How to Make Concrete Countertops
Everything you need to know for DIY concrete countertop projects is here at your fingertips. 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. 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. You’ll also find a meticulously compiled list of resources from all over the web that can answer your questions about making concrete countertops.
EIGHT STEPS TO MAKING CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS
1. Decide on your countertop design
Concrete is a very flexible material when it comes to creating shapes and sizes and choosing colors. Use this handy reference for determining standard countertop dimensions.
Incorporate functional features such as:
Integral sinks
Drainboards and trivets
Embeds and inserts
Embed glass aggregate
Decide on edge details and backsplashes.
2. Determine where to build
Your countertop can be pre-cast where you can pour the countertop in a controlled environment, such as in a shop. Pre-casting will also allow you to form your countertop upside-down if you desire, giving you an immediately smooth surface from the forming materials.
Building your countertop on-site gives you the freedom to adapt for significant challenges in your countertop’s design such as radius edges, curved corners, longer seamless runs, etc.
3. Select a countertop mix and mixer
Use this handy buyer’s guide to concrete countertop mixes for choosing a mix suitable for your project.
Choose the best products for your countertop:
Best cement types for countertop mixes
Type of concrete mixers
4. Build your forms or molds
Materials such as melamine, Plexiglass, steel and foam are some of the best forming materials for countertops.
Use this handy guide to concrete countertop supplies which includes a description of everything you need to build a concrete countertop including types of molds, and more.
5. Add reinforcement
Avoid cracking by installing or adding proper countertop reinforcement.
Types of countertop reinforcements include steel, wire mesh, fiberglass, or additives such as fiber and acrylic.
6. Cure the countertops
Proper countertop curing is essential so the concrete can harden slowly and evenly. Consider using curing covers.
7. Ground/Hone/Polish
Select the right tools for grinding and polishing your countertop which will give your countertop a smooth surface, and enhance its visual appeal by revealing some of the aggregate and decorative add-ins (if used).
8. Select a sealer
All concrete countertops need to be sealed to protect the concrete from stains and scratches.
Review the best sealers for stain resistance, and read this report on testing sealers for concrete countertops.
You’ll also want to review what maintenance and cleaning requirements you should routinely use to keep your countertop looking sharp.