We make a concrete countertop with our own hands: a detailed master class. Countertops made of decorative concrete Technology for the production of concrete countertops

Beautiful and comfortable kitchen is the desire of every person. Some make this dream come true with the help of designers and expensive building materials while others use personal imagination and skill. For example, a do-it-yourself concrete countertop is absolutely doable. In addition, it will not differ in any way from similar countertops made of marble. And the use of countertops can be found in any home. You can just be proud of your own product.

Benefits of a concrete product

Such a solution for the design of the kitchen space helps to solve several problems associated with the durability of the product, cost and originality. If, nevertheless, a decision is made to make a countertop for concrete, then it is important to follow the technology. In this case, the resulting product will turn out to be strong and resistant, because concrete is not too susceptible to the influence of environmental factors.

The cost also speaks in his favor, this will help to save a lot when decorating the kitchen. But the resulting countertop can be visually almost indistinguishable from marble. And those who love original things will like that you can make such a unique thing that there will simply not be another one like it.

The resulting concrete countertops for the kitchen can be finished and decorated with any different components - stones, shells, coins, tiles. The scope of elements for decoration can be limited only by your imagination and taste preferences.

It is worth knowing that at the stage of drying the concrete solution, all decorative materials will be influenced by liquids. Therefore, all trim elements must be resistant to such influence. If there is a desire to use different photographs or pictures in the scenery, then they must first be laminated. After decoration, the film will be invisible, but it will help to preserve the content.

Design

Regardless of the end result of the manufacturing process, you first need to create a project. The completed drawing will facilitate the presentation of the entire production process, help to foresee and eliminate possible mistakes and difficulties. Generally speaking, the drawing will greatly facilitate the implementation of all work.

Initially, you should find out what components your kitchen set consists of. To do this, you need to study the existing list of similar products and opt for the required option. After that, you need to find out the exact dimensions of the upcoming countertop for concrete. To find out, you need to measure the length with the width of the empty area, taking into account the pieces of furniture that are nearby. In the event that the product will be in contact with the corner, you need to measure the corner, as in reality it may not be straight.

For normal and full functioning, the thickness of the concrete countertop should not be less than 5 centimeters. But it’s not worth doing much thicker either, because in this case the mass of the product increases significantly.

Of great importance is the location of the sink in the kitchen, its size and shape. It would be much better to purchase a sink before starting to manufacture the product. In this case, it will be easier to make a hole, and the result will be more accurate. Not less than important detail- the location of the tap, because it will also need a hole.

In the case of a built-in sink, you need to check if it overlaps the countertop. If everything is in order, then you can start making a template for the hole. To do this, turn the sink over and circle it with a construction pencil.

In the case of an overlay sink, it is necessary to measure the inner part where it will come into contact with the overlay part. If the inner part does not have a rectangular shape, then it is worth making a rectangular template according to the largest measurements of the inner part. The main thing is to make such a hole so that the sink fits without fail. It is even possible for the hole to be slightly larger than required.

Now you can draw a real-size drawing using the received data. To do this, you need a sheet of plastic or chipboard. We carry out design on it. We apply all the necessary dimensions and holes very carefully and carefully, everything should be as close as possible to the intended product.

Necessary materials and tools

Before you go to the store for shopping, it is worth determining everything that will be needed. Even with an accurate knowledge of the size of your countertop, it would be better to purchase building materials with a small margin. Situations can be different, so it's best to be prudent.

Processing the tabletop with a grinder.

A countertop for concrete for its manufacture may require the following list of necessary materials and tools:

concrete mortar (components for its mixing - cement, sand, water);
container for mixing;
industrial mixer or drill with a special nozzle;
roulette;
Master OK;
rule;
building level;
putty knife;
you can purchase a ready-made concrete solution, but then the components for mixing are not needed;
profiles will be needed to finish the edge of the tabletop;
wooden bars and an MDF board to create formwork;
reinforcing bars;
formwork will be needed to collect;
plasticizer for solution;
electric jigsaw;
liquid Nails;
grinder with a set of nozzles;
materials for decoration and decoration;

You should definitely prepare special shoes with clothes, because the manufacturing process of the design is quite brands. In order not to breathe concrete dust over the countertop, it is worth preparing a protective mask with glasses. It is better to overdo it initially than to get hurt later.

You must be aware that the original color of the building material is the shade of the countertop being made. To recreate some special shade or color, you can use a special color for concrete.

Stages of work

Regardless of the product being made, first you need to find out its size and shape. If you have to replace the old countertop, then you can use its measurements. If a completely new product is being manufactured, then it is worth taking measurements of the base, as well as taking into account the existing requirements for the selected room.

In order to have a template in front of your eyes, you can try to make a drawing of the countertop on paper, it is even allowed not to make marks for different types of holes. Next, you will need a full-fledged life-size template. To do this, you need to take a sheet of thick cardboard, of such a size that a full-fledged template eventually comes out. If the cardboard is small, then for the actual volume of the product, you will have to glue the parts. If there is a large cardboard, then simply cut out the required layout. When the template is ready, you need to check that it fully matches the dimensions. For verification, it is worth attaching it to desired area and make sure that everything is accurate and there are no distortions. After such checks, the concrete countertop will turn out quickly and easily. Now you need to divide the template into separate parts. Once you have ready-made detailed templates on hand, you can begin the production of the product itself.

Formwork preparation

When making your countertop, it is important to perform this area of work as accurately and accurately as possible. After all, the strength of the product and its appearance in general will depend on the quality of the workpiece.

After a decision has been made regarding the height of the structure, it is necessary to cut off the details of the required length from the beams - these are the vertical parts of the future formwork. They will need to be fixed to the floor. To do this, you need a profile. If the contact with the walls is direct, then the racks must be drilled through. They are fixed with anchor dowels. After fixing, the vertical parts are connected to the horizontal ones. Thus, the formwork frame is ready.

To make the lower part you will need a wooden sheet of MDF. The formwork must be made in such a way that the concrete can later be pulled out without damaging it. If a sink is provided in the countertop, then inside in the required place you need to lay out a metal ring. Also, with the further use of the hob, it is also necessary to designate this place.

Decorative concrete and tile countertops (left photo)

Despite the apparent complexity, it is not difficult to make such a practical detail as a concrete countertop with your own hands. The video in this article will help to cope with this task. As a result, you will get both a durable work surface and an individual design solution.

Key points to consider before doing concrete countertop do it yourself:

During operation, the table may be subjected to actions that cause significant shock loading. For example, cutting a part of a meat carcass containing cartilage. Therefore, reliable reinforcement is required.
Sink and hob for the kitchen, it is better to choose an overhead type. They do not need special accuracy in the dimensions of the opening, and the installation ledge is wide enough. It will hide possible flaws, while the product itself will be securely fixed. Mortise structures require specific equipment and workshop work.

The countertop under concrete has a considerable weight, which means that the frame on which it will stand must have sufficient strength. To reduce weight, try to reduce the thickness without sacrificing strength.
One of the stages of work will be grinding the surface, which causes a large amount of dust.

This instruction describes how to make a concrete countertop with your own hands in place, or as a separate product.

Drawing

A well-planned plan is the key to the success of any business.

In this case, the main factor is compliance with the dimensions. The most difficult is the transfer of the angle, if it is provided for by the design. This will require a goniometer.

Advice! The most accurate and cheapest goniometer - two flat bars on desired height inserted into a corner, pressed against the walls, and fixed in a convenient way.

The next step is the preparation of the frame.

Foundation, reinforcement and formwork

The best option for the base would be moisture resistant plywood or OSB board. A contour cut exactly according to the drawing will greatly facilitate the manufacture of concrete countertops with your own hands.

In cases where work is carried out on site, the base remains in the structure, so all openings and seats must be prepared in advance. If the manufacture of concrete countertops is not carried out at the point of operation, then the base is cut out only along the contour, and the cavities in the future working surface limited to appropriate limits.

The formwork of rectilinear forms can be made of any molded materials, as in the photo above. Figured products are well suited profile for drywall.

Advice! When installing formwork, inside it is better to lay with strips of foam plastic 20 mm thick. When laying the reinforcing elements, it will be necessary to deepen their edges into the foam. Such a "trick" will allow the decorative layer to grab onto the reinforcement.

A reliable do-it-yourself concrete countertop will only work if it is well reinforced. The best, although not cheap material for this, is stainless steel expanded metal. Since its use is rarely seen in such councils, it is worth considering the PVL in detail.

Such sheets are made by cutting slots in a conventional steel sheet and its stretching. In this case, the jumpers between the slots are rotated perpendicular to the plane of the sheet. Thus, it is not the thickness, usually 2-3 mm, but the width of the jumper that becomes the carrier. For these purposes, sheet 308 with a total thickness of 16 mm is suitable.

In view of the high strength of PVL, it is used for the manufacture of stairs and ceilings.

The parameters that PVL must comply with are regulated by GOST 21014:

The work on the final filling must be carried out one day after filling with the base layer. The concrete in the mold should stop being liquid, but not yet completely solidified.

Having decided on the composition of the finishing layer, you need to remove the foam from the formwork. Decorative concrete is poured into the space vacated at the edges and up to the upper level of the formwork and the surface is leveled. The form is again closed for two days. After removing the film, allow the product to dry completely.

From this video you will learn how to make a concrete countertop with your own hands.

The final stage is the grinding and polishing of concrete countertops. Only an inveterate enthusiast can perform such work manually. The Chinese grinder will die halfway through.

Final tip! A good professional grinder can be rented. During the weekend, the fruit of a long labor will be finished.

Self-production of concrete countertops - although painstaking, but not difficult. The price of the product will be several times lower than that ordered in the workshop, and the moral satisfaction will be as many times higher, and it will also serve the grandchildren.

In design, a stone countertop is a trend for any style: classic, modern, various country styles. Natural materials look noble, but are not cheap. An excellent alternative to expensive raw materials is a concrete countertop, the technical characteristics and aesthetics of which allow the product to be used everywhere.

If you need to order a table top in size, then the sculptors from the Armand workshop recommend paying attention to the progressive look of decorative stone - stiklofiber-reinforced concrete. This material stands out for its strength, durability and ease of maintenance.

Where are decorative concrete countertops in demand?

With the proper level of processing, polished concrete table tops are practical and beautiful products that can complement the interiors of any functionality. They are installed in the bathroom, kitchen, bars, used as part of the fireplace portals. Decorative concrete countertops can have any shape, surface type and color, which allows them to be installed as harmoniously as possible in existing furniture sets.

The manufacturing technology of glass fiber reinforced concrete countertops opens up ample opportunities for implementing a variety of design ideas. Exquisitely thin or respectably massive, glossy gleaming or noble matte, imitating natural stone or stylized innovative materials– artificial countertops from the manufacturer are made in a wide color palette. Therefore, among their assortment, it is really possible to choose an option that will either organically fit into the environment, or become its “highlight”.

Concrete countertop: advantages and features

Not only the aesthetic appearance of decorative concrete countertops is the basis of their popularity among individuals and professionals. The growing interest in these elements, indispensable in residential and public interiors, is due to technological and operational advantages:

GFRC table tops are lighter than their direct stone competitors, and this makes it easier installation work, as well as reducing the load on the supporting structure;
the introduction of chopped glass fiber into the classic composition of cement and sand makes it possible to increase the strength and wear resistance of bar and kitchen countertops, as well as increase their resistance to dirt and aggressive cleaning chemicals;
environmentally friendly SFB components do not cause allergies, so the concrete countertop is safe, hygienic and easy to use. If stone countertops look like slabs fitted to each other, then their concrete counterpart is mounted in a seamless way. In the first case, dirt and moisture accumulate in the joint, which together form an excellent environment for the growth of microorganisms. In the second version, there is simply no such seam, moreover, the working surface looks like a single whole.

What kind of countertop for the kitchen, and where?

Today, many manufacturers and trade organizations offer a wide variety of countertops in Moscow. Budget products made of chipboard are beautiful, but short-lived. Options made of natural stone are presentable in appearance, but their price per linear meter is not available to every consumer. The optimal ratio of cost, aesthetics and quality is characteristic of custom-made concrete countertops: inexpensive to manufacture, this material provides many opportunities for manufacturing original solutions for long lasting kitchen decoration.

The profile of the activity of the sculptural workshop "Armand" includes the production of countertops according to the dimensions of standard kitchen furniture. We will also undertake to make surfaces for racks and frames made according to individual projects. Since our company sells products of its own production, the price of concrete countertops does not include trade margins and is final.

In our work, we use well-proven methods - molding and pneumatic spraying. Technologically different from each other, both methods make it possible to obtain products of any appearance. Therefore, if you are planning to buy a concrete countertop in an exclusive design, feel free to contact us. Having taken the necessary measurements and performed the calculations, the employees of "Armand" will make your creative a reality.

Our portfolio

Cost: depends on the size and thickness, check with the operator: Contacts .

Terms: from 7 days.

Material: high-strength washed decorative concrete pleasant to the touch.

Colour: a dye of the desired shade is added to the concrete.

The use of concrete and granite in one countertop highlights the beauty and practicality, and also looks original. Concrete countertops have a smooth surface. They look natural and organically complement your design. The concrete product must be poured with a base (metal mesh), according to the production technology. They may also consist of several prefabricated parts.
* Externally, concrete countertops can be decorated with porcelain or glass tiles around the edges. Waxing will help restore the lost shine, it is recommended every 6 months. Stains must be removed immediately. Detergents may only be used for their intended purpose.

The information you need to know when choosing countertops for your kitchen. Nowadays concrete countertops for the kitchen are quite diverse. There are many materials, colors and styles.

When buying a kitchen countertop, you need to consider the following: When choosing surfaces, a key role is assigned to solid surfaces. Today, the sales market belongs to decorative but durable countertops at affordable prices. A combination of glossy and matte surfaces in countertops is possible.

The kitchen is the most popular place in the house, so when choosing countertops, you want them to be comfortable, practical and beautiful. Granite can brighten up your home as it is one of the more expensive options. Granite is naturally a quarry product. Granite is very durable, it does not burn, it is scratch resistant. It does not show stains. But its size is limited, so there may be seams on the product. The surface of granite is porous, so it can absorb water and oils. Therefore, you need to polish the surface at least 2 times a year.

Soapstone is a material with a matte surface. It is usually dark grey. May darken during use. It is susceptible to staining. The surface is not hard enough, it can be scratched with a fingernail. It is comparable in price to granite.
* Concrete countertops can be sold ready-made or made to order.

A cost effective option is solid surface countertops. They are made from natural materials and acrylic polymer. This surface is durable, non-porous, resistant to stains and scratches. This product is 20% cheaper than stone countertops.

If your budget is tight, then laminate flooring might be for you.
* Laminate has been known for a long time. Laminate is easy to keep clean. Laminate also comes in a range of colors, however it can be easily changed. Look at them differently and you will be satisfied with your choice.

CALL US!

We can produce any products (Concrete countertops, concrete tiles, concrete panels, concrete sinks, concrete facades, decorative concrete-like plaster, concrete window sills, concrete bins, benches and tables. We use concrete in the interior, decorative concrete).

Jamie Gaokas' project began with the purchase of a book on how kitchen utensils are made. do-it-yourself concrete countertop. At first, the master made them for himself, then for friends, and then he started his own business. The master class is conducted by Jamie himself.

First of all, the master asks you to be patient, since it takes about a month from the start of production to the complete installation. During this time you can do complete renovation in the kitchen.

After measuring the working surface, templates are made. Concrete is poured into the trays, which will soon become a countertop. The cut out inlays are inserted into the chosen places.

For the manufacture of sinks, plywood is used, from which the shape is knocked down. Hard insulating foam is needed to form the recess.

After pouring, the concrete remains in the tray for two weeks. A well-made countertop with a sink looks beautiful, as in this photo.

Polish the table top with a diamond grinder.

The last stage of manufacturing is pouring silicone joints. This makes them waterproof. After the surface is polished with a paste of wax and mineral oil to create an additional protective layer. The procedure is recommended to be carried out once or twice a year.

Pieces of glass, porcelain, metal, and anything that supports the original interior design and will make an impression should be chosen carefully, as it will stay there forever.

Owner's personal inlay

This horseshoe belonged to a horse that the client loved very much. Pieces of glass and gravel fit into the overall picture. Other customers choose coins or even fragments of mechanisms.

Decoration can be embedded in the profile of the countertop.

The board is removed to discard the nut shells and other debris that should not fall into the sink. Pleasant blue inserts open on the profile.

The gray material harmonizes perfectly with the brownish pieces of glass.

Blueish-green shades look inspiring. Pigmentation of the material is not easy, but the result is excellent.

Gaokas artist. He has degrees in art and its history. This is felt in the products of the master, which create a special atmosphere in the space of the house.

To purchase a finished countertop for the kitchen that will fully meet your needs in terms of aesthetics, reliability and functionality, you need to prepare a considerable amount of money. It is much cheaper to make it yourself, especially since it is quite possible to do it at home. This idea can be implemented using wood, chipboard, liquid stone or concrete. Among these options, perhaps the most interesting is the concrete countertop, due to the availability of the material and the relative ease of working with it. Knowing the basics of concreting, you can not only make a new work surface in the kitchen, but also restore the old one, which will make it possible to save even more.

Concrete in its structure is a solid and durable material that can withstand high temperatures. In this regard, it is practically not inferior to granite, although it costs an order of magnitude cheaper. However, at concrete surface There is one feature that must be taken into account in the manufacture kitchen worktop. The fact is that concrete consists of pores that can become clogged with various organic substances, which complicates the care of the kitchen. In addition, this material must be protected from acid-containing agents, since they can destroy calcium, which is the main binding element in concrete.

Note! Even a drop of lemon juice can have a negative impact on the concrete surface, leaving a stain behind.

This disadvantage is easily eliminated with the help of a protective polymer layer, which is applied to the concrete after it hardens. A concrete countertop with such protection is easy to clean and retains its appearance over a long period. However, it is not recommended to use such a surface as a cutting board or to put a hot frying pan on it, because, unlike concrete, the polymer coating is less resistant to such loads.

Concrete worktop without polymer coating can be used in the living room, bedroom or office, where there are no strict operational requirements

Production of a monolithic concrete countertop

The basis for the manufacture of concrete furniture is a standard technology that is used in construction. To make a concrete countertop with your own hands, you need to complete several steps, each of which is important in its own way.

Preparation of materials

Since the kitchen countertop in our case is made of concrete, you need to prepare the main components for its production:

cement;
sand (preferably river sand);
crushed stone or marble chips;
water.

Advice! To make the countertop look like marble, granite, or have any other shade other than gray, a special pigment (color) is added to the mixture, which can be purchased at any hardware store.

For the manufacture of formwork, you will need a wooden beam 50x30 mm and moisture-resistant plywood 12 mm thick. As a base, instead of plywood, you can use a sheet of laminated chipboard of the appropriate thickness. The main thing is that the base is perfectly flat and does not succumb to deformation under the load of the plate.

Considering that the manufacture of the countertop will be done by hand, we will need the following set of tools:

shovel;

bucket or other container;

construction mixer or a concrete mixer;

Master OK;

jigsaw;

screwdriver;

grinder;

tape measure, level, pencil.

Product drawing

The value of a quality sketch is difficult to overestimate. The correct drawing greatly simplifies the work, and the wrong one adds headaches during the installation of the countertop. It is very important to accurately measure the parameters of the kitchen, the location of cabinets and plumbing fixtures. If you need to place a sink or hob, then the place for their installation must be calculated down to the millimeter.

An example of a drawing of a concrete countertop

Advice! If the overall structure has significant dimensions, then it is better to divide it into several parts in order to simplify the process of installing the plate.

Formwork creation

We lay a sheet of plywood or chipboard on a flat surface, after which we transfer the previously prepared drawing with a ruler and a pencil. On each line we install a wooden beam 50x30 mm, so that in the end the thickness of our countertop is 50 mm. It is this parameter that is considered optimal for a concrete product: a decrease in thickness will make the structure fragile, an increase will make it too heavy.

The fastening of the formwork walls must be strong enough to withstand the load created by the concrete during its curing. It is better to connect the joints of two walls using corners or long screws (from 60 mm).

The place under the sink is located depending on the type and dimensions of the plumbing fixture. There are two types of sinks: built-in and overhead. The second option has a horizontal side about 30 mm wide, which must be taken into account when drawing up the drawing.

Advice! If you decide to make a concrete countertop for the kitchen, then it is better to use an overhead sink. Firstly, embedded models have a landing chamfer, which is not so easy to make. Secondly, the presence of a side allows you to make a small error when creating a hole for the sink.

It is also necessary to provide a hole for the mixer. To do this, you can use a plastic pipe with a diameter of 35 mm (standard size of the mixer mounting nozzle).

Formwork for pouring concrete countertops

Installation of the reinforcing frame

The frame is a steel mesh with a mesh size of 25x25 mm. This structure must be placed inside the formwork so that it is at a distance of 25 mm from plywood and walls.

Before mounting the reinforcing frame, a polyethylene film is laid on the base. Its edges must be brought to the side boards. At the same time, it is very important that the film lies without wrinkles, if you do not want to observe their imprint on the concrete slab.

Increasing the load-bearing capacity with a steel frame

Pouring concrete

Do-it-yourself concrete for making countertops is made according to the classic recipe:

1 share of cement;

2 shares of sand;

4 shares of filler;

0.5 parts of water.

At the first stage, cement is mixed with water until a homogeneous mass is obtained, after which the remaining ingredients are added to the mixture. The process of concrete preparation itself must be carried out at low speeds, thoroughly mixing the solution.

Important! Do not increase the amount of water in order to fast food mixtures. Excessive moisture content in the solution will cause many pores to appear after it dries.

After filling and uniform distribution concrete over the entire area of the formwork, it is covered with a film and left in this state for a day. After 24 hours, the film is removed and a wet cloth is placed in its place to prevent cracking. Formwork can be dismantled after 48 hours.

Surface treatment

The countertop for the kitchen should be perfectly smooth, so the front side is sanded. For such purposes, it is better to use a grinder, since manual surface treatment with sandpaper will take a lot of time and effort.

First, the slab is ground with a coarse-grained wheel. After obtaining a smooth surface, processing is carried out with fine-grained emery. Even though a polished concrete countertop already looks great, it still needs to be opened with a water-repellent polymer impregnation.

The last stage is grinding with a felt wheel using a special paste, after which the plate acquires “marble” characteristics.

Grinding a concrete slab for the kitchen

Restoring an old countertop with concrete

Concrete can be used not only for the manufacture of a monolithic slab. With its help, it is quite possible to restore the old surface. In this case, the costs in this case will be much less. Below we will consider how the restoration of the old countertop for the kitchen with our own hands is carried out.

Necessary materials

Since a too thick layer is not required in this case, we will use a concrete mixture for floor screed instead of the usual solution. For work we need the following materials:

concrete mix for screed (finish);

acrylic sealant;

varnish for concrete;

a container for preparing the mixture;

2 spatulas (20 mm and 10 mm);

sandpaper;

industrial mixer;

Sander.

Note! The amount of concrete mix must be determined based on the coverage area. Usually, the material consumption is indicated on the packaging and averages 1.2-1.5 kg per 1 m² with a layer thickness of 1 mm.

Cement-based floor leveling mixes

Surface preparation

Countertops for the kitchen are often made of MDF, on which scratches, chips, temperature defects and grease stains appear during operation. Before applying concrete, the surface must be cleaned of all contaminants. Pay special attention to the remnants of fat - they can be removed using kitchen detergents. If silicone sealant is present on the surface, then this should also be removed, since concrete has poor adhesion to such materials.

Once the surface is completely clean, it should be abraded with 25-H or 20-H coarse sanding paper. Purpose this process is to improve the adhesion of concrete to old surface by creating many scratches. After processing with sandpaper, the countertop must be washed and allowed to dry well.

Applying the concrete mixture

The technology for the manufacture of concrete mix can be read on the packaging. Usually it is diluted with water in a ratio of 2 to 1. The main thing is that the consistency is not too liquid or thick, since in this case the process of applying the solution to the plate will become more complicated.

Advice! To begin with, prepare a small portion of the mixture to determine the amount of water to obtain the optimal viscosity. In the future, strictly observe this proportion. Even slight discrepancies can affect the shade of the dried concrete.

The application of concrete on the plane of the countertop is carried out using a wide spatula, while the ends are processed with a narrow spatula. Spread the mixture over the surface using slow and smooth movements to reduce the likelihood of bubbles. The thickness of the applied layer should not be large - 1-2 mm is enough.

Spreading the concrete mix on the countertop

concrete grinding

After the layer has completely dried (about 24 hours), the concrete countertop is sanded, for which coarse-grained emery is used. Pay special attention to the smoothness of the surface - no unevenness should be felt when holding the hand.

Note! Grinding concrete is quite a dirty job. You must be prepared for the fact that the dust in the kitchen will be everywhere. Therefore, it is better not to do such work without a mask.

To make a reliable kitchen worktop with your own hands, you need to apply 3-4 layers of concrete, each of which is sanded after drying. If coarse-grained sandpaper is used to process the first layers, then the last layer, in addition to roughing, is subjected to fine grinding with fine-grained emery.

Sanded concrete countertop

Waterproofing and varnishing

To protect concrete from moisture, a special acrylic-based sealant liquid is used. It is applied with an ordinary paint brush and, after drying, creates a reliable waterproofing layer. This material is very quickly absorbed and dries completely within a day, after which the second and last layer of sealant can be applied.

In order for the tabletop to have a glossy finish, after waterproofing, a layer of concrete varnish is applied, which, depending on the temperature in the room, takes from 4 to 8 hours to dry. After the varnish has dried, the plate is polished, for which fine-grained M14 sandpaper is used.

Do-it-yourself concrete countertop for the kitchen

In conclusion, we add that although the manufacturing technology of such a countertop is not particularly difficult, for its implementation it is necessary to have the skills to work with concrete. Therefore, in the absence of such construction experience, it is better to use professional help.

Video tutorial on making concrete countertops:

Detailed master class from the pros:

Concrete in the kitchen interior - inspired by design:

An attractive and original interior of the kitchen 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. Minimal costs will allow you to make the interior of the kitchen room individual.

Preparing to create a countertop

Before you make a countertop, you need to perform a number of preparatory work that 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 is needed to create a work surface, located next to a 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 hardwood. 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 glue;
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, it is necessary 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 mold, all joints and seams are coated with 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.

Attractive and original kitchen, the dream of many people. Someone attracts experienced professionals to create a kitchen interior, but someone tries to arrange everything himself. Not the last place in the kitchen is played by the countertop, the manufacture of which will be discussed in this article.

Do-it-yourself concrete countertop

Today, kitchen countertops can be made from the most various materials- glass, wood, concrete, etc. But it is the concrete countertop that has gained great popularity due to its attractiveness and durability of use.

You can make a concrete countertop yourself, using improvised materials for this. By the way, in great detail about how to make a countertop for the kitchen with your own hands, read on the website. This approach will allow you to save decent financial resources, because today it is very expensive to buy a kitchen worktop made of natural stone.

Before you start making a concrete countertop, you should make a drawing of it indicating the dimensions, angle, etc. This will help to avoid many mistakes and disappointment when making a countertop with your own hands.

In addition, do not forget that concrete has a decent weight, so the kitchen countertop made from it must be able to withstand the frame on which it will be installed. Otherwise, you will have to further strengthen the frame with slope supports made of timber or a metal corner.

The composition of concrete and materials for the manufacture of countertops

So, after all the measurements have been made, and the drawing for the manufacture of a concrete countertop is ready, you can proceed directly to solving the issue of the composition of concrete and materials for the manufacture of countertops.

For this you will need:

Portland cement;
Clean sifted sand;
Wooden bars 5x5 cm;
Plywood 12 mm;
Reinforcing mesh(will be used as reinforcement);
Glue or sealant for gluing decorative elements to the countertop to resolve the issue - how to cover the concrete countertop;

Of the tools, in order to make a concrete countertop with your own hands, you will need the most improvised tools that are sure to be found in household every jack-of-all-trades.

First of all, from the tools you will need:

metal spatula different sizes;
Bulgarian and polishing wheels on it;
Construction level with a tape measure, for performing various measurements;
Screwdriver;
Self-tapping screws for wood;
Thick polyethylene film;
Hacksaw for wood and other small carpentry tools.

Now a few words about the composition of concrete for the manufacture of kitchen countertops. For the manufacture of concrete mortar, the following components are needed, which are maintained in such proportions:

Three parts of sifted sand;
Two parts of Portland cement grade not lower than 500;
One part polymer-based concrete plasticizer;
N - water, depending on the amount of all constituent components. The concrete solution for the countertop should not be too liquid, it should have a certain degree of viscosity.

Concrete countertop manufacturing process

First you need to assemble the formwork for the concrete countertop, into which the mortar will be poured. It is made either from plywood or plastic sheets. Of course, the second option is preferable, since the concrete solution does not adhere well to plastic.

The dimensions of plastic sheets or plywood must have exactly the dimensions that were previously indicated in the drawing. Be sure to fasten a beam 5 cm thick around the perimeter of the plywood with self-tapping screws. If you need to make a concrete countertop thicker, then the thickness of the beam increases accordingly.

If, after assembling the formwork for the countertop, between its structural elements there are gaps, it is advisable to seal them using silicone sealant for this purpose or any other suitable for working with a particular material.

If it is necessary that the tabletop has rounded edges, then it is necessary to insert small plastic inserts in the form of a semicircle into the formwork even before it is poured with concrete mortar. Then, it is necessary to fix a metal mesh for reinforcement at a height of 3 centimeters from the formwork surface.

However, before installing the reinforcing mesh and pouring the concrete solution into the shape of the tabletop, it is recommended to lubricate its base and sides with machine oil. After the formwork is completely filled with concrete mortar, you need to cover it from above plastic wrap and leave to dry for at least ten days.

Polishing and sanding concrete countertops

Grinding a concrete countertop is carried out using an angle grinder (grinder) with a polishing disc installed on it (as well as polishing marble at home). You should be aware that at different stages of grinding a concrete countertop, different discs are used.

At the initial stage, a coarse disc is used to remove the main irregularities of the countertop. Then only discs 50 and 100 units are used (for finishing the kitchen worktop).

After the grinding of the concrete countertop is completed, the final stage of its polishing follows. A concrete worktop is polished with the same tool, but only with a much smaller disc (no more than 400 units).

The finished concrete countertop should have a smooth and shiny appearance. If you run your hand over its surface, then absolutely no scuffs and roughness should be felt.

Do-it-yourself video concrete countertop

samastroyka.ru

Concrete worktop

From concrete, you can make a countertop that looks like a countertop made of natural marble. Durable, resistant to external influences, waterproof material reveals its decorative possibilities here.

Using concrete to make a kitchen countertop is not a new idea. In one of the articles, I already wrote how countertops are made of concrete and broken glass bottles. Concrete is an excellent material for cladding with ceramics, natural stone, wood... However, it is preferable to leave the natural surface of concrete exposed special processing.

The composition of the concrete mixture

The appearance of a concrete countertop depends on the brand of cement, additives and their dosage. It is advisable to experiment by making several small test samples in small molds, and after drying them, sand the surface until the desired result is obtained.

Used cement brand not lower than M500. Washed, sieved sand up to 0.3 mm provides an even color and guarantees a good uniformity of the mixture. Fine gravel is used.

Formwork assembly

The formwork is placed on a solid support strictly according to the level. The formwork base is made of 20 mm plywood, treated with a special lubricant that prevents concrete from sticking and moisture penetration. Instead of lubrication, a plastic film can be laid on the bottom. The sides of the formwork are made of bars with a section of 50 × 50 mm and are fixed with self-tapping screws along the perimeter of the formwork base. Self-tapping screws should be screwed through the plywood from the outside of the formwork. The bars are treated with oil to facilitate their subsequent removal.

In place of the opening, which will house the kitchen sink, an insert cut from 50 mm polystyrene foam is screwed to the bottom of the formwork. After the concrete mass has hardened, the polystyrene foam is cut out.

Preparing the mixture

The composition of the mixture includes cement, sand, crushed stone in a ratio of 1:2:3 with the addition of superplasticizer SP-1VP at the rate of 5 kg per 100 liters of water.

To obtain colored concrete, inorganic colored pigments are added: cobalt blue, blue manganese, red, yellow, black and brown iron pigment. For clarification, white titanium dioxide is used. White Portland cement is used to color concrete in light colors, and gray cement is used to obtain a dark color.

For uniform coloring of concrete throughout the volume, it is recommended to add pigment to the dry mix and mix everything thoroughly. The amount of added pigment is selected empirically. When imitating granite, heterogeneous stains on the surface of the countertop are obtained by adding a dye diluted in water to the prepared concrete mixture.

The concrete mixture is prepared in small portions of 8-10 liters. To increase the strength of the countertops, a reinforcing metal mesh is used.

The prepared concrete mixture should resemble a thick paste, not too wet and not too dry. Excess water causes porosity of the product and reduces the strength of the concrete. Lack of water leads to the formation of air bubbles and hence voids.

After pouring, the countertop is covered with plastic wrap and dried for two weeks. The formwork is removed and the expanded polystyrene is removed after seven days of drying.

Tabletop surface treatment.

To process the tabletop, a grinder with a power of about 1000 watts with a speed control is used. Grinding removes the surface layer of concrete and highlights the gravel particles brighter. To obtain a smooth glossy surface, grinding is carried out in two stages with a disk with silicon carbide sandpaper: first coarse-grained, and then medium-grained.

A lot of dust is generated during the grinding process, therefore, all work is carried out in goggles and a respirator. It is recommended to use a vacuum cleaner to suck dust from the sanding area.

After removing dust, the surface is treated with a water-repellent agent using a brush or roller. This treatment makes the surface water-repellent and prevents oil and grease from contaminating it.

Good news for those who decide to make a concrete countertop on their own. Concrete Encounter's Super Seal concrete worktop filler has appeared on the Russian market. After processing with this composition, a concrete countertop will have the same performance properties as a granite one.

The final polishing is done with grinding paste. Thin suede is fixed on a rubber disc and a thin layer of grinding paste is applied to it. Grinding is performed at low speed. In this case, the grinder is slowly moved along the countertop until a gloss appears. Suede is changed as it gets dirty.

This article describes how to make marbled concrete countertops. Used a translation of an article from the Spanish magazine Brico No. 172.

The process of grinding with the use of silicon carbide skins is an expensive pleasure that requires a lot of time. Therefore, another option is proposed - facing the surface of a concrete countertop with ceramic tiles www.rmnt.ru/story/furniture/256141.htm.

The entire process of making concrete countertops can be viewed in video format. The film is in English, but everything is clear without translation. If you have a slow Internet, then the film can be downloaded here (65.57 Mb).

iddeas.ru

Do-it-yourself concrete countertop

Decorative concrete and tile countertops (left photo)

Sequencing

The main points to consider before making a concrete countertop with your own hands:

During operation, the table may be subjected to actions that cause significant shock loading. For example, cutting a part of a meat carcass containing cartilage. Therefore, reliable reinforcement is required.
Sink and hob for the kitchen, it is better to choose an overhead type. They do not need special accuracy in the dimensions of the opening, and the installation ledge is wide enough. It will hide possible flaws, while the product itself will be securely fixed. Mortise structures require specific equipment and workshop work.

The side of such a sink is 20-30 mm

The countertop under concrete has a considerable weight, which means that the frame on which it will stand must have sufficient strength. To reduce weight, try to reduce the thickness without sacrificing strength.
One of the stages of work will be grinding the surface, which causes a large amount of dust.

This instruction describes how to make a concrete countertop with your own hands in place, or as a separate product.

Drawing

A well-planned plan is the key to the success of any business.

Corner table drawing

In this case, the main factor is compliance with the dimensions. The most difficult is the transfer of the angle, if it is provided for by the design. This will require a goniometer.

Advice! The most accurate and cheapest protractor - two even strips at the desired height are inserted into the corner, pressed against the walls, and fixed in a convenient way.

The next step is the preparation of the frame.

Foundation, reinforcement and formwork

The best base option would be moisture resistant plywood or OSB board. A contour cut exactly according to the drawing will greatly facilitate the manufacture of concrete countertops with your own hands.

Basis for remote fabrication

The formwork of rectilinear forms can be made of any molded materials, as in the photo above. Figured products are well suited profile for drywall.

Formwork using a profile and foam

Advice! When arranging the formwork, it is better to lay the inner side with foam plastic strips 20 mm thick. When laying the reinforcing elements, it will be necessary to deepen their edges into the foam. Such a "trick" will allow the decorative layer to grab onto the reinforcement.

Such sheets are made by cutting slits in a normal steel sheet and stretching it. In this case, the jumpers between the slots are rotated perpendicular to the plane of the sheet. Thus, it is not the thickness, usually 2-3 mm, but the width of the jumper that becomes the carrier. For these purposes, sheet 308 with a total thickness of 16 mm is suitable.

In view of the high strength of PVL, it is used for the manufacture of stairs and ceilings.

The parameters that PVL must comply with are regulated by GOST 21014:

Concrete countertops are usually at least 50 mm thick. The ability of PVL to withstand such loads makes it possible to reduce this figure to 25-30 mm.

This means that the material consumption, weight and requirements for the frame on which the concrete kitchen worktop will stand will also decrease. Complex contours for a tie-in can be made with a grinder, or when buying at a metal base.

Reinforcement with PVL

concreting

At the pouring stage, you need to choose the composition of the concrete for the countertop. The presence of PVL makes the presence of crushed stone unnecessary.

The statement that gravel and crushed stone have a higher compressive strength compared to steel is true, but in this case it is useless. Concrete countertops do not compress. Meat is beaten on them and nuts are cracked. Steel withstands shock loads better.

You can use for pouring a mixture of cement and fine granite sand, the so-called granotsev. Having chosen these components, you will need to buy plasticizers that increase bending strength. Their retail price is high chemical composition granotseva is unknown, it is easy to make a mistake. The process of "how to make a concrete countertop" can end with cleaning up its remains.

range of plasticizers. How to choose?

In order not to take risks, it is better and easier to buy ready-made sand concrete of high strength grades, M400 and higher. This material is intended for pouring reinforced foundations and is designed to work with reinforcement. Just the right situation. All additives are already in it.

It remains to knead the solution to the consistency of sour cream, and pour into the mold. If further processing will consist of varnish or paint, then you need to fill it along the edge of the formwork and immediately level it.

In the case when it is supposed to use decorative concrete for the countertop, or it is required to leave free space under the tiles, the height depends on the decorating material.

Advice! When reinforcing PVL, it is better to leave 2-3 mm of the sheet protruding above the fill. They will ensure the connection of two layers into one, or reinforce the adhesive of the tile. If traditional reinforcement was used, it is necessary to put on the surface of the poured concrete plastic mesh. Such a notch will increase the adhesion of the next layer.

Space left for the finish coat

After pouring, you need to cover the form with a film, and leave for 1-2 days. Further processing will depend on finish coat.

Decorating with varnish or paint

In this case, 2 days after pouring, the film is opened and the concrete countertops are left until completely solidified. Depending on conditions, this may take up to several weeks.

Lacquered concrete worktop

The tabletop is sanded, primed, painted or varnished according to the technology provided for selected materials.

Application of tiles and stone

For decorating with tiles or stone, the concrete kitchen worktop is dried in the same way as for paint. After that, the product is removed from the mold, set in its place and covered with decor.

Reinforcement left under the foam and on the surface or a frozen notch will ensure reliable fixation of stone elements or tiles.

Advice! If preference is given to tiled models, it is better to choose porcelain stoneware for the floor, the most resistant to mechanical stress.

decorative concrete

Provides the greatest scope for a flight of fancy in choosing: how to cover a concrete countertop. At the final stage, you can choose a ready-made dry mix from those offered on the market, there are a lot of options.

Or make it yourself on the basis of the same sand concrete with the addition of dyes, sea pebbles, quartz, marble chips, any decorative elements. The only thing to consider when choosing inserts is that the decorative concrete countertop must be polished.

Advice! Part ready mixes includes additives that increase the hardness of concrete, facilitate grinding work and increase the life of the surface until the next grinding. The best option is to choose the right color and texture from ready-made offers. The range of inserts is best left to your own imagination.

Inserts made of wood and artificial stones (right)

The work on the final filling must be carried out one day after filling with the base layer. The concrete in the mold should stop being liquid, but not yet completely solidified.

From this video you will learn how to make a concrete countertop with your own hands.

Grinding

The final stage is the grinding and polishing of concrete countertops. Only an inveterate enthusiast can perform such work manually. The Chinese grinder will die halfway through.

Final tip! A good professional grinder can be rented. During the weekend, the fruit of a long labor will be finished.

betonhouse.com

Do-it-yourself concrete countertops - manufacturing instructions

Recently, concrete countertops have become increasingly popular, which can give your home an exclusivity and individuality. 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 your own, which in the end will not be inferior to the analog of marble.

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 existing interior. Also, when creating a kitchen countertop with your “golden” hands, you need to make sure that it fits as tightly as possible to 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 concrete kitchen worktop, one must take into account a very important point: the joints of the parts of the finished product must clearly fall on the transverse elements of the table frame (otherwise there is a possibility of cracks).

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;
moisture resistant plywood laminated with chipboard 18 mm thick;
metal mesh (for reinforcement);
silicone sealant;
decor elements;
glue;
drying oil, vegetable oil or a special liquid for lubricating the mold;
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;
a 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);
we coat the form with drying oil or vegetable oil (this will facilitate the extraction 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 the front side of your countertop).

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;
we prepare the concrete mixture 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 we add gravel or expanded clay instead of sand (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;
we 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 countertop consists of 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 sides with a height of 50-60 mm (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 work surface, then the presence of free space for it (for this, at the bottom of the mold, you need to draw a rectangle 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 35 mm and 50-60 mm long).

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 the bumps, bends and recesses will spoil the appearance of the 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 mixed with a 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 concrete tabletop with your own hands of a certain color, then pigments - dyes must be added 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 mixture.

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, we carefully grind 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);
at the final stage, we use a felt circle.

In custody

Our step-by-step instructions above will help you make a very beautiful work surface for the kitchen. Do it yourself, and then, using your experience, tell others how to make a countertop.

No kitchen can be imagined without countertops. Modern options can boast of the highest quality, reliability, wear resistance, as well as a wonderful appearance. Naturally, the cost of such a product is very high, so you will have to pay a decent amount for the purchase. The way out is very simple - to make a countertop yourself, because there is nothing complicated in this task.

Kitchen worktop - why do we choose concrete?

The most popular material in the case self-manufacturing countertops are considered to be concrete, although products made of liquid stone, chipboard or wood are also in great demand. Concrete countertop is simple and convenient option, which is ideal for interior design of any kitchen due to its versatility. After all, concrete products are quite easy to make with your own hands without the involvement of specialists.

Concrete structures have many positive qualities and merit. You should know that this material belongs to the category of durable and solid, thanks to which the countertops are able to withstand huge temperatures. In terms of strength and durability, concrete is not much inferior to granite, although the cost of the latter is several times higher. However, high performance is achieved due to the unique structure, consisting of numerous small pores. With constant use, especially in the kitchen, these pores become clogged with organic substances. As a result, the care of the kitchen becomes somewhat more complicated.

Particular attention should be paid to acids, as they can have a negative effect on the concrete surface. Even a drop of lemon juice leaves a dark stain.

The reason is the calcium contained in the concrete. It is this element, which acts as the main link, that is subject to the destructive effects of acids. However, you should not worry too much about this - all problems can be solved with the help of a protective layer of polymeric substances. Polymers are applied to concrete after hardening, which ensures reliable protection, and also contributes to the simplification of care for the countertop. The only disadvantage of the polymer coating is that it will no longer be possible to put hot frying pans without a stand, since extreme temperatures will lead to the destruction of polymers. Unlike concrete itself, this coating will not be able to transfer such loads without consequences.

We draw a drawing and select materials - preparation is in full swing

One of the most milestones on the way to the manufacture of a concrete surface is the creation of a drawing. This is necessary in order to accurately know the dimensions of the countertop, as well as its appearance. In order for the product to be firmly attached and not to stagger during operation, it must be installed as tightly as possible to the walls. You should also not forget about the sink - its dimensions and location are indicated in the drawing. The same applies to the corner, because kitchens are very often corner, and that's where it usually happens. Ideally, the angle is straight and is 90 degrees - this will greatly facilitate the work process. If the angle is slightly different, it will be necessary to take this into account during construction work, and also note it when making a drawing.

In some cases, it is recommended to make a surface from several separate components. This method is due to the fact that large kitchens surfaces are very bulky and heavy. If the product is divided into several smaller structures, then it will be much easier to work and install them. In addition, it will be possible to avoid cracks and chips that may appear in case of unsuccessful processing or moving heavy objects. Having drawn a sketch, you can begin to collect the necessary materials and tools. Choose high-quality and reliable equipment. For work you will need the following items:

plastic sheets 18 mm thick;
plywood sheets;
hardwood boards;
sand and cement for mixing the mortar;
polymer concrete made from acrylic resins;
reinforcing mesh to strengthen the structure;
decorative elements - shells, small pebbles, broken glass to decorate the surface;
glue spray;
silicone sealants;
colors - special coloring pigments to give the surface the desired color shade.

Naturally, we cannot do anything without tools. For successful work, you will need tools such as:

1. building level;
2. hacksaw for wood;
3. screwdriver - required for mounting the formwork and its subsequent disassembly;
4. spatulas, levelers, trowels for working with uncured concrete;
5. polishing wheels;
6. sandpaper;
7. grinder.

Formwork and reinforcing mesh - the influence of the elements on the quality of the product

The next step is to form a wooden frame or formwork, where we will pour the concrete solution in order to give it the required shape. It is necessary to make a strong frame that can withstand the pressure of concrete for several days. Formwork largely affects the quality and aesthetic appearance of the finished product. To create it, we use plywood sheets laid on a flat surface. Next, we transfer all the lines and strokes from the drawing to plywood, exactly repeating the shape of the future countertop. Along the perimeter it is necessary to install wooden blocks 50 mm high.

As practice shows, a 50 mm thick worktop is optimal for a kitchen work surface. Increasing the thickness threatens to make it too heavy, while a smaller thickness negatively affects the strength of the product.

To give the frame the necessary strength properties, Special attention devote to fixing the walls. To do this, we will use long screws (at least 6 cm) or metal corners, which will provide sufficient connections High Quality. Depending on the size and type of the sink and faucet, we will determine the place for the sink. Today, overhead and built-in sinks are popular. There is no particular difference between them, this also applies to cost. If you chose an overhead sink, then the only significant difference is a horizontal rim about 3 cm wide. When drawing up sketches and forming wooden frames for concrete, this must be remembered.

Experienced craftsmen note that overhead sinks are best suited for installation in self-made countertops. The reason lies precisely in the above-mentioned rim, the presence of which makes it possible to allow small errors in the formation of a hole for washing. In addition, built-in sinks have special landing chamfers, which cause great difficulties in the manufacture of a concrete surface. To make a hole for the mixer, you can use various aids. A plastic pipe with a cross section of 35 mm is best suited. It is this diameter that is the standard for mixer nozzles.

After that, it remains for us to install a reinforcing mesh to strengthen concrete structure. An ordinary steel mesh is suitable, the mesh size of which is 25x25 mm. It is necessary to select the mesh with the condition that it does not touch the walls of the wooden frame. So, the distance between the reinforcement and the formwork should be about 2 cm. There is one trick that allows you to avoid any manifestations of the grid on the concrete surface - just cover the base of the formwork with an ordinary polyethylene film. In this case, the concrete will turn out to be even and smooth, while the mesh will remain inside and will not stand out in relief.

Concrete mix - proportions for mixing mortar

After all the preparatory work, you can proceed to the main operation - the creation of a concrete mixture. To do this, we need several basic elements - river sand, M500 cement and water. When creating a concrete table with your own hands, you need to prepare a solution of the right consistency, so be careful with the proportions. So, for one share of M500 cement, 3 shares of river sand are added.

To decorate the finished product, you can add a little fine gravel, but do not overdo it. After that, it remains only to add water and a plasticizer, constantly stirring the resulting solution. For these purposes, a construction mixer or an electric drill with a special nozzle is ideal. You can stop mixing the mixture after the consistency has reached the state of a cream or paste.

At the stage of creating the mixture, coloring colors are introduced, the task of which is to give the mixture the desired shades. To create unusual and beautiful stains that imitate a natural stone or granite, pigments are added already ready solution with further mixing. If the countertop should turn out with a uniform color, then the color is added to dry cement even before dilution with water and sand.

Now you can pour the prepared formwork with the solution. The frame should be located on a straight and even surface, as the building level will make sure. If the countertop is very large, then it is recommended to pour the mixture in several stages, since the container with concrete will be extremely heavy. Having carefully covered the formwork with a film of polyethylene, we leave the solution in this state for a day. Naturally, the film should not touch the surface, otherwise ugly marks will remain. After a day, the film is removed, and a damp cloth is laid in its place, the task of which is to prevent the appearance of cracks and chips that are characteristic of concrete at the drying stage.

After a few days (from 7 to 10), you can begin to dismantle the frame. Having removed the sides, we turn the countertop over and carefully tap with a rubber mallet, trying not to damage the surface.

Finishing the countertop - how to grind and polish?

The last thing we have to do before installing the concrete product is grinding and polishing. To do this, you will need either ordinary sandpaper or an electric grinder. The latter option is preferable in cases where the surface is large enough.

First, the tabletop is sanded with a rough disc or coarse paper. By removing the existing irregularities, we also contribute to the opening of nearby pores, which we can now process with a special solution consisting of cement and acrylic sealant.

After carefully removing the remnants of the mixture, after waiting just a couple of hours, we proceed to re-grinding, this time fine-grained paper or a disk corresponding to the level of abrasiveness is required. To make the product look beautiful and stylish, it will be necessary to polish it without fail. To do this, you need a special grinding disc, the abrasiveness of which reaches a value of 1500. Polishing takes place very carefully, we carefully process each square centimeter of the countertop in a circular motion.

The result of your efforts will be an aesthetic, beautiful countertop with a shiny and smooth surface. It can already be used by pre-installing on workplace. However, we recommend that you pre-treat the product with antiseptics and special formulations, which will provide protection from external irritants, including the negative effects of acid-containing substances.