Typical costs: DIY home installed concrete countertops cost $8-$15 per square foot for materials, running $240-$450 for a typical 30 square foot kitchen counter. Professionally built and installed concrete countertops cost $70-$100 per square foot, or $2,100-$3,000 for a typical 30 square foot kitchen counter.
How much do concrete countertops cost?
Updated April 20, 2021 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.
How much does it cost to install a concrete worktop?
Depending on the specification of the worktop the cost can vary however generally speaking a linear meter of concrete is £350-£400 + vat. These costs are for any thickness from 40-100mm and for any of our standard colour tones from white to black.
What is a concrete kitchen countertop?
Adding to the mystique is the fact that concrete can be etched, acid-stained, stamped, and sealed to create a countertop surface that is unlike almost any other available material. Modern concrete kitchen countertops are no longer cold impersonal slabs of gray concrete.
What are the pros and cons of concrete countertops?
TWO ECONOMICAL APPROACHES TO CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS. Think long-term value: With concrete countertops, when you combine a timeless design with the inherent durability of concrete, your countertops will serve you well for decades-both functionally and aesthetically-and thus are unlikely to need replacement.
Is a concrete 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.
Is concrete a good kitchen countertop?
If you are looking to replace your kitchen counters, concrete is definitely worth considering. Not only is it a very durable material that will last for many decades if cared for properly, but your design options are nearly endless. You can customize the color, sheen, and even the shape of the counters.
Are concrete countertops expensive UK?
Concrete countertop cost For a kitchen project in the UK, you can expect to pay on average between £950 – £1,700 for a 3m2 section of concrete countertop fully installed by a kitchen fitter.
Is it cheaper to make concrete countertops?
Pricing. According to Cost Helper, getting concrete countertops professionally installed would run you $2,550 – $5,250 for a typical 30-square-foot kitchen counter. Doing them yourself, on the other hand only costs about $240 – $450 for a typical 30-square-foot kitchen counter. That's thousands of dollars in savings!
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?
Over time this wetting and drying cycle will cause the concrete to crack, much in the same way a piece of steel will eventually crack if it's bent back and forth enough times. Heat also can cause hairline cracking. Crock pots are a common source of heat related hairline cracks in countertops.
How do you maintain a concrete countertop?
How do I clean and maintain concrete countertops? As long as your concrete is properly sealed, it should be as easy to clean as a laminated surface. As a general rule, use a pH-neutral cleaner and avoid the use of aggressive scrubbing pads or abrasive cleansers that can wear away the sealer.
Do concrete counters stain?
Yes, concrete can scratch and stain, but so can pretty much every other material, including granite and marble. While some may be bothered by the imperfections, others love the rustic look and embrace the rich patina that develops over time.
Do polished concrete worktops stain?
Concrete is also especially prone to stains and scratches.
What kitchen countertop is cheapest?
Laminate Countertops Generally the most affordable countertop material available, laminate is made from layers of plastic bonded to particleboard to form a solid surface. Preformed counters with a built-in backsplash come in a limited range of colors and patterns.
How much are DIY concrete counters?
Installing a concrete countertop yourself may cost an average of $8 to $15 per square foot, which includes the basic materials. You might pay more to buy tools and sealants that make installation easier and the material more durable. A concrete countertop is a bit more expensive than granite, marble, or quartz.
How thick should a concrete countertop be?
1 1/2”HOW THICK ARE CONCRETE COUNTER- TOPS? Standard thickness is 1 1/2” with a minimum of 1 1/4” and maximum of 3”. Any thickness beyond 3” can be achieved using techniques to give the appear- ance of the desired thickness, yet still maintain weight and size within desirable limits.
Are concrete countertops easy to maintain?
Concrete countertops offer a completely customizable, handcrafted surface popular in kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor entertaining areas, as well as in restaurants and bars. Concrete counters marry functionality and beauty, plus they are inherently durable and easy to clean and maintain.
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...
Are concrete countertops more expensive than quartz?
While looking at the main differences between concrete and quartz countertops, the cost is one thing that stands out. Both of these materials can be considerably costly as they are among the higher end surfaces. However, concrete can be even more expensive due to the complexity of its installation.
Are concrete countertops sanitary?
Fear not! With the proper cleaning and care, your concrete counters will be cleanable and sanitary!
Are concrete countertops less expensive than granite?
Concrete countertops are not necessarily less expensive. Granite costs $40 to $200 per square foot, and concrete costs $55 to $175 per square foot,...
Which kind of concrete do you use for countertops?
Use a concrete with a high pounds per square inch (PSI) rating, at least 6,000. This ensures the concrete is strong enough to hold up to the daily...
Will concrete countertops crack?
Yes, they may crack. This is particularly true if they were not cured properly, are in an area where they may shift, or are used outdoors. To help...
Are concrete countertops high maintenance?
They are higher in maintenance than materials like quartz and porcelain but are lower in maintenance than marble. They must be sealed yearly to imp...
How thick do concrete countertops need to be?
Most concrete countertops are 3 to 4 cm thick - the same or slightly thicker than a granite countertop.
How much do concrete countertops last?
When properly maintained, a concrete countertop can last for decades. It is common to see concrete still standing after 50 years or more.
Do concrete countertops increase the resale value of a house?
This depends on the concrete, its condition, the home’s style, and area. In some places, yes, it can increase resale value.
DIY concrete countertops
There are many ways to build your concrete countertops.
The Cost of Concrete Kitchen Countertops Is Prohibitive
Since they are made of readily available and common building material, you might think that concrete countertops are cheap. The fact is they cost much more than granite countertops. By comparison, granite countertops cost between $40 and $60 per square foot, installed.
Porosity Is A Big Issue
Step aside to your concrete driveway as rain starts to fall, and you might notice how the concrete darkens as the water hits it. This is because concrete is very porous and absorbs water quite quickly. Concrete countertops cost are the same, which is bad news for kitchen owners.
Maintenance Is A Chore
Concrete countertops require some maintenance to keep it in good condition. Because of its porosity, you need to seal it quite regularly, probably more often than you would need to do for marble, and more than for granite. Some people state that resealing annually is a great idea, but this depends on how you use your concrete kitchen countertops.
Hairline Cracks Frequently Appear
You might have noticed that concrete pavements show cracks along stress areas, but they probably do not cause you any sleepless nights. This is a result of the concrete settling as it cures. However, if you see them in your concrete countertops, it is another matter.
Conclusion
While concrete countertops are all the rage now, it is bound to be short-lived as more homeowners discover the grim facts about them just described here. They say experience is an excellent teacher, but you can skip a grade by keeping these facts in mind when choosing a material for your concrete kitchen countertops.
How much does it cost to install a polished concrete worktop?
For a metre of polished concrete worktop at the standard thickness, it will cost around £350 – £400, and then you will need to factor in the installation. On average, it costs between £200 – £450 for a kitchen fitter to install a worktop, or alternatively, if you are getting your kitchen completely renovated, a kitchen fitter will charge on average between £120 – £240. Each worktop is entirely unique and cast to the size you need, which will affect the overall cost of installation.
What is a polished concrete worktop?
Polished concrete worktops are a slick, stylish choice that has taken the interior design world by storm due to its minimalistic design. As well as being stylish, concrete worktops are a very practical option for your kitchen as concrete is a very unique material, with every surface it is used for having its own texture and finish.
How is a cast iron worktop cast?
It is cast in a mould and then set. A sealant is then applied to create a smooth worktop, before being sanded and polished.
Is concrete worktop good for a kitchen?
Concrete worktops are also a very sustainable option for your kitchen as they get stronger over time, meaning they ’re great for any outdoor kitchens or barbecue spaces, as they do not rust or weaken in the rain.
Can you change the color of concrete?
Changing the colour of your concrete worktops is a relatively easy task for any kitchen fitter and just incurs only a small fee . Using a professional tradesperson will allow you to customise your kitchen as you desire.
Can you install a concrete mixer yourself?
If you are attempting a DIY project, you will need to factor in extra cost variables like equipment (sanding machine, concrete mixer, moulds) and materials, however, we wouldn’t recommend installing it yourself unless you have experience, as the worktop can be easily damaged and costly to repair.
Can you glue laminate worktops?
A worktop specialist will be able to fit laminate worktops with special glue and smoothing equipment. Attempting to DIY a laminate worktop could leave you with a very unattractive worktop with creases or bubbles of air under the laminate. In order for laminate to look real, it must be applied perfectly.
How much do concrete counters save?
Visit every supply house that sell your particular brand of Concrete Countertops and try to negotiate a better price with each supplier – I save on average 20%.
Do concrete counters get better prices?
Concrete Countertops, or General contracting companies will most always get better prices on Concrete Countertops than a general consumer would — hire a professional and save your back and additional costs of Concrete Countertops, so shop around, ask your neighbors if they can recommend someone.
How much does a concrete countertop cost?
Concrete Countertops for an Outdoor Kitchen. The average cost of a concrete countertop for an outdoor kitchen ranges from $2,100 to $3,500. Most outdoor kitchens are between 12 and 20 sq.ft. for the countertop area. This size can vary, so you may have an outdoor kitchen that needs a larger or smaller countertop.
How much does it cost to put aggregate on a countertop?
The cost of an exposed aggregate countertop is between $80 and $150 a square foot for the areas with aggregate. The countertop may have a lower cost because the aggregate may not be added everywhere, depending on how much aggregate is used and other features. Aggregates can be shells, stones, glow-in-the-dark glass, and other pieces of material embedded in the concrete. You can use aggregate to form rivers and swirls through the countertop’s surface or line the edges. You can even use aggregate over the entire surface for a unique appearance and design. Combining aggregate with different colors or staining can have stunning results.
How much does it cost to stain concrete?
Stained concrete countertops range from $100 to $150 a square foot. Staining adds color to the concrete’s surface. This can give you many looks, such as marbling, wood grain, or custom patterns. The stain can also give the countertop texture and depth. This is done by hand after pouring, so it is extremely labor-intensive. The stain is not expensive, but the time it takes to apply it properly makes this costly.
What is a countertop made of?
Another popular countertop is granite. Granite countertops are made from large slabs of natural stone. They come in a wide range of colors and patterns. There is no control over the color and pattern because the material is natural, and each piece is unique. Granite cannot be customized like concrete, but it has a lot of color and interest.
How much countertop space does a kitchen need?
Most kitchens have about 30 to 40 sq.ft. of countertop space, with 30 sq.ft. being the most common. You can have smaller galley kitchens or much larger kitchens that need island 1 countertops. In this case, your costs may be higher or lower. Concrete in the kitchen should be sealed against stains.
How much does concrete cost?
Concrete is a custom countertop, so costs are mainly labor. The material is inexpensive, coming in at between $3 and $6 a square foot. With the form, labor, fabrication, and installation, final costs are usually between $55 and $175 a square foot. Most people pay between $70 and $150 a square foot. The more customization and finish work, the higher the costs. For example, staining, coloring, adding aggregates, or creating a unique shape for the countertop increases costs.
How much does marbleized concrete cost?
Marbleized concrete countertops range from $100 to $150 a square foot. This finish uses multiple colors of acid wash stains. Each is applied and wiped by hand. This can give you an amazing depth and appearance to the finished countertop. It is a very labor-intensive process that can take hours to complete. The more colors and “veins” you add, the higher the final costs.
Why has concrete become popular for a kitchen worktop over the past few years? What are the benefits?
The attraction of concrete is that it can be used to make a bold impression on a space or be a subtle design statement that can go with many kitchen styles.
How do I maintain a concrete worktop and how long should it last?
Impregnated sealers are applied and then waxed. To maintain the shine on the worktop the wax will need to be reapplied as and when required in the future.
Are there any other materials and colours that work well and compliment concrete in the kitchen?
Concrete can be paired with a wide variety of materials due to its versatility and the different finishes it offers. The past couple of years have seen the rising trend of industrial interiors. Concrete’s raw aesthetic means that it fits perfectly within the trend and works beautifully with other natural materials such as brass, copper, steel, wood etc.
What is the easiest worktop material to fit?
Concrete is arguably one of the easier worktop materials to fit as the weight keeps the pieces in position. Once placed on top of the kitchen carcasses they need to be packed up so they are level with a small amount of adhesive applied to the underside.
Is concrete a hard surface?
Concrete is a hard wearing surface which only gets stronger over the years - it's also something completely different to have as your kitchen worktop. We catch up with Haus Concrete Surfaces who tell us more about concrete as a kitchen worktop.
Can concrete be moulded?
From worktops and splash-backs in the kitchen to fire hearths and table tops in the living room, concrete can be moulding into any form to suit any setting.
Is concrete around the house fashionable?
Concrete around the home is so fashionable right now - with the industrial trend hugely popular, we are seeing concrete everywhere from floors to kitchen tables.
How much does it cost to install concrete countertops?
DIY home installed concrete countertops cost $8-$15 per square foot for materials, running $240-$450 for a typical 30 square foot kitchen counter.
Why do you have to reseal concrete countertops?
Because concrete is a naturally porous material, many concrete countertops must be resealed annually.
How to extend the life of household equipment?
Give your household equipment a little workout now and then, to make sure anything mechanical will perform well when needed. Periodic exercise can extend the usable life of many items. || Posted October 14 2013
Do you have to poured concrete countertops before you put them in the house?
Professionally fabricated concrete countertops should be poured, then cured, ground and sealed before they are delivered to the home.
Can you pour concrete in a kitchen?
Decide whether to pour the concrete in the kitchen in which the countertops will be installed, or whether to purchase countertops that have been prepared in a controlled factory setting. Pouring concrete in the kitchen is messy and difficult, and because the curing environment can vary, the resulting countertop may develop visible cracks and undesirable irregularities.
How thick is polished concrete?
Our polished concrete is a minimum of 25mm thick for work tops. However 25mm thickness may restrict the type of design details you can use.
What are cut outs for sinks?
Additional items such as drainers, metal rods, trivets, splash backs etc. are calculated according to design.
How much does a concrete countertop weigh?
Still, concrete countertops are very heavy and can weigh upwards of 19 to 25 pounds per square foot.
How much does it cost to build a concrete countertop?
Once again, the idea that concrete is used for sidewalks and patios, thus it must be inexpensive, is false. Expect to pay $150/sq ft or more for full-service concrete countertop fabrication and installation.
What is concrete kitchen countertops?
Modern concrete kitchen countertops are no longer cold impersonal slabs of gray concrete. More often, they are warm and gleaming surfaces that are functional and also remarkably stylish. Featured Video.
What is countertop fabrication?
During fabrication, the countertop slabs are usually reinforced with fiber or metal mesh of some type to give them strength and rigidity. After fabrication, the countertop is allowed to cure fully, and the surface may be ground and polished to whatever finish the client has requested.
Why do cabinets need to be strengthened?
Because concrete is so heavy, cabinets and often flooring often need to be strengthened to bear the increased weight.
How long has Lee been remodeling?
Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years.
Is concrete countertop good for kitchen?
Pros. Concrete countertops have many virtues, especially its ability to be shaped and formed to exactly match your kitchen dimensions and finished precisely to your liking. With other countertop materials, you are often limited to whatever colors and styles are available, but concrete offers you a wider range of options.
