- Butcher block’s cool, but I always wonder about the water damage risk long-term, especially if you’re flipping and not living there.
- Anyone tried concrete counters? I’ve seen some killer DIYs, but not sure how they hold up with daily use...
- Is it just me or does granite feel kinda dated now?
Concrete counters are a beast to DIY—did one in my last place. They look awesome, but sealing is key or you’ll get stains and hairline cracks. Daily use? They hold up, but expect some patina. Granite does feel a bit 2005 now, not gonna lie.
Curious if anyone’s tried quartzite lately? I keep seeing it pop up in projects—less maintenance than concrete, but still has that organic vibe. Kinda torn because concrete does have a cool factor, but I worry about long-term staining. Does anyone actually like the patina, or does it just feel like wear and tear after a few years?
Kitchen Redesign Adventure: Worth the Hype or Not?
Had a client who insisted on concrete for their kitchen island—looked awesome at first, but after a couple years, the “patina” just started to look like someone spilled coffee and never cleaned it up. Quartzite’s been way less stressful in my own place. If you’re not into the lived-in look, I’d say go quartzite and save yourself some heartache (and scrubbing).
Concrete’s one of those things that looks killer in a magazine spread, but in real life? I’ve seen it go sideways, too. We had a neighbor do their whole kitchen in concrete countertops—looked modern and cool at first, but after a while, it just started to look tired. The stains never really came out, and the cracks (even the “character” ones) just made it feel kind of neglected. I get the appeal if you want something industrial, but I’m with you—unless you’re really into that worn-in vibe, it’s a lot of maintenance for not much payoff.
Quartzite’s been a win for us as well. We’ve got a 1920s house and I wanted something that could take a beating without looking like it. I cook a lot, and honestly, I don’t have the patience to baby my counters. Quartzite’s held up to everything—wine spills, hot pans, you name it. I’m not saying it’s perfect (nothing is), but it’s way less stressful than worrying about every little mark.
Did you ever try sealing the concrete more often, or was it just a losing battle? I know some folks swear by special sealers or waxes, but that seems like a lot of upkeep for a kitchen surface. Curious if anyone’s actually managed to keep concrete looking good long-term, or if it’s just one of those trends that sounds better than it lives.
Either way, totally agree—sometimes the practical choice is the right one, even if it’s not the “statement” material. A kitchen should work for you, not the other way around.
