Concrete
experts
Don’t let the name fool you; concrete countertops look nothing like the sidewalk you’re stepping on. Because most concrete countertops are poured on site, the possibility of a one-of-a-kind look is at your fingertips. Experts can stamp, stain, or pigment concrete to attain certain looks, colors, and styles. Stamping is offered in a wide variety of patterns and styles, applied while the concrete is just soft enough to receive it; while staining techniques use acid to create the look of marble, natural stone, leather or wood!
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When choosing your countertop, it’s important to consider budget, style, and function. This new addition should last you at least 20 years (100 years if you choose a natural stone), so be confident and educated in your choice! If you fall in love with a material outside of your budget, explore cutting edge options that are able to mimic the look you want. If you’re a growing family that loves to cook, be sure to choose a durable material that can keep up with your lifestyle. If you fall in love with other elements first, like flooring or cabinetry, know that there’s a perfect complimenting countertop at your fingertips.
TRENDS
Long gone are granite days, and quartz now reigns as number one in both kitchen and bathroom countertop options. “It’s antimicrobial, scratch, and heat resistant, non-porous, super easy to clean, and doesn’t require a seal—it’s practically indestructible!” Jackie Embry, Showroom Manager at HT Home Design in Stockton says. The move to quartz countertops is part because of its ability to mimic the very desirable marble look. However, stone marble in its natural state is extremely porous, making it a non-friendly option for a high traffic area. So, quartz’s vast marble-color options teamed with its durability make for a solid win!
CUSTOMIZATION
When considering your bathroom countertop, first decide if you’re going custom or pre-made. Custom vanities with custom countertops allow for mix and match between a vast variety of countertop materials and sink options, while pre-made vanities can be limited, as Toni Cooper, a designer at HT Home Design explains. “Custom and pre-made vanities are about the same in price, except with custom you have to pay for the finish, and that’s where it gets a little more expensive,” she explains. But fear not if you’re on a tight budget! Pre-made vanities come in many shapes, sizes, and material combinations.
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