Concrete has uses beyond its utilitarian roles. It can be transformed into virtually any shape. By adding color pigments, aggregates, and varying the surface finish, concrete becomes a one of a kind work of art for your home. The possibilties are endless.

The biggest advantage of concrete is that it can be completely customized. Everything from the shape, color, and texture can be created to fit your ideal design. Cost comparisons between materials should be done on a project-by-project basis; however, concrete provides many cost saving alternatives for the do-it-yourselfer.

Yes, absolutely. Style is dictated by design; concrete can adapt to any look. For example, edge detailing and decorative inlays can help a concrete counter blend into more traditional environments.

Concrete counters are allowed in food-service areas, but you should check with your local health department official first before starting any commercial project.

Outside use is possible. Consideration must be given to the wear and tear from weather and natural elements. Most iron-oxide pigments are color-fast, including the reds, yellows, browns, and oranges (as far as black, synthetic black oxide is more colorfast than carbon black). Greens are a bit more unpredictable, and blues (except for very expensive cobalt blue) are especially unpredictable when subject to UV rays.

As with marble or granite, we do not recommend cutting directly on a concrete surface, as it could result in scratches and gouges in the finish of your counter as well as harm the blades of your knives.

Concrete is heat-resistant but is subject to thermal shock if a red-hot object is placed directly upon it. Like granite, the exposed area may flake or chip away if too much heat is applied. In addition, the heat could damage the sealer and wax applied to the surface. We recommend using trivets for hot cookware.

As with marble and granite, concrete corners and edges can chip if struck by a hard object. Sealing and rounding the inside corners of the mold with silicone will ease the edges and prevent chipping. Hairline cracks can also develop, but these are not structural failures; rather, they are inherent characteristics of the material.

Concrete has approximately the same porosity as marble. Acids (especially red wine, lemon juice and vinegar) will etch the surface if not cleaned up right away. Sealing and applying a finishing wax to the counters will help them resist stains, but they aren't acid-proof and won't make your counter impervious to stains. Luckily, like aged butcher block or marble, a patina on concrete countertops can actually enhance the character of the surface, so a spill is not necessarily a disaster.