Making a concrete countertop is one of the more complicated projects to take on. It’s easy to go overboard and have the project get out of hand, but it’s so incredibly rewarding to see the finished product in use.
Concrete countertops are durable, reliable, and they stand the test of time. When made correctly, concrete countertops can be used for all kinds of purposes. From the kitchen to the garage, concrete countertops are beautiful additions.
Read on to see how you can make your own!
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, you’ll need some materials listed below:
Ready-mix concrete
Liquid Release Agent
Beeswax
Spare wood planks
Sandpaper
Tablesaw
Sawhorses
Where to Begin
First, you’re going to need to create a mold. Measure the existing countertop, or measure the desired length and width of the potential countertop. Leave about ¾” of excess at the end of each of your measurements. You can then convert these measurements by making them into a mold. Using scrap pieces of melamine particle board, securely drill the mold into place. If possible, you may want to create a sample mode to test your process before you jump into making the actual countertop.
Create Support
With 2x4s, you can create a support frame before you pour the concrete into your mold. The concrete is going to be extremely heavy and needs to be supported by something structurally sound. An A-frame is the best design for this situation.
Create sturdy A-frames out of 2x4s and connect them using more spare wood. Then, set your mold on top, ensuring that it will stay firmly in place as you pour the concrete. Test it with weights–to be safe, test for at least one hundred pounds.
Mix and Pour the Concrete
The ready-mix concrete will have instructions on how to properly mix it before use. When it is the consistency of peanut butter, it is ready to pour. As you use a bucket and a spade to spread the concrete into the mold, be sure to pack it tightly as you go. You’ll want to overfill the mold just a bit, because the concrete will settle.
For added strength, you can use galvanized wire to go around the perimeter of the concrete. This will prevent the concrete from cracking as it settles. Once you have all the concrete densely packed, you can allow it to rest for however long your mix instructs. Afterwards, you can break it free from the mold, and sand away any imperfections.
Sealant
After your concrete has set and you’ve rinsed it, it’s time to seal it to keep it safe. You can use your favorite concrete coating to finish, so it will have a glossy and durable texture. East Coast Kemiko has a wide range of solutions to choose from, so take your pick!
Need help? East Coast Kemiko will give you the best, most affordable options when it comes to concrete sealants—so your counters can last a lifetime. Call today, or check out our online catalog!