Have you been thinking about replacing your kitchen countertops? You may be searching the internet looking for unique countertops for your home. There are so many options out there, including a newer trend in modern homes: concrete countertops.
We were all surprised when concrete countertops exploded in popularity in modern homes and businesses. Used in construction material to build roads and buildings, it is hard to picture homeowners wanting the same industrial look for their home. Although the concrete countertops you will find in modern homes are made to look aesthetically pleasing, they still have some definite drawbacks.
When you are looking to renovate your kitchen and are deciding between wood and concrete countertops, you may want to keep these things in mind.
Cost
Concrete countertops can be expensive. Depending on the design, you can pay upwards of $150 per square foot plus maintenance costs for the life of the countertop. Because they are extremely heavy, you need to make sure that your cabinetry can handle the amount of weight a solid piece of concrete will place on it.
Although high-quality wood countertops are also expensive, maintenance is far less complicated. Because they are more durable, they need replacement less frequently. Over the life of your kitchen, it will cost you less over time purchasing a high-quality wood countertop like those we offer at Country Mouldings than the concrete alternative.
Maintenance
Concrete countertops require extra maintenance. Not only do they have to be sealed upon installation, they need to be resealed every few years to make sure that they do not deteriorate. You also need to wipe up any spills immediately to ensure that any type of acid in the food or beverage does not damage the sealant and leave the concrete vulnerable. Just a few minutes of a substance like wine, vinegar, or citrus laying on the countertop and you may have a permanent stain.
Functionality
While cutting on a properly finished wood countertop is acceptable, you cannot cut directly on a concrete surface, since anything that damages the sealant leaves concrete countertops vulnerable.
Aesthetic
In an industrial loft, concrete countertops may be the perfect fit. For a functional kitchen in your home, concrete countertops may not be the best choice. They can give a cold feel to the space, especially if you also have stainless steel appliances.
Wood countertops give a warm feel to any kitchen. They are versatile and can adapt as your style changes over time. Wood countertops can fit into a light and airy city loft or a rustic country cabin depending on your choice of wood species.
Durability
Most wood countertops will age gracefully. They may deepen in color and depth. Even marks from everyday wear and tear can add charm and character to a wood countertop. Unfortunately, concrete countertops are the opposite. They can stain and show wear and tear easily. If they are not sealed and resealed properly, they will deteriorate with time looking old and worn.
Installation
If a concrete countertop is installed on site for custom jobs, it can be quite messy. Even a skilled professional can have a tough time keeping your kitchen clean while installing. Wood countertops like ours are ordered in a custom size and are shipped ready to install. They can be installed by the homeowner or a contractor easily.
Why not choose one of our high-quality custom wood countertops instead? They are beautiful, durable, and easy to install. Our instant quotation and easy online ordering make buying your wood countertops as simple as a few clicks.