Concrete countertops aren’t cheaper than granite Granite is a common type of felsic intrusive igneous rock that is granular and phaneritic in texture. Granites can be predominantly white, pink, or gray in color, depending on their mineralogy. The word "granite" comes from the Latin granum, a grain, in reference to the coarse-grained structur…Granite
Full Answer
Are concrete countertops cheaper than granite?
Generally, concrete countertops are not cheaper than granite. Concrete starts at around $65 per square foot, while basic granite can be as low as $40 a square foot. Concrete counters are an artisan product that come with higher labor costs.
How much does it cost to install concrete countertops?
Written by HomeAdvisor. The cost to install a concrete countertop is typically between $2,100 and $4,000, or $3,000 on average for a 30-square-foot countertop. Whether you are looking for an industrial-looking countertop or a versatile and durable material, concrete is a great option.
What is the minimum cost of granite countertops?
Granite countertops cost anywhere from $40 to $90 per square foot depending on the type, format and quality material. The common granite formats include slab, tile and modular granite. Out of these three formats, slab granite is the most expensive, whereas tile granite is the least expensive. On the other hand, the installation cost usually ...
How much are concrete countertops?
Concrete countertops have a wide range of costs because the material must be custom formed in a mold and finished by hand, depending on the level of finish and customization you want. The national average range is between $2,100 and $4,500.
Is a cement countertop cheaper than granite?
Generally, concrete countertops are not cheaper than granite. Concrete starts at around $65 per square foot, while basic granite can be as low as $40 a square foot. Concrete counters are an artisan product that come with higher labor costs.
Are concrete countertops worth it?
Pro = Durability There's no doubt concrete is rock solid and extremely durable. Concrete countertops will last you a lifetime, if properly sealed and maintained.
Which is better concrete or granite countertops?
Both concrete and granite are tough materials that resist scratching. However, granite requires less maintenance than concrete over time. Even when polished to a smooth surface, concrete is a porous material.
Is concrete countertop expensive?
The cost of concrete countertops ranges from $65 to $135 per square foot. This price usually includes the countertop design, materials, construction, and installation. Concrete countertops cost is not in the material, but rather in the artisan's skill and creativity.
What are the disadvantages of concrete countertops?
Con: Concrete is susceptible to stains and scratches. That's because the porous substance can absorb liquids and even bacterial growth, which is why it's incredibly important to seal the surface upon installation. In theory, sealing will make your counters stain-, scratch- and heat-resistant.
Can you put hot pots on concrete countertops?
Heat Resistant - As long as the proper sealer is used, concrete countertops are heat resistant. As a result, they can withstand heat from warm pots and pans. Easy Cleaning and Maintenance - For cleaning, a gentle commercial product, or just plain soap and water is all you need.
Do concrete countertops crack?
A: Yes. Not always, but concrete countertops can develop hairline cracks. The cracks tend to be non-structural and result from the natural shrinkage of the concrete. However, some countertop cracks can be prevented.
Are concrete countertops still popular?
While quartz, granite, and marble countertops are popular with designers, concrete remains a desirable option on the periphery, offering flexibility and a creative potential that other materials simply cannot provide.
What is the cheapest countertop?
Laminate is the most affordable material for use in countertops. It comes in a wide variety of colors and styles, many of which are created to look like granite, marble or other high-end materials. Most laminate countertops are attractive and surprisingly durable.
How much does it cost to install concrete countertops?
The cost to install a concrete countertop is typically between $2,100 and $4,000, or $3,000 on average for a 30-square-foot countertop. Whether you are looking for an industrial-looking countertop or a versatile and durable material, concrete is a great option.
How do you maintain a concrete countertop?
How to Maintain a Cement Kitchen CountertopChoose a sealer best suited to your specific use of the countertop. ... Seal the countertop annually with a penetrating sealer to protect the stain or porous surface of the cement. ... Wax the surface monthly. ... Clean the countertop daily with a mild, non-abrasive cleaner.More items...
Is concrete stronger than granite?
And while both have unique and gorgeous characteristics, they do require some maintenance. The concrete countertop is more durable and able to match the beauty of granite.
Will concrete countertops crack?
Q: Do concrete countertops crack? A: Yes. Not always, but concrete countertops can develop hairline cracks. The cracks tend to be non-structural and result from the natural shrinkage of the concrete.
How often do you have to seal concrete countertops?
Regular maintenance of your countertops will ensure a long working life, but all concrete will need to be resealed eventually. Epoxy and urethane will typically last up to 10 years before needing a reapplication, while acrylic sealers tend to need resealing as soon as one to three years after the first application.
Are concrete countertops still popular?
While quartz, granite, and marble countertops are popular with designers, concrete remains a desirable option on the periphery, offering flexibility and a creative potential that other materials simply cannot provide.
How durable are concrete overlay countertops?
Concrete Overlay for countertops is an ultra-strong, easy-to-apply concrete layer used to “lay over” existing laminate, formica, wood, or tile countertops. Overlay ensures a durable concrete look and feel at a fraction of the cost required for freshly poured concrete slabs.
Why are concrete countertops so expensive?
Concrete countertops are expensive because they are hand made and it requires a lot of skill to get a concrete countertop to perfection. They can also be highly customized, which also adds to the price. You can get a concrete countertop in almost any size, shape, or color you like.
What is concrete used for?
It is polished to be smooth to the touch despite having a porous nature. Since it is used to build skyscrapers and bridges, it only makes sense for it to be used in sturdy countertops.
Should You Get Granite Counters Instead?
You should get granite counters if you want a low-maintenance, cheaper variant compared to concrete countertops. Despite their lower price, granite countertops have many advantages, such as stain resistance, special designs, and a smooth surface.
Is concrete more expensive than granite?
Concrete counters might be more expensive than granite countertops, but many advantages make them worth the price hike. If you’re trying to improve your kitchen or work area and want to get the most durable solution, it’s hard to find anything better than concrete.
Is granite counter tops cheaper than concrete?
Granite countertops are cheaper for installation, square footage, and maintenance. You’ve likely read granite is less expensive than concrete per square foot, but installation costs and maintenance are cheaper, too. The labor costs of granite counters can be as low as $15 per hour.
Is concrete counter top good for heavy duty kitchens?
The material is quite durable and dense, making it an appealing choice for heavy-duty kitchens and work areas. One of the driving cost factors is the impressive weight resistance. Concrete counters can handle quite a bit of weight. Note: Don’t put anything on the countertops until they’re completely cured and sealed.
Is granite or concrete better for countertops?
Concrete countertops are durable, while granite is one of the most popular and visually appealing counters available. If you’re stuck between these options, there’s no doubt their price will be a significant factor. Before you choose them based on their appearance, you have to consider your budget and know which one is cheaper.
How much does granite cost?
Granite typically goes for $35 to $100, depending on the stone’s finish and color. For example, rarer colors that are mined from farther locations will cost more due to shipping cost and scarcity.
What is the best material for countertops?
Granite is one of the most durable materials available for countertops. It is stain, scratch and heat resistant, making it perfect for an active kitchen. It has a typical Mohs hardness rating of 6 or 7, making it one of the harder materials used in countertop construction. In terms of care, it requires a daily cleaning with soapy water, as well as periodic resealing. The sealant is important as it makes the stone resistant to staining. Resealing is an easy process that can be completed by the homeowner rather than a professional.
How many colors of granite are there?
Although granite is a naturally sourced material, there are still many different granite colors available for purchase. At Marble.com, there are over 600 colors available for purchase, in just about every color of the rainbow. Every slab will be completely unique, which is great for homeowners looking for individuality, but could be an inconvenience for a homeowner working on a large project that would require multiple slabs. Multiple slabs may require a seam in between, which, depending on the granite’s veining, may be an eyesore. Granite also comes in multiple finishes: polished, a glossy finish, honed, a matte finish, and leathered, a slightly textured finish.
Is granite cheaper than concrete?
Generally, granite stone countertops are actually cheaper than concrete countertops in terms of material cost, however, there are other costs associated with installation that may change the cost drastically. More advanced customization in terms of shape may require more advanced professionals installing it, which may raise the price even further. Although there are instructions online on installing your own concrete countertop, we recommend hiring a professional.
Is concrete hard to stain?
While it is scratch resistant with a similar Mohs hardness rating, it does have some issues with staining if not taken care of properly. Naturally, it is highly porous, so it will require a wax and a sealant to prevent detrimental staining. This wax should be reapplied very often, with some requiring a monthly reapplication session. Even when properly waxed and sealed, it can still develop a patina over time. In terms of heat resistance, the exact mixture used will change its resistance abilities.
Is concrete more durable than granite?
With proper care, both materials will last a lifetime. Concrete requires more attention than granite as it is naturally a highly porous material. Staining is the most common complaint from homeowners with concrete countertops.
Where is granite found?
This is a common stone, found in a variety of locations around the world, including Brazil, India and Italy. Each area has their own unique aesthetic characteristics. Granite is a combination of quartz and feldspar, with sparse combinations of other minerals. To create a slab of granite, the rock is mined and then cut and polished into slabs that you find at your local showrooms.
How much does granite cost?
Granite: Granite is a little expensive than concrete countertops and can be costly as $500 per square foot. But when you add labor costs for installation it can increase to a total of starting from $3000 to $3500 for 30 square feet.
How much does it cost to install a concrete countertop?
For 30 square feet, the costs of concrete material will be around $2000 but when you add labor costs to it, it can be increased from $2200 to $2410.
What is the most popular countertop material?
Concrete countertops are one of the most popular material to be chosen by many homeowners because it has a unique and original look that provides a classy and rich look to the kitchen.
Why is granite so attractive?
The granite looks attractive because of its naturalness as it is a natural stone that has its uniqueness and looks rich when you install it in your home.
Why do you need to seal concrete countertops?
Concrete countertops are required to be sealed after every year to make it last for longer.
What is concrete countertop?
Concrete: A concrete countertop is mixed with cement and aggregate and later on polished to give it a smooth and beautiful surface. In this way, the concrete countertop can be molded in any shape and style according to your interior designs.
Do you need to hire a professional for concrete?
Concrete: You need to hire professionals for the installation of concrete because it has a heavy material and needs special equipment and tools for the installation. Concrete countertops can also be created during installation in the place of the kitchen but they should be cast separately.
What is the difference between quartz and concrete?
CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS VS. QUARTZ. One of the most popular countertop materials is quartz. Quartz can be customized to your project much like concrete. Since quartz is an engineered stone it comes in a wider array of colors and patterns than granite, but not quite as many as concrete.
How many categories does concrete stack up in?
Here is how concrete stacks up in ten categories compared to other countertop materials like granite and quartz:
What is the best way to protect concrete from water?
Applying a surface sealer will make the concrete water and stain resistant. Stain resistant - Spills happen frequently in a kitchen, it is important to have a counter that isn’t susceptible to staining. A good sealer will protect your concrete from wine, mustard, oil and more.
Can concrete countertops be personalized?
Accepts inserts and inlays - Concrete countertops can be personalized with unique embedded items such as pebbles, recycled glass and seashells. (See Concrete Countertop Inserts and Inlays .) Appearance can improve with age - Concrete is not a static material.
Is granite the same as concrete?
Granite is also a common material used for countertops. It shares many qualities with concrete countertops including being strong and durable. The costs are similar, with a simple concrete counter being slightly less expensive.
Can concrete be cast in any shape?
Cast in any shape - Concrete can be cast in any shape and practically any size . Visible seams or grout lines - Large concrete countertops will have seams, but the appearance can be minimized with the use of a color-matched filler.
Is concrete the only countertop?
Updated April 7, 2020. While concrete isn't the only option for kitchen countertops, it offers a number of advantages that other materials can't match, particularly when it comes to versatility. Here, we compare concrete with some of the most popular alternatives. Find concrete countertop contractors near me. CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS VS.
How much does a countertop cost?
There are attractive bathroom and kitchen countertop options for every budget starting at about $15 per square foot installed and ranging to more than $200 . This guide is mainly about kitchen and bathroom countertop costs. If you’re still researching countertop materials, our Countertop Guides contain a wealth of information including countertop pros and cons for all material options.
What is the best countertop material?
Laminate is the most affordable material for use in countertops. It comes in a wide variety of colors and styles, many of which are created to look like granite, marble or other high-end materials. Most laminate countertops are attractive and surprisingly durable.
How long do lava stone countertops last?
Costly to refinish, should it need it, these countertops should last 50+ years.
How much does a butcher block countertop cost?
Butcher block countertop cost: $55-$200 per square foot.
How to save money on travertine countertops?
How to save money on travertine countertops: Get estimates from several local countertop contractors for affordable travertine. Once installed, keep it well-sealed to reduce the need to replace it prematurely.
How much does quartz cost per square foot?
Quartz countertop cost: $55-$155 per square foot Click Here for a complete breakdown of
What is engineered quartz?
Sometimes just referred to as quartz, other times called engineered stone, this is gorgeous stuff. It offers a wider variety of colors than granite and can also hold up better under certain conditions, even if it can’t quite match granite’s raw beauty . One of the advantages of an engineered product is that pigment can be added to produce a wider range of colors than found in natural stone. However, the color is consistent rather than varied like natural stone. The polymer and resin binders mix with the 90% ground quartz to cure into a gleaming, non-porous and very tough countertop.
What Are Some Cheap Countertop Materials?
When it comes to “cheap” countertop materials, the term is not necessarily indicative of the countertop’s quality, but rather the cost. Below are 15 popular “cheap” countertops that you will be able to find on the market.
How much does granite cost per square foot?
The natural stone will generally cost between $32 to $75 per square foot.
What is the best countertop for a kitchen?
Granite. Granite countertops are one of the most popular choices among homeowners – and for good reason. These natural stone surfaces can be found in a variety of colors and styles, are very durable and are low maintenance. Granite countertops are heat resistant, stain resistant and scratch resistant.
How much does a cultured marble countertop cost?
Cultured marble countertops typically cost somewhere between $30 to $100 per square foot.
What is quartz made of?
Quartz countertops are made of engineered stone. The surfaces are created by combining roughly 90 percent ground quartz with about 10 percent polyresin. The exact percentages will slightly differ in products sold under different brand names (Caesarstone, Silestone, etc.). Because the surfaces are manufactured, quartz countertops are non-porous, which means you will not have to worry about re-sealing them. Although some types of the material can be expensive, you can certainly find a great budget friendly kitchen countertop material (or surface for other rooms) in quartz.
What is butcher block countertop?
Butcher block countertops are another popular choice in kitchen design. These surfaces are made from strips of wood that are formed together into a slab. The major appeal of these countertops is their appearance; many homeowners like butcher block because of the ‘warm’ feel it brings to the room.
What is a countertop?
Countertops are a significant addition to any home. Whether stone countertops, solid surface or any other countertop material, the surfaces can make a statement. New countertops can have a particularly noteworthy presence in the kitchen, as kitchen countertops are often the focal point of the room. Considering that the modern kitchen is not only designed for preparing meals, but rather for socializing and eating as well, it is important to have a kitchen countertop that you are proud to show off.
