Concrete Counter Tops For the Bathroom

Concrete bathroom counter tops are becoming an evermore popular choice for designers and new home builders. Though not as popular as granite or solid surface counter tops, their versatility, durability and unique styling can add wonders to your bathroom. Concrete counter tops 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 counter tops 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 counter tops.

Cost

Concrete counter tops can vary greatly in price range depending on what your needs are. If you are looking at a straight forward counter top you can expect to start in the $55-$60 a sq ft. Should you desire a custom concrete counter top, 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

Since concrete counter tops are mixed with color pigments and/or acrylics, color choices can be endless. Coloring will fade over time and concrete counter tops can begin to mellow with age. This will only add character to your counter tops.

Many concrete counter tops 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 kitchen counter top a beautiful, reflective design and appearance.

Concrete counter tops 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.

Concrete counter tops are versatile in that they can be designed to have inlaid sinks, drains and trivets built directly into them. A great choice if you have a unique idea in mind.

Durability

As bathroom counter tops go, concrete is a very durable product. 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 counter top.

Concrete is affected by heat so use a be careful with hair curlers, blow dryers and curling irons.

Concrete will 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

Concrete counter tops are manufactured two ways. Either by pre-casting the concrete slabs at the manufacturer or on site by the installer themselves.

If your counter tops are pre-cast, 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 allows for 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

Concrete counter tops can be a viable ecological choice because its properties can include recycled aggregates such as post consumer glass or stone. Their content can range from 80% to 95% recycled materials. Counter Productions LLC. manufactures a great product called "Vetrazzo"

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 counter top.

In conclusion, the look of polished concrete or a beautiful terrazzo designed counter top 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 counter tops. Give this product a try if you are tired of the ordinary and ready to walk on the wild side.

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