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The following is a list of the 10 things you should know about concrete countertops, provided courtesy of the Concrete Countertop Institute.

1. There are different methods of making concrete countertops.

Most concrete countertops are precast in a shop, but some are cast on site. Within precast, there are multiple methods depending on the type of concrete mix used. The mix can be fluid and poured, stiff and hand packed, or a glass fiber reinforced mix sprayed into the forms. Precast concrete slabs that incorporate recycled glass are also available for purchase and fabrication from vendors such as Vetrazzo and IceStone.

2. Not all concrete is the same.

Not only are there many different methods of manufacture, there are many formulas of concrete used within each method. The type of concrete used for concrete countertops is radically different from that used for sidewalks. High-quality concrete doesn’t have the problems people often associate with sidewalk concrete, such as cracking and spalling.

3. Concrete is no heavier than granite.

Typically precast concrete countertops are made 1.5 in. thick. At this thickness, concrete weighs about 17 lbs. per sq. ft., right in line with 3 centimeter granite.

4. Templating and installation of precast concrete countertops are like granite.

Templates are made just like you would use on granite countertops. The difference comes in the shop, when forms must be made rather than slabs cut. Installation is also the same: The finished slabs are transported on end to the job site and seamed together.

5. The customizability of concrete is like solid surface.

Concrete countertops allow for custom features such as integral sinks, drain boards and inlays. Even more customizability is possible, including color matching and embedment of objects such as glass, stone, tile and metal.