A MORTEX® table has undeniable strengths: a distinctive mineral look, complete customisation, and real longevity. But it also comes with a few constraints worth understanding before you buy. The main points to keep in mind are sensitivity to direct heat, slightly more attentive care than a laminated or glass surface, and a price that reflects high-quality handcrafted work.
What exactly is MORTEX®?
Before diving into the drawbacks, a useful clarification: MORTEX® is a polished concrete (béton ciré), and more specifically the reference brand for polished concrete, developed by the Belgian company Beal. It is widely credited with starting the polished concrete trend in interior design. Not all polished concretes and microcements are equal — MORTEX® is one of the most demanding to work with, but also the most versatile and the most customisable.
At The Concrete Table Co., we have worked exclusively with MORTEX® from the very beginning. That is a deliberate choice: it is a material we know in depth, and our finishing processes have been refined over the years to get the most out of it. When we talk about how our tables behave, we are talking about our specific process — not making a blanket claim about every polished concrete product on the market.
The real disadvantages of a MORTEX® table
1. Sensitivity to direct heat
This is probably the most important point to remember. MORTEX® itself has excellent heat resistance. However, the protective varnish we apply to our tables is less tolerant of intense, direct heat. In practical terms: do not place a pot straight off the hob or a dish straight out of the oven directly on the surface. Use a trivet, and the issue is entirely resolved. For everyday dining use, this creates no real difficulty whatsoever.
2. Scratches and stains: a nuanced reality
The reputation of polished concrete as a stain-prone material often stems from poor-quality finishes or badly applied coatings. Our tables are protected by multiple layers of solvent-based varnish, which provides very effective protection against everyday stains — wine, oil, water, coffee. There is no need to wipe up spills within seconds. Once the varnish is fully cured, the surface also offers strong scratch resistance.
That said, no surface is indestructible. A sharp object dragged with force, or an aggressive chemical left on the surface for a long time, can leave a mark. For day-to-day upkeep, a soft damp cloth is all you need to keep the table in perfect condition.
3. Slightly more attentive care than a laminate table
Compared to a plastic or toughened glass table, a MORTEX® table asks for a little more consideration. No abrasive sponges, no harsh cleaning products. For regular cleaning, a soft, lightly damp cloth does the job. For our outdoor tables, we recommend applying a thin protective layer with a soft cloth from time to time to nourish the finish — and a coat of Bealwax can be added on top to extend the intervals between maintenance sessions. It is not demanding, but it is worth factoring in.
4. The price: an investment, not an impulse purchase
A custom-made MORTEX® table produced in a Belgian workshop has a cost. That price reflects the manufacturing time (typically 4 to 6 weeks, sometimes 10 to 12 weeks for a highly specific project), the level of skill involved, and the quality of the materials used. This is not really a disadvantage in itself, but it is a reality to factor into your project. You are buying a piece of furniture designed to last for decades, not something to replace in five years.
5. The living character of the material
MORTEX® is a natural mineral material. It can display slight tonal variations, subtle nuances, and minor surface irregularities. For many people, that is precisely what makes it beautiful — no two tables are exactly alike. For those accustomed to perfectly uniform surfaces such as high-gloss lacquer or glass, this organic quality can take some getting used to. It is worth seeing and touching a sample in person before ordering, which is exactly why we always provide physical colour samples and welcome visits to our workshop.
What about outdoor use?
One concern that comes up regularly is whether a MORTEX® table can handle outdoor conditions. Our outdoor tables are not outdoor in name only: they are built with an entirely specific construction, refined through multiple iterations for the best possible performance. Their structure is completely waterproof, even when fully immersed. They are designed and built to live outside, full stop. Maintenance outdoors is simple: after cleaning, apply a thin layer with a soft cloth to nourish the protection and ensure longevity, with an optional coat of Bealwax for added protection.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put hot dishes directly on a MORTEX® table?
The MORTEX® material itself handles heat very well, but the protective varnish on our tables is less tolerant of intense direct heat. We recommend always using a trivet or heat pad for pots and dishes coming straight from the hob or oven. For normal dining use, this is rarely an issue in practice.
Are MORTEX® tables easy to stain?
Our tables are protected by several layers of solvent-based varnish, which provides strong resistance to everyday stains like wine, oil, and coffee. You do not need to wipe up spills immediately. The reputation for staining often comes from lower-quality finishes — the protection makes a significant difference.
How much maintenance does a MORTEX® table require?
Day-to-day care is simple: a soft, lightly damp cloth is all that is needed. Avoid abrasive sponges and aggressive cleaning products. For outdoor tables, periodic application of a thin protective layer — and optionally a coat of Bealwax — keeps the finish in excellent condition over the long term.
Is MORTEX® the same as béton ciré or microcement?
Yes — MORTEX® is a polished concrete (béton ciré), and specifically the brand that originated the trend. It is one of the most demanding materials to apply correctly, but also the most versatile and customisable. Not all polished concretes are the same quality, which is why the brand and the craftsperson behind it both matter.
How long does it take to receive a custom MORTEX® table?
Our standard lead time is 4 to 6 weeks depending on current orders. For a highly specific or complex project, it can extend to 10 to 12 weeks. Delivery is to ground floor; installation is available as an option in Belgium and France.
In conclusion
A MORTEX® table is not for everyone — and that is fine. It asks for a little more care than a glass or laminate surface, it requires a trivet for hot cookware, and it represents a real financial commitment. But for those who value a unique mineral aesthetic, full customisation, and furniture built to last a lifetime, those constraints are minor compared to what the material offers.
If you are considering a MORTEX® dining table, take a look at the Naya round dining table in MORTEX® and oak — a piece that combines the warmth of solid wood with the character of MORTEX®. For a living room or lounge setting, the Eva MORTEX® coffee table is a beautifully refined option. And if you have questions or want to see the material up close, you are always welcome to visit our workshop.