How do they compare price wise? From what I can find, Exquisite Concrete Designs is the only place in town that does concrete.

Any pros or cons I should know about either type of counter top?

From what I understand, marble is the most expensive and the most pain to take care of, but looks the nicest. I know it does well as wall siding. Countertops have different uses though, requiring care as to sealing and scratches, etc.

Granite is popular. Have to reseal it periodically but not as much a pain as marble. Very attractive and durable. Some concern regarding radiation as some "dirty" quarries in certain countries dig it out near uranium deposits. You can actually end up having highly radioactive granite in your house if you're not careful, from what I understand. It's all radioactive to one degree or other, I suspect, but some are worse than others.

Concrete has come a long way. Especially good for unusual counter shapes. Can be stained and needs to be sealed because it's porous, too. I don't think cracking is as big a problem as it used to be.

Probably the folks over on the home improvement board can give more info.

I did a lot of research on this topic when we were remodeling our kitchen. I initially planned to make my own concrete countertops, and even went as far as building a table to pour on. Unfortunately, life got in the way, and we ended up going with granite. I don't regret it one bit, though - it got done very quickly, and the cost was very reasonable. I actually don't think I would pay someone else to make concrete countertops - there are considerably more variables to deal with, and I would not feel confident that it was done correctly, given that some potential problems might not show up for several years. However, looking at someone's work might convince you that they're competent, and if that's the case, then having them made might be a great choice for you.

With concrete countertops, you've got to be ok with some change in the appearance over time. They will stain and wear, regardless of how you treat them. That can be a good thing, if you appreciate the weathered look.

A couple of sites you should look at:
http://www.chengdesign.com/geocrete-countertops.html
http://www.concreteexchange.com/

We have granite in our home and recently built a ranch house that we put concrete countertops in. I love the concrete for the ranch, not sure if I would like it in my everyday home though.

Regarding the radiation from granite, I heard the ones with pink in it are more prone to emitting such.

(save the pink bathrooms)

La Fours,

If we haven't spoken already, give me a call or shoot me an email. I can meet you at our showroom and show you the different options we have available for concrete countertops. There are many different ways to fabricate concrete tops. We can make them look like a rustic piece of concrete or a blend of colors and aggregates that does not resemble concrete at all.

Tom Jackson
Exquisite Concrete Designs
979-218-0174
Tom@ecdconcrete.com
www.ecdconcrete.com

What about cracking? With our obvious foundation issues, I'd assume settling would cause the counters to crack as well. Am I wrong?

I'm very anal and I know the cracks would drive me crazy.

quote:

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What about cracking? With our obvious foundation issues, I'd assume settling would cause the counters to crack as well. Am I wrong?

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Since the countertops aren't directly on the foundation like a floor, I wouldn't think cracking would be much of an issue. Do they use any kind of rebar in countertops when they pour them?

I had concrete counters in my master bathroom and kitchen when I moved in. Both had cracks. It was a foreclosure but I know the master bathroom was done professionally (had a lien on the house).
I have granite now and I enjoy the easy upkeep. There's a place in Bryan (towards OSR) that is good and fairly inexpensive.

I am going to put copper countertops in this summer.

I never knew ya had to worry about radioactivity... Geeze..

Guess I'll go for a synthetic stone when we finally get around to redoing the counter tops...

That will look nice Biggy, but be ready for the "stains" you will get (if you weren't already expecting it). You name it, pickle juice spash, a spaghetti speck, or even a non-suspecting lemon seed will strip any of the finish off your copper overnight. Unsuspecting acid from some fruit will leave you a nice outline too. LOL, but I like the rugged look.

There's some tests you can run, Mr. Shipwreck, to see if the granite you are considering is radioactive.

Here's another concern: radon, which is an odorless radioactive gas.

Snopes says, be afraid:

http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/granite.asp

Thanks for the info...

I think that place Tatum was talking about is called Old Stone on FM 2223.

Old Stone did our kitchen countertops (granite) and they look great. Their price was very competitive to others in the area so I'd definitely get a bid from them if you are considering granite.

Old Stone sounds right...
We also got a remnant piece for our Master Bath that was really inexpensive.