Concrete worktops

[TheReturnoftheSmartArse]

Obviously I've Googled, but I'm pretty sure I'll get more honest opinions on MN!

I've always previously had granite worktops, but this time I'm thinking of going for concrete. It's got to be cheaper, right?!

So, wise MNers, opinions, please!! I think it looks really funky and can't think of any downsides. If they make roads from it, surely it is very durable?

I love them but I'm not sure they are cheaper than granite because they are far less common so fewer tradespeople to choose from and building the moulds takes a fair bit of time and know-how. Marking my place though as I'd love to have them if they are (relatively) affordable.

Well I'll get quotes for both and let you know, Lala.

might be the same as granite but you need to be careful with cleaning the concrete so you don't damage the polish. you can't use standard cleaners but have to use specialist stuff which leads me to think that the finish may also be damaged by various food stuffs on it.

we rented a flat with it in and it was a nightmare and i had to do some creative polishing with something i can't remember to hide the dulled polish

Oh no - I thought they would be almost maintenance-free .

our deposit was massive and the owner a nightmare and i had many sleepless nights about accidentally spraying the wrong cleaner on. left me in cold sweats. perhaps it depends on the finish? ours were highly polished

So did I. Ok, back to granite, I think!

Thanks, Hinky - good to know. I don't need more stress, especially with 3DCs and a DH who don't give a monkey's about keeping anything looking nice.

would be worth double checking what finishes are available. our LL had no children and was very particular a bit crazy so wouldn't surprise me if she had some high spec finish.

I don't know about the woktops but ordinary concrete is damaged by acids.

For example drips of condensate from a boiler flue will eat a hole in it and leave just pebbles and sand. Condensate is as acid as tomato juice, and not as strong as bathroom cleaning spray.

It also stains.

Can it not br sealed some way ?

The problem with sealing it, is that it probably needs re-doing every so often. And I'd probably forget ...

Also polished concrete worktop and floors are really expensive, we want them but can't justify the cost

Can you give me a ballpark figure Itscold - just so I can stop dreaming about them too

Concrete is waaaaaaaaaaay more expensive than granite. Otherwise I would have chosen it over quartz which was my other fave. If you want the look of concrete without the hefty price tag then maybe a concrete coloured solid surface might work in its place? I think staron sent me a passable colour sample. I also managed to get the most beautiful italian porcelain (Viva Nr.21 cemento) for my floor that is very concrete-esque.

I have concrete worktops and I hate them. They are stained, the surface comes off if you leave anything with a trace of dampness on them and they are impossible to get rid of if you decide you want new worktops because no one wants to deal with the mess, weight and complete hassle.

I'm sorry they're such a disappointment Odd. But thanks for your input as it may well have saved me from an expensive mistake.

Back to granite, I think ...

I would hate for you to make an expensive mistake!

I'm replacing mine with granite. Well, if I can find anyone to take the concrete ones out

Oh OddFodd, you've put me off too. I wish I could find a resin/quartz alternative that had that nice sludgy, slightly cloudy concrete look