Sorry the slow reply, some of the reusable stuff and larger quantities wouldn’t make sense for everyone to buy for a one time project. I used all the molds quite a few times, they’ve paid for themselves. But excluding molds, could do this size countertop for under $200 pretty easily. Concrete: $75 Epoxy: $150 (used approx 1/5 of the container) Urethane: $50 (used approx 1/5) Reinforcement wire: $10 Sink mold: $250 (reusable) Edge molds: $300 (reusable) Melamine: $30 Dye: $20
I did use the wire reinforcement in the entire countertop… on the sink side, due to the forms being fastened in place, I had to have the wire in before fastening the forms. On the other side I was able to set it in after I poured some of the concrete. When I make countertops without a sink, I will pour the concrete and then set the wire in because it’s easier to make sure it’s at the right depth.
I haven’t had that issue yet, we generally don’t put hot stuff like that on the countertops. But I’ve done these in quite a few houses and I haven’t noticed any burn issues yet. They have pretty good heat resistance. Also, if they did burn, you could hit with a sander, reapply and be good to go.
If you want a really smooth top, skip the melamine. Lay a sheet of plexiglass on top of regular plywood. That will give you basically a glass-smooth top with no extra finish work. Just make sure to use plenty of mold release.
@mailemoore5017 it's as smooth as whatever you pour it on. Pour concrete on melamine and it will be as smooth as melamine. Pour it on plexiglass and it will be as smooth as plexiglass.
Good suggestion for when you want a smooth top! I’ll keep this in mind for when doing a polished finish. Readability of plexiglass would be nice for sure. However, when doing an epoxy coat this wouldn’t be helpful. You actually need to rough up the surface for the epoxy to adhere properly. So, it’s important to consider how you’ll be sealing the countertop.
Where do you buy this Encounter countertop mix? Also, where have you purchased the Quikrete White tint mix? I’m trying to avoid paying for shipping but I can’t find a white mix anywhere.
Here in OKC there is a local concrete specialty store I get the Encounter mix from. As for the Quikrete, I have been getting it directly from a Quikrete concrete plant here… Before I found that place I would order it thru Lowe’s, I believe you can still order it from them too.
It’s for some people and it’s not for some! Lol we love our island, everyone who sees it in person likes it quite a bit too. It also has a different look in person. I have another entire kitchen I did in this same style and it look quite good. Fortunately with concrete, there are tons of options… you can leave it a solid color or you can stain it, or do something like I did here. It’s fun to experiment with!
what is the name of the blue thing? please friend!!
Are you referring to the molds? There was a sink mold and edge molds I use, I can share the link to where I bought them if needed.
Thank you for the info. Please tell me what is that black powder you sprinkled on BEFORE pouring the concrete mixed over???
It was just grey concrete dyed black, let it kind of dry that way the dye bleeds out into the white around it some.
Yuk, looks like someone spilled crap all over my countertop and just left it that way.
where did you get the white concrete mix?
Where is the link to the edge mold?
I bought them here. They have lots of options on design and size, amazing products. www.expressions-ltd.com/collections/edge-form-liners
What was the total cost of this ??
Sorry the slow reply, some of the reusable stuff and larger quantities wouldn’t make sense for everyone to buy for a one time project. I used all the molds quite a few times, they’ve paid for themselves. But excluding molds, could do this size countertop for under $200 pretty easily.
Concrete: $75
Epoxy: $150 (used approx 1/5 of the container)
Urethane: $50 (used approx 1/5)
Reinforcement wire: $10
Sink mold: $250 (reusable)
Edge molds: $300 (reusable)
Melamine: $30
Dye: $20
Why did you only use the rebar on the sink area and not the other 1/2?
I did use the wire reinforcement in the entire countertop… on the sink side, due to the forms being fastened in place, I had to have the wire in before fastening the forms. On the other side I was able to set it in after I poured some of the concrete. When I make countertops without a sink, I will pour the concrete and then set the wire in because it’s easier to make sure it’s at the right depth.
Very nice!!!
If you do epoxy on the countertops if someone puts a hot pan on it doesn't that burn it.
I haven’t had that issue yet, we generally don’t put hot stuff like that on the countertops. But I’ve done these in quite a few houses and I haven’t noticed any burn issues yet. They have pretty good heat resistance. Also, if they did burn, you could hit with a sander, reapply and be good to go.
Also, what did you seal it with? Thank you
I used a countertop epoxy with a urethane finish on top of the epoxy, which basically gives the consistent sheen you want. Holds up extremely well!
If you want a really smooth top, skip the melamine. Lay a sheet of plexiglass on top of regular plywood. That will give you basically a glass-smooth top with no extra finish work. Just make sure to use plenty of mold release.
Thanks, does this mean you don't even need to sand it? How "really smooth is it?"
Thanks for prompt reply!
@mailemoore5017 it's as smooth as whatever you pour it on. Pour concrete on melamine and it will be as smooth as melamine. Pour it on plexiglass and it will be as smooth as plexiglass.
Good suggestion for when you want a smooth top! I’ll keep this in mind for when doing a polished finish. Readability of plexiglass would be nice for sure.
However, when doing an epoxy coat this wouldn’t be helpful. You actually need to rough up the surface for the epoxy to adhere properly. So, it’s important to consider how you’ll be sealing the countertop.
Where do you buy this Encounter countertop mix? Also, where have you purchased the Quikrete White tint mix? I’m trying to avoid paying for shipping but I can’t find a white mix anywhere.
Here in OKC there is a local concrete specialty store I get the Encounter mix from. As for the Quikrete, I have been getting it directly from a Quikrete concrete plant here… Before I found that place I would order it thru Lowe’s, I believe you can still order it from them too.
@@winksworkshop2772 Thank you!!!
Wow
Wink when are you coming over to do this at my house? I'll get the beers
I like the look of the concrete, but the color looks like somebody failed at cleaning up a spilled box of carbon.
It’s for some people and it’s not for some! Lol we love our island, everyone who sees it in person likes it quite a bit too. It also has a different look in person. I have another entire kitchen I did in this same style and it look quite good. Fortunately with concrete, there are tons of options… you can leave it a solid color or you can stain it, or do something like I did here. It’s fun to experiment with!
Looks dirty 😂