The Latest Craze in Counter Tops

I know what you're thinking, but it's not granite or even granite tiles. Sure that's what everybody wants for their kitchen, but granite is not exactly a secret anymore. The newest trend happens to be one of the oldest building materials around: concrete. Concrete counter tops are quickly replacing granite, solid surface, and even laminate as the new material of choice.

What's the Big Deal
In essence, nothing is particularly special about concrete counter tops. By this stage in history, people pretty much have everything figured out. However, it has only been recently that concrete contractors have discovered that concrete looks pretty good when it is stained.

That was the tipping point.

From there, many people started taking notice of the versatility of concrete. They started molding it, shaping it, doing usual things never before done with concrete.

Then came countertops.

As far as advantages, concrete is no better or worse than granite or laminate or tile. To be sure, concrete counter tops perform on the same level of durability, color variance, maintenance, etc. It just comes down to preference.

The Truth about Concrete Counter Tops
These counters can be stained and glazed to nearly any color, so coloring is not an issue. They typically come in between 1 1/2- 2 inches depending on your preferences. Despite popular opinion, concrete weighs about the same per square foot as granite. There are special sealers and coatings that seal out all possible stains and colors that you do not want.

The real advantage with these counters is that they are new. Everyone has been so tunnel-visioned on granite for so long that nothing else would do. The problem now is that you can't find a home that doesn't have the same counter top as every other home. Pretty soon granite will be just as dull as people think laminate is now, if only because everyone will have it.

Concrete counters are the now. They have been out long enough to amend the early problems, but not long enough that you see them everywhere. The materials and process are fairly inexpensive so the counter itself is not the costly venture that other solid stone materials are.