Table of Contents
Watch every step of this concrete countertop project. Step 1: Build the Mold. Step 2: Make Cutouts. Step 3: Build Support Frame and Prep Wire. Step 4: Mix and Pour Concrete. Step 5: Remove the Mold. Step 6: Finish the Slab. Step 7: Install the Countertop.
Are DIY concrete countertops expensive?
According to Cost Helper, getting concrete countertops professionally installed would run you $2,550 – $5,250 for a typical 30-square-foot kitchen counter. Doing them yourself, on the other hand only costs about $240 – $450 for a typical 30-square-foot kitchen counter. That’s thousands of dollars in savings!Aug 31, 2017.
How thick does a concrete countertop have to be?
The standard concrete countertop slab thickness is 1 ½ to 2 inches, similar to countertops made of marble or granite. However, contractors can create the illusion of a thicker countertop by casting a drop-front edge.
Can you put hot pans on concrete countertops?
Heat resistance – Concrete is very heat resistant but avoid placing hot pots or pans on sealed surfaces, since the heat can damage or discolor the sealer. (See Placing Hot Pans on Concrete Countertops.) Applying a surface sealer will make the concrete water and stain resistant.
What kind of concrete do you use for concrete countertops?
QUIKRETE® Countertop Mix (No. 1106-80) is a specially formulated flowable high-strength concrete mix for pre-cast and cast-in-place concrete countertop applications. Super-plasticizer additive provides a flowable mix at low water/cement ratio. High-flow formula minimizes the need for mechanical vibration.
Will concrete countertops crack?
Concrete Countertop Durability A: Yes. Not always, but concrete countertops can develop hairline cracks. The cracks tend to be non-structural and result from the natural shrinkage of the concrete. However, some countertop cracks can be prevented.
Is a concrete countertop cheaper than granite?
Concrete countertops are actually pricier than granite countertops in general. Prices per square foot start at $65 for the simplest concrete countertops, and that does not include installation costs, which ranges between $30 and $90 per hour.
How do you make concrete countertops look like granite?
The best way to make your concrete countertop look like granite is to use a mineral/dye finish that can be applied on top of the countertop and around the sides. Start by washing the countertop and letting it air dry. Following the instructions for your stain or dye, apply it evenly.
What material is used to make concrete countertops?
BEST MATERIALS FOR FORMING CONCRETE COUNTERS. Melamine, a plastic coated fiberboard, is the standard material used to mold the countertop surface. Melamine will only last for one or two castings but since most countertops are custom, that’s seldom an issue.
Can you pour concrete countertops on plywood?
Precast concrete countertops do not require installing plywood on top of open cabinets. However, plywood does make installing large, awkward or heavy pieces easier, since the slab can be slid along the smooth top without catching on a cabinet wall. However, plywood is also much more flexible than concrete.
Can you use self leveling concrete for countertops?
In addition to flooring, self-leveling concrete is popular for concrete countertops. The product is highly fluid and pourable, reducing installation time frames. The end result is a concrete countertop with strength and low permeability. It is compatible with limestone aggregates.
What is the thinnest you can pour concrete countertops?
Mark Rogero, principal of Concreteworks, explains that of late there’s been “a major shift in reinforcement technology—we use fiberglass reinforcement in surface concrete that has made it stronger, thinner, and more refined than the steel-reinforced concrete of the past.” Now concrete counters can be as thin as three- Aug 9, 2018.
Is quikrete 5000 Good for countertops?
Owens uses Quikrete 5000 to make countertops because it is formulated to gain strength in a week while other products typically require 28 days to cure. Mix the aggregate with water, 80 pounds gives you about 2 linear feet of countertop, making sure what you come up with is stiff, not soupy.
How far can a concrete countertop overhang without support?
a. Overhangs -You can do up to a 12″ overhang without any additional support or reinforcement. All you will do is let your cement board overhang the cabinets. Remember the form will add another 1-1/2″ of overhang.
Are concrete countertops a good idea?
In the right house, concrete countertops can improve the house’s resale value since it is considered to be a premium material, on par with quartz or natural stone counters.
How much does a cement countertop cost?
The cost of concrete countertops ranges from $65 to $135 per square foot.CONCRETE COUNTERTOP COST COMPARISON. Laminate $20 – $50 Synthetic Solid Surfaces (i.e. Corian) $50 – $90 CONCRETE $65 – $135 Granite $70 – $175.
How long do concrete countertops last?
There’s no doubt concrete is rock solid and extremely durable. Concrete countertops will last you a lifetime, if properly sealed and maintained.
Do I need rebar in concrete countertop?
Concrete countertops are not supported by a subgrade, as are floors and other slabs. They are like cantilevers and must be reinforced to limit structural cracking and ensure sufficient tensile strength and ductility.
How many bags of concrete do I need for my countertop?
An 80-pound bag of Quikrete’s Countertop Mix will yield approximately 0.6 cubic feet of concrete. For example, to make the above 2-foot-by-3-foot countertop, you’ll need two 80-pound bags.
How many bags of cement do I need for 12×12?
To determine how many bags of concrete you will need, divide the total cubic yards needed by the yields, at 4 inch thick, for a 12×12 slab you will need 1.76 yards of concrete, so number of 80lb bag of concrete = 1.76 ÷ 0.022 = 80 bags, No. of 60lb bag = 1.76 ÷ 0.017 = 104 bags & No.
Do white concrete countertops stain?
Concrete countertops scratch & stain easily. This is especially true for white concrete countertops! Cement is actually a pretty fragile surface that stains and cracks easily. It is also highly absorbent and must be sealed before you can use it in your kitchen.
How long should concrete countertops cure before polishing?
Tips on using hand grinding blocks on concrete countertop edges. Allow the concrete countertop to cure for a minimum of 10 days before polishing. Concrete younger than that is still too soft to polish well, and concrete older than a month will be more difficult to polish and will use up more pads.
How do I keep my concrete countertop from cracking?
Properly reinforcing the countertop itself before the concrete is poured is the best way to reduce the likelihood of cracks. Reinforcing the concrete with rebar, welded wire, or something like our FG-50 Fiberglass Mesh is highly recommended.
