Decorative Concrete Resurfacing and Concrete Countertops Systems – Home of the Ashby system
Countertops are a significant investment, and they can easily make or break a kitchen or bathroom design. It’s important to understand the pros and cons of different materials before making a purchase. If you find yourself swaying back and forth between marble and concrete countertops in Utah, you’re in luck; we’ve broken down the advantages and disadvantages of both.
Concrete countertops have been increasing in popularity as industrial and farmhouse-style homes have been in the spotlight. However, concrete can complement more than just those two design styles. If you’re picturing a slab of concrete from your sidewalk in your kitchen, think again. Due to staining and pigmenting techniques, concrete can be an extremely versatile material when it comes to aesthetics.
As mentioned, concrete is very visually versatile. Concrete countertops can be made to look like any kind of stone, and they can be stained to be just about any color. This makes it easy to match concrete to any design style you favor. The versatility extends beyond color. Concrete can be made into any shape or texture as well.
Concrete is incredibly organic looking. It can also be fashioned to cover up the seams, which can make the material seem to flow.
Concrete is also exceptionally durable. It is both scratch resistant and heat resistant, which is especially helpful in the kitchen.
Concrete can be rough on glassware, and it’s fairly unforgiving if you accidentally drop anything breakable onto it.
Marble countertops are known for their classic beauty. It offers lighter shades of white, gray, rose, green, etc. that many other stones cannot achieve. Marble countertops are particularly great for surfaces that don’t see a lot of potential staining liquids, like offices, bathrooms, etc.
Marble is beautiful. It offers a gorgeous, white option that other stones don’t provide. Marble countertops are a classic option that won’t likely fall out of style anytime soon.
Marble also comes at varying price points, which means you can go with cheaper options if you’d like, or you can spend more for a luxury marble.
Marble is heat resistant, which is why it is often used around fireplaces. This doesn’t mean you should skip the potholder if you use marble for your kitchen, but it should stand up better than some other materials.
Marble is also a porous surface, which makes it highly susceptible to stains and high maintenance. It requires frequent resealing; 6 months may be sufficient, but light-colored marble in a heavily trafficked kitchen may need to be resealed more often. This makes it a better option for bathrooms and offices, while it might not be perfect for kitchens.
Because marble is a softer stone, marble can be more easily scratched and chipped. Obviously, don’t use a knife on the countertop, but marble can be scratched by belts, metal necklaces, heavy pots and pans, silverware, etc.
Acidic foods, like lemons, can also eat away the sealant and make it easier for the marble to be scratched.
Both marble and concrete countertops can work in bathrooms, offices, etc. Concrete is less high-maintenance, but you can go with whatever works for you.
However, concrete is a much better option for kitchens. While it is porous, it doesn’t have to be resealed as often as marble. Additionally, it can stand up to the rigors of the kitchen because it is scratch resistant.
To learn more about concrete countertops in Utah, contact Stonecrete Systems today.