How to Make Concrete Countertops
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- Опубліковано 23 сер 2024
- In this tutorial we'll walk through the process of how to make concrete counters for an outdoor kitchen. This method can be used to make indoor concrete counters or outdoor kitchen counters. We'll walk through the process of templating, building the molds, pouring, sanding, sealing, and installing. This is a very in-depth video on the entire process of how to make concrete counters. In this video, the concrete is polished using a basic orbital sander. Wet polishing is another option, but I have been very happy with these results.
Cost: The concrete counters were built for under $200. This includes the concrete, melamine/mold materials, screws, silicone, and everything except tools.
Weight: At 2 inches thick, the concrete counters weigh approximately 22 pounds.
The complete concrete countertop tutorial can be found here:
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Links of Tools used: (Affiliate Links)
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This video was done very well! No amateur wiggling, zooming, and panning to make the viewer dizzy. All steps of the process were covered well but not dragged out. Bravo!
Thanks!
I agree. You filmed it first, then narrated the footage. It’s perfect!!
Soooooo many UA-camrs spend way too much time explaining what they’re going to do and discuss all the justification for their methods before they start the work.
One of the first how-to videos I ever watched was titled “Making a touch screen stylus in 30 seconds.” It was a nine minute video!!
Thanks so much!
@Dalton Ramon You're right. Nobody cares.
I have watched more concrete countertop videos than I’d like to admit lol, but this was by far the best. Definitely shows that it can be done, and doesn’t come off as intimidating.
Thanks for watching Jake!
I haven’t even watched the video yet and all I want to say is HATS OFF TO YOU for using the proper term of concrete! Everyone says cement. Even the bloody siding companies call their product cement board. It’s concrete! The cement is just that, cement in the mix of aggregate to make the final product called “ CONCRETE”.
Yeah I've noticed the same thing! :) Cheers!
I have watched just about every DIY concrete countertop video on UA-cam. This is by far the best one. Thank you.
Thank you for watching! Hope all is well! Tried to make it as simple as possible, with basic tools. Cheers!
I'm going to cry, this outdoor kitchen is way nicer that my indoor kitchen! great job!
Thanks for watching! Cheers :)
Looks like I'm back in my wife's good books, just found my Spring project. Great video, informative and direct.
haha awesome Kevin!
Yet another great video! I’ve been doing precast transportable slabs and wall sections for 15 years and I honestly couldn’t fault your work! In fact, I think you do a far better job than our moulding guys 😂 I’m working on a cast in place concrete patio table for home at the moment and your videos have helped a lot. For what I make up for in concrete skills, I heavily lack in furniture carpentry. Thank you! 🙏🏻
Totally awesome man. You 100% sold me on concrete counters. My wife and I are building our dream home and she's been talking about concrete counters and I wasn't sure at first but now I'm 100% sure.
Thanks and I'm excited for you to make your own counter. It is work, but definitely worth it in the end!
Who would thumbs down this? This was great!!
I just poured my countertops today. I used this video as my primary resource. I'm so nervous for removing the molds! Thanks Pete!
They came out sweet! Just a few small air holes to fill. I am going to need 2 (or one very strong) people to help me install!
Glad it was helpful!
Great to hear, nice work!
I applaud you, Sir. This was a great video. I admit I started watching with skepticism because when I've watched these concrete counter videos by people calling themselves "general contractors" or "DIYers", they've inevitably been a bit of botch job (e.g. cold joints and low spots filled with concrete of a different consistency, voids etc).
It's good to see this done properly at last.
Thanks so much! Hope all is well!
1 year after buying my first house I am ready to start on projects that I have been thinking of. One of those projects is an outdoor kitchen so I can't wait to give this a go I love DIY !! Have subscribed to your channel and will be watching so many more of your videos if this one is anything to go by!! Thanks so much for sharing :-)
Congrats on the new place!! Thank you for subscribing and good luck with all your upcoming projects Mel!
Best tutorial so far.
Of all the DIY videos ive seen. This is by far my favourite as it the easiest and inspiring video.
Wow, thank you!
Who thumbs downs these videos? Even if you don't like the design or trimming of the piece, why can't you appretiate just the skills, hard work and effort that went into this? Why?
Great to hear from you Lukas! Hope all is going great. Cheers
I think some people don't like excessive adverts. For me it depends on the quality of the material. In this case the material is worth tolerating the ads.
Wow! it just don't get any better than this! What a fantastic job! Now I am going to try and pour a 48" diameter concrete table top and use the 25" stump of my 34 year old Ash tree that I recently had to have cut down, as the base for the table. I am just hoping that I can get the concrete finish to look as good as yours did. I thought you had to have a wet sander to get that shiny of a finish on the concrete. Thanks for another great video!
You bet forest! Glad it was helpful!
EXCELLENT job of narrating the sequence of work.....clear, informative, well-spoken, and helpful tips along the way. You are the Grand Master of DIU videos.
Thanks so much David!
This is by far the best concrete countertop video I have found so far! Thanks so much. Others go for merely production value and gloss over very important issues like tensile strength and sealers. That actually caused my first countertop attempt to fail.
I love concrete projects and this Channel is hands down my favorite. I agree with Craig Olson on the quality of the video. My pool deck will be going up in May with an outdoor kitchen. Concrete counter tops will be the highlight of the build. Thanks Pete!!
Thanks so much! Good luck with those outdoor kitchen tops! That's going to be such a great addition to your pool deck!
Montana has no business looking that beautiful!
Thanks for watching!
While I was looking at information to help me build a bolt together bench from concrete, I ran across your video. I plan to adapt some of the techniques you demonstrated in the project. Cheers to you in Montana from Chicago.
Good luck and have fun with the bench project, Rich!
Not trying to be a no-it-all but I make concrete counters for a living. Mostly insitu and polished with steel trowel after pouring..occasionally cast off site..I still learn new things everyday...like using silicone instead of tenex for joins...nice ....anyway battery powered hammer drill , not normal drill with hammer setting but proper just for drilling into concrete hammer drill...drill into peice of wood and then click setting over to just hammer....best concrete vibrator you'll ever use....you'll have no bug eyes at all to fix up...also liquid water reducer...can get it at any home depot type place...very cheap. Just a dash into your concrete mix will increase the slump greatly without affecting concrete strength or matrix....aggregate won't even separate.... That's if your an old concreter like me that has ruined arms and cannot work with a dryer mix...anyway great vid....stay creative ....
Hey Adam! Great to hear from you. Love the idea of drilling into a block of wood with the hammer drill. I'll have to try it! Are you mounting the wood block to the table? Or are you running the wood block/drill along the sides of the mold? Cheers!
@@DIYPETE just running it along the sides of the mold....I only drill into a bit of wood so I don't scratch or damage melamine with hammer drill tip( I try use edges a few times if I can ) you could get an old drill bit and attach it to a rubber ball or something....remember a hammer drill only vibrates when you push it against something. Pull the trigger and it does nothing until you apply some force
"Not trying to be a no-it-all..."
* Know-it-all.
@@seikibrian8641 seen it and jumped all over it...it was an honour to raise your pulse for a few seconds....
@@ADAMKANE510 *honor lol
My brother and I did this exact same install in my indoor kitchen two years ago...right down to the Tuff Duck sealer (highly recommended). The only difference was we used dark tile grout to fill the voids and it creates an awesome contrast with the lighter concrete. Great video! Thanks.
That's awesome!
One of the best "How To" videos I've seen!!
Thanks!
A glass setter showed me his tip for perfect concave edges when working with silicone. Get a piece of 1/2" or 3/4" foot long piece PVC pipe and cut a 45 degree angle in one end. Get a bucket of warm water mix in some cheap liquid soap. Run your bead of silicone. Using a super soft wallpaper glue brush, wet the mold on both sides of the silicone bead with soft stokes using the water/soap mix. Then, using the PVC piece, scoop the excess silicone away. The silicone will not stick to the wet soapy surface.
Thanks so much for the tips, John!
I may do that one day but only when I am actually already doing some silicone work.
We always did the same thing but with just your index finger instead of pipe. You could also use a mason's tuck point trowel.
Leslie, using your finger can cause the excess to go wide causing a possible mess. The use of a tube give you a clean collection point for the unused excess.
Yes it can and that usually means you put way to much caulk in the joint in the 1st place
I just finished concrete tops throughout my kitchen. I went to the michaelbuilds school though. Rapidset mortar mix. No reinforcement or rebar of any kind. And, use flow control plastisizer to make it pour easier. Also, this method lets you mix and pour from a five gallon bucket. Plus, its a one day project because rapidset is one hour dry time.
Great to hear. I've used Rapid Set concrete mix and the cement all. Love how the cure instantly. After a couple years though I've had issues with the projects that have been outdoors, but not with my inside projects. I'll have to experiment with the mortar mix and see how it lasts over time outdoors in comparison to other mixes. I love the instant gratification though.
An awesome job ! we just spend 8000 for granite counter tops this would have been a great alternative and could have taken a nice holiday with the rest of the money ! Well done !
Great to hear from you! Have a Merry Christmas!
This is great. Thanks for a really well made video. Your explanations aren’t dumbed down and slow like so many US vids. And yeah, you pronounce a few words differently to me... but so does everybody when you leave your hometown. Anyway, love your work. Keep it up.
Thanks so much, I appreciate it!
Brilliant idea and process - I was going to use marble for my outdoor kitchen, but I am going to try this idea now - I hope I can replicate your superb results!
This is amazing! Now I understand why people want concrete counter tops :) ...Beautiful
Thanks Reg! I think they give a bold look, and the customization options are endless. Plus they are super affordable to do if you tackle them yourself :) Hope all is well Reg!
If its outside sure seal top, bottom and sides if its inside just the top and sides. But he'll be lucky if the owner doesn't get sick from mold and die in 3 years. Can't stop the humidity from attacking the underside that wasn't sealed, and concrete gathers moisture and heat and breads mold if you don't seal it.
They turned out really well! That kitchen is really nice.
Thanks!
That was great! I'm going to be doing my kitchen this Spring and now you've really got me thinking about concrete countertops. As a practice project I think I may do a small bench in my garden. Now I'll check out your other videos. Thanks!
Awesome!
Another excellent and well taught project. The counter tops look terrific.
Thanks for watching!
That was one of the best tutorial video's I've ever seen. Thanks!
Thanks for watching!
Damn are your videos clean and well explained....dang...best DIY tutorials i've seen. You make it possible to do all of these with your great explanations
Thanks!
Good clear concise step by step guide. Great job. Looks really cool.
Thanks for adding video references to your explanations. For example, the footage of the back piece placed behind the grill put things in perspective for me.
Great to hear. Best of luck with your upcoming project.
Great work. But concrete aside, you're in paradise!
Thanks for watching Justin! Cheers :)
nice that's exactly what i want to build in my garden thank you.
A tip, try wet wipes (e.g. Pampers) to remove the silicone from hands or tools. Works great.
Many greetings from Germany.
Thanks and I hope all is well in Germany!
Good job Pete. You are the concrete counter top ninja master.
Hey Brandon! Great to hear from ya and thanks!
Dude! We definitely owe you a beer! Thanks for the video and best of luck!
Hey Joseph! Did you build some concrete tops?! Hope all is well and Merry Christmas!
Very thorough video Pete ! Thanks for all the hard work you put into it. ATB Marc - Belgium
Thanks Marc!
Been doing this technique for years. We call it pre-cast. Ever use styrofoam forms to get pronounced rounded overhangs. Or use cantilever methods. I can tell your an artisan so maybe check these things out to build your product abilities. Your bar is inspired I have to admit it's beautiful. They sell a industrial vibrator in different sizes that virtual guarantees no bubbles or voids. Great video!
Thanks so much! Great to hear from you. I do have a concrete vibrating table and some of the z forms etc but haven't used them often in actual videos since I try to show how to do it most cost effectively, but I definitely would like to show some more advanced techniques eventually! Hope all is well!
Well done. Love the step by step guide.
Amazing. I’m trying to build the confidence to build a kitchen work top. Love your videos!
Yorkshire, England
Hey Martin! Hope things are great over in England. I think you'll do a great job doing kitchen countertops. I feel this is my most in-depth video thus far on the topic - and that it's done in the easiest and most affordable options. Let me know if you have any questions with your build. You'll do awesome. Cheers!
Go for it... if you already havent
Bravo, well done, Sir! 5 Star performance and results.
Thanks for watching!
I am supper impressed, Thanks from Canada.
Hope all is well up in Canada!
here in spain we use a lot of white sand and white cement it sets fantastic and drys brilliant white... good video
Very cool!
Great video and ideas. I’m just about to start my outdoor kitchen and your build is spot on.
Awesome! Thank you!
Love this job man nicely done
nice work,i now have my plans for the outside kitchen complete come spring thanks
Awesome!
I saw the thumbnail and was like whoa Pete got ripped!
Ha I need to hit the gym!
Awesome Information! Love the sunglasses Chris LOL!
OMG THE EXCITEMENT AT 12:07 !!!!!!
Thanks!
The master of concrete and concrete form work Nice job Pete! Looks really good with that outdoor setup, looks like a big project!
Thanks! Definitely a fun project. Hope all is well!
this is a great video. really loved your process. made many counters with many different materials before but i like this simplistic approach. thank you for sharing in so much detail.
Thanks for watching!
Informative pete and no nonsense.....great job!
Thanks Chris!
Using an electric multi-tool works incredibly on the sides eliminating almost all bug holes entirely. Sawsall on the bottom without a blade does the same! Have you ever tried just a pure portland cement with multi purpose sand mixture? If not give it a try. The results are amazing!
Hey Brian! Thanks for all the info! I've tried the sawzall and have had good results. I've played around with a few different homemade mixes but haven't ever built full out counters using my own mix. Great to hear you've had good results. Cheers!
Love the ball bearing trick!!! Thank you!!!
Thanks!
Beautiful work. I like the way you think -- not missing the chance to practice troweling on the undersides.
Thanks!
Awesome counter tops! They look so good with the wood bases
Thanks!
Well done - great tutorial - inspirational! Mike from Australia
Thanks Michael!
Good job Pete ! Beautiful work!!
Thanks Tal!
If you set your screed boa🚑d ou top of forms you can vibrate it using a sander also if you like to I use a cover molding or another no rot molding silicone in place for decorations. I also look to make my own paver edger stones
I absolutely love your videos, guys. I am definitely going to make similar countertops for my future outdoor patio. I hope the result is as professional-looking and good as yours!
Great inspiration and instructions for projects,going to be trying a concrete top coffee table... Thanks Pete 👍👍
Have fun!
Very cool man. I'll be starting a project soon for my house and you help me out very much, keep up the good work 👍
Great to hear Leo, good luck!
fantastic buddy cheers
Thanks Stu!
Fantastic Job Guy I learnt allot from this it looks amazing well done. Following you Pete from Australia.
Hope all is well down in Australia!
This looks awesome Pete!
Thanks!
Awesome!!! I think I'm re-thinking my pergola tops now.... Thanks for the steps on this...
You bet!
I recently saw another DYI guy do a concrete counter top using a kit. It looks very simple and easier to do. The kit came with plastic frames which he would break off after the concert was set, and used a Fiber glass mix into the concert eliminating the need for metal reinforcement. Looked very easy to do. No need for building a frame nor a mold. Do you have any comments (pros/cons) on the method?
Great video. Love the finished product. Looks amazing!
sweet little outdoor area your friend has! nice work Pete and friend!
Thanks so much! Yeah there family has really been happy with it. Hope you are having a great start to the week!
this is a great tutorial. You make this look so easy. I learned a lot from you. Cant wait till late spring to try this. Beautiful work. I am sure this is much cheaper then granite or store bought countertops.
Great to hear Kelly! Good luck!
Wow, thats a TON of work! Looks fantastic though. Great job.
Thanks Michael!
Cheers from Melbourne Australia !!
Thanks!
Pete, Very informative to watch this entire process and final result is awesome. Thanks for explaining every important detail!
Thanks for watching!
Pete, always enjoy watching other people work!😎🎥🏖🌴
I've been watching concrete countertop videos for about 2 weeks now. This is one is four years old and instructionally the best one I've seen. I really like the suggestion of removing the sides of the cast and then waiting for the bottom. One question, do you use any release agents on your melamine casts?
Brilliant tutorial, thanks Pete
Thanks Matthew!
Super nice finish !
Thanks!
will try this for an interior application. great vid
Great to hear! Have fun!
Awesome job great edit and commentary definitely a cool project
Thanks!
Wow! Another fine job and you make it look easy! Thanks
Thanks a ton Daniel! Have a great day!
Another great looking project, Pete!
Hey Mike! Great to hear from you and thanks for taking the time to comment. I hope all is going great out east and congrats on the big celebration and a new member to your family :) Make it an awesome week!
Cheers Pete! Outstanding video! I drove past Bozeman a few weeks ago!
Hey Adrian! Very cool, hope you had a great trip! Thanks for watching and enjoy your travels!
Thanks Pete! Well done video. The templating part is a great idea!
Thanks!
We always add color to our concrete tops. First one we did was through color but we found it better to add color by hand and to do so randomly. If you pour in place it's easy to trowel the color in. If you do it like these guys, just throw out some color into the mold before you pour in the concrete and make sure to get some color on the edges.
Thanks for chiming in!
How would you suggest making the concrete resemble black with silver splashed marble? A countertop job I have coming up is wanting me to match the floor tiles. And should the finish be matte or polished? And if polished, know any tricks besides putting the steel to it. I will be pouring into form on the counter instead of letting it cure and then placing. So the colors will be on top and I don't want to float them out or fade/ blend/mix them too much while trying to make it shine
I asked DIY Pete about color, but I should ask you. Does adding color impact any part of mixing the mud, installation, prep, etc?
Do you know of any good vids, or how to's on pour in place?
I'm not nearly as wealth of information on the subject as DIY Pete but, in my experience, color adding doesn't affect the product if you sift it through a screen and cast it kind of like your skipping a rock. Do a base color and float it into the concrete with a mag trowel. You can use other colors after but I wouldn't trowel too much on that as it will blend the colors. Unless that's what your going for. But concrete stays concrete regardless of colors added. I wouold suggest searching for vids on pouring a patio or stamping concrete for some useful info on color.
Also, there is a product called deck coat for a pour in place job. When you pull the forms your going to plain concrete showing. The deck coat should help with that.
Thanks for throwing in that rolling green hills view. It's 65% of the reasons I watch your vids. 😂😂😂
Anytime :) Cheers!
Beautiful Job on the Concrete Countertops! Do you have a video for the outdoor wood base cabinets? Thx BB😊
That was awesome mate cheers
Very informative.. Nice job fellas
That is an awesome video and it looks amazing
Thanks!
Great vid. Very informative and detailed. Now I know what I will do for my outdoor counter tops. Cheers.
Thanks!
Great tutorial! Thank you.
excellent video. very clear and educational.
Thanks!
Beautiful work. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks!
You continue to improve on this process. Noting your Lowe's bucket I attribute it to Lowe's instead of HD. Only kidding (no, seriously). Nice job!!
Thanks! haha, so my local Home Depot is definitely my choice locally because of the service and I know so many employees by name. But Lowes is a great store too :) Cheers!!
Nice Pete! Great as always.
Thank you John! Cheers
Only 2 days of cure time on the mold?! I saw you did this for the inside kitchen too. Mine have been in the mold for 4 days now because before pouring and finding this everything said 4 days.. and then 3-5 days of air drying before sanding! I only have less than 48 hours before mandatory install so I’m hoping they’re ok? You’re videos are super awesome and I’ve learned a ton, thanks for taking the time to make them!
Hi! It all really depends on the mix used and conditions. I can sometimes pull the sidewalls off in 24 hours if I'm careful. And then wait a day to flip. For counters with big sink knockouts, I'm always more careful and wait longer, but for big rectangles you can sometimes flip a bit earlier. I'd say 4 day in the mold would be plenty. -- If you only have 48 hours left, it's a bit rushed, and it is nicer to let the concrete dry out a bit more, but you can definitely make it happen. Let me know how it goes/went!
DIY PETE hey Pete! I live in a warm and low humidity climate, NorCal mountains of Tahoe. I pulled the molds and they look amazing. Much better than my coffee table. I used Chang’s pro formula mix and 5000, with a little pigment. I think the mixer I rented from Home Depot sucked because it struggled to mix 2 bags despite it being full size. One counter top came out nearly flawless with zero holes. Second one came up with some very strange brown spots and a few small worm holes. I have no idea where the brown came from? Maybe the mixture wasn’t thorough enough? The back slot of the sink I made a separate piece for. I used foam just like you did and silicone them but they moved and are out of alignment and one filled from the bottom up somehow. Not sure how to send you pics but overall pretty stoked. Gonna sand and polish and mount today