For larger countertops, however, where weight can be a problem in terms of both handling and installation, contractors can use glass-fiber-reinforced concrete, lightweight cores, or special reinforcement methods to keep the weight down. Then insert a jigsaw into the holes and cut from hole to hole along the edge marks. Using a small spade or bucket, pour the concrete into the mold, pressing and compacting it as you fill the mold to a depth of about 1 inch or halfway full. They had a system that made it so easy to DIY your concrete countertops, I practically begged them in an email to work with me on this post! If you want to add color to the countertop, now’s the time to add pigment to the mix. Get video instructions about kitchens, bathrooms, remodeling, flooring, painting and more. Concrete Countertop Thicknesses. With some basic knowledge, you can prevent these basic problems with concrete countertop mix designs. For example, to estimate the mix needed for a countertop 4 feet long, 2 feet deep and 2 inches thick: 4 x 2 x.167 = approximately 1.34 cubic feet A typical 80-lb … If you’re a rookie, keep your goals simple. Remove the screws holding the mold sides to the base. Set … Browse a full list of topics found on the site, from accessories to mudrooms to wreaths. SOLD. The last step in preparing the mold for the concrete is to cut a section of galvanized structural stucco wire. Keep one hand on the top of the sander as you polish the edges. You don’t want a misstep that will cause a chip or any breakage. Contact us and view our privacy policy, terms & conditions, and press room, What Colors are Available / How to Get Samples, Thickness & Weight of Concrete Countertops, tricks for making super-sized countertops. Find concrete countertop contractors near me. Oversized Countertop ExamplesClick through to see more images and read about how each of these projects were created. © 2021 Discovery or its subsidiaries and affiliates. Most countertop materials are costly and difficult for the do-it-yourselfer to fabricate and install. The result is a normal-height countertop that's easily supported by standard cabinets. The stone isn’t really that thick, you know. When finished, gently cover the countertop with a sheet of plastic or damp burlap to protect it from dust and dirt. You'll need a piece larger than your desired finished dimensions, we chose a 4 foot x 8 foot piece 3/4 inch thick. I ve made concrete countertops before, and even the simplest designs can take days to. Concrete apprentice Mike Ferrara shows how to build a custom concrete bathroom countertop. Use a square to check corners, and the outer mold is complete. (Granite is approximately 18 pounds per square foot.) My laundry room countertops were a thick, dated laminate. Contractors have developed a variety of strategies to minimize the weight, hide seams, and add thickness without increasing the overall mass. To determine the size of your countertop, measure the base cabinets or your existing countertop. This project is a simple, 2' x 6', 2" thick countertop island with a smooth surface and a cutout for a square cooktop. The key to a great countertop is a well-built mold to pour the concrete into. Remove the cutout sides using the same technique. DIY Concrete Countertops Using Self Leveling Cement! That moment arrived last summer, and when I couldn’t find Cheng’s book, I bought his new one, Concrete Countertops Made Simple, which came with a DVD. Apply a concrete sealer using a sponge or brush. Use metal snips to cut the wire to the shape of the mold so that it comes about 1 inch off the edges all around. You'll need to work progressively from 100-grit sandpaper, finishing with 220-grit. If measuring the base cabinets, add an extra 3/4" for an overhang. Let the concrete cure at least a week—the more it cures, the stronger it gets. Keep this in mind when forming concrete countertops. Steps 1 - 2: Make a template. Install new ceramic, porcelain, glass or stone tiles above a countertop to brighten a kitchen or bath. Be careful not to drill all the way through – you don’t want to disturb the mold edge. Use a table saw to make the cuts. Place a sheet of 3/4-inch melamine particle board that is larger than your finished dimensions on two sawhorses. But do NOT attach the frame to the mold itself. We are constantly playing with mix designs, and we are always modifying our systems,” says Jaegli. We are still at it, a home renovation that was suppose to last a month is going into month 5. About five years ago, after looking at Fu-Tung Cheng’s book, Concrete Countertops, I decided that when I replaced my kitchen cabinets, I would build concrete countertops. My house has tons of cultured marble surfaces and practically screamed 80's until now. Take your time with this step. The bottom of the mold will be the top of the countertop, so it’s important the concrete sets on a debris-free surface. Read More. So I dug into some options and realized that you could actually coat your current countertops in concrete. Your objective is to slightly overfill the mold. Let's get together. The bottom of the mold will be the top of the countertop, so it’s important the concrete sets on a debris-free surface. To create a simple concrete countertop, DIY experts show how to build the forms, prepare the concrete mix, pour the concrete and get it in shape to cure. Run an orbital sander (without sandpaper) along the sides of the frame, to vibrate bubbles out of the concrete. Remove the screws holding the mold sides to the base, then use a hammer and the new screws to pry each side away from the concrete slab. When it achieves the texture of peanut butter it’s time to add it to the mold. Concrete countertops can cost anywhere from $70 to $90 (or more) per square foot, according to HGTV. Attach them with 2-inch screws. When the slab comes out of the mold, it’s going to have imperfections. Mixing the concrete correctly is critical to its strength and durability. There are several acceptable materials for building the form, but we chose cheap and easily obtainable...melamine coated particle board. Wearing a respirator, start with 100-grit sandpaper. The countertop rests on a base of ½-inch- thick cement boar enabling you to keep the concrete inch thick except at the edges, which are just deep enough to hide the cement board. I've seen concrete countertops on Pinterest and in design magazines, but I recently discovered how easy these were to do at home. The weight of the slab usually makes removing the melamine base an easier task. Easily customized to your decor, concrete adds elegance to any bathroom. Get help from another person or two to flip the slab over. When done, wipe the slab with a damp rag to remove any loose grit and concrete dust. Be prepared; you’ll go through plenty of sandpaper and this is a dusty process. This is definitely the more time consuming option (took my husband about 40 hours total), but I believe these are the best looking concrete tops I've seen thus far. Concrete can be cast into any shape and pigmented, stained, or textured with all kinds of shades and finishes; you can even embed tiles, stones, etc. GFRC is also extremely strong, flexible (literally), and makes it easy to create 3-D shapes for sinks, furniture, fire pits and more. The countertop rests on a base of ½-inch-thick cement board, enabling you to keep the concrete 1 inch thick except at the edges, which are just deep enough to hide the cement board. … “Our clients really like that we can fabricate our countertops as single pieces without seams, even if they are large and have complex shapes with cutouts. The concrete you’ll be pouring is heavy – about 10 to 15 pounds per-square foot and you don’t want the edges of the mold to bend with the weight. However, contractors can create the illusion of a thicker countertop by casting a drop-front edge. Keep sanding and testing until each edge and surface feels smooth to the touch. The frame should be tight against the mold, to prevent the heavy concrete from pushing the mold out of shape. Concrete countertops shouldn't take more than a few days to make, so you won't be shutting down your kitchen for weeks and when you're done … Lol! Measure and mark the exact dimensions on the mold base, then cut using a circular saw (image 2). I wanted to replace them so badly. Many contractors have developed methods for casting countertop slabs that are completely seamless. The level of concrete will drop slightly in the mold as it settles. Carefully use a hammer and the new screws to pry each side away from the concrete slab. Making a concrete countertop does require an understanding of the basics of working with concrete. “The only restrictions to dimension are access to the room where the counter is being placed and the number of people who can help lift it,” says Sean Jaegli of Global Surface Solutions, a concrete design and fabrication studio in Kelowna, British Columbia. The basics for making a concrete countertop are simply building your mold, pouring and finishing the concrete. Prepare the installation by running a thick bead of silicone caulk around the upper edge of the cabinet. Anything less, and you risk cracking, anything more, and it is simply too heavy. The 3″ thickness is perfect for standing to the outdoor elements. I started my Bachelors degree program and hubby had to go back to work, but we have been weekend warriors trying to get everything done. Measure and mark the exact dimensions on the mold base, then cut using a circular saw (image 2). Don't miss your favorite shows in real time online. Making your own concrete countertop is a fun and extremely low-cost project. Our island countertop will be 3’ x 4’. Installing laminate flooring is a snap literally. ThicknessThe standard concrete countertop slab thickness is 1 ½ to 2 inches, similar to countertops made of marble or granite. How to Build a Concrete Bathroom Countertop . Then attach the sides by drilling 2-inch pilot holes every 6 inches. Wearing a respirator, use a sander to smooth the concrete countertop. Liquid pigments are easy to measure and mix, especially with small concrete batches like this one. Measure and mark four 2-3/4-inch strips. With GFRC, the slabs can be cast in thinner sections than similar pieces made with traditional concrete, reducing the weight by as much as 75% while still maintaining tensile strength. To determine the size of your countertop, measure the base cabinets or your existing countertop. Multiply the planned length, depth and thickness together to determine the total cubic feet. Making your own concrete countertop is one of the more challenging—and rewarding—DIY projects. Keep applying coats until the concrete won’t absorb any more. The aim of this DIY concrete countertop guide is to provide you with a solid foundation in concrete countertops, and to help you navigate through the most common problems you may face along the way.. Smooth the bead with a caulk tool or your finger and let dry thoroughly for 24 hours. We incorporate lightweight cores and then use layers of metal/fiberglass mesh and specialty concretes,” says Jaegli. The key to a great countertop is a well-built mold to pour the concrete into. 2 of 11. If you need to have a cutout in your countertop for a cooktop or sink, measure and mark it on the mold's base. I hope you are as inspired as I am in turning such an industrial material like concrete into something beautiful for your kitchen, bathroom, or any countertop project. Hate the look of your old, dated countertops? WeightA 1 ½ inch thick countertop made of standard concrete has an approximate weight of 18.75 pounds per square foot. Remove the cutout sides using the same technique. Cut the sides of the mold. How to Create and Install Concrete Countertops. Follow these steps to create a Venetian plaster backsplash in your kitchen. After cutting the mold, attach the sides cut to the desired thickness. Then add the remaining two side pieces and attach them to the first two, completing the frame. The wire will keep the concrete from cracking as it dries and it will also add strength. Smooth the concrete surface with a hand trowel. Then measure and cut the sides for the cutout, attaching them by butting them against the edges of the base inside the cutout. The vibrations will help bring air bubbles in the concrete up to the surface. Making concrete countertops depends on your skill level and the complexity of your project, but you can understand the vital basics with the 8-step process listed below. Run a small uniform bead of 100-percent silicone caulk in all the inside corners and seams of the mold. Sand evenly, checking the smoothness with your hand. For example, to make the above 2-foot-by-3-foot countertop, you’ll need two 80-pound bags. Other items needed are: Concrete countertops are becoming more and more popular, mainly because natural stone is durable. Trim the ends strips and attach them in the same way to the remaining sides of the mold. Hard Topix Precast Concrete, Jenison, Mich. To appear to be thicker than a normal 3cm edge, it has a feather mitre. This will be added to the concrete during the pour to add strength and prevent cracking. Sand evenly, checking the smoothness with your hand. The standard slab thickness is 1.5” – 2”. All rights reserved. Prepare the surface for finishing by etching it with a solution made from 1 ounce of muriatic acid mixed in 1 gallon of water. See these other tricks for making super-sized countertops. Remove the 2x4 support frame from the sides and ends of the mold. It does make for a look that is less about detail and more about integrity of … Add stucco wire to the concrete, to add strength and prevent cracking. Smooth the bead with a caulk tool and let dry thoroughly for 24 hours. The silicone will seal the joints of the mold and prevent the wet concrete from leaking. This is the most common thickness which gives countertop edges a very mainstream look. If you want to add color to the countertop, now’s the time to add pigment to the mix. ThicknessThe standard concrete countertop slab thickness is 1 ½ to 2 inches, similar to countertops made of marble or granite. How to Install a Granite Kitchen Countertop, How to Create a Venetian Plaster Backsplash, How to Create and Install Concrete Countertops, How to Build a Concrete Bathroom Countertop, How to Design and Build a Form for a Concrete Vanity Top, How to Paint Laminate Kitchen Countertops, How to Repair and Refinish Laminate Countertops, How to Paint Laminate Countertops to Look Like Stone, Installing a Do-It-Yourself Granite Countertop. According to ConcreteNetwork.com, the average cost … Controlling the amount of water added to the concrete mix is critical to producing consistent color. Super-plasticizer additive provides a flowable mix at low water/cement ratio. We love to DIY. This 36-foot long bar countertop was created without seams and to appear extra thick. So imagine a different kind of countertop material with the heft and solidity of expensive quartz or natural stone countertops, yet coupled with the economy of laminate.This material is concrete. Once the countertop is dry, and you've applied the caulk, you will set it in place. Plan for basic color treatments and plain edges, and also plan to spend a few weekends on the project. Start with a 4' x 6' piece of 1" thick melamine particleboard. This will draw the aggregates to the top. My husband did a lot of research and decided on this path that I'm about to share with you. Rather, the 2x4s the frame should be attached to each other and the mold should lie within the frame. Get help from another person or two to flip the slab over. Full article: A cast in place countertop . If you’re working inside, open doors and windows for better ventilation. Once cut, set the wire aside until you’re ready to pour the concrete. Carefully clean the mold of sawdust and other materials. Instead of standard square tile, consider rectangular plank tile. Wipe the surface thoroughly with a sponge dipped in the acid solution. Work to progressively finer grits, finishing with 220-grit. To settle the concrete, use an orbital sander without sandpaper against the sides of the mold. You love to DIY. Measure the mold and cut a series of 2x4s for a support frame around it. Do-It-Yourself or Hire a Pro? Let the sealer dry then apply a second coat, working at right angles to the first. QUIKRETE Countertop Mix is a specially formulated flowable high-strength concrete mix for pre-cast and cast-in-place concrete countertop applications. Use an orbital sander to remove any imperfections along the surface and edges. How much do concrete counterops weigh? Lay three boards underneath the mold - lengthwise, each a bit longer than the actual mold. The tops are flexible, which can be demonstrated by grabbing one end and flexing it. Making concrete countertops is a time-consuming project that requires a moderate level of skill, but the results are very satisfying! STEP 1: Building Concrete Countertop Forms. Each strip should be 4-feet long. When the concrete is ready, pour it into the mold to the desired thickness and smoothing it with a trowel. Refer to the manufacturer's guidelines. Larger thicknesses … When you are ready to set the dry countertop, apply a bead of silicon cault to the edge of the cabinet. To start the cut, drill pilot holes on the inside corners of the portion that will be removed. Granite, like most natural stones, can be expensive. Set firmly on a pair of sawhorses. Plus, concrete can be very difficult to work with, making it a rather tricky look to DIY—but not if you use this clever hack, featured on Hometalk and created by … They can make a narrow room look larger by running with the room's width. Global Surface Solutions in Kelowna, British Columbia. Quartz countertops are most commonly 2 or 3 centimeters. Enter Concrete Countertop Solutions, I found them while searching and researching all I could about pour in place concrete countertops. For our 12-square-foot countertop, we needed three 60-pound bags of ready-mix concrete. But don’t forget to account for the amount of water in the pigment when measuring the water for the concrete. On this kitchen island, for example, the top is 1 ½ inches thick overall, but appears to be much thicker because it was cast with a 6-inch drop-front apron. Step 1 of do-it-yourself concrete countertops to build the forms. QUIKRETE Countertop Mix. For each step, you’ll find links to more detailed information about how to make concrete countertops, products to use, common issues and concerns, design options, and more. SizeConcrete countertops can be cast in nearly any size or shape. It can be installed over any other tightly bonded flooring, making it ideal for retrofits. These seams can often be concealed with color-matched grout or a veined finish, or they can even be used as an attractive design element (see this massive concrete dining table made of three slab sections joined by decorative stainless steel bands). If measuring the base cabinets, add an extra 3/4" for an overhang. A sturdy frame for your mold will keep the heavy concrete from bending it. But you can save between 20 percent and 30 percent off a professional installation by doing it yourself. We started by placing 3/4″ plywood on top of the outdoor kitchen area, and then screwed the 2 x 3’s in from the bottom. Continue to fill the mold on top of the wire, tamping the concrete with a trowel, as you go along to ensure it is well-packed. Then use a hammer and the new screws to pry each side away from the concrete slab. A mild soap and warm water is recommended for daily cleaning. I know it is possible to do pour-in-place concrete countertops but we went with forms instead. Add water to the concrete and mix with a shovel per the manufacturer's instructions. Easy DIY Concrete countertop tutorial that even dummies can understand. You can find galvanized structural stucco wire at most concrete supply stores. DIYNetwork.com has detailed instructions on how to build a concrete countertop. Work in long strokes from one edge to the other. Copyright 1999-2021 ConcreteNetwork.com - None of this site may be reproduced without written permission. A blue-tinted concrete countertop completes a workbench made from recycled lumber. These are both thick enough to remain stable without as much support from the foundation beneath the countertop, though 3 centimeters has become the industry standard. When done, wipe the slab with a damp rag to remove any loose grit and concrete dust. There is really nothing blame, except lack of time. Venetian plaster is an easy, inexpensive option for adding color and texture to your walls. Bring the countertop in, set it in place, and press down gently to seal the caulk. “Depending on the application, we will employ different systems to reduce countertop weight. Wear eye protection, a respirator and acid-proof gloves. Set the galvanized wire into the concrete, taking care that it does not touch the edges of the mold. Let it dry thoroughly, about thirty minutes. 9-Foot Free Span Concrete Kitchen Countertop, Creative Curves Are Outcome of Countertop's Challenging Size, A Concrete Countertop Captain Ahab Would Love. Standard cabinetry will typically support this weight because it’s distributed over a large area. How to Make Concrete Countertops. There are several ways you can make concrete countertops and several recipes for the concrete out there. Once the outer mold is done, you’ll need to build a support frame to surround it. 6 problems with concrete countertop mix designs and how to prevent them Murphy’s Law states, “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” This doesn’t have to be the case with concrete countertops. Rinse the slab with fresh water to remove the acid mixture, and let it dry completely. A laminate floor is a "floating floor," meaning it is not fastened directly to the subfloor. Remember that the concrete at the bottom of mold will become the top of the concrete slab. This instantly cuts the weight in half. The cost of concrete countertops will depend on if you go the DIY route or have them professionally installed (either pre-cast or poured in place)—and how much personalization you want. A 6” thick and heavy-looking drop edge front can be achieved but does not require the entire countertop to become 6” thick. Countertops made of concrete really have no limitations in size, depending on the materials and casting techniques used. Cheap, too! Concrete countertops are really no different than any other type of countertop surface when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. Carefully drill two 2-inch screws equal distance apart, halfway into each of the melamine sides. Start with a 4' x 6' piece of 1" thick melamine particleboard. Join two of these 4-foot strips to the 4-foot sides of the base, using two-inch wood screws. You want a standard, smooth edge. Pigment additives come in powder or liquid. Depending on the overall dimensions, joints or seams are often incorporated to accommodate handling. Concrete countertops are so appealing partly because of the variety of looks they can provide. How to Make a Concrete Countertop. You’ll use this under hang to support the end 2x4s. But a stone counter would have cost us way too much, and poured concrete counters would have been such a hassle. Run a small uniform bead of 100-percent silicone caulk in all the inside corners and seams of the mold. Concrete countertops are becoming more and more popular, mainly because natural stone is durable. These tops are heavy so If you have good cabinets your fine. Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete can go as thin as 3/4″ for the same kitchen countertop slabs that would need to be 1.5″ thick for precast. Use clippers to cut the stucco wire to size. Our island countertop will be 3’ x 4’. However, contractors can create the illusion of a thicker countertop by casting a drop-front edge. How thick should concrete countertops be? An 80-pound bag of Quikrete’s Countertop Mix will yield approximately 0.6 cubic feet of concrete. The cement you’ll be using is heavy, so use a couple of 2- x 6-inch boards stretched between the sawhorses as … Add water to the concrete and mix with a shovel per the manufacturer's instructions. You can also use the tip of your finger to smooth out the caulk. Countertop ExamplesClick through to see more images and read about how each of the mold we lightweight... A support frame around it it settles materials for building the form but... Easy to measure and mark the exact dimensions on the application, we cheap! Inexpensive option for adding color and texture to your walls fabricate and install and practically screamed 80 's now! Added to the first two, completing the frame to the subfloor concrete out.! Accessories to mudrooms to wreaths at most concrete supply stores countertops on Pinterest and in design magazines, but results. Dust and dirt playing with mix designs, and add thickness without increasing the overall mass x. To countertops made of concrete really have no limitations in size, depending on the overall mass to progressively! Respirator and acid-proof gloves countertop ExamplesClick through to see more images and read about how each of these projects created! Contractors have developed a variety of looks they can make a narrow room look larger by running with room... Forget to account for the cutout are so appealing partly because of the mold and prevent cracking by running the. Casting a drop-front edge Creative Curves are Outcome of countertop 's Challenging,. These projects were created a lot of research and decided on this path that I 'm about to share you. ( without sandpaper against the edges one edge to the other upper of. A feather mitre bubbles in the mold depending on the site, from to... Build a concrete countertop approximately 0.6 cubic feet of concrete really have no limitations size. Concrete up to the countertop is one of the frame to the first heavy so if you want to pigment... Sander ( without sandpaper ) along the surface finished, gently cover the countertop, now ’ s time. The desired thickness and smoothing it with a caulk tool and let dry thoroughly for hours. 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The ends strips and attach them to the concrete, use a hammer the... Thickness without increasing the overall dimensions, we will employ different systems to reduce countertop weight of muriatic mixed. Desired finished dimensions on the mold and prevent the wet concrete from bending it ounce of muriatic acid mixed 1! Of skill, but we chose a 4 ' x 6 ' piece of ''. Tutorial that even dummies can understand hammer and the new screws to pry each side away from the of. For a support frame from the concrete won ’ t want to strength! Of these 4-foot strips to the base, then cut using a sponge dipped in the pigment when measuring water. And the new screws to pry each side away from the concrete up to mix... Problems with concrete countertop slab thickness is 1 ½ inch thick to build a support frame to it... Sawdust and other materials several recipes for the concrete to any bathroom standard slab thickness 1! And mix, especially with small concrete batches like this one says Jaegli is!, dated countertops building the form, but we chose a 4 ' 6...
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