Expert Advice - Concrete Kitchen Worktops
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Concrete around the home is so fashionable right now - with the industrial trend hugely popular, we are seeing concrete everywhere from floors to kitchen tables.
One very practical option is to choose concrete for your kitchen worktop. We love concrete on an island unit, with the concrete worktop giving the island unit real focus in the kitchen. Mixed with wooden worktops around the rest of the kitchen, this would look really striking. Or you could have all of your kitchen worktops in concrete for something really unique.
We love the individuality of concrete, with the texture and finish of every concrete worktop being unique due to the material. It can also be moulded to any shape, so perfect to create a worktop that will be fitted perfectly for your kitchen.
Concrete is a hard wearing surface which only gets stronger over the years - it's also something completely different to have as your kitchen worktop.
We catch up with Haus Concrete who tell us more about concrete as a kitchen worktop.
Why has concrete become popular for a kitchen worktop over the past few years? What are the benefits?
The attraction of concrete is that it can be used to make a bold impression on a space or be a subtle design statement that can go with many kitchen styles.
The past few years have seen concrete grow in popularity due to the bespoke nature of the material. Unlike many other worktop materials, every piece of concrete is totally unique and can be moulded to any shape or thickness required. The material enables each client to express their creative side with endless possibilities in colour tones and finishes.
Its durable nature is the reason why it is widely used for so many applications. It is a timeless material that continues to evolve with its surroundings, developing a natural patina over time.
What is the process involved in fitting concrete kitchen worktops?
Concrete is arguably one of the easier worktop materials to fit as the weight keeps the pieces in position. Once placed on top of the kitchen carcasses they need to be packed up so they are level with a small amount of adhesive applied to the underside. If multiple pieces are sat next to each other the joins can be filled with a colour matched silicone or they can be left butt up to each other with a dry join.
Image Source Haus Concrete
What are the options for colour and finish?
The beauty of concrete worktops is that they are available in a range of colours and finishes.
Different colours and tones are determined by the pigment that is added to the mix at the time of casting. Haus concrete surfaces has created a range of 8 standard colour tones from white to black which capture the organic aesthetic of the material. All colours are available as samples which will be unique within themselves, demonstrating the characteristics that a concrete worktop can offer.
As concrete is a naturally porous material Haus concrete surfaces seal all worktops before they leave the factory. We offer 2 types of sealer, the first is a 2 part polyurethane sealer which gives a higher level of protection in a standard matt finish. The second option is a impregnated sealer which allows the concrete to patina more over time and gives more of a polished finish with the additional application of a wax.
We understand that every clients needs are different and so can advise on the best finish to suit each individual.
How much do concrete kitchen worktops cost approximately per metre?
Depending on the specification of the worktop the cost can vary however generally speaking a linear meter of concrete is £350-£400 + vat. These costs are for any thickness from 40-100mm and for any of our standard colour tones from white to black.
Image Source Haus Concrete
How do I maintain a concrete worktop and how long should it last?
This is dependant on the sealer chosen. Polyurethane sealers are a one time seal and should not need any additional sealing. Impregnated sealers are applied and then waxed. To maintain the shine on the worktop the wax will need to be reapplied as and when required in the future.
In terms of timescales concrete worktops will last a lifetime if looked after. The material itself will only continue to strengthen and become more durable as time goes on. Many people choose concrete because of its timeless qualities and versatile nature.
Can a concrete worktop be fitted to any kitchen unit or is there anything else I need to take into consideration?
Concrete worktops can sit on any standard kitchen carcasses. For additional support we do recommend if the units are sat on top of the adjustable plastic feet that the units can be packed up with strips of MDF.
Image Source Haus Concrete
Are there any other materials and colours that work well and compliment concrete in the kitchen?
Concrete can be paired with a wide variety of materials due to its versatility and the different finishes it offers. The past couple of years have seen the rising trend of industrial interiors. Concrete’s raw aesthetic means that it fits perfectly within the trend and works beautifully with other natural materials such as brass, copper, steel, wood etc.
Apart from concrete worktops, is there anywhere else around the home where concrete works well?
Due to the adaptable qualities of the material concrete works well is any room of the house. From worktops and splash-backs in the kitchen to fire hearths and table tops in the living room, concrete can be moulding into any form to suit any setting.
Haus concrete surfaces evolved from its parent company Lowinfo who specialise in the design and manufacture of concrete pieces for commercial settings. As well as the launch of Haus concrete surfaces, Lowinfo has also launched a concrete basin range ‘Kast’ who produce a stunning range of basins perfect for any bathroom interior.
Published: June 15, 2020
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