When remodeling your kitchen, a crucial feature is choosing the countertops. You want something modern, something sophisticated and something that reflects your personal tastes. But with so many different types of countertops out there, where do you even start?

Concrete countertops have been around since the 1970s but just recently they have found increased popularity in kitchen makeovers. And it’s not just a slab of sidewalk placed above some cabinets; the latest versions of concrete counters are sleek and stylish, adding some flair to that fantastic new kitchen.

Concrete countertops can be pre-cast or built on site. While you can do it yourself, it might be best to hire a contractor to make sure the work is done efficiently and properly. If the counter is pre-cast, the contractor will pour the concrete in the shop onto special casting tables and keep it in possession until it is completely ready. If it’s built on site the contractor can customize the counters with special edges or curved corners. Often the concrete counters are reinforced with steel or wire mesh. After the concrete counters are created they must be cured (a chemical reaction process between the water and the cement) then sealed.

A few reasons to look into the concrete countertop craze:

• They can be customized with special edges and angles
• Color can be added so they match in with your kitchen color scheme
• Materials like glass chips can be added for a sparkling effect
• Sinks, butcher blocks, drains and other countertop accessories can be integrated into the concrete counters, creating a seamless surface
• During the creation process, the counters can be given different types of textures
• Standard one-and-a-half-inch thick concrete slabs cost about $65-$125 per square foot (Which is about on par with granite)
• Concrete countertops are not any more difficult to clean than other types of countertops

While it’s not the best idea to cut or place hot pots directly on the countertop because this can cause damage, there are simple solutions for this. That’s why cutting boards and pot holders were invented, right?