Boston Concrete Countertops

The best thing to hit Boston since baseball and Tom Brady just might be countertops made from concrete. Few other products offer the strength, durability, and function of concrete counters in Boston, and no other countertop in the industry comes even close when it comes to looks. If you're planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel, and are exploring different countertop options, you'll be doing yourself a favor by getting to know Boston concrete countertops inside and out.

Boston Concrete Countertops: How They're Made It's hard to describe the potential that is inherent in concrete counters in Boston. Of course, you can stick to traditional designs that mimic stone, tile, or other common countertop materials, and many homeowners do just that when they order concrete countertops in Boston (Beantown prides itself on tradition, after all). However, Boston concrete counters really get exciting when you get into designs that are unique to the material. Stenciling, etching, sawing, and acid staining can create countertops with surface designs and colors that you never thought possible. How are such finishes achieved? It's a long process, it can take four to six weeks to complete, and must proceed through several different steps in order to produce a counter that doesn't just look great, but that will also function well for you for years to come.

Step #1: Choosing the Right Design This might be the toughest part of the entire process, especially for the homeowner. The possibilities when it comes to finishing concrete countertops in Boston are so wide open that it can be a challenge to narrow it down to a single design. Looking at a lot of examples and samples ahead of time will help give you a general idea of what you want to have done before you get started; though once things are underway, be sure to pay attention to the advice and experience that your contractor brings to the table. You'll likely look at multiple designs and color samples before you make a final decision. Don't rush things. Even if it takes a few weeks to settle on a design, you'll be much happier with the final results if you take your time during this stage.

Step #2: Evaluating and Prepping the Site Boston concrete countertops are not much heavier than solid granite slab countertops. Nevertheless, sometimes cabinetry does need to be reinforced to be able to safely accommodate the weight. Your contractor will evaluate your present cabinets and make any adjustments that are needed. After that, it really depends on your contractor's preferred method of working. Some like to build the forms right there in your kitchen, and pour the countertop directly onto your cabinets. Others will take all the necessary measurements, then disappear back to their shop for several weeks before returning to install the finished product.

Step #3: Pouring Concrete Countertops In Boston During this step, your contractor will mix the cement, along with any necessary additives for decorative or reinforcement purposes, pour the concrete into the forms, and then use a trowel to finish the surface as it dries. After a short time, usually overnight, the countertop is submitted to a final round of touchups before the curing process starts.

Step #4: Curing Your Boston Concrete Countertops Prime deli meat isn't the only thing in Beantown that needs to cure. Concrete counters in Boston need to age to perfection as well. The curing process usually takes about a week, during which time the countertop should be protected and left alone to dry at the proper rate.

Step #5: Finishing Your Boston Concrete Countertops Once your Boston concrete counters have cured properly, it's time to put on the finishing touches. This includes smoothing out any rough spots that still exist on the slab, as well as polishing the surfaces if you've chosen a polished design. Once the right texture is achieved, it's time to apply a stain if appropriate (usually acid staining is used).

Step #6: Applying the Seal No concrete counter is safe without a good seal being applied as a last step. Unprotected, concrete will suck up stains like Norm Peterson at a free beer tasting at the Boston Beer Company Brewery down in Jamaica Plain. That being said, a properly applied seal makes your new concrete counters in Boston as close to stain proof as countertop materials get. You will probably have to have your countertop re-sealed again a few times over the years, but it's a small price to pay for such a beautiful, and untouchable, final product.

Step #7: Install and Enjoy Your New Boston Concrete Countertops All that's left is to install your countertops (your contractor will take care of this if your countertops weren't poured directly on site), and enjoy. Avoid cutting directly on your new countertops, and don't set hot pans on it either, since both can ruin the seal. Other than that, your kitchen or bath will be adorned with one of the most durable and beautiful countertops in Greater Boston and beyond.