Homeowners interested in new countertops made of anything other than wood and laminates still have plenty of choices. Here at Bedrock Quartz, we specialize in natural stone. Our showrooms offer a complete range of marble, granite, quartzite, and quartz. We do not dabble in concrete countertops.
We mention concrete because some people believe it is essentially the same as natural stone. Truth be told, it’s not. Concrete and natural stone are quite different. In fact, their differences are not so subtle.
Not a Lot of Concrete in Utah
We don’t see a lot of concrete in Utah, at least in the kitchen countertop industry. Yet concrete is pretty popular in the American southwest. It has its pros and cons, just like natural stone. But here in Utah, we prefer the latter. There is just something wonderful about countertops made from granite, marble, and quartzite slabs. And because quartz can be made to mimic natural stone, it is also a pretty popular choice.
Concrete is a manufactured product comprising a combination of sand, cement, and aggregate. Countertop manufacturers also utilize dyes and pigments to give their concrete color. Natural stone slabs, on the other hand, are a product of nature. The companies we purchase our slabs from extract them directly from the ground.
Surface Appearance
Concrete and natural stone can differ quite a bit in surface appearance. You know what natural stone looks like. If you have been to any of our Utah showrooms, you know that natural stone countertops come in a variety of colors and shades. You also know that veining patterns run the gamut from the simple to the ornate.
Concrete countertops are rarely designed to mimic natural stone. If you want the look of natural stone without the price, you invest in quartz. Those who choose concrete also tend to prefer highly customizable shapes, colors, and textures that cannot be produced in any other way.
Because concrete countertops are poured in place, they can be virtually any shape. Countless dyes can produce endless colors and shades. Surfaces can be customized by stamping, polishing, or brushing.
Surface Porosity
The not-so-subtle differences between concrete and natural stone continue with porosity. Granite, marble, and quartzite are certainly more porous than quartz and laminates. But that’s why experts recommend sealing them. Marble is the most porous of the three natural stones we carry. So in heavily kitchens, it might have to be resealed more frequently.
As for concrete, it is even more porous than natural stone. That is one of the reasons it requires so much care and maintenance when used for infrastructure. In the kitchen, concrete does not need as much maintenance. But it still needs more maintenance than natural stone.
Despite relative porosity, concrete and natural stone materials are very durable. But natural stone has the edge here because of concrete’s propensity for developing hairline cracks and chipping at the corners. Then again, concrete is easier to repair.
A Final Word About Natural Stone
It is clear that both natural stone and concrete have their positive points. But overall, we believe natural stone is a better countertop material for the typical American home. It costs less than concrete, on average, but it still offers excellent durability, strength, and aesthetic beauty.
If you are in the market for new countertops, we invite you to visit any of our Utah showrooms. Here at Bedrock Quartz, we take immense pride in being a statewide leader in quartz and natural stone countertops. We would love to help you transform your kitchen with the perfect countertop material.
