When we remodeled our little shack here in S.C we did our own concrete countertops and they are wonderful. The entire kitchen countertop only cost us $500 for forms and material. Be happy to offer some insight.
WOW!! That's cheap!! So you bought the concrete and did it yourself? How did you stabilize the concrete so it doesn't move? Do you use something like liquid Nails?
Hi bmac! We formed the countertops and then poured the concrete, troweled then waited for it to set up a bit then troweled again. The forms we used were pretty beefy to hold the concrete in place. I will try and dig up some photos and post them...if I can figure out how to post photos hahah. We love the look of concrete and used a med grey colorant by Davis colors. We used a penetrating sealer to seal them. It was far cheaper than the quotes we got from the Phoenix contractor who does countertops.
So is the finish smooth and shiny? I guess low maintenance! To insert a picture click on the icon that is the 3rd from the right.
Ok. I will find the photos and give it a shot. We used a matt/low gloss sealer and they have been holding up well with my messy cooking. We will reseal them this summer then put a beeswax on.
Those counter tops look great! Better than I was imagining they might even. How often do you have to seal these?
We plan on sealing them soon and if you want to use a wax that works as well. Probably with heavy use, every year but with light cooking every other year would be fine. Glad you like them. The most important part of the process was to make sure our forms were level, and very secure. The mix was not as wet as some sugesst but it worked out fine. Davis Concrete Colors have so many different stains it makes you dizzy so we went with a med grey.
Concrete countertop are easy to build and inexpensive. I think if we use concrete vibrator while pouring concrete in counter top frame then it will work even better. We also choose color of countertop as per our convenience like we can use matching colors with kitchen cabinets, kitchen walls, etc.
Wow, I am really impressed...They really look great! I think I like them better than Granite. You have a very airy, sun-filled kitchen to boot!!! We are going to redo our primary residence this summer and will check this out for sure. Thanks for posting the pics. My wife will like this for sure! Have a great week, Fiona!
Thank you Lappy. Copperlady...yes you can use a colorant and Davis Concrete colors are my favorite. Colors for every taste, even plum. Their tans are also very nice. I think they will send you a sample box if you ask for one. Home Depot and Lowes also have some stains and colorants as well.
Moyakelly...please post your countertops and anyone else that has done a little remodel. I love looking at concrete lol.
I don't have any experience with laminate counter tops from IKEA, but can't imagine trying to peel standard laminate off particle board. If the laminate is stuck well, I wouldn't attempt to remove it.
Thanks JohnCarter... I was thinking same thing... If that laminate is stuck I wouldn't mess with it.. would you try an adhesive remover?