Today, I am sharing a project I have been meaning to write for a while. When we remodeled the kitchen at our Short-Term Rental, the Ellery & Third Cottage, we knew we wanted to mix a beachy and modern vibe to create something special. I love the look and feel of concrete countertops (especially white concrete) and felt it would be the perfect balance to the blue-painted cabinets I had planned. Concrete countertops may seem intimidating, but DIY concrete countertop kits make this project surprisingly doable! Today, I am sharing all the deets of creating your own stunning DIY Concrete countertops using kits from Concrete Countertop Solutions.
1. Why I Chose Concrete Countertops: Pros and Cons
Before diving into the DIY process, let’s weigh the advantages and disadvantages of concrete countertops:
Pros:
- Durability: Concrete countertops are incredibly strong and resistant to heat, scratches, and stains (when properly sealed).
- Design Flexibility: You can customize the color (yay), shape, texture, and edge profile to perfectly match your style. We chose a thicker 3″ profile.
- Cost-Effective: DIY concrete countertops, especially using kits, can be significantly cheaper than other materials like granite or quartz.
- Aesthetic: White Concrete offers a modern, industrial look that’s both timeless and on-trend.
Cons:
- Weight: Concrete is a heavy material requiring sturdy cabinets for support.
- Messy: The process can be a bit messy. Make sure to prep and cover the area well.
- Potential for Cracking: Occasionally, concrete can develop hairline cracks over time.
- DIY Challenges: Working with concrete requires careful planning and a bit of brawn!
- Sealing Requirements: Sealing is necessary to protect the countertop from stains and moisture.
We have skimcoated counters in past projects and I was very excited to try poured concrete for this house.
This is what we started with.
2. DIY Concrete Countertop Kits:
Before we dive in, Concrete Countertop Solutions gifted me my countertop kit. All opinions are my own. I chose white concrete because we are going for a beachy/Modern feel, and the cabinets will be painted Marine blue.
Concrete countertop kits take the guesswork out of DIYing your countertops. Concrete Countertop Solutions offers a range of kits that include everything you need to get started, including:
- Forms: Use Melamine or Z Counterforms to create the mold for your countertop.
- Concrete Mix: A high-quality concrete mix specifically designed for countertops.
- Additives: Color packs and other additives to customize the appearance of your concrete.
- Sealers: A durable sealer to protect your countertops from stains and moisture.
These kits simplify the process by providing pre-measured ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions.
*This post contains allilate links.
3. Installing Concrete Countertops
Prepping is Key:
- Measure and plan: Carefully measure your space and create a detailed plan for your countertop design.
- Build forms: Construct sturdy forms using the provided materials to contain the concrete while it cures.
Here, we are building the forms.
- Reinforce: Use reinforcing mesh or fibers (if included in your kit) to add strength to the countertop.
Tape all edges of the forms to prevent the concrete from leaking. We used duct tape for this process and used an entire roll!
- Prepare the surface: Ensure the surface underneath the countertop is level and properly supported.
Pouring and Finishing:
- Mix the concrete: Carefully follow the instructions provided with the kit.
- Pour the concrete: Pour the concrete into the forms, making sure that it’s evenly distributed. This is the part where some muscle is necessary.
- Vibrate the concrete: Use a vibrating tool to remove air bubbles and ensure a smooth finish. To do this, we used the drill (minus the bits) and pressed it against the mold all the way around until bubbles stopped rising to the top).
- Level and smooth: Use a trowel to level the surface and create the desired texture.
- Cure the concrete: Allow the concrete to cure for the recommended time.
Finishing Touches:
Remove the forms: Once the concrete has cured, carefully remove the forms. Sand lightly to smooth any rough areas.
Below, you can see that we extended our countertops by 12 inches so we could add some seating. We discussed this with Concrete Solutions, and they suggested not only reinforcing the addition as we poured but also adding legs for additional support.
Polish and seal: Polish the countertop to achieve the desired sheen and apply the provided sealer to protect it. We used three coats of sealer and lightly sanded between coats.
4. My Review of Concrete Countertop Kits
You guys, these DIY concrete countertop kits are seriously GORGEOUS! They make it so much easier to get that high-end look for way less. I’m absolutely loving how mine turned out (if I do say so myself!). However, this definitely isn’t a beginner project – you’ll want to have some DIY experience under your belt. But, if you’re up for the challenge, the kits from Concrete Countertop Solutions have everything you need to create some seriously stunning and durable countertops.
Benefits of Using Kits:
- Convenience: All the necessary materials are included in one package.
- Easy Instructions: Easy-to-follow instructions make the process less daunting.
- Cost-Effective: Kits often offer better value compared to purchasing materials individually.
- Consistent Results: Pre-measured ingredients ensure consistent quality and color.
Close-up of finished counters.
Tips for Success:
- Choose the Right Kit: Select a kit that matches your desired countertop size and design.
- Follow Instructions Carefully: Pay close attention to the instructions provided with the kit.
- Practice: Consider practicing on a smaller project before tackling your countertops.
- Patience: Take your time, and don’t rush the process.
By choosing a DIY concrete countertop kit and following these tips, you can create beautiful and functional countertops that will transform your kitchen. You can see more of the finished kitchen here.
You can shop my kitchen here:
That’s it for today!
-Libbie
You may also enjoy:
Staining Butcher Block Countertops
Choosing Chevron Butcher Block Counters
