How to Install a Concrete Countertop
Your kitchen serves as more than just a place to prepare meals, as it is a location where you store food and in many cases, a haven where you eat and enjoy your food. Along with any 
food preparation process always come the issue of cleanliness and sanitation. Because kitchen surfaces like tables and countertops are prone to dirt and bacteria, there is a need to select the best ones to install in your kitchen. Furthermore, you need to consider the durability of your countertop. Not just any type of material will do.
Even more on choosing, countertops also accentuate your kitchen, and they are a design aspect that should not be taken too lightly. You don’t just look at the color of your countertop, but you must also select the most appropriate material that your kitchen countertop will be made of, as well as the costs and how you are to install it. What are your options for kitchen surfaces these days? Which is the best to use if you are after cost or durability? To answer these queries, given below are some examples, along with the description and advantages they offer.
Formica is a popular type of surface installed onto countertops. Formica is a well-known brand that manufactures laminated surfaces, which are made into tables, shelves, as well as kitchen countertops. It is affordable, comes in various colors and styles, but is not highly resistant to wear and tear.
Ceramic tiles are also great alternatives if you want more design options, as they are available in different textures, sizes, and colors. You can mix and match them to fit the overall color scheme of your kitchen. It is also affordable, but prone to cracking and chipping if heavy objects are dropped on the surface. The tile grout can also be hard to clean, making it susceptible to molds and mildew.
Now we get to the solid surface called concrete. Concrete countertops have actually been among the latest craze in kitchen design today. Concrete is known to be a very strong building material, and it has been used in outdoor structures as well as integrated into indoor design elements. The other plus side of concrete is that besides its durability, it is also more affordable compared to marble or other types of stone.
Contrary to what many people think, concrete countertops are fairly easy to make and install. This material for your kitchen also offers you the freedom of design, much like in other types used on countertops. Concrete can be mixed with other colors or embedded with pigments and other designs. You can create a solid color for your concrete countertop, or choose a speckled look to match your cabinets or flooring. Either way, concrete is a highly recommended alternative for those who want a fresh new look in the kitchen they are remodeling.
You can make a concrete countertop without having too many expensive materials, and you may also install it with very little professional help. Knowing how to make a concrete countertop is a good resource to have, as it can save you hundreds of dollars in labor costs and materials.
You can make a concrete countertop over a laminated surface, but you should choose a type of concrete that can adhere to it. If there are currently tiles on your countertop, you can remove them for a cleaner surface to start off with.
Start off by creating a template and form for your countertop. You need to install wooden sides to create a sort of mold when you pour your concrete. It is always advised that you leave about a 1/8 inch gap between your countertop and the wall, in case of any imperfections in the pouring process. Also note to make sturdier mold sides for the area surrounding the sink. For your kitchen floor, ensure that you have it covered to protect if from spills.
When you are ready to make your countertop, you should prepare the following items: mixing bucket, mixing wand, sand, white cement, and pigment. Following the package instructions and ratios, mix your sand and cement with water using the bucket and wand. Add the pigment in the color proportion you desire. Pour your concrete mixture into the mold and give it time to set.
Once hardened, you should check with a level and smoothen out any imperfections. Use silicone to attach your concrete countertop with the cabinets below it. For areas around the sink, caulking material should be used to prevent any leaks. For the area of the concrete countertop near the wall, you can close that up with grout. As your concrete countertop hardens, be sure you apply a sealer to protect its surface and make it waterproof. This lengthens the life of your concrete countertop.
When it comes to your choice of pigments, you can either use the liquid form or powdered form as you mix it in with your concrete. You can consult with a designer to determine which color schemes are appropriate, and you can always ask your material supply shop for the proper proportions in mixing the concrete. If you are not able to follow the instructions well, your material may not harden as expected, and lead to slight imperfections in your finished product.
Sources say that your sealer is not always resistant to wear and tear. Depending on the cleaning chemicals you use on your countertop, the sealer can also degrade over time. It is advised that you apply sealer periodically to ensure that your concrete countertop is protected.
As you can see, given the right info, you can decide on a concrete countertop color and design for your new kitchen. Concrete countertops can be installed with no worries if one follows the instructions well. After that, you can enjoy your sturdy new kitchen surface for many years to come.