There is a huge variety of types of countertops, they differ both in appearance and in shape. Masters have learned to combine almost incompatible things into one whole. Many interesting works use and combine materials such as (wood, glass, metal and concrete). In this work, the author will use three main elements, it will be wood, concrete, and metal, as the element will serve as the internal structure of the future countertop.
In order to make a similar countertop with our own hands, we need:
Tool:
- saw;
- clamp;
- level;
-putty knife;
- sponge;
- grinder with grinding discs;
- gas-burner;
- sandpaper.
Materials:
- log;
- steel fittings;
- stainless steel bolts;
- pigments for painting concrete;
- concrete polishing wax;
- polyethylene film;
- epoxy resin;
- lumber;
- the base of the table.
The first step is to choose wood. You can choose any breed that you like, or one that is available. The main thing is that the tree is strong and dried in advance.
We take a log and cut out the board. In this article wood material such a variety of wood as Cedar was chosen. We leave all the uneven side edges of the board, they are needed in order to convey the natural beauty of wood.
The thickness of the board can be used five to seven centimeters. If you don't have suitable equipment and skills for cutting wood, it would be best to order this blank at the nearest sawmill.
When the board is ready, you need to sand the surface as carefully as possible. If there are any irregularities and surface recesses, they must be filled epoxy resin. In this case, you need to be as careful as possible so that there are no air bubbles in the process.
If bubbles still appear, use gas burner. We bring and warm the surface, while trying not to hold it in one place for a long time, as you can ruin the wood. We leave the board and wait until the resin dries.
When the surface is dry, take 220 grit sandpaper and go over the surface. Then polish with wax.
The next step is to make the frame of the countertop.
To do this, you need to take lumber and build an invented shape. The design should not be overall, since in the future the finished product may turn out to be heavy, and we do not need this. The inner side of the frame must be treated with a special compound, this is so that the hardened concrete subsequently easily lags behind it.
We take the board and put it in the center of the frame. We screw stainless steel bolts on the sides of the board, this is to ensure that there is maximum fixation of concrete with wood.
We put reinforcement of a certain length along the board at the bottom of the frame, this will also serve as an additional reinforcement of the product.
Next, we breed high-strength concrete mortar, while adding a special coloring pigment to it, it should evenly dissolve. When the solution is ready, pour it into the finished form. This must be done very carefully. It is necessary to exclude air ingress as much as possible. There should be no gaps between the board and concrete. In order for the concrete solution to sit best, we pass from the outside grinder, it creates vibration, so the solution fills all the voids.
After being filled concrete surface go through the rules and level it. We leave to dry. In this case, this process should not be accelerated, just cover with polyethylene. In hot weather outside, it is advisable to wipe the surface with water using a sponge.
When the concrete has completely hardened, we remove the box and grind it with a grinder with different nozzles. From the largest we gradually move to the smallest.
After grinding, small depressions may form on the concrete, which means that during the pouring process air entered and bubbles remained. We simply fill all these recesses with a solution of concrete and let it dry, and then we grind it again.
Now we carry out wet grinding, that is, we wet the surface with water and grind it. Since the surface is slippery, you need to be as careful as possible, do not forget about safety precautions.
The final stage.
We cover the countertop with wax and carefully polish it.
It may be unusual for us to see such furniture, but concrete products are quite widely produced and used in America and Europe. For example, this table is sold in furniture stores for almost $800. It seems too expensive even for the average American. On the other hand, you can make a similar item yourself if you wish.
Of course, it is unlikely that anyone will do such a thing in an apartment, but in a country house or in country house there is a place to work. The first and most important thing to do is to assemble the formwork, the form for pouring the table.
Formwork is done immediately on the entire product, a tabletop with legs. Use ordinary boards although possible, it is problematic. It will be difficult to achieve smooth inner surface form walls.
This product can be used as a coffee table, dinner table or a permanent picnic table on the property. Based on the purpose of use, you need to choose sizes. This table was made as a coffee table, the size of the top is 120/500 mm. , height 600 mm. , the thickness of the legs and table top in this option can be 80-100 mm. .
For the table that you see in the photo, polished was used as the material. Chipboard thickness 20 mm. . The assembly was carried out on self-tapping screws, while all joints were smeared with glue. Glue is needed not only for the strength of the formwork, but also for sealing the seams. In any case, after assembly, the seams must be caulked or filled with silicone.
When pouring concrete, the load on side walls for the legs will be significant. In order not to receive negative emotions, it is better to take care of strengthening the walls in advance. Concrete workers in such cases pull the walls together with a through wire. Here, this option is not very good, even after cutting, pieces of wire will stick out of the planes of the supports. It would probably be better to put external stops and slopes.
Concrete will need reinforcement, wire mesh and a round profile 8-10 mm thick. The profile is cut to size table top length + two leg heights. We bend it in the form of the letter P and insert it inside the formwork.
When the formwork is ready, we mix concrete based on gravmass or sand and very fine gravel, large fragments are undesirable here. The concrete should not be too thick or too thin. A thick mixture can spill badly into the legs, and a liquid one will flow out.
When pouring such forms, it is advisable to use a vibrator, I don’t know how acceptable this is here. In any case, lightly tap with a mallet so that the concrete is more evenly distributed.
It is better to disassemble the formwork after the concrete has completely dried, this is at least 5-7 days. The countertop needs to be moistened all the time so that it does not dry out. After disassembly, treat all corners with a grinder or a very large sandpaper on a bar. Further finishing, priming with colorless compounds or painting with opaque paints. By the way, you can take care of the appearance of the table in advance, add coloring pigments to the concrete or use colored stone chips as a filler. In this way, you can achieve a structure under natural stone.
Ready table.
What else do you need to know beforehand? The weight of such a table, depending on the size, can be 100 kg. and more. If you are going to install a table at home, then consider whether the floor can withstand such a mass. On the other hand, this is the weight of a grand piano or piano, and they are in the houses. But the use of this item on outdoors can be very beneficial.
Below is a glass shelf. Pictures from http://diydelray.com/
Attractive and original interior kitchen space is the dream of every homeowner. Someone tries to create it with the help of designers and expensive exclusive materials, others focus on their own imagination and skill. For example, you can make a concrete countertop with your own hands, which will not differ in any way from an elite marble part.
A concrete countertop will not differ from an elite piece of marble.
This solution is ideal for those owners who cannot allocate extra funds for finishing the kitchen and are accustomed to approaching the arrangement of life creatively. Minimum costs will allow you to make the interior of the kitchen room individual.
Preparing to create a countertop
Before you make a tabletop, you need to complete a series preparatory work, which will allow the new element to organically and harmoniously fit into the existing interior. So, you should determine what dimensions the table will have and how it will look.
Usually a countertop made of natural or artificial stone needed to create a work surface, located next to the sink or stove. It can also be used in the corner of the kitchen. In any case, the sides of the element must completely repeat the relief of the walls, which will create the most snug fit.
Before starting work, it is necessary to carefully measure all dimensions, check the angle and draw up a drawing, on the basis of which a concrete countertop will be made. Since the weight of the finished countertop will be large enough, it is recommended to include in the drawing its division into several parts. This will make the manufacturing and processing process simpler and easier and will protect the countertop from cracking during operation.
In addition, the large weight of concrete also determines the creation of an additional structure that reinforces the support of the table. So, the joints of the tabletop parts must be strengthened with the help of transverse boards made of hard rock wood. In addition, the entire frame of the cabinet should also consist of this wood.
When the drawing is ready, you should purchase the materials that will be required to make a concrete countertop with your own hands:
- sand and cement in a ratio of 3: 2;
- hardwood boards;
- timber 40x40 or 50x50;
- plywood;
- sheets of plastic with a thickness of at least 1.8 cm;
- reinforcing mesh with small cells;
- polymer concrete on acrylic resin;
- silicone sealant;
- spray adhesive;
- decorative elements: shells, small pebbles, broken glass;
- drying oil or machine oil;
- dye pigments.
In addition, all the necessary tools must be available:
- putty knife;
- grinder with polishing wheels;
- building level;
- screwdriver and screws;
- polyethylene film;
- hacksaw.
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Table top manufacturing process
The quality of a do-it-yourself concrete countertop largely depends on compliance with dimensions when creating a mold for casting. For the basis of the form, you need to take plastic sheets, the size of which corresponds to the size of the future countertop. Along the perimeter of the sheets of timber, a rim with a height of about 5-6 cm is mounted. The height of the rim will determine the thickness of the element.
To seal the form, all joints and seams are coated silicone sealant. If there is a sink in the countertop, the place for it should be left free, enclosing the necessary space with partitions made of boards. In addition, the countertop can be rounded using silicone inserts installed at the corners and removed after the concrete mortar has dried.
The next step is the laying of decorative elements, if they will be used in the manufacture of countertops. Shells, glass and other decor must be carefully distributed along the bottom of the mold and secured by spraying with spray glue. After that, at a height of 2.5-3 cm from the bottom of the mold, a metal mesh with small cells is mounted, which will act as reinforcement.
Then, in order to make the countertop, it is necessary to knead the concrete solution. 3 parts of pure river sand are added to a container with 2 parts of M500 cement. After that, 1 part of polymer plasticizer for concrete is added. Lastly, water is added. Its amount should be such that the mixture looks like a cream or paste.
If the countertop is to have a particular color, pigment dyes are added to the mixture. To give the concrete a uniform color, the substances are added to the dry mix. If it is necessary to get stains, as on granite, the pigment is dissolved in a small amount of liquid and mixed with the ready-made concrete mixture.
In order for the countertop to have exactly the same parameters, the concrete solution is poured into a mold set in a horizontal position. Before pouring, the mold should be thoroughly smeared with drying oil or machine oil, which will allow you to easily remove the concrete part. The horizontality of the form is checked using the building level.
When all the concrete mixture is poured, the mold is covered with a plastic sheet smeared with drying oil. Then the entire structure is covered with polyethylene from above and left for a period of at least 10 days. After this time, the polyethylene is removed and the formwork is removed. The concrete is left to dry for another 7-8 days.
Something new is constantly appearing in the creation of interior design, and the latest novelty is the elements of concrete present in various furniture, especially in the kitchen or in the country. However, do not limit yourself to kitchen set, a coffee table in the living room with a concrete top will look very original and interesting.
And to make such a tabletop is quite simple with your own hands, and you don’t need a lot of experience to create it, almost anyone can make it, the main thing would be desire.
- These tables are simply irreplaceable. For country furniture : do not get wet, do not deteriorate!
- , it is enough to cover a worn-out table with it - and you will get a super modern thing.
- For the kitchen - they do not deteriorate and are very durable!
Tools
In order to make a coffee table with a rectangular concrete top, we need:
- Wooden boards.
- Wire mesh for strengthening concrete.
- A piece of 1/2-inch chipboard or plywood to make the desired shape.
- Drywall.
- screws.
- Pneumatic nailer to attach the sides to the bottom panel.
- Large plastic container for mixing cement.
Instructions for making countertops
Step 1: Making the box
No matter what size and shape the countertop will be, wire mesh should be two inches smaller in width and height than chipboard or plywood panels.
We make a box of the shape and size we need from panels and drywall. After the workpiece is completely ready, you can start mixing concrete.
Step 2: Pouring Concrete
- We knead the cement in a plastic container, for this you can use an ordinary shovel, which you need to mix the mixture thoroughly.
- After that, carefully pour the concrete into the mold to half, distributing it in the corners.
- We cover wire mesh mix, and then fill the form to the top so that the mixture protrudes slightly from above. This is done so that it is easier to level the surface and make it smooth, for this purpose it is best to use a spatula.
TIP: After this, you need to leave the mold for a few days for the cement to dry completely.
Step 3: Sanding
After that, you need to remove mold and sand from the surface. To smooth the countertop, 120 grit sandpaper works well.
Then you need to wipe the surface well with a sponge, roller brush or soft cloth.
If you want to cover the surface with nothing coffee table, then the best seal the countertop with concrete sealant, then it will look very beautiful and be more practical.
Step 4: attach the tabletop to the legs
- After the top of the coffee table is completely ready, you can use absolutely any base.
- Very beautiful and practical option will be like this table on wooden legs on wheels so that it can be easily moved.
- Attaching the table top to the legs liquid nails or silicone adhesive.
Such an original concrete table will become a real decoration. home decor and make the interior irresistible.
Ideas and photos of concrete countertops and tables
With a flower bed in the middle
For giving great option- when pouring concrete, leave a chute where flowers can be planted. Looks very amazing. 
How to lighten the design
- Ideal option and great idea leave a hole in the middle make a glass tab. To do this, you need to cut a gutter for a glass tab.
- Also put a concrete countertop on legs with wheels- this is especially true for coffee tables which often have to be moved.
IN Lately Concrete countertops are gaining more and more popularity as they can add exclusivity and individuality to your home. Of course, you can invite a designer and builders who will make your dreams and desires come true. But, having shown "miracles of craftsmanship", you can make a similar product on their own, which will not be inferior to the analog of marble in the end.
Preparatory stage
A countertop is a work surface that is an integral part of any kitchen. At the first stage, it is necessary to determine the dimensions of the future product, since it should be in harmony with the already existing interior. Also when creating kitchen worktop with your “golden” hands, you need to make sure that it fits as tightly as possible against the wall. To achieve this, it is necessary to carefully measure everything and make an accurate drawing.
Advice! If you want to avoid problems in the manufacture and installation of countertops, it makes sense to divide the entire product into several elements and take this into account in the drawing, that is, the formwork will be single, but divided into sections.
Also, when designing a kitchen concrete countertop, it is necessary to take into account very important point: joints of parts finished product must clearly fall on the transverse elements of the table frame (otherwise there is a possibility of cracking).
Necessary materials and tools
To make a concrete countertop, you will need the following materials:
- cement;
- sand (fine, sifted);
- gravel (or expanded clay);
- wooden bars (size 40 x 40 or 50 x 50 mm);
- boards;
- , laminated chipboard 18 mm thick;
- (for reinforcement);
- silicone sealant;
- decor elements;
- glue;
- drying oil, vegetable oil or special forms;
- pigments - dyes (if you want to have a colored surface).
You will also need the following tools:
- screwdriver and screws;
- Bulgarian;
- hacksaw;
- grinder with abrasive discs;
- construction mixer or electric drill with a special nozzle;
- building level;
- rule;
- roulette;
- a container for preparing a solution;
- respirator, goggles and rubber gloves;
- putty knife;
- vacuum cleaner.
Work order
The procedure for making a concrete countertop at home with your own hands is as follows:
- we make a formwork for casting a future tabletop based on a previously completed drawing;
- we install it on a workbench, "goats" or a desktop (we check the correctness with a level);
- grease the form with drying oil or vegetable oil(this will facilitate the removal of the finished product);
- we lay decorative elements on the bottom (there is room for your imagination) and fix them with glue (it is these details that will later become front side your tabletop).
- we lay a metal mesh in the form, which we attach to the edges of the formwork with a thin wire so that it is raised to a height of 25-30 mm from the bottom of the form, and during the pouring process the solution is under and above it;
- cooking concrete mix using the main recipe (that is, which includes sand);
- pour into the form.
If the form will be filled with a solution in layers, then we adhere to the following order:
- we prepare a solution for a layer that will be the front surface of your countertop (the components correspond to the main recipe);
- pour the prepared solution into the mold;
- lay the metal mesh (no need to lift it);
- we prepare a solution for the main layer, in which instead of sand we add gravel or expanded clay (no more than two hours are allotted for its preparation, since the liquid stage of concrete does not last so long);
- pour it into the form.
- we place bars or corners in liquid concrete so that later the tabletop can be attached to the legs or walls of the table;
- we tamp with the help of a trowel and remove the excess with the rule;
- cover the formwork with a sheet of laminated chipboard, having previously lubricated it with drying oil;
- on top of the entire structure we cover with a film of polyethylene;
- we leave everything alone for 7-9 days;
- free from polyethylene;
- remove formwork;
- we leave the product for additional drying (5-7 days);
- if you need to trim the countertop, we do it using a grinder;
- we grind;
- polish;
- if the table top is individual elements, then after assembling them, we seal the joints with special silicone or moisture-resistant grout.
If you still have any questions about the process of making polished concrete kitchen countertops, then the video will help you.
We create a form (formwork) for the manufacture of countertops
In order for a do-it-yourself tabletop to ultimately bring you satisfaction and not disappoint you with its quality characteristics, it is necessary to strictly observe all the dimensions indicated in the drawing when creating its shape. The work algorithm is as follows:
- we cut out a sheet of moisture-resistant plywood (or laminated chipboard, fiberboard or MDF) with dimensions exceeding the dimensions of the future countertop by 10-15 cm on each side;
- along the entire perimeter of the form we make bumpers 50-60 mm high (this thickness is optimal for the future countertop), using long boards (50X30 or 60X30 mm), which we put on the edge and fasten with self-tapping screws; to strengthen the structure from the outside, in the corners and in the middle we mount two or three bars or metal corners;
- as a result, we obtain a container, the dimensions of which clearly correspond to the dimensions of the countertop;
- all joints, seams, gaps and cracks in the form are carefully sealed with silicone sealant;
- if you want to give the finished product rounded shapes, we recommend using inserts made of plastic or silicone, which are installed in the corners of the mold and removed after the concrete mortar dries;
- if it is planned to install a sink in the working surface, then it should be provided that there is free space for it (to do this, draw a rectangle on the bottom of the mold corresponding to the size of the sink; fix the bars 50 x 50 or 50 x 60 mm; the drawing lines should remain on the outside of the bars) , and also make a hole for the mixer (for this you need a piece of pipe with a diameter of 35 mm and a length of 50-60 mm).
Advice! For countertops, it is better to choose an overhead sink so that in the future you do not suffer from the landing chamfer, which is available in built-in models (but do not forget to take into account the presence of a horizontal rim for overhead sinks around the entire perimeter even at the drawing preparation stage).
The creation of the formwork must be approached carefully, without missing anything, since the concrete countertop will completely repeat the form into which the mortar will be poured: all irregularities, bends and recesses will spoil appearance finished product.
Preparing concrete mix
It consists of:
- 2 parts of cement (M 500);
- 3 parts sand (sifted);
- plasticizers;
- water (so that the mixture becomes creamy).
If the volume of the solution is not large, then it can be prepared in a small container (for example, in a bucket) and stirred with construction mixer using a special nozzle. If the dimensions of the finished product are large, then it makes sense to use a concrete mixer.
Important! Stir the mixture very carefully.
If you want to make a do-it-yourself concrete countertop of some certain color, then it is necessary to add pigments - dyes to the solution. But remember: to give concrete a uniform color, pigments must be added to the dry mix; and to obtain stains, like on marble, it is recommended to dissolve the coloring matter in water, and then mix it with the finished concrete mix.
Advice! If in doubt that the mixture will not turn out to be the consistency that is needed, it is better to go to the store and purchase a ready-made one, on the packaging of which all proportions will be indicated.
Grinding and polishing
To make a concrete countertop attractive and look like granite or marble, carefully sand it with a special machine using diamond discs. The process looks like this:
- lay the countertop flat with the front side up;
- remove the main irregularities using a rough disk;
- with special care we process the front surface of the product;
- we grind with a disk, abrasiveness - 50 units;
- we make final grinding with a disk - 100 units;
- we carry out polishing (it is better to polish with discs - 400 units);
- on final stage use a felt circle.
In custody
Our step-by-step instruction above will help you make a very beautiful work surface for kitchen. Do it yourself, and then, using your experience, tell others how to make a countertop.
