Black Concrete Countertops: Everything You Need to Know

Black concrete countertops are a beautiful and unique option for your home.

Concrete counters’ popularity, in general, has been on the rise in recent years, and black concrete counters are a stunning option that will add a bit of drama to your kitchen.

If you’re thinking about installing black concrete countertops in your home, this blog post is for you!

We will cover everything you need to know about black concrete counters, from how they are made, to how much they cost, to maintenance.

We will also show you some gorgeous examples of black concrete counters in action.

What are black concrete countertops?

Black concrete counters are just what they sound like: concrete countertops that are black.

How are black concrete countertops made?

Black concrete countertops are either made by adding pigment to the concrete mix or by staining the finished concrete.

Colors of black concrete counters can range from deep black to charcoal grey.

The most popular black pigments are Carbon Black, Lamp Black, or Iron Oxide.

Carbon Black produces the darkest black results. It is also the most affordable.

Lamp Black is a bit more expensive but it will give the countertops a bluish tint.

Iron Oxide is the most expensive pigment. However, it is also the most versatile because Iron Oxide can create a range of colors, from black to brown.

The concrete mix is then poured into molds and left to cure. After the countertops have cured, they can be polished, installed, and sealed.

Concrete Stain

If you want to stain your concrete countertops to make them black, you will need to use a black, acid-based stain. Staining is often completed after the countertops have been installed.

The black stain will react with the calcium hydroxide in the concrete to create a black color. The depth of the black color will depend on how long you leave the stain on the countertop and how many coats you apply.

The best way to achieve an even black color is to do multiple thin coats, allowing the stain to dry in between coats.

Once the countertops are stained black, they will need to be sealed.

How much do black concrete countertops cost?

The cost of black concrete counters will vary depending on a few factors.

The first is the size of your project. On average, concrete countertops cost between $65 and $135 per square foot.

This means that black concrete countertops for a kitchen that is 50 square feet will cost between $3250 and $6750. If you DIY the project, you can expect to save 20% to 30% on the total cost.

The second factor that will affect the cost is the type of black pigment that you use.

As we mentioned before, Carbon Black is the most affordable option. Lamp Black is a bit more expensive, and Iron Oxide is the most expensive.

The cost of pigments ranges from $30 to $100 per pound, and the average kitchen project will use about five pounds of pigment.

The third factor that will affect the cost of your black concrete counters is the complexity of your project.

If you have a very simple design, the countertops will be less expensive than if you have a more complex design.

The fourth and final factor that will affect the cost is whether you hire a professional or complete the project yourself.

Professionals will charge between $50 and $100 per hour. An average-sized concrete counter project will take about 20 hours to complete.

Now that we’ve covered the cost, let’s talk about black concrete countertop maintenance.

Maintenance of black concrete countertops

Black concrete counters are a low-maintenance option. You will need to seal them, but other than that they are very easy to take care of. Simply wipe them down with a damp cloth and avoid using harsh chemicals.