While concrete countertops may look unappealing at first glance, you can make them look better by coloring them or treating them with a coating to create depth and a stain-resistant surface. Pigments are used in masonry to add color and depth and are becoming increasingly common with the increasing popularity of stamped concrete walkways and patios. In either case, the pigment is added to the concrete in a liquid or powder form. For best results, follow the manufacturer's guidelines to get the right shade.
Once the surface of your concrete countertop is dry, you can start the process of finishing it. First, you need to make a wooden form for your countertop. This form should be the length and width of the countertop, including any openings for the sink. Next, the form should be leveled and polished. A hand-held grinder is usually used for this step, starting with an abrasive diamond wheel and progressing to finer abrasives to create the glass-like finish that you're looking for.
While concrete is durable and can last for years, it is subject to cracks. The most common cracks that appear in concrete countertops are hairline fractures. Thankfully, this is a relatively easy task to remedy. A good way to protect concrete countertops is to cover them with fiber reinforcement or rebar or wire mesh. However, concrete countertops can still crack due to pressure and the natural settling of a house. But repairing the cracks will be easy as long as you know what you're doing.
If you don't have experience with concrete countertops, you can call Concrete Contractors Lexington KY. The cement will already be mixed with water, the mixing process is a bit more complex, so you'll want to make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions closely. To prevent cracks, make sure the concrete mix has a low water-to-cement ratio. However, if this is your first time creating a concrete countertop, a pre-mixed concrete mix will save you the hassle.
The basic concrete countertop is made from a mortar mix, which generally contains one part cement to three parts sand. You can purchase prepackaged mixes or make your own, but it is best to follow the instructions for consistency. Adding decorative finishes is an excellent way to add more character to a concrete countertop, which can also protect it from liquid stains. For added effect, you can experiment with different colors and patterns. For a more natural-looking concrete countertop, try mixing in marble, glass chips, and even tile pieces.
The next step in creating a concrete countertop is to construct the support structure underneath it. The outer mold is heavy, weighing between ten and fifteen pounds per square foot. You'll need to build a support frame underneath to avoid the mold from bending. Lay down 2x4s three-1/2″ longer than the mold's length with a 1-3/4″ overhang on each side. Make sure the surface is clean, as any excess material will show up on the finished countertop.
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