Exploring concrete kitchens: real vs fake and their unique charm

In the trend of modern kitchen design, concrete-style kitchens have attracted much attention. The terms “cement kitchen” and “concrete kitchen” are often mentioned as synonyms. However, a deeper look reveals that there is a difference between “real” concrete kitchens and “fake” concrete kitchens that only have the appearance of concrete. When we look through the products of many kitchen furniture manufacturers, we will notice that there is no unified name for this style of kitchen. Many names such as cement gray kitchen, concrete look kitchen, cement look kitchen, slate gray kitchen, etc. are actually describing the same kitchen style appearance with a unique industrial texture.

Large kitchen cabinets in concrete style

Concrete look or cement look kitchen cabinets

Most of the kitchen facades that have the appearance of concrete are made of plastic. What is amazing is that these plastic facades imitate real concrete in terms of optical and tactile properties so well that it is difficult for non-professionals to distinguish between real concrete facades and plastic facades with concrete appearance at a glance. From an economic point of view, kitchen furniture with concrete appearance is much more affordable. However, a common misconception needs to be corrected here. The term “cement look kitchen” is not accurate. Cement is only a necessary binder for making concrete, mortar and other materials, not a stand-alone appearance material.

Real concrete kitchen cabinets

Even when we talk about real concrete kitchens, not all of them are made of concrete. In practice, real concrete kitchens are made by applying a thin layer of concrete on an MDF core. This layer of concrete is made of a mixture of ground cement and some additives to strengthen the structure. In addition, for durability and aesthetics, the surface is usually covered with a sealer, which can be matte to create a low-key texture or glossy to add a touch of fashion.

Concrete in the kitchen: Features of concrete kitchens

Modern appearance

Concrete kitchens stand out with their extremely modern appearance. The concrete-look surface is a perfect visual substitute for the heavy texture of actual concrete, retaining the roughness of industrial style while incorporating the sophistication of modern design.

Timeless tones

The timeless tones of concrete make it a perfect match for modern, often handleless, industrial-style kitchens. This low-key and calm tone will not become outdated with the passage of time, but will show its unique charm more and more with the baptism of time. At the same time, it is also very versatile and can be cleverly matched with wood tones or other colors in many ways. For example, combined with warm wooden countertops or handles, it can find a perfect balance between the tough industrial style and the soft natural atmosphere; combined with bright colors, it can create a kitchen space with personality and layering, meeting the diverse pursuit of kitchen aesthetics by different people.

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