Caring for Your Concrete Countertops

Concrete is not something that you may think of having in your kitchen. You might expect to see it as floor, statues, or steps – things that are functional or decorative, but not usually both. Well, it is time to see concrete in a whole new light. Concrete countertops are practical, beautiful, and full of character. They are inexpensive, and not nearly as difficult to install as you may think.

Concrete countertops can be poured either at the manufacturer’s location or in your home. They can include pigments, textures, and objects like decorative stones, anything that helps express your personality. You can craft concrete countertops to fit in with the look and feel of your kitchen whether it is modern or traditional.

But how do you care for a concrete countertop once you have it? What is involved? What should you expect? Here are a few answers to those questions.

There are two things to consider when caring for your concrete countertop: everyday cleaning and periodic sealing. Everyday cleaning can be done with mild soap and warm water on a rag or sponge. You should not use cleaners that could damage the countertops seal, such as abrasives, bleach, or ammonia. It is important to clean liquids off your concrete countertop quickly because concrete is a porous material. Liquids like juice, red wine, or oil can stain a concrete countertop. While substances like citrus and vinegar can create light spots and etch concrete. Sealing a concrete countertop is important, and it will need to be re-sealed often. How often depends on your use. You could re-seal it once a month or once every few months. You will know it is time to re-seal when liquids no longer bead up or you see worn spots. There are two types of sealer. One seals the concrete’s pores, allowing it to absorb fewer fluids, and the other coats the surface of the countertop to help protect it.

Regardless of how well you care for your concrete countertop, it will acquire a patina over time. This is a natural part of the countertops use and aging. It does not have to be negative, though. Some countertop owners want, and encourage their countertop to develop its patina by not sealing it often. It can give character.

As with most countertops, avoid putting hot pans on your concrete countertop. It can damage the sealer. Using sharp utensils on the counter, cutting vegetables for instance, should also be avoided. The knife won't really damage the concrete, but it will damage the sealer.

There are do-it-yourself instructions all over the Internet on how to make your own concrete countertop. If this is something that you think you may want to attempt, you should try a practice project first. Get some practice before you commit yourself to creating something that you will want to use in your kitchen for years to come!

Concrete countertops are created for each home, each person that orders it. They are individual pieces, and no two are alike. There are endless possibilities when it comes to the beauty and durability of concrete countertops.

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