We seal all of our countertops to ensure water and stain resistance. But this does not mean that they are totally stain proof. Acidic substances such as lemon juice, vinegar, or red wine should not be left on the countertop for more than several hours if spilled to avoid staining. Cutting directly on the countertops or placing extremely hot pots on the countertops may compromise the sealer allowing liquids to seep in and stain the concrete.

Our concrete is a composite product. It is harder and stronger than regular concrete and is sealed in order to prevent staining. We recommend cleaning any spills as soon as possible from the concrete countertops. Sealing concrete countertops is recommended annually.

All natural stone surfaces will stain if left untreated. Cast concrete is about as porous as marble and must be sealed, as naked concrete is vulnerable to acidic liquids such as wine, lemon juice and balsamic vinegar that can discolor the surface. We can confidently say our sealed countertops resist most household stains, but this is not to say that they are stain proof.

Our counters are generally cast 2” thick, or more, which gives them a pleasing sense of mass and sets them apart from the common 1 1/2” thickness of most other countertops. This thickness also provides enough material for integral drain boards and integral cutting boards. Drop edges of 8 inches or more may be incorporated for a heavier look, without adding appreciably to the weight, while our backsplashes are usually 5/8” thick.

When one hears the word concrete, the vision of a sidewalk almost always enters the mind. Although this is a common use for concrete, it does the fabricated stone no justice. Formed stone, another term for concrete, can be turned into beautiful pieces of art, transforming ordinary homes into extraordinary ones. No other material allows for the many choices of color, texture, shape, and style.

We use an extremely durable epoxy that penetrates deep filling up the micro pores. It also creates a tin layer above the concrete to protect against lemon juice, soda spills and other acidic products. This creates a satin finish that is soft to the touch and stain resistant.

We can construct countertops in just about any color. We do not buy pre-mixed colored concrete. We mix each batch of concrete ourselves, adding just the right amount of color to achieve the desired hue. This allows us to create virtually any color to complement your décor.

Not always, but concrete countertops can develop hairline cracks. These cracks are non-structural and result from the natural shrinkage of the concrete. We reinforce our countertops with a high-tech carbon fiber grid developed specifically for concrete countertops. We reinforce all overhangs and any sink or cooktop cutouts with steel rebar. These reinforcements ensure that no structural damage will occur to the countertops.

A 1.5" thick standard concrete countertop has an approximate weight of 18 pounds per square foot. (same as granite). One commonly requested upgrade is a 2” slab which weighs approximately 25 pounds per square foot. Standard cabinetry will easily support these concrete slabs as the weight of the countertops is distributed over a large area.

Concrete countertops are a custom crafted material for high end and are often specified by designers or architects. We quote each countertop on a per job basis. Our prices are generally in the $50 per square foot range. This price is considerably less than what most concrete countertop manufacturers charge. Contact us for a free quote.

No, you should not. Cutting on the concrete countertop won’t hurt the concrete, but will damage the sealer, which can affect the sealers ability to keep out water and stains. Cutting boards should always be used when chopping or preparing foods.

Placing hot pans on the concrete countertops should be avoided. Concrete is very heat resistant, but the concern (like with cutting on concrete countertops) is damaging and or discoloring the sealer. We can build in trivets of stainless steel, brass, or copper. This common upgrade is both functional and great looking. Otherwise, you should use hot plates or a hot pad.

Yes, but you will scratch the sealer, so it is not recommended to do so. If you prefer, SMOOTHCRETE can inlay cutting surfaces directly into the concrete countertop to provide you with a cutting surface.

There is no way that we can prevent oil from dripping on concrete pavers. Yet, because pavers are more dense than regular poured concrete, they will be easier to clean if the stain is cleaned soon after it happens. If you are working around your paver patio, walkway, or driveway with paint, cement, or mortar and should accidentally spill this on your paver surface, you should clean it off right away before it has a chance to dry. Otherwise, it will stain your pavers.

Concrete countertops are the most unique, personal countertop option because they are made from scratch for each client. Often people think that granite is too shiny, too formal, too common. Synthetic solid surface materials look and feel like plastic. Concrete countertops, on the other hand, look natural and have character. This high-quality and hand-crafted solid surface option offers a color or visual texture that’s not available with other countertop materials.

SMOOTHCRETE prefers to pour the concrete countertops on-site. By doing so, it saves on time in making the template and forming as well as avoiding seams in your concrete countertop.

Backsplashes can be made from whatever you want. You can use tumbled marble, stainless steel, ceramic tile, etc.