concrete counters anyone?

[NancyR]

Am involved in a major remodel so you can expect a lot of these posts from me. I know this is a nice community of smart folks.
Anyway, my friends just had custom concrete counters installed and they look really nice. Has anyone here had them for awhile or know any pros or cons?
Thanks so much
Nancy

[Gumbeaux]

I purchased a book years ago because I wanted to install concrete countertops in our house. You have to have cabinets built (or existing ones braced) to be able to hold the weight of concrete.

Because the surface is "poured" you can do elaborate curves, arches, inlays, drainboards, lighting, and other things that you can't easily do with granite.

[LakeMartinGal]

We have them at the fire department -- the guy who did them was an apprentice, and not very good, yet -- but the counters are indestructible, even if they're not as pretty as the ones Gumbeaux posted. They are very unforgiving if you drop something, but so are tile and granite!

[amarante]

I believe they are more expensive than granite but I don't think structurally or functionally, they are less desirable than granite.

On the plus side, they are "trendier" than granite which is now fairly ubiquitous. On the minus side, they might appeal to a smaller segment of the market - if you care about that kind of thing in terms of resale as granite is probably a safer choice.

[MaryMac]

I have only seen them once, at a friends house. If you're going to do it then have someone very experienced put it in. She didn't and it shows. You will spend way too much money to have it not look so great. But the pictures that Gumbeaux posted look great!

[LakeMartinGal]

I have only seen them once, at a friends house. If you're going to do it then have someone very experienced put it in. She didn't and it shows. You will spend way too much money to have it not look so great. But the pictures that Gumbeaux posted look great!

Yes, absolutely get references, and see some of their work!

[cminmd]

Those were the best looking concrete counters I have seen. I love the built in sliding strainer and the underlighted bottle inlays. Some people are so creative!! I do know a couple of people who had concrete counters and one advantage is you have a huge range of color options.