CONCRETECOUNTERTOPS
spencer fitzgerald - ds 224 - fall 2020
Concrete is becoming increasingly more popular as a choice for countertops in many homes and commercial buildings. One of the main reasons for its rise in popularity is the flexibility and customizability of the material. Concrete is made of a mixture of cement, water, and other aggregates that can be molded into any desired shape. It can be pre-cast into the desired shape (most common application) or poured directly at the site. While naturally a gray, smooth finish, concrete can be colored and shaped in a variety of ways—edges are fully customizable, the surface can be matte or polished, custom features can be installed, and the material can even be made to look like stones and woods.
a sleek, modern application of concrete countertops
concrete's customizability allows for unique designs and features such as this built-in shelf
As for maintenance, concrete is naturally very porous and stains easily. Because of this, concrete countertops need to be sealed. There are two main types of sealer are used: either an acrylic-based sealant and a topical, spray-on sealer that must cure. The acrylic sealant is a simpler application yet has to be applied every year. In contrast, spray-on sealants must cure for five days in a much more in-depth process. However, this keeps the material sealed for five years.
Concrete is considered to be overall a very sustainable material. Because concrete is a mixture of mostly sand, rock, and cement, it is easy to produce and can be done so in a variety of ways. The material is very durable and with proper maintenance can last a very long time, and old concrete can also be recycled and made into new concrete. However, Portland cement production uses up a lot of energy, and mining of aggregate and sand can be environmentally disruptive. Different mixes can be more eco-friendly containing things like lower amounts of Portland cement and local materials.
The Concrete Countertop Institute
The American Concrete Institute
The Portland Cement Association
ASTM standards for cement and concrete
concrete sinks formed directly into the countertop
concrete's flexibility allows for unique forms
concrete molded and stained to appear like wood