Do you know if these were reinforced? Sometimes concrete counter tops are not, they could have expanded metal lathe, or even pencil rebar,, etc.That known you will know the strength of them as well as how well they may handle the weather.Also if they are going outside remeber to seal them properly as countertops are not typically sealed to handle outside. I have used similar pieces for a base and background for statuary.Leaning the larger one upright the smaller one as a level surface for a piece of statuary.growing vines are it to soften the edges.I have used these for a small tables having them placed on large stones or stacked bricks, as well as haveing cutome legs made by a metal smith.The larger one would also be great placed as a small landing in the garden or even in front of a barby. they also make a nice flat surface to work mosaics on.you would have a nice background if you did a design in the center and corners,,I am sure you will figure out something they will be ideal for. M

Hi mngolfnut, I don't have an answer for you, but this forum is really slow. You might have better luck posting on the main, discussion side. :o) ~Missy Here is a link that might be useful: discussions

I've had concrete counters for 20 years in two houses. Love them. I don't coat mine in plastic. I wax them. How much they stain depends on how diligently you care for them. I'm not diligent and mine do have all sorts of marks. I love it. It's like a patina and looks more like stone all the time with the years of use. Mine are "natural" with no colour added We poured them ourselves. No issues and cost under $150. Plan on same in next and forever house.

for the handles, may I suggest something to pick up on the hues in the flooring? A little more copper toned. you have light cabs, light floors. I think throwing in a dark ORB w/o actual copper highlights would be too much of a contrast. IMO. cypress park Sandra, I like the porcelain one better than the other one. Does the backsplash have to be done immediately? If the tones in the porcelain tile you picked clash w/the ivory tones in the counter, it could be a problem. However, I did find some copper toned ones that should be avail. these are porcelain/SS, and treated so as not to stain or tarnish. I LOVE these for your kitchen. timeless and gorgeous. They are probably not super cheap, but it would be worth it for me. http://www.miusartmosaics.com/arabesque-lantern-beacon-copper-tile-in these would also work. the site is here: maybe they have them in stock.http://www.westsidetile.com/arabesque-tiles/ i like this one too. notice the copper faucet. beautiful w/the glass mosaic. if you got the cream countertop, this would look amazing w/your floors. this last one is a copper colored slate/quartzite.