How Much Are Concrete Countertops?

Concrete countertops are durable, long-lasting, and highly customizable, making them an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a unique kitchen counter to last a lifetime.

Depending on the embellishments and features included, concrete countertops cost between $65 per square foot and $135 per square foot.

Concrete is one of the few counter materials that can be designed to look entirely to your specifications: size and thickness, color, edge details, shapes, inlays, and more are all up to you and the choices are almost infinite.

If you are ready to install new kitchen counters, contact your local installer for free countertop estimates.

How Much Do Concrete Countertops Cost?

There are many decisions that impact the price of concrete countertops. With its natural color and with a basic countertop design, concrete countertops can be an affordable option.

On the low end, basic looking concrete countertops cost $60-65 per sq.ft. These feature simple edges and the natural grey color of concrete. Concrete countertops cost between $65 per square foot to $135 per square foot. 40 sq.ft. of concrete countertops cost $2,600 – 5,400 including all materials and professional labor.

While very minimalist in their look, they are ideal for a contemporary or an industrial style kitchen.

Those looking for custom countertops, though, may find that concrete countertops are an excellent choice and may be worth the extra cost for a personalized touch.

For a truly unique concrete countertop, you can expect to spend at least $100 per square foot and the cost can go as high as $180 per square foot.

Here is an overview of the average prices for concrete countertops, comparing basic, mid-range, and high-end countertops.

	Basic	Mid-Level	High End
Cost	$65 – $100 per sq. foot	$100 – $135 per sq. foot	$135 + per sq. foot
Color	Non-custom color and finish choices	Larger, more diverse choice of color and finish options	Custom and multicolor options
Edges	Straight edges	Custom or decorative edge details	Custom edge designs
Decoration	None	Addition of integral aggregates or seeded aggregates	Specialized aggregate design
Shape	Basic	Custom shapes	Unique, custom shapes and thickness
Other	None	None	Creative casting techniques, custom drainboards, inlays, or trivets

You can use our Countertops Calculator to estimate material and installation costs for various countertop materials.

In addition to these costs, there are some other factors to consider that may alter the pricing of concrete countertops.

If your new countertop requires some changes to plumbing or appliances, it may cost extra $1,200-1,600+ to rewire appliances or move plumbing.

If you are replacing an existing countertop, watch out for the cost of removing the old counter, as it may not be included in the ticket price. This can run up to $1,000 depending on the weight and size of your existing countertop.

Installation is usually included in the price, but if not professional installation can average $40 – $50 per hour, so be sure to confirm with your contractor whether the cost of labor itself is already included in the price quote or not.

You can use our Kitchen Remodel Calculator to estimate your total kitchen renovation costs and figure out how much money you can allocate towards your countertops.

Cost of concrete countertops vs other materials

Compared to other types of countertops, concrete is in a middle of the price range.

The table below shows how concrete countertops compare in pricing compared to other options on the market, such as granite, quartz, marble and tile.

Costs are shown in dollars per square foot.

Material	Cost
Laminate	$20 – $50 per square foot
Tile	$20 – $70 per square foot
Synthetic Solid Surfaces (i.e. Corian)	$50 – $90 per square foot
Concrete	$65 – $135 per square foot
Granite	$70 – $175 per square foot
Engineered Quartz	$80 – $140 per square foot
Marble	$110 – $250 per square foot

Design upgrades that increase the cost of concrete countertops

While adding to the aesthetic quality of the concrete countertops, there are some design upgrades that may be draining the kitchen remodel budget at the same time.

If you are looking for ways to cut costs for your concrete countertops, here are some features or design elements that might be hiking up the cost of your counter.

Thickness: thicker concrete will increase the cost of countertops. Standard concrete countertop thickness is 1.5 to 2 inches thick, much like granite or marble countertops.

The thicker the concrete countertop, the more costly.

If the look of thick countertops is appealing but the cost is not feasible, contractors can create the illusion of thick countertops by adding a thick drop-over to the edge of countertops (although that will cost more, it will still be cheaper than building up a thick concrete counter).

Weight: An average 1.5 inch thick concrete countertop is 18.75 pounds per square foot. In comparison, granite is around 18 pounds per square foot.

More weight will increase costs. For larger countertops where too much weight might be an issue, weight can be kept low with lightweight cores or glass-fiber reinforced concrete.

Shape: Irregular or curved countertop shapes can hike up the price.

Custom edges: Concrete can be designed into almost any shape or mold, and can be rough, smooth, or patterned. High-end edges can be customized by the contractors, but incur additional costs.

Drainboards or trivets: If you decide to add drainboards or trivets to your concrete countertop, that will bring up the price.

Backsplashes: Concrete backsplashes can also increase the overall cost. Backsplashes can be made to match the countertop, or it can be made using different colors or designs.

Custom colors: with the three different coloring methods of concrete—dyes, acid stains, and integral pigments—choosing custom colors can add to the price. If you are set on choosing a custom color, dyes and stains are a more cost effective option than integral pigments.

Inserts and Inlays: While inserts and inlays can add a special personalized touch to concrete countertops, they also increase the price.

Special finishes: these can add the perfect final touch to concrete countertops — at an extra price, of course. Some options include marbleized or veined finish, wood grained finish, sanded or polished finish, and hand-troweled finish.

Fiber-optics: A high-end countertop design choice that will definitely increase the price is fiber optics. Fiber optics are strands of pure glass or plastic that carry light, lit by an illuminator, to create beautiful, unique, glowing designs.

Customization: There are almost infinite ways to personalize concrete countertops, and some will cost more than others. From metal shavings to car gauges, almost anything can be incorporated into concrete countertops to create a unique, personal touch.

There are some ways to reduce the cost of concrete countertops. If you are interested in additional designs but don’t want to incur large costs, look for green, recycled choices. Recycled glass or pieces of broken pottery or dishware can add beautiful and affordable flourishes.

Some contractors even use recycled waste materials for concrete countertops, which are a budget and an environmentally friendly option.

How Are Concrete Countertops Made?

To make concrete countertops, one must first make a mold for the counter. Then, cutouts in the mold must be made for the sink and other appliances.

After that, reinforcements are added, and then the curing process has to be closely monitored to ensure that there are no issues. The concrete is then removed from the mold and sanded or polished. Finally the concrete countertop is installed and sealed.

Top Features of a Concrete Countertop

● Good for inserts or inlays: many custom details and embellishments can be added to concrete countertops, both aesthetic and practical. There are many different types of inserts and inlays, such as shell, petrified wood, and iron.

● Shape variety: concrete countertops can be cast into a wide variety of shapes and sizes depending on the needs of your kitchen space. Curves and other irregular shapes are all a possibility with concrete countertops.

● Color choice: concrete counters can be made into almost any color or hue, as well as combinations of colors.

● Edge embellishments: concrete counter edges can be molded into an infinite array of designs. Rough countertop edges evoke a natural, rugged aesthetic whereas the popular roped pattern creates a sleek, refined look. The choices are endless, as contractors can even design custom molds.

● Stain resistant: with the proper sealant, concrete countertops can be resistant to food stains which is critical for a surface meant to be cooked on.

● Ages well: concrete countertops can develop a warm patina as they age, and aged concrete countertops have a unique, appealing character to them.

● Heat resistance: concrete has a naturally high level of heat resistance. However, be careful about not placing hot pots or pans directly on the countertop surface, as that can damage the sealant.

● Drainboards or rivets: integrated drainboards can be included in concrete countertops, such as slats cast into the countertop or slats with stainless steel rods.

Drainboards can also be made from a different color from the rest of the counter, or even a different material such as wood (or concrete designed to look like wood). Similarly, trivets can also be included, both as exposed steel rods or raised metal rods inserted into the concrete.

DIY Installation of Concrete Counters

Another budget friendly option is to install concrete countertops DIY, which can save you thousands. Some estimate you can install concrete countertops in a moderate-sized kitchen for less than a thousand dollars when going with the DIY approach.

However, be warned that installing concrete countertops is a much harder DIY project than some other home remodeling projects.

Precast counters are incredibly heavy and hard to maneuver, and can be extremely physically taxing. If the counter is not sealed properly, the sealant will be less effective and the countertop may stain.

Also, the mix has to be just right in order for the countertop to turn out well, and the specific mix consistency may depend on the specific kitchen environment.

Installing concrete countertops is a messy process, so be sure to cover and protect every inch of your kitchen before beginning and be prepared for a few days of an unusable kitchen.

Another limit to DIY is that achieving aesthetic, high-end results may be difficult for someone with limited experience working with concrete.

Professionals take years perfecting their craft, so you may not be able to achieve a high-end look on your first try.

Another factor to consider are the special tools that are required for installing concrete countertops. From paddler mixer drill attachments to melamine boards, there will be a lot of special tools that you will need to go out and buy for this project. Be sure to factor these into your DIY install cost.

Concrete Countertops Colors

Concrete countertops can be made in almost any color. While basic price countertops will have a limited range of available colors, high-end countertops have an infinite selection of colors to match your needs.

Basic concrete countertops colors (in addition to the original grey color of cement) are white, black and brown.

Color can either be mixed in with the concrete using internal pigments, or added to the surface of the concrete using stains or dies.

The coloring method using integral pigments has the widest variety of color options available. By blending pigments together, nearly any color can be achieved, making this method the perfect choice for someone looking for a uniquely colored countertop.

Integral pigment is a stable, reliable coloring method that will achieve uniform results throughout.

Another coloring option are acid stains, which are applied to the surface of the concrete and achieve their color through a chemical reaction with the concrete.

Coloring options with acid stains are more limited, but can be mixed and layered to achieve a more unique hue. Acid stains can result in uneven and unpredictable coloring if not applied by a professional.

Color fading can occur, since the coloring is only on the countertop surface, but the right sealant should keep the color intact for years to come.

Dyes, like acid stains, are applied to the surface of concrete. Dyes are offered in a wider range of colors than acid stains, and can also be used to supplement surfaces already colored using internal pigments or acid stains.

Like stains, dyes should be applied by a professional as the application is challenging. Dyes, as well as stains, can be used for accent colors or details in addition to the entire countertop.

Designing a concrete countertop: weight, thickness and size considerations

Concrete countertops are usually 1.5 to 2 inches thick. If the aesthetic look of thick countertops is desired, but the whole countertop cannot be made into the desired thickness, contractors can make countertops look thicker by adding a drop-front edge.

A 1.5 inch thick countertop will weigh around 18.75 pounds per square foot, compared to granite’s weight of 18 pounds.

Because the weight is broadly distributed, standard grade kitchen cabinets should have no issue carrying this weight.

However, if the countertop is particularly large, the weight may be an issue for both handling and installation. There are methods to reduce the weight, such as glass-fiber reinforced concrete, lightweight cores, and special reinforcement methods.

Glass-fiber reinforced concrete can reduce weight by up to 75%, because slabs are cast in thinner sections than those made with traditional concrete. Combinations of these methods can be used when needed.

The sizing of concrete countertops varies widely. If the countertop is large or with particular properties, seams and joints may have to be included to make handling and installation possible.

Seams and joints can be concealed with color-matching grout or a veined finish. Some contractors have even developed methods for seamless installations.

Can a concrete countertop be scratched?

Concrete countertops are vulnerable to scratches as well as stains. Because concrete is porous, it can absorb liquid or even bacterial growth, which is why concrete countertops often show stains and marks from food or general use. Properly applied sealant will keep this to a minimum, though.

Do Concrete Countertops Crack?

Concrete countertops sometimes develop hairline cracks. Luckily, the cracks tend not to be structural, and are caused by the concrete’s natural shrinking.

Many even consider the hairline cracks to be part of the special look of concrete countertops, given that they are the result of the natural aging of the counter.

Hairline cracks tend to form near sinks or other sources of moisture, because the concrete will regularly absorb moisture and then dry, leading to cracking.

However, if the cracks are bothersome aesthetically, they can be repaired. If not done well, repairing hairline cracks may result in a difference in color where the cracks were, and can be a difficult process, so hiring a professional to repair them is recommended.

Compare Concrete vs Other Countertops

	Concrete	Granite	Synthetic Solid Surface	Tile	Laminate	Engineered Quartz
Cost per Square Foot	$65 – $135	$70 – $175	$50 – $90	$20 – $70	$20 – $50	$80 – $140
Cast in Any Shape	Yes	No	No	No	No	No
Heat Resistant	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes
Color Variety	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Visible Seams or Grout Lines	Yes (unless seam filler is used)	Yes	No	Yes	No	No
Accepts Inlays and Inserts	Yes	No	No	No	No	No
Improved Appearance with Age	Yes	No	No	No	No	No
Stain Resistant	Yes (if sealed)	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Requires Sealing	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No
Appearance Improves with Age	Yes	No	No	No	No	No

Pros And Cons of Concrete Counters

Here is a brief summary of all the advantages and disadvantages that concrete countertops come with.

PROS

Concrete countertops are a great choice for those looking for a custom countertop that can be shaped, colored, and designed in near-infinite ways.

Concrete countertops can be designed to fit into any kitchen layout and are completely adaptable based on your needs. Inlays, inserts, and other personalizations make concrete countertops customizable and personal.

Concrete is also a durable choice. It resists scratches and stains well, and can withstand high heat. While it may develop hairline cracks over time, you are unlikely to have any issues with the long-term viability of your concrete countertop.

Another plus is that concrete countertops can increase the resale value of your home. Because they are considered a high-end building material for kitchens, a concrete countertop can increase resale value of homes.

CONS

The main downside of concrete countertops is the cost. While you may only associate concrete with the material used for sidewalks and roads, in homes it is a high-end building material and costs accordingly.

DIYing may be an option for bringing down the cost, but concrete is particularly difficult to fabricate and install, and is usually best left up to professionals.

Another downside is the maintenance. Concrete countertops need to be resealed regularly, at least yearly, or else they can be vulnerable to staining or scratching.

Another potential con is that the cabinets beneath the countertop may need to be strengthened in order to bear the weight of the concrete countertops, depending on the cabinets.

Tips On Maintaining Your Concrete Countertops

To keep the concrete countertops in good shape, it is important to know how to maintain and care for them. It’s important to avoid anything that can damage the sealant on the countertop, such as abrasive cleaners and scrubbers.

To clean concrete countertops, pH-neutral cleaners are a good go-to. Also, to prevent staining make sure to always use cutting boards and to clean up messes quickly to stop the liquid from seeping into the countertop.

Another important method of preventing stains is waxing, which should be done approximately monthly.