I have, in the past blogged about how to choose a countertop material, briefly outlining the pros and cons of the more popular choices. I also have written about easy inexpensive things to do to fix up your kitchen, color trends of kitchens today, how to choose a new faucet and the list goes on. I have recently added a “search” feature to the blogsite, that you may not have noticed. It is at the very top of the page on the right. If you are here seeking an answer to specific question or details on a certain subject try searching for one of my more than 170+ blogs. With kitchens and countertops in mind I ran across to articles by Jaime Derringer of Design-Milk, about the pro and cons of concrete versus granite for countertops and found the information useful and informative. The entire content of those articles can be seen at:
http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/10/23/granite-countertops/
and
http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/10/23/concrete-countertops/
The following is my abridgement and comments on those articles. I hope you find them useful and if you still have questions use the “search” function I discussed above. My thanks and full credit is given to the author for the information.
GRANITE
Granite, granite, granite. That's all you ever hear these days when it comes to kitchen and bathroom countertops. Well, there is a reason why everyone wants granite in their kitchens. It's almost a perfect countertop surface, and here's why:
PROS
1. Granite is an igneous rock, formed under high heat. Its structure is crystalline, not layered like sedimentary rock. It's made of quartz with a variety of feldspar minerals and mica. This makes granite extremely strong and durable, and many times impervious to stains, scratches and dents. Please note this says “many times” impervious to stains.
2. You can place hot pots and pans directly on the surface of granite countertops without damage.
3. Granite also holds its value, so even though it is a pricey investment, you should see a 100% return. 4. Since granite is a natural stone, every slab is different. It also comes in hundreds of colors and patterns, so you've got quite a selection to choose from.
CONS
1. Because of its strength and durability, granite is also very heavy. Be sure that your cabinets are reinforced to hold the weight of granite. This can be an extra, unexpected expense.
2. But be sure you love your choice, because granite countertops need to be professionally installed -- sorry DIY'ers, you can't do this one alone. Once installation is complete, it is nearly impossible to remove granite without damaging your cabinets and backsplash.
3. My personal experience has found that even if properly sealed and maintained granite will stain. It absorbs water and can look stained for house and grease and food coloring can be a permanent stain on some granites
Sealing, Cleaning and Care: Granite is very easy to clean by using a mild detergent and warm water. Many times, it will just wipe clean with a wet sponge. Some granites need to be sealed once they have been installed. Be sure to ask a professional if your granite requires a sealant. If you do not use a permanent sealer, you will likely need to reseal your granite every year. It's not all that bad, just about 30 minutes worth of work to keep your stone looking polished and brand new.
How Does It Measure Up? Granite is one of the most desired countertop surfaces for many reasons. It's luxurious, expensive and lasts a lifetime. Compared with most other surfaces, it comes out on top. The only downside is the price. There are other surfaces that look similar to granite but cost much less, including engineered stone and laminate. However, these won't last as long and may damage more easily. If you're really looking for the top of the line product, and won't settle for anything less than the best, granite countertops are definitely the right choice.
CONCRETE
I was watching HGTV the other day and homeowners were creating their own concrete countertops for their kitchen. I immediately thought, "Wow, out of all the possible materials why would they choose concrete?" After doing some research I can confidently say: many reasons.
If you think that the only people who could possibly own a concrete countertop in their kitchen are free-spirited artists living in some cold loft in the city, then you couldn't be more wrong! Concrete is no longer the cold, damp surface that once lived in your basement walls. It's hip, it's chic and it's everywhere. Concrete is basically cement, made of water, sand, pigment and dry mix. You can make your own or you can purchase concrete countertop mixes from professional builders or home improvement stores.
PROS
1. It has an industrial modern look, which many homeowners are going for these days.
2. It's basically cement, so you know that the surface is hard and can take quite a bit of wear and tear.
3. The customization and uniqueness of each piece that is made. You can add just about anything you want into the concrete mixture from recycled glass to glitter.
CONS
1. Although concrete countertops can withstand high temperatures, placing hot pots directly on a concrete countertop is not recommended.
2. You should avoid dragging knives on the surface as well. Spills should be cleaned up as quickly as possible.
3. Cleaning up is easy with just soap and water. Stay away from abrasive cleaners, and anything containing bleach or ammonia because they may damage the sealant.
Sealing, Cleaning and Care: Concrete countertops are similar to many other surfaces in that they need to be sealed. Sealing not only protects the surface but helps increase its durability and maintain its color. It is also recommended that the homeowner use a coat of wax every few months to help prevent damage or moisture buildup.
How Does Concrete Measure Up?: Like marble, granite, soapstone and butcherblock, concrete holds up just as well when treated with care. While it may not have the heat resistance of granite or the scratch resistance of marble it lasts just as long. It is more heat resistant than soapstone and butcherblock countertops however, but it is always wise to err on the side of caution and use a trivet.
DIY Your Own Concrete Countertop: The best part of owning a concrete countertop isn't in the owning but in the making! You can DIY your own concrete countertop. When's the last time someone told you to go to the quarry and DIY your own granite counter?! Check out this great step-by-step tutorial on DIY Network
http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-create-and-install-concrete-countertops/index.html
Also, over on Instructables, one DIY-er shows you how he created his very own concrete countertops
http://www.instructables.com/id/Concrete-Countertops-for-the-Kitchen---Solid-Surfa/
and see the whole process.
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