• Concrete is no longer just for basements.hoses on concrete image by pearlguy from Fotolia.com
  
  Long considered one of the most utilitarian of building materials, concrete is also becoming a common choice in home design because of new surface treatments considered as beautiful as granite, marble and other high-end materials. Although concrete requires an intricate installation process that can make it almost as expensive as granite, marble and natural stone, its many advantages---including its range of available colors and styles, durability and sustainability---appeal to a broad range of buyers.
  
  

Versatility

• Unlike other surfaces, concrete countertops are made from scratch, according to your specifications. They can be stained, pigmented or coated with epoxies to mimic other natural materials or to match your interior design scheme---if necessary, in colors or textures that aren't available in other natural materials. All of this makes concrete one of the most versatile materials on the market for countertop design, and a good choice for homeowners looking to personalize their kitchens in a way that would not be possible with other popular materials, such as granite, wood or stone.
  
  

Eco-friendliness

• Many popular countertops are made of synthetic or non-renewable materials. But concrete is made of simple sand, rock and cement, making it one of the most ecologically friendly materials available for countertop construction. Concrete also stands out compared with other green materials on the market because it is available in such a large range of colors and styles. Wall Street Journal journalist Gwendolyn Bounds cited concrete's beauty and sustainability as a main reason she selected it for her countertops in the green kitchen remodeling project she chronicled for the newspaper in 2008. Bounds added that other sustainable materials could consume more energy in transportation or were available in limited colors.
  
  

Durability

• Concrete is such a ubiquitous building material because it can stand up to extreme conditions and will last for decades. The same qualities make it extremely durable when used for countertops. In addition, decorative concrete can be sealed with a material that resists stains. A downfall to the sealant, however, is that it could could discolor or scratch, so manufacturers discourage cutting things or placing hot dishes directly on concrete countertops.