I’ve been working the graveyard shift all week (which has seriously impeded my woodworking habit), helping my defacto brother-in-law with his concrete polishing business. It’s pretty cool, especially if you start with the right concrete, dye, aggregate, etc. I was seriously thinking about making the tops for my night stands out of polished black concrete. It would look like granite, only I could do it myself (with his help). It would be water resistant, if sealed properly, so no need to hit the coaster with the glass of water in the middle of the night in the dark. If it didn’t work out, I could always make oak tops and be no worse for the wear.
The technology for concrete countertops is amazing. It would also combine wood and stone, my two favorite manifestations of the earth element. At worst, it would be an interesting experiment. At best, it could launch a whole new facet to my woodworking. I already have a commission for a kitchen island. Imagine if I could produce a professional looking countertop without having to outsource the granite countertop. It would also be pretty cool looking on his website (which I wrote).
This is just a random pic from the internet, but sort of shows what I’m talking about:
For some reason, this reminds me of the vanity base I made for the Ikea basin…
-- You can't control the wind, but you can trim your sails
6 comments so far
Jimi_C
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195 posts in 131 days
posted 95 days ago
I bought a book on concrete countertop making, because I wanted to do a completely DIY kitchen remodel but didn’t want to do laminate or tile counters. By far the most interesting maker I’ve seen is Buddy Rhodes, and that’s who’s book I bought (from Amazon). Basically you hand pack it like clay, leaving a veiny surface like marble, then you skim coat the top with a filler of a different color and it makes a really neat effect. Overall, it didn’t seem that difficult, just make some melamine molds and rent a concrete mixer. Since you do these upside down, you don’t have to worry about being an expert in trowling to get a smooth surface.
I estimated for my kitchen it’d cost about $25/sqft, way cheaper than granite or solid surface. If you do end up trying this, I’d love to hear how it went, whether it was worth trying :)
Karson
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25803 posts in 1296 days
posted 95 days ago
I did a little looking at concrete when I started my kitchen but I found a great sorce for Corian at Dupont’s factory outlet. I paid about $3.00 Sq Ft for Corian so I made my own counter.
It probably cost as much for the mastic glue as I paid for the corian.
Very easy to work with. You use wood working router bits etc. Not like cement or Granite.
-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †
a1Jim
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16910 posts in 473 days
posted 95 days ago
sounds like an interesting project
-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon
Napaman
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3488 posts in 973 days
posted 95 days ago
i love this…and something I would like to learn about…I want to start with a counter for an outside kitchen/bbq…but i have seen some very nice counter tops at very low prices…
-- Matt, Napa, CA...fun is beautiful...just trying to have some fun...
Jimi_C
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195 posts in 131 days
posted 95 days ago
If you’re working on a small area, I’ve also heard you can get offcuts from granite suppliers for dirt cheap, if you’re willing to take the time to finish the edges yourself.
Beginningwoodworker
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4187 posts in 569 days
posted 69 days ago
Cool looking project!
-- CJIII Future cabinetmaker