How Much Does It Cost To Put In Concrete Countertops?

Concrete countertops are a mainstay in many modern kitchens thanks to the material's impressive durability and ability to be poured and shaped to meet the demands of your space. However, like other types of premium countertops, concrete countertops can be a pricey investment. According to HomeAdvisor, concrete countertops cost $2,100 to $4,000 on average to install, or between $50 – $125 per square foot when poured on-site. However, most concrete countertops are precast by professionals in a controlled environment, explains Remodelista, before they are installed in a kitchen, for instant industrial-chic appeal.

There are a number of ways to customize concrete countertops to meet the stylistic and practical needs of a modern kitchen. From polishing, staining, and acid staining, to more unique customizations, crafting a unique look for your concrete countertops will usually mean a higher up-front cost. Read on to learn about the most important factors that will determine the overall cost of your kitchen's new concrete countertops.

From the size of your concrete countertop to its thickness and finish, there are a wide variety of factors that will determine your total cost of investment. In fact, even your geographic location will come into play when planning your budget for a new concrete countertop.

Size of the countertop

Naturally, the size of your concrete countertop will be one of the most important factors that determine the cost of your investment. Although the cost of labor accounts for far more than the cost of materials when installing concrete countertops, a large, thick concrete countertop will require more labor than a small, thin one.

Professional installation vs DIY

If you've got the time and expertise to DIY your concrete countertop installation, installing your new countertop yourself can save you a lot of money. According to Angi, installing a concrete countertop yourself costs around $8 – $15 per square foot on average. However, a DIY concrete countertop installation will require a lot of tools and supplies, including framing lumber, mixing tools, and quite a bit of plastic sheeting.

Geographic location

If you're seeking professional help with your concrete countertop installation, your geographic location will also come into play. Due to supply and demand, areas with lots of competing concrete countertop installation services will be considerably cheaper than areas with comparatively few businesses that offer that service.

Design

According to Angi, concrete countertops with a unique shape or design are substantially more expensive to implement than a basic rectangular countertop. Unfortunately, this is a factor that some homeowners may not anticipate since the cost of natural stone countertops is less affected by these types of design considerations.

One thing that homeowners love about these countertops is concrete's ability to be finished and customized in a number of appealing ways. However, those who opt for aesthetic finishes will need to increase their budget, since a customized look will lead to an elevated price tag.

Color

Unlike many countertop materials, concrete can be colored for a truly one-of-a-kind aesthetic. According to Angi, colored concrete is a fairly inexpensive way to upgrade the look. Coloring will add around $4 to $6 per square foot on top of the cost of a neutral-colored concrete countertop. That being said, choosing vibrant colors will cost you more than a subtle one.

Finish

While a basic concrete countertop will likely cost you under $100 per square foot (per HomeAdvisor), many homeowners choose to have their countertop stained or polished in order to protect its surface or make it look more appealing. While colored concrete probably won't set you back too much compared to a basic concrete countertop, polished or stained concrete countertops can increase your costs to $150 per square foot.

Customizations

According to Angi, if you are seeking to customize your new countertop with something like a concrete sink, it will likely increase the cost of your countertop by $1,000 to $2,000. Other handy features, such as integrated drying racks and waterfall legs will lead to a significant increase in labor costs, per Trueform Concrete.

Concrete countertops are fairly versatile in terms of color, finish, and unique customization. While upgrading the look will increase the overall cost of your investment, it can also protect the countertop and help it complement your existing decor.

Basic concrete countertop

A basic concrete countertop without any finishing treatments tends to cost around $100 per square foot, explains Angi. While many homeowners prefer to have their concrete countertops sealed or stained, basic ones stand out for their industrial, utilitarian look. As such, they don't draw attention away from the other stylistic flourishes that are present in a modern kitchen and look great with a wide variety of surrounding decor.

Colored concrete countertop

Colored concrete countertops feature the same natural texture as basic countertops, but give homeowners the ability to fully implement their countertops into a space's design and color scheme. According to Angi, colored concrete countertops cost around $104 to $106 on average per square foot.

Stained concrete countertop

According to HomeAdvisor, opting for stained concrete countertops can cost homeowners around $100 to $150 per square foot. However, stained concrete countertops can feature a wide array of unique designs and textures to set them apart. That being said, the design that you choose will influence the cost, and more elaborate designs come with a heftier price tag.

Polished concrete countertop

Having your concrete countertop polished is a great way to achieve a smooth, finished look. On average, having your concrete countertop polished is about the same cost as having it stained (per HomeAdvisor), so a polished countertop shouldn't set you back much more than $150 per square foot.

Although investing in concrete countertops can be a hefty investment, there are plenty of reasons to take the plunge. Whether your existing countertops are damaged beyond repair, or you're looking for a versatile countertop material to gel with your home's redesigned look, concrete countertops have a lot to offer.

Your existing countertops are damaged

Perhaps you placed a scalding hot pan on your laminate countertop, or your granite countertops are finally starting to show their age. Whatever the case may be, damaged countertops can turn a stunning kitchen into an eyesore. If you choose to buy concrete countertops, you can rest assured that you're investing in a premium material that is made to last.

You're upgrading your countertops

Even if your countertops are still in pretty good condition, premium concrete countertops can definitely give your kitchen a more alluring feel when compared to budget-oriented alternative materials. Also, unlike many natural stone countertops, concrete can be poured in unique shapes to give your kitchen a truly modern look.

You're redesigning your home

If your home is undergoing a bold redesign, concrete is the best premium countertop material that can be poured using any color you desire. While bold custom colors and unique personalizations will likely increase the amount you pay to $135 or more per square foot, per Concrete Network, concrete is a versatile option for those wanting their kitchen or bathroom countertops to have a style as bold as their own.

To boost property value

If you are planning on moving home, new concrete countertops may help you to sell your property well above the asking price. Kitchens and bathrooms are often the most heavily-scrutinized rooms, so high-quality concrete countertops that seamlessly blend with surrounding structures can be a massive purchasing factor for many prospective homeowners.

Like other premium materials, concrete comes with a lot of benefits when installed by a professional. Not only will it outlast many other types of countertops, but concrete countertops are also surprisingly simple to maintain for long-term performance.

Easy to maintain

While some people consider concrete a more difficult material to maintain than natural stone countertop materials, the truth is that keeping your concrete in great shape is no difficult task. According to CounterTop Guides, resealing your concrete countertops every two to three years can be done quickly and easily without the need to hire a professional.

Lasting durability

Concrete is an incredibly durable material (it's probably supporting cars on your driveway as you read this), so investing in concrete countertops definitely gives you peace of mind. Accidents are known to happen around the kitchen, but concrete's ability to resist breaking, chipping, or staining can save you from costly repairs down the line.

Withstands heat

According to Angi, concrete countertops offer excellent heat resistance, especially when compared to materials such as wood or laminate. As such, you won't have to worry so much about placing hot pans or plates onto your countertop. If you've dreamed of the day you can finally throw your trivets out for good, concrete countertops might be a natural upgrade for your kitchen.