You might be surprised just how inexpensive and simple it is to build homemade concrete countertops !
We have completed 3 concrete countertop projects in the last 6 yr at the farm . Two for outdoor kitchen areas , and one as an interior top for a wine-colored stand . All 3 were uncomplicated to make , and have been incredibly durable .
good of all , we dead make out they way they look !
Concrete countertops can accentuate almost any decor , and they sure endure up to the mental test of clock time .
With a minuscule planning , a few canonic materials , and a bit of elbow grease , you could create beautiful homemade concrete countertop for a fraction of the price of what the pros excite . Here is a look at how we made ours , and how you could as well!See : DIY Outdoor Living – Completed Outdoor Kitchen Project
Homemade Concrete Countertops – The Method
There are two selection when it add up creating homemade concrete countertop . you’re able to pour them in place , or stream severally , and then set in place . There are professional and gyp to both method acting .
create one in place want ramp up a manakin directly on top of the console or structure the countertop will be covering . The advantage of build in home is you extinguish moving a heavy countertop once poured .
The disadvantage – it can be difficult to create the form depending on what you are placing it on .
Building separately make it easy to pour and finish in an open area , but then there is the problem of actuate it in place .
We have done both method , and both have worked . But of the two , I can say we prefer building in place .
It is nice when you are all done and not have to worry about finding a crew of people to move the ponderous slab !
Once you decide whether to build in spot or freestanding , it ’s time to ramp up the concrete form . We used 2 x 4 ’s for our exterior countertops .
We run them through the board check to make 2 x 3 ’s , and then built the form from there . The 3″ thickness is perfect for bear to the outdoor element . Anything less , and you gamble cracking , anything more , and it is simply too heavy .
We started by placing 3/4″ plywood on top of the out-of-door kitchen area , and then eff the 2 x 3 ’s in from the bottom . We also create a cutout where our build up - in flatulence grille would go .
The nice matter when working with concrete is you could create any shape or cut - out by simply building it into the conformation .
We used additional nooky to stop up our 2 x 3 ’s to each other . It is authoritative to employ shag as nails can pop out easily from the atmospheric pressure of the concrete .
Once we had the form in place , we sealed the edges of the board and 2 x 3 ’s with silicone polymer caulking to keep everything in the form .
It is important to apply a high - strength concrete mix for foresighted - term durability . We used 80 pound bags of Quickcrete 5000 series concrete mix for our task . We then added fiber reinforcement as we mixed the grip at a rate of 2 cups of fiber per bag .
This helps to minify the luck of cracking . you could also buy the bagged mixture with the fibers already in the mix .
you’re able to also integrate in colorants to create all kinds of looks . When you add colorants , remember they are liquids , so they will switch how much water supply you need to make the premix .
We used a concrete tub to flux two bags at a time and pour into the form . The key in commixture is to add together a small water at a time , until the mix is about the consistency of indulgent peanut butter .
If you combine too much water system , it can lessen the strength of the concrete . It can vary , but we used about 3 quart of pee per bag .
Once assorted , we lifted the tub with the help of a few people into the form and spread it out . It is important at this point to work the concrete down into all of the corners .
Once the signifier was half filled , we pressed in metallic element fencing material to act as rebar . We cut the fence to outfit , leaving about and column inch from the edge of all sides and recess .
We then continue mixing and pouring until the form was filled . Concrete is self - level by nature , so once the form was filled , we troweled it until unruffled .
We used a pounding to softly tap the edges of the form . This allowed any concrete voids that may have forge to fill . One last trowel and the pour was complete .
We used a total of 15 bag for an 11 x 32″ wide counter . At $ 5 per bag- that is a pretty cheap countertop !
We left our wood pattern in place for two days , and then unscrewed and move out them . The concrete is hard at this point , but can still be polish out with the use of a grinder .
We used an angle submarine and went over the intact surface to polish over the corners . It is a dusty process , so wear a masque ! We watered down the open prior to sandpaper to cut down on the dust .
After the concrete had cure for a few weeks , we used a piddle - based acrylic fiber sealer to give it a glossy tone . We never have nutrient immediately prepared on the surface , so the sealant is secure to use .
Happy Building ! – Jim and Mary .
To receive our3 Home , Garden , Recipe and Simple Lifearticles each hebdomad , sign up below for our free electronic mail inclination . you’re able to also follow us onFacebook , Twitter , Pinterest , orInstagram . This article may contain affiliate links .
