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Concrete Countertops - Stamped, Stained, Polished and Colored
Concrete may be used in copious applications utilizing a variety of techniques. It really is durable enough to last for many years to come, strong enough to be utilized in structural applications, and malleable (before cured) to be molded to nearly every form or shape. It could be found in flooring, wall, and ceiling applications, or it usually is employed to construct statues and furniture. It usually is made to look industrial and cold as well as traditional and warm. With so many applications, it really is nearly safe to say that concrete may be used to make almost anything, and countertops are no exception.

Concrete countertops made their debut into restaurants, retail establishments, and homes over about ten years ago; however, they have grown to be more accepted in the last few years. Once a countertop material for only the do-it-yourselfers and the exceptionally rich, concrete countertops are now starting to make their way into mid-priced homes and common commercial applications.

Utilizing concrete countertops has become an increasingly popular way for designers and homeowners to attain a look unparalleled by any material. Concrete countertops can truly add an ideal design element to nearly every design style, including traditional, earthy, modern, industrial, contemporary, and much more. Concrete countertops are only limited to the imagination and the ability to make the forms as such.

Key Components that Effect the Look of Concrete Countertops

Aggregates.


All concrete requires coarse and fine aggregates for proper consistency and strength. Actually, these aggregates certainly are a main composition of concrete. In the use of countertops, the aggregates are of great importance. Obviously, the aggregates must allow the concrete to create since it should. However, aggregates can have roles in the aesthetics of the concrete countertop, aswell. For example, the sort of fine aggregates chosen (i.e. sand) can drastically change the colour of the finished product. Also, if the countertop is polished, the procedure can grind into the concrete, exposing aggregates. In cases like this, aggregate sizes and colors are simply as important as any concrete coloring to the final look of the most notable. Also, if exposing the aggregate, consider using aggregates apart from gravel, including broken glass, marble or granite chips, nuts and bolts, etc.

Portland Cement.

Portland cement may be the binder that keeps concrete held together. Because traditional Portland cement is grey in color, it could have an effect on the entire look of the concrete countertop. If you are looking for a top that can be easily stained dark colors, or for anyone who is attempting to leave the concrete countertops the natural, grey color, then regular Portland is the right choice for the project. However, if your concrete countertop will likely be white or light colors, or you will need it to be easily dyed or stained, you may be better suited to choose a white Portland cement. It has the same binding properties as traditional Portland, only it is white in color when cured. White Portland may be the only way to get yourself a truly white concrete countertop.

Colors.

There are a variety of techniques used to attain a particular color in a concrete countertop. One of the basic methods is adding a pigment in to the concrete mix before the countertop is poured. These colors tend to be called integral colors or integrated colors. Integral colors add color through the entire countertop, making the center of the countertop the same color because the surface. That is especially important if any grinding or polishing is to occur following the pour. Post-pour colors will grind off, exposing the original color of the concrete. Some post-pour concrete coloring techniques include stained concrete countertops, tinted concrete countertops, and dyed concrete countertops. Each coloring method can lead to a uniquely different result. Generally, the same rules apply for concrete countertop pre- and post-pour coloring techniques as they do for regular concrete slabs. Be sure to check rules and strategies for each of these techniques before attempting. For instance, you will likely desire to wait until the concrete countertop is totally cured before applying any stain, which may use up to 60 days for interior applications.

Sealers.

For each concrete countertop, you will need to use some type of sealer. Concrete is naturally porous, which means you will require a sealer to keep the pores from sucking in bacteria, stains, etc. There are numerous sealers. Because read more will protect your concrete countertop investment, don't cheap from this step. Especially for kitchen applications, choose an FDA approved sealer. There are also some that are less hassle than others, so focus on details like application procedures and length between reapplying. Sealers will come in lots of different sheens and even tints. A higher gloss sealer will draw out the richness of the colors, while a flat or matte sealer will tone the concrete countertop down a little. Tinted sealer must be used carefully because if the colour is conflicting or if the particle count of the tint is too much, it could completely ruin the hard work you placed into the concrete countertop.

Decorative Props.

Concrete countertop fabricators have been trying many unique ways to set their countertops apart. One semi-common technique is inlaying decorative materials into the concrete countertop once the concrete has yet to cure. Inlaid materials can include sea shells, tiles, natural stones, glass, etc. Even more delicate objects like preserved leaves can be inlaid. Although a sealer can add some protection, always consider the long-term durability of the materials you decide to inlay in the countertop. Countertop artists have also been playing with objects to impress in to the concrete. If applied to an operating countertop, impressions should be shallow to avoid creating an area that collects dirt and grime. Impression materials are abundant and include rubber stamps, hand or foot prints, leaves and sticks, cookie cutters or cake molds, etc.

Surface Finishes.

For the surface, there are various finishes that you could choose, including flat, polished, stamped or impressed, troweled, textured, and much more. This finish can have a enormous effect on the final look of the concrete countertop.

Edge Shape.

If you can imagine an advantage finish, it is available with concrete countertops. The only real limitation may be the maker's ability to create the mold or form. https://notes.io/qBSsJ to say, square corners are an easy and common edge shape for concrete countertops. Also, you need to use a router, like those used on granite or marble countertops, to generate edge styles including bull nose, rounded corners, triple egg, ogee, and more. There are also a variety of Styrofoam and rubber edge molds that can mimic wood trim, jagged rock edge, and numerous more. Or, should you be feeling adventurous, you can create your personal molds. Just remember: you merely get one try. If you mess up, the only fix is really a new concrete countertop.

Sinks.

In case you are really taking a streamline look together with your countertop, consider actually molding your sink in to the concrete countertop. This can mean you have one fluid piece that accounts for the counters and the sink without seams. There are a lot more sink shapes available with concrete than there are with other materials. Again, when you can dream it and build the mold, you may make it with concrete.

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