Anyone have experience with concrete countertops?
Any thoughts on if any of the systems out there (fiber additives, fiberglass mesh, clips, etc.) are worth the extra cost? I've looked at the Zcrete system, but it seems a bit pricey for what it is.
>>972255
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkFZLLzyNoE
>>972259
I know the gist of the process and I love James May, but I'm not sure how this helps.
>>972255
I have made two attempts at concrete counter tops. I made forms outside the house, in the garage, using a template.
The first attempt was a massive failure.
The second wasn't bad, but I should have vibrated instead of just rodding the material for consolidation...
I will post a couple pics if I can find them.
Found some...
The form for the first attempt.
I used scraps from the rest of my remodel.
>>972255
>>972448
I tried to use a sheet metal door as the base of the form.
Poor choice.
It bowed.
>>972255
>>972448
>>972449
Second time around I spent a little money.
>$40 for melamine board
>$30 for poly trim for the form walls
>$20 on concrete
>$10 for food grade concrete sealant
My only regret is forgetting to bring a vibrator home from the lab. There were several air bubbles as a result/
But I was satisfied with the look enough to install it in my rental property.
I have not attempted the in-place method. However, if done right you can get a high end look for pennies on the dollar.
Kitchen designer here. In Aus concrete tops are already going out of fashion and the majority I've seen done look awful with repaired air bubbles and uneven shading.
If you insist on wanting them, bear in mind that a totally flat surface is difficult to achieve - melamine board as a former will give you a textured effect.
You will need chopped fibreglass to increase strength and even then it's easy to damage them - chipping edges etc even when sealed.
For my mind, the workload is too high. I'd rather make a substructure and tile with large porcelain granite effect tiles.
>>972507
or marble effect or whatever - the large tiles look good and if you get rectified edge tiles there is virtually no grout line. another option would be glass tiles.
>>972451
I used an electric sander with no sandpaper in to vibrate the former. Worked well.
