I actually agree with you...
I actually agree with you Olive.
Properly cared for and sealed, it is a good durable surface.
But not for everyone.
My present home is '62 original top to bottom.
The real estate agent pointed out all the lovely updates we could do.
Gave us business cards. : )
Our only changes have been updating appliances.
Countertops are a big expense and not easily replaced.
Such a porous surface should come with a good maintenance plan as you
had.
Irresponsible to leave a homeowner with a surface that stains with arm sweat.
I had a copper counter in a rental in Texas. Just the bar area. I thought i
ruined it but the owner laughed over the phone and said to wipe it down
with ketchup. There is a solution for every surface i suppose...
I guess you're right
We've had absolutely no problems with our concrete countertops. Nada, zip, zilch. We have really loved them and the big concrete tub has also been a blast. It even got published in a coffee table book about modern bath design.
That being said though, I don't think we'll use concrete for the counters in our new home in New Mexico. Concrete flooring is used often there as it's a perfect choice for radiant heat flooring, which is the norm and for staying cool in the warmer months. We noticed that here in Massachusetts, during the summer, our cats would nap in the tub or on the counters when we weren't looking. It's a nice friendly surface and it is a marvelous heat sink. Warm when you want warm, cool when you want cool.
We're thinking about silestone, ceasarstone or possibly paperstone next. For a year or so we'll be in a rental so we'll se what that comes with and if we like it. Granite is out for me and so is marble or butcherblock. Stainless steel is a possibility, but it's so unforgiving and easily scratched. And copper would just give me a headache.
I do remember your tub! I've...
I do remember your tub! I've always wanted to make a cocoon like square box
tub out of concrete.
Good luck with the move. Smart to rent and get your bearings.
I like the idea of finding the sweet piece of land with a small dwelling.
Something livable but room for an addition that lets you use all that you
have learned over the years. Very exciting adventure.
Many more options now than when i tried to build 15yrs ago.
Concrete bathtub....
Olive, what is the name of the book & author? I'd love to see your concrete tub. Also, what page are you on??
Lastly, I know you've got grey countertops, just curious what color cabinetry do you have?
Loved Santa Fe, traveled to New Mexico 18 yrs ago, very beautiful.
Still mulling over the concrete vs. Ceasar stone.
thanks..
Gosh, on the 'This Old House'
New Orleans project two years ago, they chose a type of resin countertop made from broken glass. They went to the factory where it's made, and I was impressed at the strength and beauty of this material. Apparently this type of material is made from recycled materials, is strong and doesn't require any special care.
I went to the TOH website and couldn't find that exact episode, but at that time, I decided that when I do over my countertops, I won't be using fragile and problematic materials like concrete or granite.
Cheng concrete
Rockybird, I found out some very interesting info from the sales manager at Cheng. Apparently Cheng trains people in his method but he kepts the formula confidential, in other words he doesn't give away all of his secrets, I was told. Perhaps the secret is related to the protective application, maybe a substance used within the concrete mixture to help protect the surface.
Thanks for sharing your photos. The island top has a beautiful sheen & looks nice although I can't see any stains on it.
pics
Those pics are when they were new. I will have to post pics of later. The island started staining within a week. The state already was out here and said that they are improperly sealed. And they will have to be stripped and resealed (this is the third time for the island now).
Concrete Countertops and More
It looks like lots of people have provided good info so far. I'll throw my 2cents in as well with a twist.
We had concrete countertops installated a year ago and they are wonderful. They look great, wear great and are unique. Anyone who seems them, raves about them.
That said, their are some caveats I tell people about.
1) You do have to reapply wax to them occasionally to help protect them. Some place say once a month. We only do it once every 4 months or so and they are great. No stains.
mor importantly
2) You can't be a slob. If you have people in the family who don't clean up spills right away then stay away from concrete. This includes food prep, wine, spilled coffee when pouring, toothpaste etc. If you can't take a few seconds to proctect your investment then get soemthing else.
My wife and I have gotten so hooked on concrete that we've started building our own table tops. So far we've build 7, all for outdoor use.
We're in Nova Scotia, Canada, so these things see harsh weather. One was set out last summer as a test to see how it would do over the winter. It looks as good today as it did a year ago.
We just built 6 more deck tables using decorative glass aggregate and have just put them outside as well. Our next project will be kitchen table top that is 54 X 54 inches square. Before I tackle that one, though, I'm looking around to find a lighter concrete mix I can experiment with. At 150 pounds per cubic foot, that table will weight about 500 pounds. A bit much I think.
Cheers............Dan
I agree with you totally!
Being naturally tidy persons, cleaning up our messes has been no problem for me or the hubs. We also reseal about 2-3 times a year and don't find it to be onerous. Other stones require that kind of treatment too.
I've found that acid, oils, and high protein, ie: fruit juices, tomatoes, olive oil, or eggs, are particularly likely to cause stains. But I've also found that a few seconds with a scrubbie pad removes them. When I notice I've made a stain, then I know it's time for a quick scrub and reseal. Takes me 15-30 mins or so do my whole kitchen. Since I seem to be able to keep my toothpaste in the sink, we've not had to reseal our bathroom counter even once in the entire 7 years we've had the concrete installed. The tub since it gets daily use is not the same kind of sealant anyway. It is sprayed on and left to dry. I do it once every year or so, cuz we can't use that shower for about 48 hours. 24 to dry it out and 24 to dry the sealant. If we go away for a weekend or vacation, I do it before we go.
As for the weight issue. You'll likely have to form your own mix. As someone said above, Cheng holds on to his secrets. You can buy his mix, but that's pretty energy intensive to ship to Nova Scotia. Our contractor used shale and shredded plastic to lighten the aggregate up. That's what you really need to be concerned with, the aggregate.
Concrete is good stuff, I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who thinks so!
Two cents on concrete
Great! I'm sold! My husband & I seem to constantly return to the option of concrete countertops even in the face of horror stories which seems nuts but we really prefer a material that's unique & Caesar stone just doesn't turn us on like concrete.
Design wise our new kitchen cabinets will be off white & very clean & sleek so we definately want to knock it down a bit by using concrete to lend a softer earthier feel to the design. Caesar Stone is nice but to sterile for what we need to achieve.
It's good to hear the positive experiences,thanks Dan.
Not being a slob & cleaning up spills & such sounds key.
If you need any help, please contact us at – info@designaddict.com