Contents
- 1 Can I make my own concrete countertops?
- 2 How much does it cost to make your own concrete countertop?
- 3 How thick do concrete countertops need to be?
- 4 What is the best type of concrete to use for countertops?
- 5 Do concrete countertops crack?
- 6 Can you put hot pans on concrete countertops?
- 7 Are concrete countertops worth it?
- 8 What are the pros and cons of concrete countertops?
- 9 Do you have to polish concrete countertops?
- 10 Can I use chicken wire to reinforce concrete?
- 11 Can I use quikrete 5000 for countertops?
- 12 Is concrete counters cheaper than granite?
- 13 How do you make concrete countertops smooth and shiny?
- 14 How thin can you make a concrete countertop?
- 15 How long do concrete countertops need to cure?
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 |
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.
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.) Needs sealing – In its natural state, concrete is porous and may stain.
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.
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 you have to polish concrete countertops?
See how wet polishers and pads are used on concrete countertops. It’s often desirable to polish the surface and edges of a concrete countertop to create a smoother, more aesthetically pleasing finish.
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.
Is concrete counters 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 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.
How thin can you make a concrete countertop?
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-
How long do concrete countertops need to cure?
As a general rule, traditional concrete should moist cure for a minimum of 5-7 days before being allowed to slowly and evenly dry out. However, most concrete countertop artisans use high-performance mixes that allow for a cure time of 1-2 days before proceeding with processing and sealing.