Quick Answer: How To Build A Concrete Table Top?

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.

How thick does a concrete table top need to be?

ThicknessThe standard concrete countertop slab thickness is 1 ½ to 2 inches, similar to countertops made of marble or granite. However, contractors can create the illusion of a thicker countertop by casting a drop-front edge.

Can I use an orbital sander to polish concrete?

An orbital sander is the correct equipment to use when sanding concrete. You will want to have several different grit sizes of orbital sanding discs on hand. To remove only a small rough patch or uneven area, you can use 1000-grit automobile black sandpaper, which is very fine and will not remove much of the concrete.

How do I keep my concrete countertop from cracking?

Properly reinforcing the countertop itself before the concrete is poured is the best way to reduce the likelihood of cracks. Reinforcing the concrete with rebar, welded wire, or something like our FG-50 Fiberglass Mesh is highly recommended.

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.

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.

Will 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 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.

How do you sand a concrete floor by hand?

Attach 180-grit sandpaper, which is a fine grit, to a pole sander, hand sander or floor sander. Put on a respirator, and sand the entire surface of the floor lightly. When the sheen is off the surface, scuff sanding is complete.

Can I sand down concrete?

The good news is that concrete can be sanded with relative ease when the proper equipment is used, such as a good concrete sandpaper (made using diamond instead of sand). There are also three different types of sanded finish you can achieve, depending upon the tools and amount of removed material.

Can you polish concrete by hand?

Concrete is a mix of cement, aggregate, sand, and water. You can do this to hand polish concrete countertops or floors and all that differs is equipment. Polishing will be done using variable speed concrete polisher and diamond sanding discs. The polisher can be water fed to cool the pads and stop dust.