FAQ: How To Make Concrete Countertops Videos?

How do you make a concrete countertop?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction.
2. Step 1: Create the Mold.
3. Step 2: Make Cutouts and Add Sides to the Mold.
4. Step 3: Build a Support Frame and Prep the Wire.
5. Step 4: Mix and Pour the Concrete.
6. Step 5: Remove the Mold.
7. Step 6: Finish the Slab.
8. Step 7: Install the Countertop.

How do you make lightweight concrete countertops?

Lightweight concrete is made by replacing some (or all) of the normal weight aggregate (crushed limestone, granite, quartz, etc.) with a lightweight aggregate (expanded clay, shale or slate) to reduce the overall weight of the piece.

How thick do concrete countertops need to be?

Standard thickness is 1 1/2” with a minimum of 1 1/4” and maximum of 3”. Any thickness beyond 3” can be achieved using techniques to give the appear- ance of the desired thickness, yet still maintain weight and size within desirable limits. WHAT DOES A CONCRETE COUNTERTOP WEIGH?

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.

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.

How much do DIY concrete countertops cost?

Putting in your own concrete for a counter may cost a lot less, around $8 to $15 per square foot. This includes the basic materials needed. You may need to pay extra for tools that make the job easier, like a disc sander.

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.

Do concrete countertops hold up?

Pro = Durability



There’s no doubt concrete is rock solid and extremely durable. Concrete countertops will last you a lifetime, if properly sealed and maintained.

How long should concrete countertops cure before polishing?

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.

Can I use chicken wire to reinforce concrete?

Concrete reinforced with chicken wire or hardware cloth yields ferrocement, a versatile construction material. It can also be used to make the armature for a papier-mâché sculpture, when relatively high strength is needed.

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.

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.

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.

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.