According to HGTV.com, concrete kitchen countertops are "both modern and rustic," making them fit with new and old houses. Granite countertops, says hgtv.com, are "timeless, durable, and scratch- and heat-resistant." Consumer Reports finds concrete to be ideal for customizing due to its texturing and dyeing capability, while granite is best for a "natural stone look." While granite countertops are always in style, concrete countertops can be a less-costly alternative without sacrificing durability and design.

Disadvantages of Concrete

Concrete's disadvantages, according to Consumer Reports, include cracking and inadequate stain resistance. A skilled installer can properly prefabricate the concrete and apply sealers after installation to prevent cracks and increase heat-resistance. Reapply the sealer periodically to prevent stains penetration, particularly from acidic substances such as wine, lemon juice and ketchup, according to HGTV. In addition to sealer, wax applied monthly maintains stain resistance, according to Cheng Design of Berkeley, California.

Disadvantages of Granite

The primary disadvantage of granite, according to Consumer Reports, is that it also needs sealant applications to keep its stain resistance. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency---in response to concerns that granite countertops may emit radon gas in small amounts---says "existing data is insufficient to conclude that the types of granite commonly used in countertops are significantly increasing indoor radon levels."

Costs

According to Consumer Reports, granite countertops cost $45 to $200 per square foot to install, while concrete costs $80 to $120 per square foot in 2009. A typical kitchen needs 56 square feet of material to complete a countertop installation.

Installation

According to HGTV, concrete countertops "have meshing and metal in them and are installed after they are fabricated," which means do-it-yourselfers cannot pour the concrete themselves. If you are confident in the measurements and your installation skills, install the countertops once fabricated. At this point, the installation becomes similar to installing a granite countertop. Ideally, you've made exact measurements and removed the old countertops and sink first.

Seams

Concrete and granite countertops require grout to fill in the seams where the slabs meet, to maintain an even surface. With concrete, matching grout and countertop color is an easier process---request the same pigment for both. Seal granite with silicone gel to ensure moisture resistance. The fewer seams, the better for both types of counters, but most kitchens will require at least one if the counters are L-shaped, says Consumer Reports.

Source:

Consumer Reports

HGTV: Choosing the Right Countertops

EPA report on Indoor Air Quality

Resource:

Cheng Design: Concrete Countertop FAQs

Concrete Network: Concrete vs. Other Countertop Materials

Bob Vila: Countertop Options