Kitchen countertops are available in a variety of finishes, and polished finish is one of them. Polished countertops are shinier and reflect more light than other finishes available. Also, the colours are deeper and more saturated, and the patterns appear clearer to the eyes.
On the other hand, countertops with flat and honed finishes are less shiny and reflect less amount of light. They look just as beautiful, but the colours are less rich, and they are suitable for people who have a little dull finish for their kitchen.
Both the polished concrete and granite countertops and flat finishes have their advantages and disadvantages. This post shares the pros and cons of polished concrete countertops for the kitchen.
If you’re looking for ideas for pairing high-quality kitchen countertops with cabinets, be sure to check out this Caesarstone guide.
Pros of polished concrete countertops
Shine
Polished Concrete countertops have a glossy shine that reflects light. Due to the shine, the countertops appear bright, and the colours look more vibrant. Polished countertops can improve the visual appeal of any kitchen.
Suitable for low light
Polished countertops are suitable to use in low-light areas as they reflect the light and appear shiny. Homeowners don’t need to install a ton of light in their kitchen if they prefer installing polished countertops on shelves or islands.
Enhance aesthetics
The polished finish is considered the finest for kitchen countertops as it enhances the elegance and richness of the kitchen interior. The way to improve the aesthetics of a kitchen has made polished concrete countertops a sign of opulence and splendor.
Moisture resistant
The polished finish helps seal the pores on the surface of the concrete, which makes it stain-resistant and easy to clean. Moreover, the sealed pores and polished layer resist the water from entering the concrete, which makes it water-resistant.
Perfect for practically any residential kitchen space
A kitchen is a place where food spills are common. Food spills can attract bacteria. A polished countertop does not harbor bacteria, which makes them perfect for kitchen use as it is a place homeowners need to keep clean and germ-free.
Scratch-resistant
Polished countertops are made hard and scratch-resistant. They can withstand hard materials without developing scratches on their surface. This is especially helpful in kitchens where knives and sharp objects are used daily.
Best for undermount sinks
Polished countertops are perfect to use as platforms for undermount sinks. Crumbs and spills can be wiped directly into the sink instead of getting caught on the lip of a surface mount sink. The sink hole is cut and polished to match the shape of the chosen sink.
Durability
As they are made of the same concrete that is used for making buildings, there is no doubt about the durability of the countertops. Other than the polished layer on the top, the concrete countertops are highly durable and suitable for kitchen use. They can withstand the weights of kitchen equipment and are resistant to spills and moisture.
Chemical resistant
Chemical resistance is a term used to describe the ability to resist chemicals. Chemical resistance is high in concrete countertops. Acids and bases are harmless to the substance. However, frequent usage should be avoided because some chemicals will wash away the polish over time, necessitating re-polishing to bring back the shine.
Cons of polished countertops
Expensive
Polished concrete requires more grinding to make the polish adhere properly. Moreover, it requires many other processes before polishing. The additional processes and the polish itself add to the cost of countertops. Therefore, polished countertops are more expensive than other types available.
Need cleaning
As the kitchen is the place most prone to spills, edible oils, and acidic foods, if left for too long, can damage the polish affecting the shine. Acidic foods can ruin the beauty of polished countertops. Therefore, any spills need to be wiped off immediately to retain the shine and finish of the surface.
May require maintenance
The amount of maintenance a polished countertop requires depends on how it is used. The more harsh usage will require more frequent cleaning and maintenance. For example, a polished countertop that is cleaned daily and immediately after spills will require less maintenance than the one that is cleaned once a week.
Homeowners that want a low maintenance material for their countertops may want to opt for high-quality quartz instead.
Heavy material
Concrete is a heavy material, and polished concrete countertops can put access weight on kitchen slabs. Homeowners may need to install support under the countertops, especially while building a kitchen island.
Scratches may be visible
Polished concrete is not a material that can be scratched easily. However, if scratched by sharp objects, the scratches can stick out and will be visible on the surface. It is also difficult to repair the scratches on a polished surface as the process will require scraping, polishing, and buffing again. Removal of scratches with all the processes can lead to expensive costs when done by a professional.
Hard to repair or replace
Although concrete is a highly durable material, there is no guarantee that it will never damage. If a part of the countertop is damaged, it may need replacement. The same finish and colour may not be available when someone needs it for repair or replacement in the kitchen.
Spots and fingerprints
The polished countertops make the spots from food spills, water spots, and fingerprints more visible than the honed finishes. However, for people who clean and wipe off the countertops several times a day or on a daily basis, this won’t be a major issue.
Not suitable for low light areas
Homeowners who need to install countertops in a kitchen or hall with low light areas may not see the full shine of polished finishes. Also, polished countertops reflect less light and may appear less shiny in the low-light areas of a house.
Polished concrete countertops vs granite countertops
Concrete:
- Scratch resistant
- Customized tinting
- Stain resistant when sealed
Granite:
- Natural stone
- Good heat resistance
- Low maintenance
Conclusion
There you have it — the polished concrete countertops pros cons for modern kitchens. Polished concrete countertops can be a great addition to any kitchen.
Whether used on shelves or on islands, it can create a great visual appeal for the entire space. With low maintenance and ease of cleaning, polished countertops are a good choice for homeowners with a busy routine. Not only do these countertops improve the aesthetics of the kitchen, but when used in other areas can enhance the overall value of a property.
