My Kitchen Update: Concrete Counter tops

Alright... so I've been blogging for nine months and haven't posted one single photo of my kitchen yet [for several reasons]. The main one is that it isn't finished. I have several more projects that I'd like to complete. However, I've been doing some soul searching and here's what I discovered: it may never be completely done [we started three years ago]. I have this thing where I always want to do one more project [and now that I'm on Pinterest I keep finding more and more fabulous ideas... so it's only going to get worse!] Therefore, I'm just going to document where we are now and you can join me for the rest of the journey! Sooo, let the pictures and projects begin!

We built our home almost seven years ago, and the whole thing was "contractor grade." [If you aren't familiar with the term, that's just fancy-speak for B-O-R-I-N-G]. About three years ago we decided to add a little personality to the kitchen, so the first thing to go was the plain-jane counter top. I've noticed that concrete counter tops are becoming increasingly popular these days, and with good reason.  Here's why we chose them: granite was definately popular and gorgeous... but not in our budget, soapstone was what I really wanted... but not in our budget, Corian countertops are super durable and beautiful... but not in our budget [are you sensing a pattern here?!] and last but not least... laminate made the budget but that's what we already had.

I wanted something cutting-edge, timeless and inexpensive. Hmmm. Sounds impossible, right?! [But it wasn't!] After much research, we decided to make our own concrete counter tops [and when I say "we decided," I mean "I talked my super hero hubby into it."]! Well, it's been three years since we completed the project, and I still LOVE them. The entire project ended-up costing less than laminate counter tops would have, so it was really a great economical choice.

However [and this is a big however], it was not an easy project. In fact, it was the hardest DIY project that we've ever done [ever, seriously... in the history of ever.]. Did that scare most of you off? Well, if you're still reading this then I'm assuming that you are you still interested. I have completed the tutorial post on How to Make Concrete Counter Tops, so check it out if you want to learn more! But first, I suggest reading the following pros & cons of having concrete counter tops:

 

 Here's an HONEST list of what I do and don't like about them after three years of wear and tear:

1. I love the way they look [in general]. A very solid, high end feel.

2. I love the cost. Less than laminate. Yea, I know. [That's a big one.]

3. I love that they are easy to keep clean.

4. I love that I don't have to worry about stains or spills [but mine are dark which helps].
5. I don't love that they can chip. I have several little chips in my countertop as I type this.
6. I love that I know how to fix the chips myself [bonus of a DIY project... you are your own handy man!].
7. I don't love that they can scratch. [I haven't tried to fix scratches yet, but I'll let you know how it works when I do.]
8. I don't love that they need to be resealled every-other year. [I haven't resealed mine yet... thus the chips and scratches.]
9. I didn't love that it was the hardest DIY project ever! But [much like childbirth], looking back it was totally worth it :)
That's all I can think of for now... I'll update this list if anything else comes to mind!