Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - concrete countertop
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03-12-01, 03:46 PM
I would like to build a concrete countertop. I am planning on staining it after finished and I know how to do that but I need help with the concrete counter itself. If anyone has info on the stepes or possible a web address of info please help. Thanks,James.
2000
03-12-01, 09:09 PM
As a starting point try searching http://www.decorative-concrete.net/index.html
I think the best home built forms are made of posted formed laminate. You will encounter many other opinions. I also think that anything less than a 7 sack mix is a poor idea and so is "poured in place" verses inverted. An 8 sack ornamental concrete mix is about as good as it gets.
Vibrating to consolidate is a necessity. Some suggest using a 1/4 sheet sander, but a concrete vibrator does a much better job. The sealer should be a food safe epoxy.
I think the best home built forms are made of posted formed laminate. You will encounter many other opinions. I also think that anything less than a 7 sack mix is a poor idea and so is "poured in place" verses inverted. An 8 sack ornamental concrete mix is about as good as it gets.
Vibrating to consolidate is a necessity. Some suggest using a 1/4 sheet sander, but a concrete vibrator does a much better job. The sealer should be a food safe epoxy.
03-14-01, 11:18 AM
Hi Clean and 2K
Clean, you are in about the same shape that I'm in on a project that I've posted in this forum (Lightweight concrete decks) in that there are two avenues to follow. One is DIY, the other is to pay someone to do it for you. I've found hardly any detailed concrete instruction, either here or on the 'Net; however, I did get some great advise here.
That advise is to get some sacks of concrete mix down at the blue or orange box store and start playing with it. Build some small scale test forms and mix up some concrete and play around. Use the test pieces for stepping stones or something.
I agree with 2000 about the inverted forms concept as opposed to trying to get the top smooth by troweling. Line whatever you use for forms with something really slick and smooth like formica laminate, ( I like that masonite finished bright white = cheap) and then pour some concrete in there and really vibrate it good to get out all the air bubbles etc, so you have a good smooth finish. Another idea to try would be lining the inside of the forms with a slurry of concrete like mason's mix, only with extra cement, then filling the interior with regular aggregate concrete. That way none of the aggregate would stick thru and show.
My wife and I are interesed in some outdoor tables like this, so let us know how it turns out.
I hope this helps,
Clean, you are in about the same shape that I'm in on a project that I've posted in this forum (Lightweight concrete decks) in that there are two avenues to follow. One is DIY, the other is to pay someone to do it for you. I've found hardly any detailed concrete instruction, either here or on the 'Net; however, I did get some great advise here.
That advise is to get some sacks of concrete mix down at the blue or orange box store and start playing with it. Build some small scale test forms and mix up some concrete and play around. Use the test pieces for stepping stones or something.
I agree with 2000 about the inverted forms concept as opposed to trying to get the top smooth by troweling. Line whatever you use for forms with something really slick and smooth like formica laminate, ( I like that masonite finished bright white = cheap) and then pour some concrete in there and really vibrate it good to get out all the air bubbles etc, so you have a good smooth finish. Another idea to try would be lining the inside of the forms with a slurry of concrete like mason's mix, only with extra cement, then filling the interior with regular aggregate concrete. That way none of the aggregate would stick thru and show.
My wife and I are interesed in some outdoor tables like this, so let us know how it turns out.
I hope this helps,