While pretty, butcher block countertops require much more maintenance than their marble or stone counterparts. On average, this kind of re-treating must be done once a year, but it also depends on how you use the countertop. The positive is that, if maintained properly, these countertops can last a very long time.
It’s no wonder butcher -block countertops are a constant in cozy cottages and rustic farmhouses alike. Since wood is so neutral, many homeowners mix with other materials: You could install all butcher -block countertops, incorporate a built-in cutting surface, or opt for a butcher -block island instead.
Durable and Strong – Concrete on its own is durable and strong. As a hard surface, it naturally resists scratches and chipping. Heat Resistant – As long as the proper sealer is used, concrete countertops are heat resistant. As a result, they can withstand heat from warm pots and pans.
As long as your concrete countertop is properly sealed, it should be as easy to clean as a laminated countertop surface. As a general rule, use a pH-neutral cleaner and avoid the use of aggressive scrubbing pads or abrasive cleansers that can wear away the sealer. See these concrete countertop stain removal tips.
Concrete is one of the greenest, most environmentally friendly materials on Earth. Use an Eco -Friendly Mix: Replace some of the cement in the countertop mix with industrial waste byproducts such as fly ash, slag cement and silica fume.
Concrete is one of the greenest, most environmentally friendly materials on Earth. Make Sure Your Countertops Are Made in a Green Manner: Other strategies for protecting the environment include reusing molds and form making materials, using water-based products, reclaiming and recycling water, and more.
Concrete is a porous material, so it tends to be more susceptible to staining than granite. Some claim that concrete is heavier than granite, and that even cabinets that are strong enough to support a granite countertop might buckle under the weight of concrete.
Both granite and concrete are more heat-resistant than laminate countertops or even surfaces such as quartz. Sealed granite is much more heat-resistant than sealed concrete.
Depending on the exact size and design of your countertops, you can achieve a smooth seamless concrete surface. Concrete countertops are easy to clean as long as they’ve been installed and sealed properly.