Various forms of concrete make up the roads and sidewalks in every city and town in the country. This material is used in many different applications, including the foundation of your home. It consists of a mixture of Portland cement, sand and gravel aggregates, and water. There are many different types available for a multitude of different purposes. An application that is gaining popularity is countertops.

You may not think that concrete countertops sound very attractive or would look very nice. When you think of sidewalks and paths outside and imagine them on your kitchen counter, the image seems strange and certainly unattractive. However, there are different mixes available that can make this material a variety of different colors, textures, and shapes. Some mixes use white Portland cement to create different lighter colors. White Portland cement contains less iron and manganese oxides, which give normal cement its gray color. Pigments, stains, and dyes can be mixed with white cement to create a variety of colors. Various darker colors can be created using regular gray Portland cement. Another variation that can change the appearance of this material is the aggregate used in the mix. You can use coarse or fine aggregate, but the finer aggregate can have a greater effect on the color of the countertop. For decorative purposes such as countertops, cement is commonly mixed with aggregates such as quartz, granite, marble, and limestone to create a more attractive appearance.

The pigments used to create different colors for these types of countertops can come in various forms. Some pigments are in liquid form, which mixes easily with the cement mix to create a unique color. Other common pigments are in powder form but still work just as well. The surface can also be colored after pouring with stains or dyes.

Concrete countertops first appeared in the kitchens and bathrooms of some luxury homes, restaurants, and stores. Since then, it has become increasingly popular in smaller and more modest homes. This may be because there are so many color and appearance variations to create a unique countertop in every home. Another reason for its growing popularity is that it can be made into any shape you want by simply pouring it into a shape of that shape. There are many sealants available now to protect your countertop and change its appearance. You can choose a gloss sealer or a matte finish depending on the desired look.

Many people prefer the look of natural stone countertops, but concrete countertops can mimic many of those looks. This material can be made to look like granite or marble when properly designed, mixed, and finished. It is also more durable and stronger than many other common countertop materials.