Forming Concrete Countertops In Place

For the grind and grout method that i prefer the forms still need to be dimensionally perfect and smooth.
Forming concrete countertops in place. Pour in place concrete countertops are absolutely a diy solution to countertops if you are on a budget or just love the versatile look of concrete. Our first test form was too dry and ended up with large voids from air pockets that couldn t be vibrated out. After spending lots of time looking into it adam and i decided to pour in place countertops was the way to go.
When placing concrete allow the concrete to pile up on top of itself so that no gaps or voids get trapped under the concrete unless that s what you are trying to achieve. The concrete shouldn t be so dry that the float tears it up rather than smooth it out. Place the concrete into the forms using a scoop trowel or by hand starting at one end of the form and proceeding towards the opposite end of the form.
When you re forming concrete countertops the template making process is the time to decide on design features like control seams and countertop overhangs. Diy pour in place concrete countertops part 2 june 23 2014 at 12 07 pm if you missed part 1 of this process which included building the edge forms for the concrete you can check that out here. Diy pour in place concrete countertops part 1.
But there is a much wider variety of forming materials you can use and a wider variety of looks you can create. This technique of building concrete countertops has some advantages over a precast concrete countertop that is built in a shop and installed after it is completed. I say after having poured them as long as you can lift a full five gallon bucket up to your head 15 20 times you are good to go or at least have someone handy who can.
There are two main ways to do concrete countertops you can either pour in place by building forms directly onto the top of your cabinets or build forms separate from your cabinets and then transfer the slabs to your kitchen. Float it several times if necessary to get a rather smooth surface. If countertops are made in sections larger than about 8 feet they are prone to cracking and more difficult to move.
We also knew there were two ways to approach making concrete countertops. Do not pour it over the reinforcing wire. I knew right away that i wanted a natural looking concrete.