Unless you have seen a concrete countertop, you might think it is an ugly slab of material that is porous and gray. But concrete countertops are as versatile and as colorful as their stone counterparts and more affordable and nothing like concrete blocks. In fact, concrete countertops can look so similar to their stone counterparts that some will not be able to tell the difference.

Concrete countertops are making a big splash in home decor because of the trend toward a more natural, stone appearance of countertops in kitchens and bathrooms. Many who cannot afford the more expensive granite or marble are moving toward concrete countertops.

You can find concrete countertops in almost as many colors as laminate countertops. Hues of blue, red and green along with the natural stone colors are available. Concrete countertops can be designed to match any kitchen or bathroom decor. Most concrete countertops are custom made, so you can put as much of your personality in it as you like regarding color, shape and design. Ask your contractor for samples of his work and don't be afraid to ask for something unique!

Many contractors will pre-cast concrete countertops at a shop. This allows them to use special tables and allows them to seal the concrete countertops in the shop. If a kitchen or bathroom has a peculiar shape or design, a contractor may chose to build the concrete countertops at the home to adapt to the edges and corners of the surface.

Concrete countertops must be sealed. This is so that the countertop will be stain-resistant. You will need to wax the concrete countertop every few months so the countertop can retain its shiny, new look. Be sure to read your owner's manual for instructions.

Concrete countertops are much stronger than any natural surface such as granite or marble. They are resistant to heat and scratches, meaning you don't have to worry if you accidentally set a hot pot or pan on the countertop. But if you want to cut vegetables, you will need to use a cutting board since cutting a concrete countertop will leave a mark. Newly installed concrete countertops can become warped if the temperature changes suddenly. Ask you contractor how to prevent this if you live in an area where temperatures are sometimes extreme.

Like most countertops, you need to avoid abrasive products when cleaning your concrete countertops. Make sure you wipe away all spills immediately. A mild soap should keep the concrete countertops looking like new. And as mentioned earlier, waxing is required every few months. Concrete countertops need to be resealed every few years. Check you owner's manual for exact specifications.

Concrete countertops range in price from $55 to $125 per square foot, since most of them are custom-made. You can find a qualified contractor in the yellow pages that will make and install your concrete countertops. Ask him to see a sample of his work before agreeing to sign a contract to install your concrete countertops.