Make Your Own Concrete Countertops

Concrete countertops – the combination of words seems contradictory, but you may be surprised by the beauty and grandeur that this type of countertop has attained. For example, look at this kitchen island:

The finish is exquisite and detailed so that you would think it were stone or marble! Look at the rich copper hues of this countertop. It’s hard to say no to that, wouldn’t you say?

If concrete countertops interest you, keep reading for steps to making them yourself! Given the time, space, and tools, this project is moderately difficult, but not unattainable for even beginners. Read through the instructions and see what you think!

1. Draw out a plan. Include the placements of the concrete countertops in the bathroom or kitchen and the proper dimensions.
2. We need to build a form for the countertop. Use 3/4″ melamine wood to build the frame. Melamine wood won’t absorb the water from the concrete, making for a better setting stage.
3. Tape off the edges of the frame. Silicon the corners and smooth it down. Pull up the tape. You’ll be left with a consistent bead in the corners.
4. Mix the cement in a cement barrel for at least 10 minutes.
5. Prepare the form. Put plastic underneath to reduce the mess. Clean it with alcohol to remove oils or dirt that might impair the concrete.
6. Dish in the cement and even it out. Run an electric sander on the edges to vibrate the concrete and pop any air pockets. This will help you achieve a balanced, even surface when it is dried.
7. Put in more concrete if necessary. It is better to overfill than under-fill. Then, screed the top of the form to wipe off any excess concrete. Good thing we laid down plastic, huh?
8. Cover the concrete in the form with plastic to keep in moisture and let it cure for 10 days.
9. Once the concrete is set, unscrew and pry off the form from around the countertop. Flip it over to see your new countertop!
10. At this point you can stain the top to achieve different colors. Concrete stain is not like wood stain – it is composed of  euratic acid, which has metallic salts that chemically react with the cement, making the final color unknowable until it’s on and dry. In order for you not to ruin your new countertops you worked so hard on, use sample of the countertop to try out colors. Put on the euratic acid, then wipe off any excess and let it dry. Once you decide on a stain, apply it to your countertops.
11. Once you’ve stained or if you decided not to, wax and buff the top of the countertop for its final look.

Follow these 11 steps and you, too, can have amazing concrete countertops! Watch the video below for more information on this DIY project.

*Featured Image: Contemporary Kitchen by Other Metro Kitchen Designers & Remodelers Wiedemann Werkstätten