Those looking to remodel a kitchen in southern California will find that there is a nearly endless list of options available. Replacing old appliances with new ones is never a bad thing, and replacing or re-facing worn out or poorly designed cabinetry can really change the space for the better in a big way. One of the most popular improvements in the kitchen, however, is replacing countertops. Here, there is yet another list of options to choose from, and each has its pros and cons. The classic look of granite or marble has long been a favorite, and the affordability of laminate is the perfect fit for many, but for more adventurous homeowners in San Diego, concrete countertops are a new and interesting option with many benefits of their own.
Reasons to Choose Concrete Countertops in San Diego
The most convincing reason to opt for a San Diego concrete counter is variety. Though most of us picture concrete as an ugly gray slab better suited for industrial purposes, concrete counters are some of the most beautiful and varied pieces on the market today. Rarely mass produced, most concrete counters are crafted by individuals or very small companies. What this means for a homeowner in San Diego: Concrete countertops are designed specifically for your space, and to agree specifically with your tastes.
Aside from being able to aesthetically conform to whatever your vision is of the perfect kitchen, a San Diego concrete counter is a practical choice, too. Unlike many other counter surfaces, concrete can withstand just about any normal to slightly aggressive kitchen behavior without scratching, chipping, or suffering heat damage. Unlike other hard surfaces like granite and marble, concrete counters can be poured into place on-site, meaning that it can be made seamless, which is an option that's simply not available in most granite or marble installations.
San Diego Concrete Counter Drawbacks
Probably the biggest downside of choosing a concrete counter over another material is that you'll have to be extremely careful picking the right person for the job. Unlike other surfaces that are fairly easy to produce quickly, these pieces are generally crafted rather than manufactured. A concrete counter made by one person may be an extremely sturdy and beautiful addition to your home, while one made by another might be far less durable or pleasing.
Your best bet is to talk to several San Diego concrete counter craftsmen and check out their portfolios. It's also a good idea to ask for references to see how satisfied their previous customers have been with the work.
Prices of San Diego Concrete Countertops
Concrete is a pretty inexpensive material. It is mixed rather than quarried, making it far easier to acquire than a material like marble or granite. However, since each concrete counter you're likely to come across is nearly custom designed, and because they may take a fair amount more work to produce, don't expect to save money by choosing concrete counters over counters made of natural stone.
To purchase and install concrete countertops, San Diego residents can expect prices to start somewhere in the neighborhood of $4,000 or $5,000. To give you an idea of how this compares to other materials, the national average cost of a laminate counter is about $1,500, while slab granite counters run about $4,700, though San Diego prices for both of these materials runs slightly higher than the national figures.

Jon Nunan is a freelance writer who draws on his experience in construction, ranging from landscaping to log home building, for his articles on home improvement.