat low in the winter.

 

[cjnix29]

Have you looked into composite granite surfaces?
Dupont (makers of Corian) make a line called Zodiac- there is also a Canadian company that makes a line they call Hanstone. I work in construction (industrial) but we've been finding that the Hanstone is 1/3 of the cost of Zodiac for us and it is physically and chemically the same product.

I do mean really identical, they buy the rights to make a patented material from the same company but Dupont is known better so they charge more.

I don't know how concrete does as a top, I would be sure to ask how temperature sensitive it is, especially if you don't use A/C or set your thermostat low in the winter.

where would I find this product? thanks for the suggestion.

 

[MissAndrea]

No staining, but I'll be honest, I don't cook much. Actually, I don't cook much anyway, but we are moving (which is why we got new countertops...to help it sell) but DD and DH have already moved to our new town so I'm here by myself...so I'm REALLY not doing any cooking. I don't think we would have a problem though because of that apoxy laquer stuff. Our neighbor (that put it on) said it's the stuff that some restaurants use on their tables. It's like a thick clear coat so you can see through it but it's smooth and slick to the touch. I heard concret can be very expensive though because they are so custom. If it's cheaper than granite though, go for it!
OH, I have some pics I can post on here. We just had our first Disney movie night so I took a lot of pics in the kitchen on Friday night. I'll post them in a few.

 

[MissAndrea]

Ok, I realized after looking at my pics that my previous post completely negates everything in the pics. DD and DH have moved, but they were here for a mini-vacay last week. We are getting ready to move about 4 hours away, DH is living with my mom 3 hours away in my home town, and DD is spending the summer with her dad, also in my home town. And we are cooking in the pic which I said I rarely do. This is the only time that much food has been cooked in that kitchen in months! It's usually a frozen pizza at best. Having said that- here are a few pics!

SO much better than the white laminate!

 

[teacup princess]

My MIL has these with the clear laquer on them for 2 years now. Note that with the laquer you must use a hotpad and chopping block because it does scratch and melt with the heat. Hers is getting a little less shiny and scratched looking. They said when it gets scratched up you take a blowtorch to it and get the scratches out so .

 

[cjnix29]

I always use a hotpad anyway, so that's not a problem for me. Those countertops look great!!! Thanks for posting the pictures! As for the blowtorch...that's an interesting one. Although I guess i shouldn't be surprised, as I take a heat gun to my leather furniture when it gets scratched. (it has a urathane finish on it).

 

[kbheap]

We have concrete countertops in our bathroom. The person that did them custom fit our bowls into them. He made a towel bar on the side as well. It is beautiful and looks really good. It has been in for 3 years now and no cracking or anything. If we decide to redo our kitchen, we will probably go this route in there as well. It looks really good and we have had no regrets. Good luck to you.