Education is key

In November 2006, over 200 concrete countertop makers gathered for the first Concrete Countertop Industry Conference. Attendees traveled from across the U.S. and beyond to enjoy exhibits of the latest technologies for making concrete countertops and hear expert speakers on a wide range of critical topics.

The conference went a long way toward helping the industry grow, but it is imperative that more steps be taken to educate the design community and the general public about concrete countertops. Many homeowners have seen beautiful, custom concrete countertop designs in magazines. Designers love the uniqueness, texture, colors and design versatility. Then why don't designers and homeowners choose concrete countertops more often?

Price is an issue. Unlike concrete, natural stone products like granite are available at lower and lower prices. Availability is also an issue. People don't know how to find a qualified concrete countertop craftsman. And uncertainty is an issue. Designers and homeowners hear conflicting messages about concrete countertops: they crack, they are durable; they stain, they are trouble-free; they look like sidewalks, they are beautiful and artistic. What to believe?

The solution to all of these issues is education. Education of concrete countertop makers will raise the quality and reliability of the product. Education of consumers and the trade will increase the confidence of these groups in using concrete countertops. Some important points for builders, designers, architects and homeowners to know are:

* Concrete is cheap, but good concrete countertops are not. You get what you pay for. If you want to pay $24 per square foot, you can have an elevated sidewalk. If you are willing to pay prices in line with high-end, natural stone, such as $150 to $200 per square foot, you will get a beautiful, hand-crafted custom surface.

* A lot depends on the craftsman. Because there are currently no standards or certification for concrete countertops, it is extremely important to evaluate references and actual projects for any craftsman you are considering for hire.

* A lot depends on the sealer. Not all concrete countertops stain and require maintenance. A lot of what you read in magazines that seems like across-the-board properties of all concrete countertops is actually a property of a specific sealer used by the individual concrete countertop maker interviewed for the article.Talk to your local concrete countertop maker and find out exactly how his or her sealer performs, and then decide whether that performance meets your needs.

There are many skilled concrete countertop craftsmen throughout the country, and hundreds dedicated enough to attend a professional conference and better themselves through learning and networking. Concrete countertops can and will be a legitimate countertop choice for those who want a unique, custom look. Visit the Concrete Connections website at www.concretecountertops.net, and gain the confidence and knowledge to make, design with and use concrete countertops.

- Article by The Concrete Countertop Institute