Blame Pinterest, blame Joanna Gaines, blame marble madness overload — but concrete countertops have taken over farmhouses in the past few years. It's easy to see why: Installing concrete counters is a sure way to infuse your home with a rustic yet industrial feel that's at once trendy and unfussy. And the durability of the cement-and-sand mix has some hailing it as a rock solid (we had to) design choice. But after testing them out, other homeowners have voiced some serious concerns which made us wonder: Is concrete all it's cracked up to be? Here are some of the drawbacks we've seen mentioned.
1. Concrete is susceptible to stains and scratches.
You might think something made up of the same material found in sidewalks could withstand plenty of wear and tear, but concrete is notorious for flaunting flaws—the most common complaint of unhappy homeowners. That's because the porous substance can absorb liquids and even bacterial growth, which is why it's incredibly important to seal the surface upon installation. In theory, sealing will make your counters stain-, scratch- and heat-resistant.
But in reality, even sealed concrete, much like granite and marble, will show markings, especially spills like olive oil, red wine, juice, or coffee. Something as simple as water spots might result in a pretty sloppy style that would drive a Type A person crazy. Of course, others love the rustic look and embrace the imperfections as a rich patina that develops over time.
2. They require some maintenance.
Whether you love or hate the "worn in" look, you should know how best to care for your counters. You'll want to reseal every one to three years. "Avoid abrasive cleaners and scrubbers that can damage sealer," Havenly's Head of Design, Shelby Girard, tells CountryLiving.com. "To prevent stains, use cutting boards and clean up messes quickly. Wax countertops monthly once sealed to prevent stains."
3. Concrete can crack.
Does the thought of a hairline fracture make you cringe? That's a risk that comes along with concrete countertops, most commonly when poured in place rather than pre-cast. Of course, you can prevent cracks to a certain extent by adding fiber reinforcement, rebar and/or wire mesh. Still, cracks happen, whether because of pressure or the natural settling of the house. Thankfully, they're usually not super noticeable and pretty easy to repair.
4. They're a big investment.
We're talking time and money. It takes 28 days for concrete counters to fully cure. And while it might be a less expensive option than, say, Carrara marble, this stuff isn't necessarily cheap. It all depends on if you go the DIY route or have them professionally installed (either pre-cast or poured in place) — and how much personalization you want. Concrete can be cast into any shape and pigmented, stained, or textured with all kinds of shades and finishes; you can even embed tiles, stones, etc. The average cost per square foot is $65 to $135.
The bottom line? If you're looking for perfection, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you love the rugged look and are passionate about patina, go ahead and give it a try. Just do your research, and make sure you do the maintenance.
