FAQ: Diy Concrete Countertop?

Can I make my own concrete countertops?

To build your own concrete countertops, you’ll need to assemble the tools and materials for making your molds as well as for mixing, setting, and curing the concrete. Quikrete 5000 is easy to work with, just make sure you buy the correct amount for your project and stick to the recommended water-to-concrete ratio.

How much does it cost to make your own concrete countertop?

The cost for concrete countertops ranges from $65 to $135 per square foot. This price usually includes the countertop design, materials, construction, and installation.



CONCRETE COUNTERTOP COST COMPARISON.

Laminate	$20 – $50
Synthetic Solid Surfaces (i.e. Corian)	$50 – $90
CONCRETE	$65 – $135
Granite	$70 – $175

Are concrete countertops 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.

What is the best type of concrete to use for countertops?

For best results, you’ll want a high-strength mix specially formulated to create a smooth concrete surface that can be polished to a high sheen without cracking. Quikrete’s Countertop Mix, for example, contains smaller aggregate pieces and super-plasticizer additives that form a dense and smooth countertop.

What is the most maintenance free countertop?

Solid surface countertops are a wonderful in-between for laminate and stone countertops. They are made from minerals and acrylic or polyester resin, giving them a nonporous surface that is easy to keep clean. They are heat resistant, seamless, and extremely durable without the need for regular maintenance or upkeep.

Can you put hot pots 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.) Needs sealing – In its natural state, concrete is porous and may stain.

What are the pros and cons of concrete countertops?

Pros and Cons of Concrete Countertops

• Pro: Concrete is durable. The strength of the cement-and-sand mix alone has some hailing it as a rock solid (we had to) design choice.
• Con: But it can crack.
• Pro: Cracks can be fixed.
• Con: Concrete is susceptible to stains and scratches.
• Pro: So is basically everything else.

Do concrete countertops crack?

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.

Are concrete countertops worth it?

Concrete is a high-end material when used in kitchen countertops, and fabricating them requires the skill and experience of trained technicians. Concrete counters are expensive, too. Once again, the idea that concrete is used for sidewalks and patios, thus it must be inexpensive, is false.

Are concrete countertops high maintenance?

Concrete countertop prices are high, so this will turn off many homeowners right from the start. Secondly, concrete counters require a level of maintenance some won’t want to deal with or have the time for. They must be properly sealed from the beginning and then resealed every 1-3 years.

What are the best inexpensive countertops?

Below are 15 popular “cheap” countertops that you will be able to find on the market.

• Ceramic Tile.
• Laminate.
• Cultured Marble.
• Granite.
• Cultured Granite.
• Butcher Block.
• Bamboo.
• Wood.

Do I need rebar in concrete countertop?

Sufficient concrete cover is required to prevent corrosion and rust stains. Pro tip: Don’t use rebar to reinforce countertops that are less than two inches thick. The rebar is too big and may even cause cracking rather than prevent it. However, rebar can be used in thicker countertops or to support daring overhangs.

How do you make concrete countertops smooth and shiny?

We recommend filling in the low spots first and then applying a final top coat over the entire surface. Finally, you can apply epoxy over the concrete. This will fill in any rough areas making it smooth to the touch. You can add pigment or keep it clear.

Can I use quikrete 5000 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.