A Guide to Concrete Countertop Colors

See color options and compare techniques for coloring concrete countertops
Updated May 29, 2020


Concrete countertop color samples. Buddy Rhodes Concrete Products in Macungie, PA.

WHAT COLORS ARE AVAILABLE FOR CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS?

When it comes to color options, concrete offers nearly limitless possibilities—shades of white, gray, brown, red, blue, yellow, green, orange, black and more can be created. So, if you’re looking for something to add drama to your home or want a countertop that complements your restaurant’s theme then look no further.

Find a contractor specializing in concrete countertops near me.

HOW ARE CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS COLORED?

Color can be applied throughout the entire mix with integral pigments, or applied to the surface of cured concrete with stains or dyes. There are different brands of pigments, stains, and aggregate colors, so concrete countertops will always be unique.

  • Integral pigments offer the widest range of colors and are suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Pigment is blended into the mix, imparting color throughout the entire countertop. Nearly any color can be achieved by blending pigments together, allowing skilled craftsmen to color match, although this is not an exact science. In most cases, custom colors or color matching will be more expensive than standard colors. Pigments are stable colors and offer consistent and dependable results as long as measurements are precise. Since they are mixed throughout the entire batch of concrete, a substantial amount of product is required.
  • Acid stains are applied to the surface of cured concrete. Stains are available in a limited range of colors, but can be mixed and layered to expand the possibilities. Acid stains form their color through a chemical reaction with the concrete. Stains are best applied by professionals, because the results can be varied and unpredictable due to their reactive nature. Since stains are applied only to the surface of the countertop, repeated abrasion can wear down the color, but sealers can prolong the life of the color. Acid stains are UV stable and can be used on indoor or outdoor countertops.
  • Dyes are available in a wider range of colors than stains and can be mixed and layered creating numerous possibilities. Dyes are applied to the surface of cured concrete and can also be used to enrich surfaces that are already stained or integrally pigmented. Water- or solvent-based formulas are available. A UV sealer should be applied to protect the color, as not all dyes are UV stable. As with stains, dyes can be tricky to apply. Both dyes and stains can be used in specific areas as accent colors or with stencils to create designs. Dyes and stains can be more cost effective than integral pigments, as a little product can go a long way.

Whether your countertop is integrally pigmented, stained or dyed, make sure it is sealed well so food and beverages won’t alter the color.

Shop for Coloring Products


Z Aqua-Stain UV

Non-toxic, water based stain for counters

Universal Pigment Pack

Stock 5 base colors to create 20 custom colors

Z Terra-Tint

Iron oxide integral pigment

Find concrete countertop mixes and supplies.

WHITE COUNTERTOPS

Another popular color for concrete countertops is white. White countertops provide a crisp, clean look that many homeowners appreciate. Pigments or other additives must be added to the concrete to produce bright whites.

Titanium White Countertops

Evolution Architectural Concrete, Essex, Conn.

Seamless White Island

Hard Topix Precast Concrete, Jenison, Mich.

Pristine Concrete Island

Get Real Surfaces, New York, N.Y.

Design ideas for white countertops:

BLACK COUNTERTOPS

Black countertops are versatile and add a high-end, custom look. Styles from shiny smooth to textured matte are possible depending on the finishing techniques used.

Charcoal-Colored Countertops

DC Custom Concrete, San Diego, Calif.

Honed Black Countertops

Petra Cast Stone, Rockford, Mich.

Black Island

Stone Soup Concrete, Easthampton, Mass.

Design ideas for black countertops:

GRAY COUNTERTOPS

When you think of concrete, gray is the color that most frequently comes to mind. However, you probably didn’t realize there were so many variations of gray. Gray countertops are popular in modern homes and restaurants because of their industrial appeal. Some people opt to leave their concrete countertops the natural cement gray, while others add integral color pigments to get just the right hue.

Kitchen Exhibits Beauty of Gray Concrete

Concrete Wave Design, Anaheim, Calif.

Twilight Gray Island Bartop

Petra Cast Stone, Rockford, Mich.

Light Gray Carbon Bartop

Absolute ConcreteWorks LLC, Seattle, Wash.

Design ideas for gray countertops:

BROWN COUNTERTOPS

If you’re looking for a more traditional countertop, brown is a good color. Brown countertops can be colored integrally or topically stained for a rich, earthy tone. Many people opt for brown because it can be used to create a look similar to natural stone. Brown and other natural colors are also known for bringing warmth to a home’s décor.

Crimson & Black Stained Counters

Reformed Concrete LLC, Quarryville, Pa.

Umber Stained Countertops Mimic Stone

Endless Concrete Design, Zionsville, Pa.

Golden Tan Island

Stone Passion, Salt Lake City, Utah

Design ideas for brown countertops:

CUSTOM COLORED COUNTERTOPS

When it comes to color options, concrete offers nearly limitless possibilities. So, if you’re looking for something to add drama to your home or want a countertop that complements your restaurant’s theme, then look no further. You can even let your counter be the focal point of the room with a wild design or mix of vibrant hues.

Orange Restaurant Counter

Concrete Revolution, Denver, Colo.

Countertops Become Artist's Canvas

SunWorks etc., Annville, Pa.

Red Clay Counter

Nobel Concrete, Jenison, Mich.

Design ideas for custom colored countertops:

HOW TO GET SAMPLES

Most concrete countertop contractors will have standard samples on hand and offer custom color samples. If you are interested in seeing color samples, contact a local contractor for more information.

Standard color samples (and remember each contractor's samples will be different) run in the $25-$50 range. Custom color samples runs $75-$150 and up. In most cases, the price of samples is applied against the cost of the order.

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