About Me

Choosing a path in the arts

It's a bit of a myth that great artists are born great. Great artists need support and development by great teachers. I am really passionate about arts education, as I think it can be too easy for people to just look at the end result and forget all of the practise and training that goes into producing a great artist. This blog is all about demystifying arts education and showing how anyone can become a better artist. It will be useful for budding artists, but also for teachers and parents looking to inspire teenagers into further art education to improve their skills.

Choosing a path in the arts

4 Advantages of Poured Concrete Countertops for a Home

by Dylan Olson

When you're ready to have new countertops installed in your kitchen and bathroom, you may not have thought about choosing poured concrete. Many homeowners assume concrete is dull and grey and would make the inside of their home look very industrial and drab, but this just isn't the case. There are some very good reasons why poured concrete is becoming a popular choice for home countertops, and its appearance is one reason. Note why that is, and a few other advantages of poured concrete for your home's counters.

1. Appearance

Drab and grey concrete such as you see on the road and in parking lots is simply untreated; the concrete you would get for your home's countertops would be painted, stamped, stained, or otherwise treated so that it might resemble another material. The painting itself can make concrete look very attractive, and the surface can also be smoothed and buffed. Rather than getting a dull and industrial look, the right concreter can create a surface that is uniquely your own and very eye-catching. 

2. Durability and safety

Concrete is fire-resistant, which is another reason it's good to consider for your kitchen. If a fire should ever start on the stovetop or inside the oven, the concrete won't allow it to spread like wood countertops or some vinyl and laminate materials. Concrete is also sealed so it stays durable; you can often put a hot pan right on the surface without damaging it, and food won't leave stains. Talk to your concreter about how to protect your concrete countertops, but note that it can often be much more durable and less prone to staining and discoloration than other materials.

3. Sustainability

Concrete is made from materials that are easily harvested and which are abundant, including sand, gravel, and the like. Not only does this make it an eco-friendly choice, but remember that concrete is recyclable so you can know your countertops will not be put in landfills if you should ever decide to change them out. 

4. Versatility

Concrete can be used indoors and outdoors, unlike some kitchen countertop surfaces that are meant for indoor use only. If you're creating a look for an outdoor kitchen or grill area and you want it to match your indoor kitchen, using concrete as the countertops can allow you to have the same surface design in both spaces without worrying about the material being exposed to harsh weather, humidity, and the like.   

For more information, contact a company like Armstrong Creek Concreting & Outdoor Constructions.

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