Concrete Countertop

[crokett]

Here is the first section.


The bottom edge is not that ragged - you are seeing the paint line from the old counter. I am still deciding what to do with the color mismatch on the edge to top. That is a result of patching after forgetting to vibrate the form. These will replace some ugly marbled green laminate counters. I will pour two more sections this weekend.

[lrogers]

That is very interesting David. How do they stand up to day-to-day use?

[BigguyZ]

Was that cast in place? Also, what resource did you follow?

[jseklund]

Hmmm....that's incredibly interesting if you ask me. How did you make/color them? I would assume these are relatively inexpensive replacements....

[crokett]

Larry,

Properly sealed they stand up quite well. The sealant does need to be renewed periodically and you need to be careful about wiping up acidic spills.

BigGuy, I used a book called 'Concrete Countertops' by Fu-Tung Cheng and my own experience working with concrete. It is cast in place. That is tons o fun in a working kitchen. Not having a sink for a couple days will be lovely. It is more limiting than a mould but it speeds the process up considerably and it is cheaper.

[jspelbring]

Concrete Counters

We went through that a couple of years ago. My BIL came to help. They have worn well, and received quite a few compliments.

For any who are interested, there are some pics here:
http://homepage.mac.com/jspelbring/h...toAlbum76.html

We poured them in place, using shop built moulds made of melamine. Sealed, then finished with many (7 or 8, I forget) coats of poly.

- I don't have any "finished" pics handyi. We basically sanded down to be able to see some of the substrate (brown pea gravel).

[mater]

I had a friend that used to build them. I couldn't believe how good they looked when I first saw one.

[BigguyZ]

I've been looking to get the book/ DVD combo from Cheng's website. I figure that if/ when I do my bathroom remodel, concrete would be a way for me to get a solid surface countertop without paying $20-$30 a sq ft. I think I'd do molds, however.

[BigguyZ]

We went through that a couple of years ago. My BIL came to help. They have worn well, and received quite a few compliments.

For any who are interested, there are some pics here:
http://homepage.mac.com/jspelbring/h...toAlbum76.html

We poured them in place, using shop built moulds made of melamine. Sealed, then finished with many (7 or 8, I forget) coats of poly.

- I don't have any "finished" pics handyi. We basically sanded down to be able to see some of the substrate (brown pea gravel).

I'd love to see some final finish pics, if you have them.

[crokett]

How did you make/color them? .

Really basic it is make a mould, mix your concrete and pour. Then wait for it to dry. You color the concrete with any of the existing colors out there. I used 'Buff' by Quikrete. My only complaint is it doesn't dissolve in the water all that well. I did a pour in place because a) It will automatically follow the wall (no worry about scribing and making a mould to match), b) it is slightly cheaper and quicker (don't need to buy MDO or similar for the mould) most important it gives direct control over the final finish (you are working the concrete surface). Pouring into the mould you are somewhat at the mercy of how well you vibrated, whether it sticks the mould, etc.

[Mrs. Wallnut]

I had seen this process done on some channel with home remodels and fix-up type things and I thought it was neat. On the one they did they put some kind of a leaf design in it when it was almost dry and the color they added was very subtle and looked like it hadn't been mixed in all the way and left the whole thing looking very nice. The counters look good Dave.

[TB Roye]

Ordered the book. It will be here Tuesday. We need to get new counter tops and this may be the cheapest way to go. Being retired I have plenty of time to do it.

Tom

[crokett]

Tom,

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to PM or email me. I figure I am going to get this done for < $10.00 sqft.

[footprintsinconc]

Hmmmm....., either there is something wrong with my computer, but i cant see any pictures in the post.