Concrete Table Tops

Concrete tabletops are typically designed by hand. Because of the handcrafted nature, you'll pay more in labour than mass-produced options. However, compared to natural stone or designer materials, concrete tabletops are far more affordable and offer comparable durability — increasing the long-term value of your home.

Yes — sealers prevent water absorption and staining. Make sure you never place anything hot on the sealed surface to avoid ruining it. Food-grade sealers may be needed if the tabletop will be installed in a food prep area like a kitchen or bar.

When properly sealed, concrete table tops are easy to manage. Use a pH-neutral cleaner and never use rough scrubbing pads or abrasive cleansers — they damage the sealer.

If cut directly, yes — it will indeed cause minor scratches. Use a chopping board. The good news is that damage is limited with the sealer on top, which makes most scratches repairable.

Natural shrinkage will cause minor cracks to appear. However, they do not affect the structure of the concrete table top — in fact, shrinkage can enhance its character. They become part of the look.

Absolutely! Contrary to popular belief, concrete can take on different styles. Concrete tabletops are completely customisable — you can select the colour, shape, embeds, and edge profile you want. You can replicate the appearance of granite, marble or other materials while keeping concrete's durability.

Concrete is a material known for its durability — historical structures like the Coliseum, Pantheon, and Pompeii still exist today. Concrete tabletops can be reinforced with glass fibres for added strength. The concrete finish can also be heat-resistant, useful for kitchen counters where you could place hot plates.

Not really. Counters made from concrete are made to last for years — though they can be vulnerable to stains if not sealed properly. The key is in the sealer. Wipe away spills and messes when you see them so they don't stick. Unlike tile, there are no grout lines to worry about cleaning.

Custom countertops do take time — at least a few weeks for design, mould building, casting, curing (18+ hours minimum), and sealing. You'll also need to wait before you can use the tabletop for food preparation. If you're pressed for time it may not suit your schedule.

The general process: mould building using melamine-coated particleboard, mixing the concrete with the formulated benchtop mix, careful pouring, trowelling, tamping to remove bubbles, curing under plastic sheeting for at least 18 hours, demoulding by pulling from the edges, sanding/finishing, and finally sealing.