Concrete Countertops - Stamped, Stained, Polished and Colored

Concrete can be used in copious applications using a variety of techniques. It is durable enough to last for many years ahead, strong enough to be utilized in structural applications, and malleable (before cured) to be molded to nearly every form or shape. It can be used in flooring, wall, and ceiling applications, or it can be employed to create statues and furniture. It is usually designed to look industrial and cold along with traditional and warm. With so many applications, it is nearly safe to state that concrete may be used to make almost anything, and countertops are no exception.

Concrete countertops made their debut into restaurants, retail establishments, and homes over about ten years ago; however, they have grown to be more accepted within the last couple of years. Once  Quartz Kitchen Worktops Sandbach  for only the do-it-yourselfers and the exceptionally rich, concrete countertops are actually starting to make their way into mid-priced homes and common commercial applications.

Utilizing concrete countertops has become an increasingly popular way for designers and homeowners to attain a look unparalleled by any material. Concrete countertops can truly add an ideal design element to almost any design style, including traditional, earthy, modern, industrial, contemporary, and much more. Concrete countertops are only limited to the imagination and the capability to make the forms as such.

Key Components that Effect the Look of Concrete Countertops

Aggregates.

All concrete requires coarse and fine aggregates for proper consistency and strength. Actually, these aggregates are a main composition of concrete. In the application of countertops, the aggregates are of great importance. Obviously, the aggregates must permit the concrete to create since it should. However, aggregates might have roles in the aesthetics of the concrete countertop, aswell. For  https://postheaven.net/singlelion1/desire-to-have-the-superlative-kitchen-countertops , the kind of fine aggregates chosen (i.e. sand) can drastically change the color of the finished product. Also, if the countertop is polished, the process can grind in to the concrete, exposing aggregates. In this case, aggregate sizes and colors are just as important as any concrete coloring to the ultimate look of the top. Also, if exposing the aggregate, contemplate using aggregates apart from gravel, including broken glass, marble or granite chips, nuts and bolts, etc.

Portland Cement.

Portland cement is the binder that keeps concrete held together. Because traditional Portland cement is grey in color, it could have an effect on the overall look of the concrete countertop. If you are looking for a top that may be easily stained dark colors, or when you are wanting to leave the concrete countertops the natural, grey color, then regular Portland is the right choice for the project. However, if your concrete countertop is going to be white or light colors, or you need it to be easily dyed or stained, you may be better suited to select a white Portland cement. It gets the same binding properties as traditional Portland, only it really is white in color when cured. White Portland is the only way to get a truly white concrete countertop.

Colors.

There are a number of techniques used to achieve a certain color in a concrete countertop. The most basic methods is adding a pigment into the concrete mix prior to the countertop is poured. These colors tend to be called integral colors or integrated colors. Integral colors add color throughout the countertop, making the biggest market of the countertop exactly the same color as the surface. That is especially important if any grinding or polishing would be to occur following the pour. Post-pour colors will grind off, exposing the original color of the concrete. Some post-pour concrete coloring techniques include stained concrete countertops, tinted concrete countertops, and dyed concrete countertops. Each coloring method can lead to a uniquely different result. Generally, exactly the same rules apply for concrete countertop pre- and post-pour coloring techniques as they do for regular concrete slabs. Be sure to check rules and tips for each one of these techniques before attempting. For  Quartz Kitchen Worktops Ashton , you will likely desire to wait before concrete countertop is totally cured before applying any stain, which may use up to 60 days for interior applications.

Sealers.

For each and every concrete countertop, you should use some type of sealer. Concrete is naturally porous, which means you will need a sealer to keep the pores from sucking in bacteria, stains, etc. There are various sealers. Because this sealer will protect your concrete countertop investment, don't cheap out on this step. Especially for kitchen applications, choose an FDA approved sealer. Additionally, there are some that are less hassle than others, so focus on details like application procedures and length between reapplying. Sealers will come in lots of different sheens and even tints. An increased gloss sealer tends to draw out the richness of the colors, while a flat or matte sealer will tone the concrete countertop down a bit. Tinted sealer can be used carefully because if the color is conflicting or if the particle count of the tint is too high, it could completely ruin the hard work you put into the concrete countertop.

Decorative Props.

Concrete countertop fabricators have been trying many unique methods to set their countertops apart. One semi-common technique is inlaying decorative materials into the concrete countertop when the concrete has yet to cure. Inlaid materials range from sea shells, tiles, natural stones, glass, etc. Even more delicate objects like preserved leaves could be inlaid. Although a sealer can add some protection, always consider the long-term durability of the materials you choose to inlay in the countertop. Countertop artists have also been playing with objects to impress in to the concrete. If used on a functional countertop, impressions should be shallow to avoid creating a location that collects dirt and grime. Impression materials are abundant and include rubber stamps, hand or foot prints, leaves and sticks, cookie cutters or cake molds, etc.

Surface Finishes.

For the surface, there are numerous finishes that you can choose, including flat, polished, stamped or impressed, troweled, textured, and much more. This finish can have a enormous effect on the ultimate look of the concrete countertop.

Edge Shape.

If you can imagine an advantage finish, it really is available with concrete countertops. The only limitation may be the maker's ability to create the mold or form. Needless to say, square corners are an easy and common edge shape for concrete countertops. Also, you need to use a router, like those applied to granite or marble countertops, to generate edge styles including bull nose, rounded corners, triple egg, ogee, and more. There are also a variety of Styrofoam and rubber edge molds that can mimic wood trim, jagged rock edge, and numerous more. Or, when you are feeling adventurous, you can create your personal molds. Remember: you merely get one try. If you mess up, the only real fix is a new concrete countertop.

Sinks.

If you are really going for a streamline look together with your countertop, consider actually molding your sink in to the concrete countertop. This can mean you have one fluid piece that accounts for the counters and the sink with no seams. There are a lot more sink shapes available with concrete than you can find with other materials. Again, when you can dream it and build the mold, you may make it with concrete.