# DIY: Taking a stab at CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS **URL:** \ **Category:** NYSpeed Off Topic\ **Created:** [January 14, 2011, 7:11am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156 "2011-01-14T07:11:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![LUKE\_L](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/luke_l/32/7462_2.png) [@LUKE\_L](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LUKE_L)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2011, 5:18am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/101 "2011-01-28T05:18:27Z")
Very cool. :tup: ---
**Author:** ![Fry](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/fry/32/7284_2.png) [@Fry](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Fry)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2011, 5:30am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/102 "2011-01-28T05:30:58Z")
I’ve never seen you _cut corners_ on a project before. :rimshot: :lol: Ahem, sorry. Looks really good. Did you do much practicing on the practice piece before you started in on the real pieces? ---
**Author:** ![LAFENGAS](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/lafengas/32/7573_2.png) [@LAFENGAS](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LAFENGAS)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2011, 6:19am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/103 "2011-01-29T06:19:42Z")
The only practice i did to the practice piece was different levels of grinding to determine how much aggregate to expose. ---
**Author:** ![LAFENGAS](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/lafengas/32/7573_2.png) [@LAFENGAS](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LAFENGAS)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2011, 5:49am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/104 "2011-01-31T05:49:47Z")
Got the majority of the wet grinding/polishing done this weekend. I just need to hand grind the tight spots around the trivet. I think i’m going to only polish, not grind the recessed area around the sink just to leave the bit of color contrast. Also, to make it appear a bit more natural and earthy…i tried polishing away heavier in some areas to to break up the uniformity of the surface grain. ![http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs762.ash1/165319_1544118414176_1571464210_31181806_4534790_n.jpg](http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs762.ash1/165319_1544118414176_1571464210_31181806_4534790_n.jpg) some of the heaviest grinding: ![http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs785.ash1/167564_1548212876535_1571464210_31190481_3737679_n.jpg](http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs785.ash1/167564_1548212876535_1571464210_31190481_3737679_n.jpg) some of the lighter grinding: ![http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs067.snc6/167716_1548215316596_1571464210_31190487_1139910_n.jpg](http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs067.snc6/167716_1548215316596_1571464210_31190487_1139910_n.jpg) ![http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1393.snc4/164553_1548213996563_1571464210_31190483_1569902_n.jpg](http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1393.snc4/164553_1548213996563_1571464210_31190483_1569902_n.jpg) the area around the trivet that needs to be hand polished: ![http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs003.snc6/165371_1548214596578_1571464210_31190484_2912436_n.jpg](http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs003.snc6/165371_1548214596578_1571464210_31190484_2912436_n.jpg) it’s kinda tough to see because i wanted it subtle…but you can see a “vein” caused by the lighter decorative aggregate. i used that “vein” as a line to grind heavier on the one side to give a bit of contrast. ![http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs255.snc6/180371_1548213356547_1571464210_31190482_5441978_n.jpg](http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs255.snc6/180371_1548213356547_1571464210_31190482_5441978_n.jpg) Just some touching up on the wet grinding and i can seal the surface and start waxing/polishing to really bring out the shine and color. ---
**Author:** ![JayS](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jays/32/15375_2.png) [@JayS](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/JayS)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2011, 6:28am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/105 "2011-01-31T06:28:03Z")
Great thread as always with your DIY’s. :tup: ---
**Author:** ![theblue](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/theblue/32/5074_2.png) [@theblue](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/theblue)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2011, 6:33am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/106 "2011-01-31T06:33:11Z")
this is turning out great… now I want a concrete counter-top again… this is way better than the one that I had in one of my lofts apts. ---
**Author:** ![boardjnky4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/96bed5/32.png) [@boardjnky4](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/boardjnky4)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2011, 6:46am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/107 "2011-01-31T06:46:57Z")
damn man, that looks great? Can you specifics on the tool/pads you’re using for the grinding? ---
**Author:** ![LAFENGAS](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/lafengas/32/7573_2.png) [@LAFENGAS](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LAFENGAS)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2011, 7:30am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/108 "2011-01-31T07:30:42Z")
> [@boardjnky4](#): > > Can you specifics on the tool/pads you’re using for the grinding? 5" wet polisher/grinder with diamond pads (50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500, and 3000grits). Can be found cheaper online…but this is the stuff. This is also THE REFERENCE website for all things concrete. **LINKS:** [http://store.concreteexchange.com/CHENG-Concrete-Online-Store\_5/Polishing-Equipment-Supplies/Alpha-5-Wet-Polisher\_2](http://store.concreteexchange.com/CHENG-Concrete-Online-Store_5/Polishing-Equipment-Supplies/Alpha-5-Wet-Polisher_2) [http://store.concreteexchange.com/CHENG-Concrete-Online-Store\_5/Polishing-Equipment-Supplies/Professional-Diamond-Polishing-Pad-Assorted-Set](http://store.concreteexchange.com/CHENG-Concrete-Online-Store_5/Polishing-Equipment-Supplies/Professional-Diamond-Polishing-Pad-Assorted-Set) ---
**Author:** ![boardjnky4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/96bed5/32.png) [@boardjnky4](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/boardjnky4)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2011, 7:38am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/109 "2011-01-31T07:38:19Z")
yeah, that guy Cheng is the man…He’s got a lot of great tutorials too. Unfortunately, the prices on his website are a little high for his products. Thanks for the info on the grinder though. Looks like there are some reputable ones on amazon for about half the price lol. I just needed to know what the tool is called. :tup: ---
**Author:** ![LAFENGAS](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/lafengas/32/7573_2.png) [@LAFENGAS](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LAFENGAS)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2011, 7:50am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/110 "2011-01-31T07:50:01Z")
i got the polisher with the pads online for $180 ---
**Author:** ![LAFENGAS](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/lafengas/32/7573_2.png) [@LAFENGAS](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LAFENGAS)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2011, 11:27am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/111 "2011-01-31T11:27:26Z")
fyi… being anal got the best of me on this project. I wasn’t really planning on exposing nearly as much aggregate as i did. I wanted to keep it much more subtle…but trying to keep it uniform between all 3 pieces got me going back and forth trying to even out the grinding. Since there is no going back at this point…i just have to embrace it and chalk it up as another valuable lesson learned. ---
**Author:** ![ieatpaint](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/ieatpaint/32/7311_2.png) [@ieatpaint](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ieatpaint)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2011, 1:22pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/112 "2011-01-31T13:22:50Z")
Not my color style, but that looks amazing. Great work dude! Can you achieve blacks without stain or dye? ---
**Author:** ![LAFENGAS](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/lafengas/32/7573_2.png) [@LAFENGAS](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LAFENGAS)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2011, 10:38am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/113 "2011-02-03T10:38:58Z")
I put the sealer on a couple days ago…had to wait for it to fully cure/dry before waxing. The sealer is a “hybrid” which is both a penatrating sealer as well as a topcial sealer and this is what prevents it from staining and carrying bacteria. Before waxing, i put a couple drops of water in different areas and waited 5 minutes. As long as the spots didn’t darken after they were wiped, then i know the sealer is sealing 100%. If it left a dark water mark, then i would have had to put another coat on. Sealer: ![http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs899.ash1/180787_1551905488848_1571464210_31195991_17825_n.jpg](http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs899.ash1/180787_1551905488848_1571464210_31195991_17825_n.jpg) simple. wax on by hand, buff to shine with pad. ![http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs788.ash1/167798_1551906568875_1571464210_31195993_3548914_n.jpg](http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs788.ash1/167798_1551906568875_1571464210_31195993_3548914_n.jpg) 1st coat done. This will be pretty much the final color, with a bit more gloss as the next 2 coats of wax are applied. ![http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs780.ash1/167014_1551907128889_1571464210_31195995_1745113_n.jpg](http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs780.ash1/167014_1551907128889_1571464210_31195995_1745113_n.jpg) not the color i was going for exactly, but i think it’ll still look fine. The level of gloss is about spot on to what i wanted. I didn’t want it mirror, but a semi-gloss. ![http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs260.snc6/180858_1551905048837_1571464210_31195990_1038894_n.jpg](http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs260.snc6/180858_1551905048837_1571464210_31195990_1038894_n.jpg) These will get 3 coats of wax before transporting home, today i did one coat and will do a 2nd coat tonight. ---
**Author:** ![Fry](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/fry/32/7284_2.png) [@Fry](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Fry)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2011, 11:18am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/114 "2011-02-03T11:18:41Z")
Some day will you post all of your DIY’s that came out like shit and you had to throw away so that the rest of us mere mortals can feel a little better about ourselves? Really though, looks awesome. What kind of maintenance do you expect? Rewax once a year or something? …aand I’m off your nuts. ---
**Author:** ![JayS](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jays/32/15375_2.png) [@JayS](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/JayS)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2011, 12:00pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/115 "2011-02-03T12:00:30Z")
> [@Fry](#): > > What kind of maintenance do you expect? Rewax once a year or something? +1. The idea of having to wax countertops is not sounding like a lot of fun compared to some other commercially available surfaces you simply spray and wipe. ---
**Author:** ![joelster](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/joelster/32/7258_2.png) [@joelster](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/joelster)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2011, 12:26pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/116 "2011-02-03T12:26:30Z")
You should write a how-to book. ---
**Author:** ![Jagermeister](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f19dbf/32.png) [@Jagermeister](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Jagermeister)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2011, 12:52pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/117 "2011-02-03T12:52:45Z")
> [@JayS](#): > > +1. The idea of having to wax countertops is not sounding like a lot of fun compared to some other commercially available surfaces you simply spray and wipe. I’d rather wax a countertop instead of a car. ---
**Author:** ![LAFENGAS](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/lafengas/32/7573_2.png) [@LAFENGAS](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LAFENGAS)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2011, 1:22pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/118 "2011-02-03T13:22:18Z")
> [@Fry](#): > > Some day will you post all of your DIY’s that came out like shit and you had to throw away so that the rest of us mere mortals can feel a little better about ourselves? None of my DIY’s are perfect, every single one i can think of something i wish i had done differently, especially this one. The mid-process DIY threads are the ones that keep me in line… good motivation to think things through beforehand and execute as flawlessly as possible. Really the best approach for success is to go balls in and let a lot of people watch. > [@Fry](#): > > Really though, looks awesome. What kind of maintenance do you expect? Rewax once a year or something? > > …aand I’m off your nuts. As far as maintanance… it obviously varies on useage, but wax once a year with just a towel buff, not as labor intensive as a car, plus it’s all a flat surface, takes maybe 20mins…30mins tops. They also have a spray polish which is basically spray detailer like you use on cars. Spray and wipe off. Recommended to do that once a month. > [@JayS](#): > > +1. The idea of having to wax countertops is not sounding like a lot of fun compared to some other commercially available surfaces you simply spray and wipe. Its just a good thing i don’t go through life letting “less appealing” things overshadow the purpose of the projects or their benefits. You’ll see on almost every similar surface, some sort of maintainence is “recommended”. i.e. Granite, Engieered Stone, Solid Surface, Tile, Soapstone…etc. Pros and Cons to everything. ---
**Author:** ![LAFENGAS](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/lafengas/32/7573_2.png) [@LAFENGAS](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LAFENGAS)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2011, 5:22am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/119 "2011-02-04T05:22:48Z")
Took the smallest piece of countertop home in my car lastnight to put it in the kitchen and check it out… I LOVE IT. Better than i had expected actually. I was a little worried because of the color being darker than i wanted and because of feeling i exposed too much aggregate. But it is absolutely awesome…it’s really going to complete the look of the kitchen. My backsplash is going to really compliment it nicely. I’m pretty excited now to get these installed. :tup: ---
**Author:** ![Fry](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/fry/32/7284_2.png) [@Fry](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Fry)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2011, 5:35am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/120 "2011-02-04T05:35:05Z")
> [@LAFENGAS](#): > > Really the best approach for success is to go balls in and let a lot of people watch. Works for sex too. > [@LAFENGAS](#): > > My backsplash is going to really compliment it nicely. I’m pretty excited now to get these installed. Carbon fiber? [Previous page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156.md?page=5) [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156.md?page=7)