If you've looked at the data of cost vs. resale of kitchen and bathroom remodels in Phoenix, or simply recognize it's time to reinvigorate one of these home areas, you'll quickly realize that countertops are some of the most important parts of the remodeling process. They, along with cabinets and floors, affect both the function and look of your kitchen and baths. Moreover, if these areas haven't seen any attention in a while, it's likely you've been dealing with a damaged or faded laminate counter well past its prime. As the latest countertop trend, and quickly becoming one of the more popular materials, concrete offers the type of counter that homeowners covet.
Stunning Looks and Versatility of Concrete Countertops in Phoenix, AZ
Perhaps the greatest and most overlooked quality of a concrete counter is the decorative options. Between acid staining and other finishing methods, you can create a counter literally of any color or texture you can imagine. Stone and laminate imitations are easy and popular. One of the more creative finishes we've seen is distressed leather, but there is no limit to what concrete can be. That said, you may need to network a little more closely with a Phoenix countertop contractor, as the nature of concrete counter installation makes it less available for convenient samples.
Great Performance of Phoenix Concrete Countertops
Laminate counters can appropriate the same looks of stone and solid surface as concrete, but only by sacrificing performance. Concrete counters, on the other hand, can match and sometimes surpass the performance of stone counters and solid surface materials. You should feel comfortable using it as a cutting board and setting all but the hottest pots and pans on it for short periods of time. To this end, it's not uncommon for homeowners who chose a beautiful laminate counter in years past and have liked the look to install a concrete counter of similar appearance.
Because concrete is porous, it can be stained. This singular downfall is common to many stone counters as well but can be minimized with high-quality sealants. In any case, as long as you don't leave wine, oil, and the like to sit on the counter for an extended period of time, your counter should be fine. In fact, with a bare minimum of care, your concrete counter will be the last one you ever need to install.
Cost of Concrete Counters in Phoenix, AZ
No matter how you slice it, a concrete counter isn't a cheap countertop alternative, although it does have slightly different factors that influence cost. Concrete as a material, for example, is relatively inexpensive. Rather the transportation, pouring, and finishing/fabrication of the counter and the accompanying labor accounts for a larger portion of the cost than other countertop materials. This means that, while countertops are still generally priced per square foot, the larger the countertop space, the more cost-effective it may be in the end. This is particularly true if you can find a competent, reliable concrete counter installer. The choice of your design and finish will also affect the labor demands and the overall cost. In general, concrete countertop installation will probably be comparable to stone or solid surface counters, but may trend either higher or lower given these factors.
Phoenix Concrete Counter Contractors
Owing to the fact that concrete counters are relatively new, and there's a shortage of skilled concrete workers in general, you'll need to do your homework finding a qualified professional of concrete counters in Phoenix. Many out there may falsely claim to have the proper expertise and experience. ServiceMagic eliminates this danger by putting each and every contractor through a rigorous 10-step screening process that eliminates shady contractors. Of course, you shouldn't take any chances, and our quality-controlled online ratings and reviews will allow you to see what other Phoenix homeowners thought about their experience with various contractors.

Marcus Pickett is a professional freelance writer for the home remodeling industry. He has published more than 600 articles on both regional and national topics within the home improvement industry.