Concrete countertops are a popular kitchen design option offering the natural look of stone with incredible durability.

    This guide covers concrete countertop costs, pros and cons, maintenance tips, and design options to help you decide if concrete is the right choice for your kitchen or bathroom home improvement project.


    What Are Concrete Countertops?

    Concrete countertops are made from a mixture of cement, sand, water, and aggregate materials. The wet concrete countertop mix is poured into a mold and allowed to cure and harden, creating a custom, seamless concrete countertop. QUIKRETE® Countertop Mix is designed specifically for casting concrete countertops. The concrete mix contains special additives to provide a high-strength, flowable mix.

    Concrete is extremely strong and versatile. It can be colored, stained, stamped, or finished in different ways to achieve a wide range of looks – from a rough, stone-like texture to a smooth polished surface. Concrete countertops are typically customized and cast on-site for each unique kitchen or bathroom home improvement project.


    Pros and Cons of Concrete Countertops

    Concrete countertops provide many benefits but also have some potential downsides to consider.

    High strength — Properly installed and sealed concrete countertops can withstand years of heavy daily use without chipping, scratching, or staining. It stands up to pots, pans, and other impacts better than most surfaces.
    Heat resistance — Concrete countertops resist heat better than many countertop materials. Hot pans and bakeware won’t damage it like more sensitive surfaces.
    Customizable aesthetic — Concrete can be colored, textured, stamped, or finished in endless ways. It’s easy to match other materials like floor tile or cabinetry for a custom concrete countertop look. Concrete countertops made with QUIKRETE® Countertop Mix can be customized to individual specifications. 
    Seamless appearance — Poured concrete has a smooth, continuous look without disruptive seams or grout lines. This delivers a sleek, contemporary style for your concrete countertop.
    Stain resistance — Concrete countertops won’t stain from wine, oil, grease, or food like some natural stone when it’s maintained with sealers. 
    Non-porous — Concrete countertops don’t absorb odors, bacteria, or moisture like more porous countertop options and are easy to sanitize.
    Prone to cracking — Improper concrete mixing, curing, or installation can lead to cracks in concrete countertops over time. Cracks allow moisture inside and could require concrete repair.
    Requires sealers — Concrete countertops need resealing every one to two years to prevent stains and enable easier cleaning. A concrete countertop will require this added maintenance step.
    Specialized installation — Proper pouring, finishing, and curing of concrete countertops requires specialized experience and techniques. DIY installation can be difficult.
    Heavy — Dense concrete weighs significantly more than other countertops, requiring extra structural support for concrete countertops.  This can increase home improvement installation costs.
    Textured surface — Concrete has microscopic pores, so it’s less smooth than surfaces like quartz or granite. A concrete countertop texture isn’t ideal for everyone.

    Cost to Install Concrete Countertops

    On average, expect to pay $50–$150 per square foot for concrete countertop installation. The total cost for an average 10-foot long, 25-square-foot concrete countertop typically ranges from $1,250–$3,750. Concrete countertop costs vary based on these factors:

    • Size of the concrete countertop
    • Edge profiles and features on the concrete countertop
    • Thickness of the concrete countertop
    • Special concrete countertop coatings and finishes
    • Area labor rates
    • Complexity of the job

    Added costs like delivery fees, permits, accessories, and installation of an under-mount sink can increase the total home improvement project cost for concrete countertops. I recommend getting quotes from multiple concrete contractors before deciding on a budget.


    Maintaining Concrete Countertops

    Proper maintenance is key to ensuring concrete countertops remain beautiful and functional for decades. Follow these simple care tips to keep your concrete countertops looking like new.

    • Use a penetrating concrete sealer every one to two years on your concrete countertops to prevent stains.
    • Clean spills quickly before they absorb into the concrete countertop.
    • Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrub pads that can damage the surface of concrete countertops. 
    • Use trivets or hot pads to prevent cracking of the concrete countertop from excessive localized heat.
    • Repair chips and minor cracks in concrete countertops as needed with concrete repair patching compounds.

    With proper installation, sealers, and care, the high strength of concrete countertops will enable them to last for decades in your kitchen or bathroom.


    Design Options for Concrete Countertops

    One of the best features of concrete countertops is the ability to fully customize the look and feel to match your unique decorating style. There are endless design possibilities for you to consider.

    • Colors — Concrete can be tinted with integral pigments or stained to achieve bold and vibrant colors or softer natural tones for your concrete countertop. Concrete countertops made with QUIKRETE® Countertop Mix can be customized to individual specifications with a variety of decorative colors.
    • Textures — Many different imprint textures can be stamped into concrete like wood, fabric, stone, etc. Concrete countertops can also be polished, honed, or finished with an exposed aggregate look.
    • Edges — Concrete countertop edges can be squared, rounded, beveled, laminated with wood, or highly customized with special molds.
    • Patterns — Companies can imprint concrete with custom logos or designs. Geometric patterns like hexagons are also popular options for concrete countertops. 
    • Shaping — Concrete easily forms flowing curves for a soft, organic style. Drainage slopes can also be integrated behind sinks on concrete countertops. 
    • Insets — Materials like glass, metal, or tile can be set into concrete countertops to create decorative accents.

    With so many possibilities, a concrete countertop is ideal for achieving a unique countertop design that matches your vision and decor.


    Is Concrete Right for Your Countertop Project?

    So is a concrete countertop the best choice for your upcoming kitchen or bathroom home improvement project? Here are a few key points to help you decide.

    Consider concrete countertops if you want:

    • Extreme high strength for the durability to withstand heavy daily use
    • Ability to fully customize colors, textures, and shapes of your concrete countertop
    • A seamless, sleek look for a contemporary style
    • The natural look and feel of stone at an affordable price

    You may want to avoid concrete countertops if:

    • You want a very smooth, consistent surface like quartz or granite
    • You don’t want the maintenance required with sealers 
    • Your cabinets can’t support the weight of thick concrete countertops
    • You prefer simple installation like prefab countertops or tile

    Concrete countertops offer the beauty and uniqueness of natural stone with added high strength. If installed and maintained properly, concrete countertops will last for decades. Weigh the pros and cons carefully as you choose the ideal countertops for your next kitchen or bath home improvement project.

    Overall, these countertops provide a durable, customizable, and beautiful option for kitchens and bathrooms. If you like a sleek, modern design I recommend connecting with an experienced concrete contractor to discuss creating custom concrete countertops for your next home improvement project.

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    Here are answers to some of the most common questions about concrete countertops:

    Frequently Asked Questions About Concrete Countertops

    How durable are concrete countertops?

    When properly installed, concrete countertops are extremely high strength and resistant to scratches, impacts, heat damage, and stains.


    What thickness should a concrete countertop be?

    The standard thickness for concrete countertops is 1.5 inches, but 2 inch slabs are recommended for added durability and to minimize cracking. Edges can be thicker too.


    How long does concrete take to fully cure?

    Concrete reaches initial hardness within 24 hours but requires a full 28 days to cure and reach maximum strength. Avoid heavy use of concrete countertops during this period.


    Can you repair cracks in a concrete countertop?

    Yes, minor cracks and chips can be repaired by filing, filling with patching concrete, and refinishing the area. Significant cracks to concrete countertops may require replacing that section.


    How often do you need to seal a concrete countertop?

    Plan on sealers for your concrete countertops every one to two years depending on the type of sealer you use. Be sure to use a penetrating sealer to prevent stains and make cleaning easier.


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    Laurie Engle

    Expert Writer & Reviewer

    Laurie Engle is a freelance writer who provides insights to homeowners on topics such as the home warranty industry, relocation issues, and real estate trends. As a licensed Realtor since 2001 Laurie has acquired extensive expertise in dealing with home warranty companies and navigating the intricacies of the real estate market. In addition to her commitment to helping clients with their home buying and selling needs, she maintains a sharp awareness of market dynamics, including property values, interest rates, and local regulations.

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    Sabrina Lopez

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    Sabrina Lopez is a senior editor for Today’s Homeowner with over 7 years of writing and editing experience in digital media. She has reviewed content across categories that matter to homeowners, including HVAC services, home renovations, lawn and garden care, products for the home, and insurance services. When she’s not reviewing articles to make sure they are helpful, accessible, and engaging for homeowners like herself, Sabrina enjoys spending time with her family and their two parrots.

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