concrete countertops

A Do It Yourself Guide to Concrete Countertops

Having the right materials to get your countertop installed and looking good is crucial. You will need to know exactly what is needed, if you are doing it yourself, or you will need to be sure that the right materials are used if you are hiring a contractor. Either way, you should also know more about concrete countertops.

If you've ever considered replacing your counters with concrete countertops you've come to the right place. Here you can learn how to build them from scratch. Are you ready to build a countertop that will leave a lasting impression?

Concrete is very popular in modern building. It's used to replicate other material types like wood, clay pavers, roof shakers, or even natural stone. But today designers are taking it a step further. Concrete is being used to create unique counters in the kitchen and bathroom. Just add the right color and texture and you've got a great finish to the room.

There are definitely other countertops that are a lot easier to install than concrete. Pouring concrete is messy and heavy work and it takes some practice to get a surface that looks great. The payoff is that the cost of materials is very cheap and the end result is impressive and one heck of a conversation piece!

In other parts of the world concrete has been used to make counters for centuries. But in North America it's a relatively new concept and you will definitely impress your friends and family!

It's always a good ideas to start with a small project. Practice the techniques. Once you've got it mastered start to play with colors until you get the perfect color you want for your counters.

1. Make The Form

Use " melamine wood to build your form. You want the plastic finish because it slows down the drying of the concrete which increases the strength. And it will stop the concrete from sticking. Join sides to the bottom with a pneumatic stapler. Careful you don't split your wood.

2. Don't drill or cut the slab after it's built so create your voids prior and don't use particleboard because the edges will absorb water.

Pour The Concrete

1. You need to fortify the slab using reinforcing rod and polypropylene fibers using a diamond lath. It's the key to a strong countertop.

2. Cut the diamond lath 1" short of the edge using snips. Install No 3 rebar around the sink cutout. Make sure you do all your measuring and cutting prior to mixing up the concrete.

3. Pour the concrete in layers to minimize the time between each step of the process.

4. How durable your countertop is will depend on how well the mix is prepared. Use a mason's hoe to thoroughly blend all the dry ingredients.

5. Measure the liquids and carefully mix them all together.

6. Add them in stages.

7. Add 2 quarts of white Portland for every 60 pound bag of concrete.

8. As concrete cures it cracks but the diamond lath, poly fibers,, and rod will keep the microscopic cracks tight....

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