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Decorative Concrete

Concrete Countertop Inserts and Inlays

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(1 of 10)

Trueform Concrete in Rockaway, NJ

(2 of 10)

Natural elemants can be incorporated into countertops. Solid Solutions Studios in Fresno, CA

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Natural stone was inlayed in this counter. Absolute Concrete Works in Poulsbo, WA

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Trueform Concrete in Rockaway, NJ

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Small, colorful tiles were inlayed in the surface of this bar top to add interest. Solid Solutions Studios in Fresno, CA

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Trueform Concrete in Rockaway, NJ

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Absolute ConcreteWorks in Poulsbo, WA

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Alchemy Construction Inc in Arcata, CA

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Cheng Design Products Inc. in Berkeley, CA

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Trueform Concrete in Rockaway, NJ

Adding inserts or inlays is a great way to personalize a concrete countertop in a kitchen, bathroom, or even outside. Inserts are small stones or other materials that are mixed throughout the concrete to add interest to a countertop. An inlay is an object, such as a large rock, or other decorative item that is embedded in the surface of the countertop. Common items to insert or inlay are pieces of broken glass, tiles, metal, and family heirlooms. However, adding objects to concrete is all about creativity, so don't limit your options, just be sure to check with your contractor first.

When considering an inlay, the long-term durability must be considered. Because countertops experience a lot of wear and tear it is important to choose an object that will be able to stand up to this wear. It is generally not a good idea to embed fragile objects, or ones that will deteriorate quickly.

For the same reason, it is essential to have the countertop sealed properly with a quality sealer. This will provide extra protection for the inlayed item(s). Be sure to use a sealer that will not change to color of the object, it should be as clear as possible.

Cheng Concrete offers a variety of decorative inserts on their website. Each insert is a different semi-precious stone with a unique color that can be added to the concrete mix before pouring a countertop. These inserts are also known as decorative aggregates, because when the countertop is ground, they are revealed, just like natural aggregate. Decorative aggregates are simple more unique and eye-catching than the natural aggregate that is in all concrete.

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