Pittsburgh Concrete Countertops

If you've never seen one, it could be hard to believe that the newest trend in counters comes from a material like concrete. Most of us think of concrete as the bland, gray stuff of sidewalks, parking lots, and bridges, but the fact is, concrete, when properly treated, can actually be quite appealing. In Pittsburgh, concrete countertops are now a viable alternative to more classic materials like granite, marble, or linoleum. Those looking for a look in their kitchen that is a little off the beaten path should definitely take a closer look at what concrete can do when molded by the right hands.

Benefits of Concrete Countertops in Pittsburgh
Surprisingly enough, concrete counters share many of the positive attributes that are generally associated with materials like granite or marble. They are extremely durable, tough as nails, and will perform just as well a decade from now as they do today. Concrete counters are, however, much more versatile than any traditional stone.

Those looking to purchase natural stone counters will be limited by a few different factors. As these stones are mined, not made, the color you pull out of the ground is the color you get. Concrete, on the other hand, can be stained any number of hues. You can choose whatever color you like as concrete counters are generally made to order.

The shape of the space you wish to cover also limits granite and marble counters. A natural stone slab might be able to be installed in one solid piece if the counter in question is straight enough (and sometimes, small enough) to be covered easily. In many cases, however, multiple pieces of natural stone are needed to do the job, which, of course, leaves seams. While concrete can be installed in exactly the same way, you also have the option of having your counters poured in place, leaving a seamless surface.

When it comes to having a one-of-a-kind counter, natural stone cannot compare to what is available in concrete. While it is still a liquid, concrete can be decorated by embedding glass, metal, or other desirable objects into its surface. By opting for concrete countertops, Pittsburgh residents are getting a far more customizable and unique product, while not skimping on quality.

Drawbacks of Pittsburgh Concrete Counters
The negative attributes of concrete as a counter surface are much the same as those of natural stone. Since it is a porous material, it must be sealed. While concrete itself will not burn, the sealant can, so you'll still need to use a trivet for hot pots and pans. One of the only problems associated with concrete counters that doesn't show up in natural stone is that it can form tiny cracks over an extended period of time. These cracks are much too small to decrease stability, but some people don't find them visually appealing (of course, some people do).

Prices of Pittsburgh Concrete Counters
Don't be surprised if a concrete counter costs about the same (or even more) than a granite one. Concrete counters are generally made one at a time by a skilled craftsman: Far from being manufactured, these pieces are pretty much all custom jobs (which of course raises the price). To build and install concrete counter tops, Pittsburgh residents should expect a price of between $4,000 and $5,000, which puts them right in the running with counters of natural stone.