We would be happy to help! Can you provide us with more information about your countertop so that we can give you the best tips! For example, concrete counter tops can be either porous or non-porous. Non-porous counter tops have been coated with a sealer, and while the concrete counter top is nearly indestructible the sealer can be damaged by certain cleaning products.

Thinking of installing concrete counter tops in rental property. Concerned about durability. Can hot pans be placed directly on it? Also, how does cost compare to other solid surfaces?

Hello maryriva,

All you should need is some warm soapy water. Dr. Bronner's, Ivory, diluted Simple Green, dish soap, etc.

Stay away from harsh chemicals or abrasives like Comet. There are too many sealer options to list. Whatever you have, you can wax your counters periodically with a carnauba based wax like Trewax.
You also want to avoid acid based cleaners that use vinegar or citrus.
Concrete is alkaline, the opposite of acidic. You can etch the surface with an acid.

Regards,
Vincent Cathcart
VC Studio Inc.
vince@vcstudioinc.com

Hello Rose Anne Krutt,

Not all concrete is created equal.

Make sure you connect with a fabricator that is knowledgeable and experienced. The concrete in a foundation will be around 3500 psi. A quality shop these days should be over 10K psi and closer to 15K psi.
In addition to being stronger, denser concrete is also more resistant to stains and etching even before sealers are applied. The standard mix we are using right now makes water bead up on the surface right out of the mold.

Concrete is very durable. The issue with hot pans in the past has been twofold.
One is that old school concrete contains various aggregates (stone and sand). If a very hot pot is set down and a stone below the surface heats up and expands it can pop loose and leave a chip. It would take a lot of heat. I have never personally experienced this.
Two is that most sealers will fail at 350 to 450 degrees. A pan that is too hot could leave a discoloration in the sealer. This is most often repairable.

Modern mix designs and sealers have overcome this. An all sand mix, especially glass or silica quartz, can take more heat than you can dish out. Unless you plan on taking a blow torch to your counters :-) New silica based penetrating sealers also seem to be impervious to heat.

Costs will vary depending on region and how close to major cities you are. If you are shopping at a box store concrete will be more. If you are looking at high end natural or man made surfaces concrete will be less to the same. An average range would be $85 to $115 sf. More if you are in the Bay Area or New York. Concrete is a labor intensive, artisan crafted product. Be very careful of a low bid. We get calls throughout the year from people asking us to fix someone else's poor work. High performance concrete is both an art and a science.

Regards,
Vincent Cathcart
VC Studio Inc.
vince@vcstudioinc.com