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The stain-resistant alternative to concrete countertops

Posted by Whitehall on 26th Apr

The growing popularity of concrete countertops

Concrete has made a comeback in the last decade. From retail stores and coffee shops, to home kitchens and furniture, you’ll now find concrete used extensively. It’s a sought after feature within contemporary interiors and product design.

This is partly due to the durability and low price point of concrete as a raw material. But it’s also down to the look and feel of the end product.

The industrial trend continues to be important within modern interiors. It’s a style that’s both chic and practical, making it a popular choice among homeowners.

Is the much-desired kitchen feature all it’s cracked up to be?

A quick browse through an interiors magazine or kitchen design board on Pinterest and you’ll start noticing concrete countertops everywhere. According to The Spruce, ‘few kitchen countertop materials are trendier at the moment than high-end concrete.’

However, as articles such as these note, there are a few downsides to investing in a concrete worktop. Despite its durability, concrete isn’t stain-resistant and is difficult to keep looking fresh. Although it’s incredibly cheap to make, concrete isn’t the easiest material to work with, either.

Main issues with a concrete countertop:

1. Porous and prone to absorbing stains – even when sealed
2. Lengthy fabrication process (it can take up to a month to fully set)
3. Heavyweight, requiring a strong base

For homeowners, staining is perhaps the most annoying factor, with everyday substances like olive oil likely to leave a mark on even sealed countertops.

In fact, Country Living Magazine described concrete worktops as ‘notorious for flaunting flaws,’ citing this as the most common complaint of those who own one.

So, what’s the alternative?

The good news is that synthetic solid surface manufacturers are wise to the appeal of concrete and have created non-porous alternatives. Materials like Corian® are available in colours that closely replicate the finish of a treated concrete countertop, like the Aggregate range pictured below.

These concrete-style solid surfaces come in a range of tones, are stain-resistant, repairable and extremely hardwearing. It’s all the benefits of concrete, without the hassle of staining.

For more information on what makes materials like Corian® so practical, take a look at this infographic: ‘The benefits of solid surface worktops.’

What’s more, synthetic solid surfaces like Corian® have relatively short lead times. The fabrication process at Whitehall starts from as little as two weeks for a bespoke Corian® countertop, from templating right through to installation.

Would you like to find out more about concrete-style Corian® countertops? Talk to our experts about incorporating one within your next kitchen design.

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