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Since 2004, CCI has been the largest and most trusted resource for learning how to make concrete countertops, understanding mix design, mastering sealers and more. Come to our hands-on training or explore our knowledge base and get a full understanding of concrete countertops, sinks, furniture, mold making, sealing and more.
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CCI offers the most advanced, effective products for concrete countertop mixes and sealers, including the renowned Integrity Concrete Products. You can be confident that our products do what they say they do, based on sound engineering and in-depth testing. You can understand exactly how they work, why you should use them, and when. SHOP NOW.
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Jeff Mahan of Elevation Concrete Studio in Ohio
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Crafting Art with Concrete – The Inspiring Journey of Dian Mullis
Frequently Asked Questions About Concrete Countertops
If you are a homeowner considering concrete countertops for your kitchen or bathroom, here is some basic information about the most frequent questions and misconceptions about concrete.
High quality concrete will give you a beautiful, smooth and durable surface that you will love, and that is easy to clean and care for.
What are concrete countertops, and why choose them for a kitchen remodel?
Concrete countertops are custom-poured, reinforced slabs that deliver a one-of-a-kind look, unlimited edge profiles, and industrial strength. Unlike granite or quartz, concrete can be cast in any shape, pigmented any color, and finished from matte to high-polish, giving designers full creative control while keeping the work surface food-safe and heat-resistant.
Are concrete countertops cheaper than granite?
If you are looking to purchase professionally made concrete countertops: No, absolutely not! If they are, you should be wary of having a sidewalk on top of your cabinets.
High quality concrete countertops are hand crafted by skilled artisans using ultra high performance concrete mixes and sealers. They are hand made, custom, unique and personalized – and worth the money.
What do concrete countertops cost per square foot?
If you want to make a DIY concrete countertop, DIY material packages start around $9 – $12 per sq ft excluding tools and sealers.
If you interested in purchasing concrete countertops from a pro, here are some nationwide averages per square foot (installed):
Standard gray, simple shape: $70 – $90
Colored or integral sink: $90 – $110
Complex shapes, inlays, waterfall edges: $110 – $200
The price of professionally made concrete countertops has little to do with material costs. You are paying for the knowledge and skill of the craftsman.
How durable are concrete countertops? Will they crack?
“Durable” can describe both structural integrity and appearance. High-quality concrete countertops should have both.
Properly reinforced, cured, and sealed concrete countertops are as durable as natural stone. Hairline micro-cracks can occur from thermal shock or structural movement, but good mix design, proper reinforcement, and correct support dramatically reduce risk. Everyday cooking, cutting, and hot pots won’t damage a well-built top.
The appearance durability depends entirely on the sealer: bare concrete is porous and acids literally eat away cement paste, but a high-performance coating sealer such as Omega or Ovation prevents staining and minimizes maintenance.
Can you put hot pans on concrete countertops?
Concrete itself is heat-resistant. The weak link is the sealer. High-performance urethane sealers such as Omega tolerate contact with pans up to 500 °F (260 °C), but using trivets protects the finish long-term and avoids thermal shock.
Other sealers such as Ovation are not heat-resistant, so always check with your sealer manufacturer or installer.
Do concrete countertops stain, and how do you seal them?
Unsealed cement paste is porous and will soak in wine, oil, and coffee. Topical sealers such as the high performance urethane Omega and hybrid polymer Ovation protect the concrete against staining and etching.
The sealer you choose will make or break your countertop. Assuming your concrete is well-made, smooth, and free of cracks, the sealer alone determines both performance and appearance. We have an entire free training section about sealers.
How often do I need to reseal my concrete countertops? How do I maintain them?
That depends entirely on the sealer used. Cheap acrylic sealer may need maintenance every few months, penetrating treatments vary, whereas a high-performance coating such as Omega or Ovation will never need to be reapplied unless abused.
All sealed concrete surfaces should be cleaned with a non-abrasive cleaner, and coating sealers should never be cut on because they will scratch.
How thick should a concrete countertop be?
There is no need for precast concrete countertops to be thicker—and heavier—than typical countertops such as granite or solid surface.
With high-performance countertop mixes and proper reinforcing, GFRC countertops are made ¾ in (19 mm) thick, and the edges are turned down to achieve the desired appearance of thickness.
Traditional steel-reinforced precast countertops can be made 1.5 in (38 mm) thick.”
How heavy are concrete countertops? Do I need to reinforce my cabinets?
Concrete weighs about the same as stone of the same thickness. A 1.5 in-thick precast concrete countertop weighs about 18 pounds per square foot, while granite countertops weigh about 19 pounds per square foot.
You usually don’t reinforce cabinets for granite, so extra cabinet reinforcement is generally unnecessary for concrete.
GFRC countertops are only ¾ in thick, so they weigh roughly half as much.
Where can I buy professional concrete countertop supplies near me?
While local concrete supply stores may carry basic materials, most pros turn to specialty online retailers for high-performance countertop mixes, forms, sealers, and pigments. At The Concrete Countertop Institute’s Online Store, you’ll find pro-grade concrete countertop supplies shipped direct to your door—no matter where you are. Whether you’re looking for a complete DIY kit or advanced admixtures, we have everything you need to get it right the first time.