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Interior Creative Design :: DIY Concrete Countertop
DIY Concrete Countertop:
Installing a DIY Concrete Countertop
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Why Concrete?
For many people, the idea of a DIY concrete countertop may not be what they have in mind for their kitchen. Yet, if you really think about, it is quite the good idea.
So often, we only think of concrete in terms of as a construction material; something we build bridges and buildings out of. So, why on earth would you consider a DIY concrete countertop?
Well, there are several good reasons. First is the flexibility; you can form the concrete into just about any shape. It is durable, inexpensive, and it can give you free rein to be creative.
Once it sets, the concrete can be ground, polished, stained etc. So, your DIY concrete countertop can be crafted into anything you like.
The Process
Once you decide to make a DIY concrete countertop, you will need to get the materials. For this, check out your local “Home Depot,” “Lowes” or other home improvement store. You will need the concrete mix, equipment, and molds.
Concrete is very cheap, so you will end up saving quite a bit of money over other countertop material. Now, it is rather labor-intensive.
As this is a DIY concrete countertop, it lives up to the “do it yourself” part. You will have to mix the concrete, set up the forms, pour it, and then wait for it to set.
Basic concrete takes a week to set, and then a full twenty-eight days to fully harden. So, that means laying out the forms in a convenient spot. Do not tie up the middle of your yard with them.
Once the concrete is at least set, you can remove the forms and do some basic polishing. You basic DIY concrete countertop will be two-inches thick, thus helping to reduce its weight.
If you have not worked with concrete before, it is a good idea to start out with something small. Try doing a small countertop first, and then build up to the larger pieces.
Pour in Place
Sometimes you may encounter an area where you cannot use forms to cast what you need. In that case, you will have a DIY concrete countertop that is pour in place, and those can be tricky. Without a form, the top of the counter will not be as flat; as you use a trowel to smooth it out.
What this means is, you have to do quite a bit of grinding to get a nice, level surface. It is only after that you can truly polish the top. Still, a decent DIY concrete countertop is possible, if you just follow the instructions.
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