Concrete countertop is one of the best options to opt for, if you prefer subtle designs over loud. This countertop will never prick your pocket for sure due to its economic rate. There are precast counters available in the market that are already cured and finished, and delivered straight to your kitchen for installation but it can be built at home as well if you wish to save money. Let’s discuss the steps to make a beautiful concrete countertop:
Steps to make a beautiful Concrete Countertop
1: Collect All the Required Material
The basic requirement for creating the countertop includes building the mold, pouring concrete and finishing. There are number of material available for making the form but we are referring to melamine coated particle board. You'll need a piece larger than your desired finished dimensions
2: Build the Form
Measure and mark the countertop on the melamine and set the sides. Build a rectangle with erected walls on the sides in accordance with the thickness you want. Pre-drill the walls in order to prevent any kind of split later on. Once the sides are ready, you need to seal all the inside seams with silicone caulk. Pick a color that is in contrast with melamine.
3: Make the Inner Reinforcement
This is one of the most time consuming and important steps that includes creating an internal criss-cross frame by setting the rebar on Styrofoam blocks. Measure the gap you want to keep in between the blocks. Use high quality sturdy wire to tie onto the rebar to keep everything in place.
4: Pour the Concrete!
For this step, you will be needing a concrete mixer. Two people will be required so that one can work with the mixer and pour the concrete into the form while the other can push the concrete into place.
5: Remove the Air Pockets
You need to remove the air pockets while the concrete is wet as once the concrete starts drying up it will leave the bubble impression on it. One the simplest way is to gently tap on the sides and bottom to bring out the bubbles to the surface.
6: Take out Countertop from the Form
After 7-10 days, you need to take out the countertop face so that you can give it a finishing touch, if required.
7: Time to seal and install
The final step is applying the finish of your choice, there is a wide range available in the market.
8: Finished!
This is the most pleasant time when all your hard work brings fruitful results. Hopefully this has encouraged you to go ahead and experimentwith concrete countertop.
