Concrete countertops are increasing in popularity and with good reason. Concrete is durable, versatile, affordable, and can be an eco-friendly option.
One reason that concrete is so popular is the homeowner/designer’s ability to create a counter that is unique in every way. Since the concrete is cast in a mold it can be shaped a variety of ways, as well as have items inset into it. Some things that homeowners have done with their concrete counters are:

• Inset shells, river rock, fossils, or sea glass
• Addition of broken pottery or china
• Laid in raised strips of stainless steel to hold hot pots and pans off the counters
• Cast in ridges, the concrete can have a built in drain board by the sink
• Kitchen sink can be molded into the concrete for a smooth integrated look
• A variety of colors used to create a design in the counter
• Create free form shapes

Concrete countertops are the only material that allows the homeowner to design any countertop imaginable. Here is a fantastic slideshow of design ideas.

The cost of a concrete countertop varies as much as the look of the counter does. Depending on where you live and what you choose you can expect to pay anywhere from $50.00 to $150.00 a square foot plus installation. If it will need to be shipped then the shipping cost will need to be figured in as well.

However the other side of that coin is the durability and longevity of the countertops. Laminate counters are inexpensive but you will need to consider replacing them every ten years or so because of wear and tear. Concrete counters will last the lifetime of the house.

Some counters are made in a factory and some are made on site. The process is the same for each of them.

• Casting molds are used. If the counter is to be freeform or an unusual shape the molds will need to be created specifically for that shape.
• Cement and a variety of additives are mixed together
• Reinforcement such as wire mesh is used to make the countertop more stable
• The counters are allowed to dry and cure
• The tops are then polished
• Counters are sealed and ready for installation

You can, if you have some confidence and a little experience with concrete, actually build your own concrete countertops. You will want to keep them on the simple side, unless you are a concrete wizard, however.
There are detailed instructions on how make a DIY concrete countertop at Natural Handy Man but here is the rundown:

• Build your forms
• Mix the cement, using a variety of additives
• Fill the forms
• Tamp down carefully
• Smooth with a trowel
• Allow to dry slowly
• After 48 hours remove from the molds

Finishing  and Sealing Concrete Countertops

• Round and smooth edges with an orbit sander and 100 grit sandpaper
• Etch the surface with muriatic acid and water mixed one ounce to one gallon
• Rinse with clear water and allow to dry
• Apply pigment/sealer/epoxy
• Sand smooth
• Was with bees wax or other food grade wax

Although saving a lot of money by making your own concrete counter might seem enticing consider the costs, and not just the financial one. The concrete can be difficult to work with, especially if you don’t get it mixed right. Hairline cracks can show up in your finished counter, or it can break apart.
Remember you will be working with an extremely heavy slab of concrete. Injuries can easily occur. If you are interested in building your own countertops but are unsure of your abilities consider using an experienced contractor. You may save money in the long run.