How They Are Made
Concrete Overlay Countertop Costs
Concrete overlay countertops are a custom product, designed by trained installation artisans.
Although they are often compared to mainstream materials such as granite or marble, they really are a cost effective alternative solution, hand-created, customized and unique to each customer. 
Although comparably priced, concrete overlay countertops are not a low-budget product, but rather a design upgrade allowing for results in durable elegant looking countertops typically installed in high-end, custom homes and offices with a very affordable investment.
General overview of how resurfaced overlay countertops compare in pricing to other materials:
| Materials | Granite/Marble | Synthetic Surface | Tile | Laminate | Engineered Quartz | iCoat Canada's Concrete Overlay Resurfacing System |
| Average Cost per SqFt | $75 - $130 | $75 - $130 | $5 - $90 | $25 - $50 | $100 - $200 | $32 - $45 |
Stone products - It’s important to understand that there are many factors that contribute to the range in pricing in the designing, Shipping (if required), building and installing of Granite and Natural Stone which account for the range in the cost overview. Pricing is composed of construction, the need for special support generally required for Granite, Quartz and Synthetic countertops.
Some of these charges may not be included in this initial estimates received from Natural Stone companies.
Other items that add to the cost of Granite or Marble countertops:
- Irregular or curved shapes
- Custom Edges
- Back splashes
iCoats Concrete Countertop Overlay System – Our innovative products offer cost effective solutions due to the benefit of installing directly over existing counter top materials reducing both installation time and material costs.
The real cost of the concrete overlay countertops are generated by the time and level of artisan creativity that is required.
Concrete overlay countertop designs are typically specified by architects, Interior designers and homeowners that want a completely one-of-a-kind product.
Because of this desire, combined with our cost effective products the overall cost of concrete overlay countertops can remain comparatively low.
Concrete Overlay Countertops Designed Onsite or Offsite?
There are two ways to build concrete overlay countertops. Designed and created in shop, or designed and installed directly in place at the job site.
Offsite
Be prepared for a higher range in pricing.
Although removing and using your existing countertops ensures minimum waste of natural resources, you should expect to and from charges and possibly delivery charges of the finished product prior to the actual installation process.
Many contractors prefer this method because they can control the environment that the countertops are in. There is less risk to the countertop when designed offsite. The contractor has control over the temperature as the concrete cures.
The countertop is also in a protected area at the contractor’s shop where it has less risk of being damaged by other trades, etc.
Sometimes the size of the countertop is not feasible for lifting and placing by hand.
Onsite
You will benefit from this cost effective option.
If you are prepared to work with the contractor to control the temperature as the overlay system cures and in maintaining the protected area so there is less risk of being damaged by other trades, you will benefit by an even more affordable investment.
Contractors will outline simple and common sense requirements in controlling the environment that the countertops are in as they are built.
The only downside to countertops built on site is that the process may disrupt a homeowner’s home life for a few days which is sometimes not acceptable to homeowners or business owners.
The upside is you are most likely present throughout most of the project and may even try your hand in the artistic design and coloration process.
After all this is truly your one of a kind customized design and creation.
Concrete Overlay Countertops are usually built on site. This method is preferred when there are unique edges, forms, curves or other significant challenges to the construction over top existing countertop.
Also, if the countertop has long runs or is going to be extremely heavy, a contractor may decide to build on site.
Hire a Pro?
An experienced installer will have comprehensive knowledge of iCoats’s concrete products including proper surface preparation.
Experienced installers will also have an understanding of chemical composition of our products, valuable experience from start to finished processes including versatile application techniques.
Artistic design experience in coloring, staining and highlighting techniques are also a sought after aspect of an experienced professional.
Do-It-Yourself project?
Completing a Concrete Overlay Countertop does require an understanding of the basics of working with concrete.
Your skill level and the level of complexity of your project will both determine whether or not it is a project you want to undertake or hire out. Installation from primary to final base applications becomes relatively simple with basic training and technical instruction.
Due to the nature of Epoxy products and molecular properties, experience in product knowledge and working knowledge is required for a professionally looking end product.
If you are interested in learning more about our some of iCoat Canada’s innovative Do-It-Yourself workshops please contact an iCoat representative.
