If you are like many homeowners, when you think of concrete, you automatically think about projects that you can do outside. Although there are many different projects which can be built in the great outdoors, there are some great indoor projects that you can create from concrete. One project that you may want to consider creating is concrete kitchen countertops. This is a project that will give your kitchen a whole new look, and concrete is a whole lot more flexible than you think.

Why Use Concrete For Your Countertops?

If you go looking for materials to construct your countertops out of, you will be met with a wide array of choices. Some of the most popular ones on the market are:

• Granite, marble, quartz, and other stones
• Glass
• Stainless steel
• Butcher block and reclaimed wood
• Cork and more

What you may not realize is that concrete actually rounds out the list of some of the most popular materials that have been used in the past few years. This is because concrete offers many advantages that are not always seen with some of the other materials. Some of these advantages are:

• Concrete is a fluid material. It can be easily poured and designed in any size, or shape that you desire. This means that you will be able to create curves, and designs which would be much more difficult, if not impossible, to do when working with some of the other materials.
• You can create a wide variety of custom edges when you are working with concrete. This will give you an inexpensive way to create a customized finished look. If you do not want to take the time to have your concrete contractor to create a customized edge for yours, you can purchase a wide variety of edges that can simply be added to your project.
• You can obtain almost any color option when working with concrete. Whether you choose to use a stain, an integral color, or a combination of them both, you will be able to create a color that will match the rest of your kitchen design.

How To Care For Your Countertops

Even though concrete can last forever, you will get the most enjoyment out of your countertops if you take proper care of them. Since concrete is porous, you will always want to ensure that your countertops are properly sealed. This will help to protect the concrete from the acids and oils which are  usually prevalent in the kitchen. Even when this is properly applied during the installation of your project, applying sealant is something you will have to do every few years.

You can help to extend the life of your sealer and add an extra layer of protection by occasionally waxing your countertop with beeswax. Even with this additional protection, there are a few other steps that you can take which will ensure that your countertops will look better longer.

Do not cut directly on your countertops. While cutting directly on your concrete will not damage the concrete, it could damage your sealer, and will also dull the blades of your knife.

Once your countertops are properly sealed, they will become basically maintenance free, but it will still be very important to make sure you are taking proper care of them. Most spills should be able to be cleaned up with warm, soapy water. Always avoid abrasive pads, and cleaners which contain bleach or ammonia. If you need a more powerful cleaner, look for one that is pH neutral.

Avoid dropping heavy items onto your countertops. Your concrete can be cracked and damaged. While hairline fractures can normally occur from the natural shrinkage of the concrete, they will not damage your countertops, and will even add interesting character lines.

The best part about concrete counters is that with proper care, they will last a lifetime. Unless you just want a different look, it is a project that you will never have to worry about doing again.  For more information about your options with concrete countertops, try checking out a site like http://www.claggett.net.