Anybody who has poured their own concrete countertops.?

Question

I really think I can do this (pour my own) and I want to really bad, however, the web sights that I find do not really get to the point about adding color, or where to buy the coloring for that matter. I am not so good at reading all the ins and outs of concrete countertop. There has to be a simple plan as far as mixing everything. Can you get everything you need at Lowes or do you have to buy from specialty concrete dealers? I know about building the molds and other construction details. I want dark countertops like coal. Can any body give me real step by step information about mixing, coloring, and sealing. There has to be a way to keep it simple. Can anyone help? I can't afford to pay anyone to do this because I have spent all our money on everything else, and it seems pointless to put anything in there that I will want to change later. Any good information would be greatly appreciated. My mind gets boggled when confronted with to many details, like algebra.

Answer 1

Good for you to want to do this. Concrete counter tops have been in vogue for several years now and, when done correctly, will give you the same service as granite.

You probably have some time constraints at this point since it sounds like you've done your project and have some cost over runs--but before you do anything--please invest in this self help book. It's simply titled "Concrete Counter Tops", only $29.95 and well illustrated. Go to your book store and look through it before you buy it to see if it is what you need--even check your library to see if they or a satellite library has it.

Here is the internet address:
http://www.contractor-books.com/TP/Concrete_Countertops.htm

Good luck!

Answer 2

Sounds like several of the answerers are unaware that thousands of concrete countertops have been installed, and that it is supplanting granite as the contertop of choice.

Anyway, I have poured two, both in place. Fabricators/contractors generally pour them off site and install later. You can get colorant at Lowes/Home Depot. If you want it that dark, you will need alot of colorant!! The key is finishing with a magnesium float. Take your time, and get it as smooth as possible. You can sand it after but it is a pain. Also be sure to use a releasing agent on your forms.

GOOD LUCK :)

Answer 3

Certainly the idea of concrete counter tops period is enough to boggle the mind.

My issue with it is that you'll likely want to SEAL it after the fact, and if it's a counter top that comes in contact with any food substance; I suspect you should use cutting boards.

To DYE concrete can be as simple as adding colored grout to the mix,,, to STAIN it after the fact is certainly possible, but again it's adding a substance not at all condusive to contact with a food type.

Answer 4

Do a couple smaller test pieces first, keep notes on the quantities for each piece. We plan on doing the same and my plan was to use the test pieces for like patio stones around the yard. Once you've found the one you like go big! I have heard of a sealer that they use on the countertops that are FDA approved so something is out there.

Answer 5

Concrete is not suitable for counter tops. It's too porous, and is not impervious to heat and chemicals. Even spills of milk or tea will stain it, and grease and oil will too. Also concrete is subject to cracking. Even with good reinforcing steel, it will develop hairline crazing. Concrete will continue to cure over many years, and is not easily sealed. And then there's the weight........

Answer 6

the colorant is a powder, and is mixed with the mix AFTER you have it read to pour, though some sprinkle it for surface tamping and troweling for color, as it uses less than in the mix make sure you also use fiberglass reinforcement in the mix to avoid hair line cracks ( also use pencil rod in all inside and out side corners and a complete ring around the sink )

Answer 7

http://www.concreteexchange.com/catalog/9 you can do a goodsize kitchen for about 500 I believe, go with the charcoal, you dont need as much stuff this way, you dont have to worry about shrinkage and whatnot and if you want it darker buy the black dye, looks awesome, good luck- and doing it yourself you will need to know what kind of mixture to use which well you dont- out