Philadelphia Concrete Countertops

When you first hear the terms "concrete" and "countertop" in the same breath, it's easy to imagine a dull, gray, bulky slab that would ruin the look of just about any kitchen. The fact is, though, that concrete counters are one of the newest and most desirable choices for new constructions and remodels. They also come in a wide variety of color, though, if you're set on gray, there's sure to be a contractor that can accommodate you.

In Philadelphia, concrete countertops are far less common than other counter choices, but this is mostly due to their relatively young age rather than their appearance. A custom concrete counter can look every bit as good as anything else on the market, and since not everybody has them, it will lend your kitchen or bathroom a unique look you're not likely to find in many other homes.

Benefits of Philadelphia Concrete Counters
Concrete as a counter material performs much the same as other very hard surface counters and has similar benefits and drawbacks. Like granite or marble, it is a porous material that must be sealed to prevent stains. Also like natural stone, it is incredibly durable and looks fantastic. Anyone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen will appreciate the strength of any of these counters.

The thing that separates this material from other hard surface options, and the real benefit of concrete countertops in Philadelphia homes (aside from being a newer and therefore rarer addition) is their incredible variety and versatility. With natural stone, you are limited by many factors, all of which are due to the fact that what comes out of the ground is all you've got to work with. To look good, stone can only be the color it is when it is quarried; it is generally not a good idea to stain marble or granite. You also have to worry about how it is cut, and, depending on what your kitchen or bathroom space looks like, there's a strong possibility that natural stone will have to be installed in pieces, which leaves a seam.

Concrete can be stained to have just about any color you can think of (if you want your counter to be the same green as your Eagle's jersey, you'd be hard pressed to even come close with marble or granite). Concrete counters can be fashioned outside of the home, just like natural stone, but since it always starts off as a liquid, you've also got the option of having it poured into place right in your house. This means that the counter can be one continuous and seamless piece. While it is still a liquid, concrete can be customized even further by imbedding glass or metal into its surface. Once it is finished, you counter will surely be one of a kind!

Making Philadelphia Concrete Countertops
Another noticeable difference between concrete counters and those made of stone is the way they are made. While there are a number of businesses that crank out granite and marble slabs, many concrete counters are made by skilled craftsmen, one at a time. The process is less manufacturing and more sculpting in many cases, which means that getting exactly what you want is just a matter of communication between you and the person making the counter.

Prices of Philadelphia Concrete Counters
Concrete is a fairly inexpensive material, but because of how these counters are made, they are not what anyone would call "cheap." To purchase and install concrete countertops, Philadelphia residents should expect to pay just as much (if not more) than they would pay for granite ($4,000-$5,000 on average).