Now for some of the cons. No, they are not a lot cheaper than other countertops. Sure, the material cost isn’t high, it’s concrete after all, but it takes highly skilled people to create a finished product that doesn’t look like a do-it-yourself project. We also don’t recommend cutting directly on them or placing very hot pans on the surface; you won’t hurt the actual concrete itself, however, you may damage the sealer we have applied to it. A sharp knife can cut through this sealer coat and very hot pans will burn it, i.e., a cast iron skillet with smoking hot oil. Using a cutting board and a trivet will prevent this. It’s nothing that can’t be repaired, but it’s the proverbial ounce of prevention, pound of cure.