If you look in the kitchens of countless homes, rich or poor, south of the U.S. border, you'll notice among other things that the countertops are often made of concrete. This isn't in response to any current design trend; it's just an economical, traditional way to set up a kitchen. However, if you look in just about any domestic home journal, you're likely to come across an article either praising the hot new look of concrete, or warning consumers of the pitfalls of this trendy countertop option. Concrete has long been a favorite material for many architects and designers due to its wonderful ability to be shaped and colored, coupled with its strength and durability upon curing. Its recent use
