Credit: ©iStockphoto.com/lee truong
READ MORE ABOUT:
Touted for their eco-friendliness, what's the real scoop on concrete in the kitchen?
It seems to be the "in" countertop material for now. The popularity of concrete counters is understandably on the rise. This durable material is affordable, beautiful, versatile, and can be a very eco-friendly option. So if you are ready to design your kitchen, or at least replace countertops, read on.
Why All the Designer Love?
There are a lot of reasons that concrete is a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom counters. It lasts forever and can be colored in an almost unlimited variety of ways but there is something much more appealing from a designer's standpoint.
Concrete counters allow the designer to create a completely unique counter. It can be cast in almost any shape and have other materials added to it for aesthetics as well as efficiency. For example, sea shells or fossils can be added to the wet concrete to create a natural look. Some people have used sea glass or even broken china.
On the efficiency side you can have raised strips of stainless steel to create a place to set pots and pans without it affecting your counters. Some designers have created a built in drainboard for cleaning sinks by molding ridges into the concrete. There are unlimited possibilities.
And, when you redecorate the concrete can be recycled for pure Cradle to Cradle simplicity.
But Are They as Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly as They Are Supposed to Be?
It all sounds good on paper (or computer screen as the case may be) but are the counters really as good as they are said to be?
They can be but not every company is churning out eco-friendly, non-toxic, socially responsible concrete counters. Like anything else you have to do your homework. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect counters.
- Check the company. This is always a great place to start. Do you want to support it with your hard earned cash?
- Check the ingredients. There are a variety of things that can go into the making of concrete. Some of them might release toxins into your home. Check the dyes carefully, they are often the problem if there is going to be one. Always check with the company about what ingredients it uses and where it gets them. A lot of concrete has a large percentage of post consumer waste.
- Make sure that the sealers used are non-toxic. All concrete countertops have to be sealed.
- Some companies are better than others from a social aspect. With the ready availability of information on the Internet it is a simple matter to do a search on the company to find out almost any detail imaginable including employee and consumer safety issues.
A Little More About Concrete
According to Concrete Network, the production of Portland cement is energy intensive. Since about 12% of most concrete is Portland cement you may want to find an alternative mix. Many mixes are now using fly ash, silica fume, and other industrial waste by-products to replace some of the Portland cement.
How Concrete Counters Are Made
Making a concrete kitchen counter, or even bathroom counter, is accomplished by the same method. The shape of the counter must be decided and a mold made. If the counters are going to be a standard shape, such as rectangles then no new mold will need to be made. The cement and other additives, such as color or glitter, are mixed together with water. Reinforcements like wire mesh will be added to help stabilize the counter top. After this the counters are put aside to dry completely and cure.
Once this has happened the counters are polished and are ready to be put in place.
Other Things to Consider
Concrete countertops are heavy. Especially if you have a pier and beam home you may need to have a extra supports put in place. Be sure to talk to your contractor about this. If you plan on making your own concrete countertops then it would be a good idea to have an inspector evaluate your home's support system.
You may also want to consider the longevity of concrete. These counters are going to last close to forever. In many ways this is good but if you end up hating them it can be devastating. Be sure that you like concrete counter tops. Try to find a retailer that has them on display or, better yet, a home that has them installed.
Touch the countertops and make sure you like the feel of them as well as the look of them. Rest your hands on them and imagine rolling out dough or chopping. If you are going to have the countertop for the next 100 years it is important that you like it.
Planet Green Video: Recycled Concrete
Read more eco-friendly home décor ideas
More on Kitchen Countertops
How to Go Green: Home Renovation
Where to Get Green Home Products and Building Materials
Kitchen Cabinets
-
- {}
