DIY: Concrete Countertop with Concrete Countertop Solution
Concrete countertops are a great way to amp up the look of your space. On top of that, they’re stain resistant, offer a countless number of color options, can be cast into any shape, there’s an unlimited number of edge details, and they get better with age, just to name a few advantages. In other words, they offer endless creative options, but at the same time, the material is very dense and durable. This is why concrete makes a great countertop. Now, although we can’t tell you exactly how much concrete countertops cost, we can ensure you that they aren’t expensive and they cost even less if you choose to make them on your own. You could try figuring it out on your own, but by using Concrete Countertop Solutions, you’ll be able to install your very own with ease and finish with a literal snap, all while saving both time and money. Let’s break down how.
How to Make Your Own Concrete Countertop
Step 1
The first thing that you need in order to DIY concrete countertops is to prepare your cabinet. Take a Durock and attach it with silicone. You just have to put a bit on the edges for the best result. Next, you want to use our edge expert to hold the form of your choosing in place while making a cut with a miter saw. You want to make sure that you’ll get a solid 45-degree cut. Afterward, drill a few holes into the form so that you can screw it into the Durock without stripping it.
Step 2
Now that you have your cabinet prepped, it’s time to get your form ready for the mix. Start off by taking your Fiber Mesh Reinforcement and cutting it into the form of the soon-to-be countertop. Kitchen scissors will suffice. Now, in order to make sure that the mesh remains in the same place and at the right height for the mix, you need to put it in place with the help of our Z-clips.
You can use this two-part clip for our standard forms or the 3 ½ inch commercial forms. Take off the longer legs for the standard forms and vice versa for the commercial ones. Then, clip them onto the first row of the mesh, ten to twelve inches apart, and screw them down to the Durock. As soon as you’ve screwed it in, begin working on the next row which you should make about a foot away from the first. Keep working your way up until you’ve completed the entire sheet. When it’s done, go back and put in clips into the centers of the squares. Once that’s done, you can begin screwing them all in. Now, you’re ready to pour.
Step 3
The next part of your DIY concrete countertop requires you to make the mix of the concrete. Start by mixing two quarts of water with one pack of Z Liqui-Crete. Use a mixer on the solution for a couple of minutes before adding in two more quarts of water. Then, gradually empty the 60-pound bag of concrete sand mix. As soon as it begins to get dry, add another quart of water. Continue to use the mixer for about one more minute. Your goal is to get it to the consistency that of thick pancake batter. Add a bit more water if necessary.
Spray a bit of water to your form before pouring in the mix. Make sure that as you pour, you really push it into the edges. A trowel will be your best friend at this stage. After each bucket, take a countertop screed in order to level out your concrete. Move it in a back and forth motion to get a flat finish. A helpful tip; use a margin trowel to get everything out of your bucket. Also, don’t forget to vibrate your mixture by tapping on the edges of your forms with the handle of your margin trowel. You want to make sure that you get rid of any air bubbles.
Use a screed to smooth out your concrete. Go across it at a 45-degree angle from one corner to the other and then move it straight down. Make sure that you protect your cabinets and floor in case some concrete spills! When it’s had some time to dry, take a magnesium float to flatten it some more by moving it back and forth. Leave it to dry and come back with a steel trowel when it’s very close to being completely dry. Make half moon strokes with your tool at about a quarter inch above the concrete. Don’t drag it because you don’t want to chip your surface. When you’re done, let it be for a few more hours. Come back to test and see if there’s a soft scraping noise when you drag the steel trowel. If so, keep using it, but wipe it with a wet towel every so often to wipe off any excess concrete.
Step 4
Your DIY concrete countertop is almost complete! First, take the gem pad to sand off the excess concrete that’s on top of the edge of the form so that you don’t chip it when taking off the concrete. Then, take a putty knife to separate the form from the concrete. Use your hands to snap it off. If you find any sharp edges, sand them down.
All that’s left is to stain or tint it. You can use a variety of tools to create the perfect coloring. Once you’re happy with the result and it’s dry, roll on a sealer to give it the ultimate shine.
After only a couple of days, you can have the perfect concrete countertop right in your home. All you need is some careful preparation, the right tools, and a little guide to make sure that you don’t miss any steps and you’re all set! If this is your first time, there’s no need to fret because we’ve got your back here at Concrete Countertop Solutions. Browse our site for the tools necessary for creating your own concrete countertop as well as find some useful videos to help you get started today.
