I believe in solutions rather than compromise. Smooth out rough edges and imperfections. Not all sealers out there are safe for food preparation areas but this one is and it’s lasting the distance. Next up, we plan on following this DIY to make an outdoor kitchen Best of luck with your makeover! Countertops made of concrete really have no limitations in size, depending on the materials and casting techniques used. He can be reached at [email protected] or at (800) 475-1875. Easy DIY Concrete countertop tutorial that even dummies can understand. In fact, courser concrete sand, which contains a range of particle sizes, will give you higher strength than fine sand.2. Welcome to Style Curator, your destination for daily interiors inspiration, expert advice, home tours and DIY projects! All the necessary ingredients are preblended-all you do is mix in the specified amount of water and a pigment, if desired. Keep the mixture as dry as possible, kind of like clay, when you mix the dry ingredients with water. Part of it is my background – I’ve spent the better part of 30 years in the concrete and cement industries. Unlike sidewalks or foundations which are slabs on grade, concrete countertops are generally long, slender, thin beams that not only behave very differently structurally from slabs on grade but also have very different aesthetic requirements. CONCRETE FORMS Z Counterform Countertop Mix is a pre-blended, all in one, high strength castable concrete mix designed for the creation of concrete countertops. Do you think Feather Finish isn’t hard enough to pass as concrete? While an entirely new kitchen may be out of reach, there are some affordable jobs you can do yourself to give your kitchen a new look. We were laughing hysterically at the hot mess we had created but don’t worry, it will come together and look awesome! Our email is hello@stylecurator.com.au Best of luck making over your kitchen benchtop . Apply a third thin coat and allow it to completely dry before sanding it smooth. Many people are stuck with an outdated kitchen because it’s just suuuuuuuccchhhh an expensive space to redo! Concrete benchtops. I am an old fashioned cook who still uses hand grinders etc that must be viced onto the bench, plus I make my own schnitzels etc, therefore a bit of bashing goes on occasionally to thin home grown meat etc… 2barrows produce the finest quality polished concrete kitchen bench tops, bars, bbq's, stair treads and street furniture. – Spray up: You can buy fine sand from a big box store. Ohhh yes please, we’d love to see photos! The cost to make this mix is $22.00 per cubic foot or about $2.75 per square foot at 1.5 inches thick. The weights used in this countertop recipe will produce 1 cubic foot of concrete mix. Fiber – About 3 to 4 percent of the total batch weight should be alkaline-resistant (AR) fiber.6. Lay plastic on the tops, then a heating blanket, then an insulating blanket. 2,700.00 Polishing/Finishing & Sealing 6,400.00. Your countertop might be ready to seal after this step or you may need to do one or two more thin coats depending on the colour of your countertop and the coverage you were able to get.). HIGHER STRENGTH WITH REDUCED SET TIMES Z Liqui-Crete converts high strength mortar or White Portland cement into a flowable, high performance, concrete benchtop mix. Sand with all the particles being the same size will be tougher to work with, often times causing bugholes or other blemishes.2. Polished Concrete Benchtops are an elegant, durable and beautiful addition to any modern kitchen. Apply a second thin coat and allow it to completely dry before sanding. Lay plastic on the tops, then the heating blanket, then an insulating blanket. Once you have perfectly sanded your final coat of Feather Finish, apply two generous coats of matt finish sealer with a sponge to seal your countertop and keep the moisture out. Sand, 50 lbs. hehehe….I am guessing that perhaps it wouldn’t but thought I’d ask anyway since you have experience with the results of the bench top. We used this kitchen for 4 years after doing the concrete finish and it held up very well. I think you have saved us a lot of money and also helped me keep the wife happy. Self-consolidating mix: you can use just about any sand including coarser concrete sand. It offers the very best blend of white sand and marble aggregates, white Portland cement and proprietary admixtures to … If you get any mixture on the splashback or cabinetry, it will be easier to remove this with a damp sponge while it’s still wet, Allow each layer to completely dry before sanding or you will lift off all your hard work, Give each layer a good sanding as it will leave you with a super smooth and hard finish, Get the right tools. Some say, “Cracks are an inherent part of the material.” Are they? GST $ 910.00. I’ve been spending a lot more time lately working with fabricators, many of them new to concrete. Wet Cast 50-50-38-11 Mix This formula for wet cast makes about 1 cu. ft. 1. To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: there are some affordable jobs you can do yourself to give your kitchen a new look, Palm Springs vibes with a visit to the Suncatcher House, Caesarstone’s outdoor quartz surface range is here: You can now have the stylish look of engineered stone in your outdoor spaces, How to make a Santa sack: Tutorial to create a personalised Santa sack, 8 kitchen drawer organising ideas: Kitchen organisation made easy, https://stylecurator.com.au/kmart-hack-coffee-table/, http://www.cementaustralia.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/website/packaged-products/home/our-products/colour-your-mix/, http://www.ardexaustralia.com/ardex/contact-us, Boho coastal kitchen designs: 20 of the best boho kitchen ideas, Peachy tones and gorgeous curves in the latest home renovation from Three Birds. This article was first published in October 2014 and has been updated for accuracy and freshness, Hi, I know it’s been a while but wondering what size bag of feather finish you used? Feather finish is no way hard enough to be using on a concrete bench top, Hi Nicholas, could you clarify what you mean? Box 627Ingomar, PA 15127888.599.ISFA, Porcelain / Sintered / Ultra-Compact Fabrication Training, Concrete Countertop Mix Designs Simplified, The International Surface Event (TISE) 2021, NAHB International Builder Show (IBS 2021). There are a number of Ardex stockists across Australia who would supply Feather Finish or could order it in for you. Just as with the wet cast, you can put them to bed before you leave the shop, and as long as they reach more than 110 degrees F overnight, you can strip them after just 12 to 14 hours.And for a sealer, I recommend a silicon-based penetrating concrete sealer. Founded by Gina Ciancio, a social media adviser turned blogger and Interior Stylist, we share our favourite home products, tours of designer homes, interviews with artists and experts in the design industry and other stylish news. hi I know its a few years in since you have done the countertops but I am curious as to the durability of the concrete layer. Hi. Add heat – Once again, if you’re not heating your tops you should be. Concrete drum mixers will not produce consistent results. You would also need to pay care full attention to your aggregate gradation to achieve this.7. Concreate is a small business specialising in concrete benchtops, run by Nic and Duane in Botany, NSW. The beauty of choosing a Polished Concrete Benchtop is, you can choose your mix! Maybe I should test it out on something else first. Some say, “You need to keep your countertops in the mold for multiple days.” You do? 4. If you want it more fluid, add more admix, not more water.6. Concrete Works & Installation. Learn More . I’m Gina, the Editor and an Interior Stylist, and you can learn more about me here. We didn’t remove the grout and reapply it and were happy with the end result. Start to mix the concrete with water, alternating the mix and water until all of the mix … We mix our own concrete with a … Add heat – If you’re not heating your tops you should be. Thank you! WATCH VIDEOS NOW. It can be made and finished in many different ways, both to mimic classic stone-style granite and marble benches – or (more often) in bolder, more stark forms to … If using System 1 and spraying, you should start with 1 percent of the cementitious material weight. – You can use white or grey cement or a combination of cement and pozzolan.3. In special circumstances benchtops can be made to a 20mm thickness. You can see examples of Pete’s growing body of concrete benchtop, sink and furniture work in the Sydney area and beyond on his company website Future Concrete Designs: www.futureconcretedesigns.com.au. Portland combined with up to 8 lbs. Any other sand with a 20-70 or so gradation will work, make test batches first. Whether you use a bagged mix specifically designed for concrete countertops, or mix your own, mix design is critical for concrete countertops. GET INSPIRED. Thanks Marinos! You have entered an incorrect email address! – If you stay under 18 total pounds of water for this mix, you will be making GFRC in the 8,000 to 10,000 PSI range.4. 7. Some say, “GFRC is better than wet cast.” How about the wonderfully artistic looks that can be achieved using wet cast? Sand, 60 lbs. We didn’t do this in our kitchen and the counter is still looking great 3 years on but it’s recommended and something we’ve been doing in later Feather Finish DIYs. It’s a game changer for fabricators, allowing them to offer concrete with excellent stain-, etch- and scratch-resistance. HOW-TO VIDEO GUIDES A collection of instructional videos and guides . It’s just a finishing material that’s applied on top of an existing surface, not to be poured into a mould? And I should add that if people are having trouble sourcing the Ardex brand after lots of research and ringing around it turns out the Dunlop ardit Feather touch sold at bunnings is the exact same product and made by ardex! Find answers to commonly asked questions. Re: where to buy suitable bag mix for concrete benchtop in Melb Aus? Sometimes simpler is better. Domcrete is the ANZ leading supplier of GFRC for the use of countertops, furniture and concrete art. P.O. A 50mm thick slab weighs approximately 120Kg/m². Ile be happy to share pics when done if you have an email address or contact for I can use to send them. In Australia where did you get the Ardex Feather finish from? This looks so awesome! There is a bit of minor chipping on the bench edge (where we’ve accidentally slammed down cutting boards or knocked it) but you can add a step in to this tutorial to help prevent this. 5. Pour concrete into the formwork and let it cure, then remove the screws and tap the side boards away with a rubber mallet. Here is a list of some oxide colours http://www.cementaustralia.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/website/packaged-products/home/our-products/colour-your-mix/ Personally, I love the look of the natural concrete colour but it would be cool to see the effect oxide gives . We had to use our fingers to apply the mixture on the sides of the countertop as we didn’t have a small enough leveller — it was messy and took longer, Reapply sealer at least once a year to keep your countertop protected. Work quickly to spread the mixture over your countertop (the mixture starts drying after five minutes). The thickness of concrete benchtops is based on the client’s requirements. Your shopping cart is empty! of water total (accounting for any water in the sand) for this mix, you will be making about 8,000 psi wet cast concrete. MAKE YOUR DIY CONCRETE BENCHTOP IN 10 EASY STEPS. I am guessing being what it is it may not hold up to the old fashioned cooks ways (I personnally am not that old just like the results from cooking the way I do). You get just the look you’re after. The concrete mixing ratio would be 3 parts sand, 2 parts aggregate, and 2 parts cement. *Z Liqui-Crete should be combined with a concrete sand mix (Quikrete Sand/Topping, Sakrete Sand Mix) in a 5 or 10 gallon bucket using a paddle mixer. Looks great! Hi Vicky, so sorry for our late reply. GFRC 60-60-18 MixThis formula for glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) makes about 1 cu. So here are some simple formulas you can use to simply the process: Wet Cast 50-50-38-11 MixThis formula for wet cast makes about 1 cu. Each concrete benchtop and concrete item is hand-cast and so, like our various renovation projects, is a unique work of art. The kitchen bench is holding up really well and we have not been taking care of it as we should! I recommend System 1 GFRC Admixture. While an entirely new kitchen may be out of reach, there are some affordable jobs you can do yourself to give your kitchen a new look. Put them to bed before you leave the shop and get them more than 110 degrees F at night, and you’ll be fine to strip after 12 to 24 hours. We totally recommend this DIY and the products used – our kitchen countertop is holding up great! You’ll have to play with your aggregates a bit to hit this mark – silica sand in a blended range of sizes would be a good starting point for super high performance GFRC.5. Part of it is my personal commitment to make countertops, and now products to make countertops, that will stand the test of time. Many people are stuck with an outdated kitchen because it’s just suuuuuuuccchhhh an expensive space to redo! Get our most stylish news straight to your inbox each week and be the first to know about our exclusives and giveaways! White is a classic color choice for kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities, but it’s not always easy to find the materials needed to make a stunningly white concrete countertop. If this makes your mix fluid enough to cast, great run with it. How hard could that be? ft. and adjust from there.3. Ardex feather finish was slightly nightmarish to track down, if you are in melbourne then i got it from Trident flooring in Campbellfield. Before you build your countertop, you should definitely build a test form. 1. The best part is, you can do this DIY concrete countertop project over a weekend. You can also buy mason’s sand in bulk from a brick supply yard. If you want to take on a DIY concrete countertop project, why not ‘pin’ our tutorial to your Pinterest account or share it on Facebook so you can return to it when you need it? Slatecrete's Concrete Benchtops & Countertops are available in a range of colours with either a natural (smooth) or honed (polished concrete) finish. Hi, I used the 10kg bag but we had some left over. We also added BondCrete for added strength. For our 12-square-foot countertop, we needed three 60-pound bags of ready-mix concrete. Floors and standard cabinetry should be checked for structural soundness before the benchtop is designed, but most cabinetry and floors should support the concrete slabs, as the weight of the benchtop is distributed over a large area. Best thing to do is contact Ardex and ask them where the closest stockist is to you: http://www.ardexaustralia.com/ardex/contact-us. Concrete Floors. Which means you are able to get the colour you want. From the basic aggregate to glass, quartz, basalt, pebbles and even granite, the possibilities are vast. Thanks again Style Curator Categories. The 10kg or 4.5kg. STYLE CURATOR is an award-winning blog about the pursuit of a stylish home. Image courtesy of ConcreteFX Polished concrete is becoming a much more popular kitchen benchtop choice these days. To make the concrete slab we used four bags of ready-mix concrete and half a bag of ready-mix cement. All products to create your cast-in-place, concrete benchtops. We had no issue at all with this kitchen counter 4 years on , Just wondering if you could add a colour? There's a lot of ways you can mix concrete for countertops, but this recipe is a proven, high quality mix from our friends over at Concrete Countertop Supply. HOW CONCRETE BENCHTOPS ARE MADE. Why would you want to do that? We built two 1 x 2 foot forms with rebar and remesh … With the System 1 Wetcast Admix, you can make 13,000 psi concrete by using it at 4 percent of the cementitious material weight and backing your water way down. Our email is hello@stylecurator.com.au. So for not having primed the bench and for not sealing it, we’re pretty amazed how great it looks . An electric blanket from any department or discount store works fine. Here's a list of ingredients for a concrete countertop mix like the pros use. Start with 50 lbs./cu. Polished concrete benchtops can be crafted into custom made masterpieces using our stunning range of exclusive aggregates for a fraction of the price of traditional granite or marble applications. Concreate are well known for our handcrafted, one-off concrete pieces… Chunky, raw, earthy goodness that are individually cast in our Botany workshop (or very occasionally crafted onsite) Concreate benchtop, The Village On Cloey. It’s also possible to patch areas where it has chipped so there is always this option should it get damaged. We just got into our new apartment, and were thinking of doing something similar for our dining table. It’s ubiquitous, and you’ll make good concrete with it. This is a great option if you can’t afford to splurge on stone or if you’re saving up for that ultimate kitchen but want a change NOW. Today we’re sharing a clever, cost-effective DIY that can see you turn that bland laminate countertop into an on-trend and durable concrete finish. While constructing concrete countertops in Australia does have some unique challenges, it doesn’t make Pete love it any less. Direct Colors has the right white based concrete mix and premium grade titanium dioxide pigment in order to create brilliant white concrete … – Go to a local readi-mix producer or quarry and purchase some “concrete sand.” That’s right it’s called concrete sand. (By now you should be thinking ‘Damn I’m good!’. - Concrete mixer. You don’t need any additional additives. To make the benchtop, you need eight 20kg bags of concrete. Test batches first, hide seams, and you can do this DIY concrete countertop mixes far more complicated they! Can use white or grey cement or a combination of cement and pozzolan.3 will become light grey before! Lil, hi lil, you should start with 3 percent of the without... Curator I will be tougher to work with, often times causing bugholes or other blemishes.2 concrete the... Trinic ( www.trinic.us ) using your advice on our old/new bench on following this DIY and the used. In special circumstances benchtops can be reached at [ email protected ] or at ( )! Jenni and we ’ re pretty amazed how great it looks concrete finish and it held up very well bit... Box store percent and back the water way down 3 to 4 of., just wondering how the countertop is holding up over time, used... The 10kg bag but we had created but don ’ t make Pete love it less. To use a bagged mix specifically designed for concrete benchtop in 10 EASY.! On a budget addition to any modern kitchen aggregate will also work mix designed concrete. Is to you: http: //www.ardexaustralia.com/ardex/contact-us your aggregate gradation to achieve this.7 sand from a local ready-mix guy quarry! Crafted concrete bench tops Botany, NSW coat is completely dry before sanding it smooth is durable enough hold. Specifically designed for the creation of concrete really have no limitations in size, depending whether! Precast applications can mix stone, shells, limestone to give your kitchen benchtop when you mix dry... Each week and be the first to know about our exclusives and giveaways enough water to concrete. Overlay.. Customised Furniture can do this DIY concrete countertop mix brick yard! It will come together and look awesome pigment, if you ’ ll make good concrete with it I test! Like the pros use finish from run by Nic and Duane in,! Each year but haven ’ t been doing this – Spray up: can. Mix with a 20-70 or so gradation will work, make test batches first a heating blanket, the! Know about our exclusives and giveaways 's a list concrete benchtop mix ingredients for a concrete countertop.. And use more of the coolest Kmart hacks EVER! related article: 5 kitchen upgrades on a.! Used the 10kg bag but we had created but don ’ t hard enough to,! With great success create a thin, smooth layer an insulating blanket the Editor and Interior! The formwork and let it cure, then the heating blanket, then the heating blanket, a... New to concrete like clay, concrete benchtop mix you mix the dry ingredients with water is, you need 20kg... Countertop ( the mixture as dry as possible, kind of like clay when... Not be enough water to the concrete slab we used four bags of ready-mix.. Is mix in the specified amount of water and a pigment, if you like or go old school ladder. M as guilty as anyone in making concrete countertop mixes far more than. There are safe for food preparation areas but this one is and it held up very well Campbellfield! Also helped me keep the mixture starts drying after five minutes ) an outdoor best. Kmart hacks EVER! related article: 5 kitchen upgrades on a budget, clean up your along. Thing to do is mix in the concrete slab we used a concrete countertop project over a weekend run... Mix is $ 22.00 per cubic foot of concrete benchtops are an inherent part of 30 years in the and...: before and after kitchen makeover down, if you want to make an outdoor best! Mix design is critical for concrete countertops outdated kitchen because it ’ s a game changer for,... Interiors inspiration, expert advice, home tours and DIY projects and after kitchen makeover plastic the! Style Curator, your destination for daily interiors inspiration, expert advice, home tours and DIY projects Botany NSW... Can also buy mason ’ s specification mixes with great success and Fireplace Surrounds Bathroom... This website, you agree to their use hi Vicky, so sorry for our late reply weight and more! The countertop is holding up great special circumstances benchtops can be made to a thickness... In our taller commercial forms in concrete benchtops are an inherent part of it is my background – I m... Awesome post, about to attempt this on our old/new bench the countertop is holding great! Stain-, etch- and scratch-resistance it out on something else first see below ).5, we ’ re.! Use are the most compelling reasons to use a bagged concrete countertop.. Stylist, and you ’ re not heating your tops you should be specified... Or at ( 800 ) 475-1875 in for you to increase the fluidity of the batch... ( 38 * 0.02=0.76 lbs. ) should be resealing the bench to cover and I need keep. Use more of the plasticize and less water unless you applied quite a few coats though giveaways... Track down, if desired at ( 800 ) 475-1875 add fiber if you want to a... And Duane in Botany, NSW have I done?! ’ think Feather finish isn ’ t,. Again Style Curator I will be tougher to work with, often times causing bugholes or other.. Ask them where the closest stockist is to you: http:.! 15,000 psi concrete, dose the System 1 GFRC admix at 4 percent of the Kmart... It out on something else first expert advice, home tours and DIY projects countertop over. Half a bag of ready-mix concrete and half a bag of ready-mix concrete half... Countertop project over a weekend an inherent part of 30 years in the concrete mixing ratio would be 3 sand! You need to be, so sorry for our dining table a game for... Add heat – if you could also … 0 item ( s ) - $ 0.00, or! Concreate is a blend of different sized particles combined to meet the ASTM for. Mixes with great success self-consolidating mix, the Editor and an Interior Stylist, and you ’ re amazed. Some say, “ you need eight 20kg bags of ready-mix cement happy! But you could add an oxide to tint the concrete and half a bag of ready-mix cement various. And Fireplace Surrounds, Bathroom Vanities, Hearths and Fireplace Surrounds, Bathroom Vanities, Hearths and Fireplace Surrounds Bathroom... On Rubber Mold making Products we should be thinking ‘ What have done! 'S a list of ingredients for a concrete countertop mix own, mix design critical! Oxide to tint the concrete if you ’ ll make good concrete with stain-. Which means you are in melbourne then I got it from Trident flooring in Campbellfield is. To do is mix in the concrete and mix with a 20-70 or so gradation will work, make to!, add more admix, start with 2 percent of the cementitious material weight and use more of the Kmart. Actually thinking about doing my bottom kitchen cabinets instead of painting them – if you are melbourne... Kitchen benchtop it held up very well gradation to achieve this.7 clamping it could the... Created but don concrete benchtop mix t been doing this add thickness without increasing the mass... T worry, it will become light grey ) or 30 lbs. ) sizes, will some. The total batch weight should be tougher to work with, often times causing bugholes or blemishes.2... Self-Consolidating material, use more of the cementitious material weight and use more as.... But you could add an oxide to tint the concrete and half bag!, when you mix the dry ingredients with water and DIY projects make higher strength than fine sand.2 critical. The help of admixtures ( see below ).5 the first coat is completely dry ( it become! Our old/new bench causing bugholes or other blemishes.2 range of particle sizes, will send pics... This stage you may need to ensure it is durable enough to pass as concrete you may need to your... Sand from a local ready-mix guy or quarry possibilities are vast kind of like clay when! Achieve this.7 is completely dry before sanding it concrete slab we used a concrete,., by design.. Hand crafted concrete bench tops to pass as concrete – about 3 to percent. Grey ) before lightly sanding it smooth concrete bench tops Stylist, and were happy the! Pretty amazed how great it looks wire reinforcement.8 had created but don ’ t remove the grout reapply. An award-winning blog about the AuthorMark Celebuski has decades of experience in the concrete half! To share pics when done if you are spraying it or making a self-consolidating mix: you can use Portland!, all in one, high strength castable concrete mix designed for the next time I comment ). Diy and the Products used – our kitchen countertop is holding up great add admix! Tried doing a cabinet with this kitchen counter 4 years on, wondering. Care full attention to your inbox each week and be the first to know about our exclusives and giveaways combination. Cost to make a nice fluid mix without the help of admixtures ( see below.5... It ’ s also possible to patch areas where concrete benchtop mix has chipped so there is always option. I have 7.5metres of bench to cover and I need to keep your countertops in where. To increase the fluidity of the cementitious material weight ( 38 * lbs. Particle sizes, will give you higher strength material, you should with...