Concrete bathroom Countertops
Concrete bathroom countertops are becoming an evermore popular choice for designers and new home builders. Though not as popular as granite or solid surface countertops, their versatility, durability and unique styling can add wonders to your bathroom.
Concrete countertops are made by mixing cement, aggregates, color pigments, acrylics & fillers together. This mix is poured over either, steel bars, mesh fiber or fiberglass to help reinforce the concrete when it forms. Concrete countertops are then cured and polished to form a level piece that is ready to be sealed.
Epoxy is the most common sealer used as it is very strong and keeps moisture from entering the concrete countertops.
The Cost of Concrete Bathroom Countertops
If you are looking at a straight forward Bathroom countertop you can expect to start in the $55-$60 a sq ft. Should you desire a custom concrete countertop, fabricated on site, with difficult inlays and pigments, expect to pay upwards of $180 - $200 a sq ft. Not the cheapest option, but worth the money if it can create the desired effect you are looking for.
Color & Design opportunities with Concrete
Since concrete countertops are mixed with color pigments and/or acrylics, providing a near endless palette of color options. Coloring can and will fade over time and concrete countertops can begin to mellow with age. This ageing will only add character to your countertops
Many concrete countertops are mixed with aggregates, glass or marble to create a "Terrazzo" effect. This is where small pieces of stone or glass are set into the concrete and highly polished. This technique reflects light beautifully and will give your bathroom countertop a beautiful, reflective design and appearance. Using this technique with a beautiful stained glass bowl will create a dazzling effect for your wash station
Concrete bathroom countertops are fully customizable and can be made in a variety of shapes and/or forms. They are usually pre-fabricated but can be poured on site to work with your needs and designs. Because they are so versatile, concrete countertops can be designed to have inlaid sinks, drains and trivets built directly into them, this is a great option if you really want to have a fully customized bathroom
Many concrete countertops are mixed with aggregates, glass or marble to create a "Terrazzo" effect. This is where small pieces of stone or glass are set into the concrete and highly polished. This technique reflects light beautifully and will give your bathroom countertop a beautiful, reflective design and appearance. Using this technique with a beautiful stained glass bowl will create a dazzling effect for your wash station
Concrete bathroom countertops are fully customizable and can be made in a variety of shapes and/or forms. They are usually pre-fabricated but can be poured on site to work with your needs and designs. Because they are so versatile, concrete countertops can be designed to have inlaid sinks, drains and trivets built directly into them, this is a great option if you really want to have a fully customized bathroom
Durability of Concrete countertops in the Bathroom
Concrete is naturally porous and needs to be sealed with epoxy or a sealer of some sort. This is done during construction so hopefully it is not for you to worry about. Do make sure that you treat your counters every 6 to 9 months with a liquid wax to extend the life of your countertop.
Concrete is affected by heat so use a be careful with hair curlers, blow dryers and curling irons .Concrete will also start to age and crack over time; this is a character builder for the surface but beware of large fissures or movement to prevent further damage to your counters.
Construction & Installation of Concrete Countertops
Concrete countertops are manufactured two ways. Either by pre-casting the concrete slabs at the manufacturer or on site by the installer themselves. Below is a brief description of both processes
pre-cast concrete
the manufacturer will pour the slab, mix the pigment and aggregates, cure the concrete and polish and seal all in their shop. This technique allows for a more controlled environment for the counters to be built
On site construction
This is where the concrete is mixed, poured and shaped on site. This process allows the builder to customize according to the needs of the job. Unusual corners, rounded edges and such are easier to build on site and will lend to the uniqueness of your product.
Environment & Health impact with concrete countertops
Concrete countertops can be a viable ecological choice only if its properties include a majority of recycled aggregates such as post consumer glass, stone or "fly-ash". Their content can range from 80% to 95% recycled materials. Counter Productions LLC. manufactures a great product called "Vetrazzo" you can see visit them at www.counterproduction.com or visit www.greenhomeguide.com to learn more.
For more information regarding the environmental aspect of concrete please visit our renovation web site dedicated to the environment!
thesexybathroom opinion
The look of polished concrete or a beautiful terrazzo designed countertop will create a classy and unique piece to any sexy bathroom. With its array of color, texture, and construction options, concrete is a very sexy alternative for your bathroom countertops. Give this product a try if you are tired of the ordinary and ready to walk on the wild side.
The Oops Factor
Spills and stains need to be dealt with immediately to prevent long term staining but the use of proper sealers and maintenance will help preserve the life of your unique bathroom countertop.