# 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:** 7
**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 4, 2011, 5:41am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/121 "2011-02-04T05:41:34Z")
Once a year wax isn’t bad. My wife really uses our kitchen though so I expect I’d end up with a lot more than once a year. ---
**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, 5:54am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/122 "2011-02-04T05:54:49Z")
> [@Fry](#): > > Works for sex too. was that not what we were talking about? > [@Fry](#): > > Carbon fiber? when i build my dream home… i’ll be sure to incorporate CF into it. 😉 > [@JayS](#): > > Once a year wax isn’t bad. My wife really uses our kitchen though so I expect I’d end up with a lot more than once a year. As she should. But it’s like any natural stone (i.e. marble shower)… they recommend you reseal it routinely, but people rarely do. ---
**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 14, 2011, 6:52am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/123 "2011-02-14T06:52:33Z")
Man handled the countertops home this weekend. for transportation, i rented a box truck and strapped them to the sides upright. Heavy is an understatement. 450lbs for the biggest section didn’t seem bad on paper but was difficult even with 4 guys lifting, especially since the one end was probably 300#. It was awkward and difficult especially trying to get it through the doorway, but worth saving a from having another seam. Anyway… I LOVE THEM. I still have some work getting the fixtures in place and the the seams filled. Once the countertops were leveled out, all i did was place a bead of silicon atop the cabinet bases and set down the countertops to keep them in place. ![http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/181936_1564106473865_1571464210_31216952_6662483_n.jpg](http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/181936_1564106473865_1571464210_31216952_6662483_n.jpg) butt seam: ![http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/180676_1564106153857_1571464210_31216951_6670129_n.jpg](http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/180676_1564106153857_1571464210_31216951_6670129_n.jpg) added a marble backsplah. I decided to do 6"x12" tiles with a 1/2 tile offset: The goal was to really warm up the look a bit so it didn’t look like a “Class A office space” kitchen (jays 😉 ) ![http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/180031_1564107273885_1571464210_31216954_795419_n.jpg](http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/180031_1564107273885_1571464210_31216954_795419_n.jpg) backsplash in…still needs to be grouted. ![http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/168324_1564107513891_1571464210_31216955_8048917_n.jpg](http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/168324_1564107513891_1571464210_31216955_8048917_n.jpg) the “trivet” for hot pots: ![http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/182901_1564108073905_1571464210_31216957_7455374_n.jpg](http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/182901_1564108073905_1571464210_31216957_7455374_n.jpg) the undermount sink (which is still loosely mounted here) when the gaps are tightened i will silicon and fill the seam. ![http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/168304_1564108553917_1571464210_31216958_5576965_n.jpg](http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/168304_1564108553917_1571464210_31216958_5576965_n.jpg) ![http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/180192_1564109073930_1571464210_31216959_6423680_n.jpg](http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/180192_1564109073930_1571464210_31216959_6423680_n.jpg) ![http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/180676_1564105793848_1571464210_31216948_1882538_n.jpg](http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/180676_1564105793848_1571464210_31216948_1882538_n.jpg) Now as far as the countertops go. I just need to throw another coat of wax on and then polish. I will be adding a breakfast bar, just waiting to see how this turns out before I make a decision about how i would like to approach it. Honestly, i LOVED this DIY… A professional job would have been $5,000 - $6500 for these same countertops. I did it all for **under $1000** and got some new tools out of it. :tup: ---
**Author:** ![Willybeen](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/willybeen/32/7351_2.png) [@Willybeen](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Willybeen)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2011, 7:20am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/124 "2011-02-14T07:20:39Z")
Very cool… turned out great. ---
**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 14, 2011, 7:22am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/125 "2011-02-14T07:22:42Z")
will need to take some actual pictures with a real camera…my cell phone makes it look very grey/black toned. The kitchen is actually more or an earthy or brown tone. ---
**Author:** ![91MR2](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/91mr2/32/7217_2.png) [@91MR2](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/91MR2)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2011, 7:52am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/126 "2011-02-14T07:52:41Z")
Seriously bad ass! ---
**Author:** ![BigRon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/58956e/32.png) [@BigRon](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/BigRon)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2011, 7:55am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/127 "2011-02-14T07:55:15Z")
Very good stuff. ---
**Author:** ![Motocrossx23](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/motocrossx23/32/5120_2.png) [@Motocrossx23](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Motocrossx23)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2011, 8:04am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/128 "2011-02-14T08:04:15Z")
Wow. ---
**Author:** ![Paulo](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/paulo/32/7328_2.png) [@Paulo](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Paulo)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2011, 8:10am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/129 "2011-02-14T08:10:14Z")
Impressed. :tup: Looks very classy. ---
**Author:** ![boardjnky4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/96bed5/32.png) [@boardjnky4](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/boardjnky4)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2011, 8:10am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/130 "2011-02-14T08:10:52Z")
Not feeling the backsplash, but the countertops are dope dude. ---
**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 14, 2011, 8:42am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/131 "2011-02-14T08:42:10Z")
Originally, in my head i was going to do a one piece custom glass backsplash with a really vibrant color…but as the cabinets were finished, i knew i needed to go with a warmer feel on both the counters and backsplash because everything was too mono-toned. They both needed to be more on the “earthy” side…which is why i ended up grinding the concrete to expose the aggregate. i actually love the backsplash other than i would have wanted to go with smaller tile like 2x3" tile. Problem was i could not find the color of marble i wanted in that size so i just ripped 12"x12" tile. I ended up finding a place where i could go through and hand pick each tile. Only about 5% of the tiles i looked at made the cut based on colors and veins. I think when i get my business running down in FL, i may purchase a place where i can do these projects on the side. I think i would really love doing concrete counters as a future business venture. ---
**Author:** ![Clean\_Baldy](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/clean_baldy/32/7308_2.png) [@Clean\_Baldy](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Clean_Baldy)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2011, 8:49am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/132 "2011-02-14T08:49:39Z")
I actually love the backsplash tiles. That was the first thing I said “I really like that…” ---
**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:** [February 14, 2011, 9:57am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/133 "2011-02-14T09:57:41Z")
very nice… the backsplash tiles are a perfect for the theme. ---
**Author:** ![Anonymity](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/anonymity/32/7215_2.png) [@Anonymity](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Anonymity)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2011, 10:46am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/134 "2011-02-14T10:46:35Z")
> [@LAFENGAS](#): > > For transportation, I rented a box truck and strapped them to the sides upright. :bigtup: now what would you think of a pour in place type of set up? counter tops done in a week? ---
**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 14, 2011, 11:05am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/135 "2011-02-14T11:05:26Z")
> [@Anonymity](#): > > :bigtup: word…that was your idea. Mainly because i was lazy and didn’t want to build an “A” frame to load these in a pick-up. But in hindsight…the box truck was the best way to do it. > [@Anonymity](#): > > now what would you think of a pour in place type of set up? counter tops done in a week? pour in place works too and has it’s benefits…but there isn’t much room for error either. If you plan on polishing/grinding it is SUPER messy and you wouldn’t be able to get at inside corners. However, if you’re really good with a trowel and want more of a slate finish…pour in place is great. Considering i was just working a few evenings a week and a couple weekends…this project only took about 5 weeks or so. ---
**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:** [February 14, 2011, 12:45pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/136 "2011-02-14T12:45:48Z")
That Kitchen looks amazing. Great work Jsoh. ---
**Author:** ![misteroman](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/misteroman/32/7423_2.png) [@misteroman](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/misteroman)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2011, 5:48pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/137 "2011-02-14T17:48:02Z")
Wifey was looking into this on a house we may be flipping if you’re interested in a side job. When ya deliver the new steam W/D you can check it out. ---
**Author:** ![Tbirdsc1](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/tbirdsc1/32/7487_2.png) [@Tbirdsc1](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Tbirdsc1)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2011, 4:57am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/138 "2011-02-15T04:57:01Z")
Very nice, backsplash fits in nicely too… What brand/model stove is that? Love it ---
**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 15, 2011, 5:58am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/139 "2011-02-15T05:58:07Z")
took some pictures with a non-phone camera: still have a lot of finishing touches for the kitchen itself…but right now i’m trying to plan my move for the breakfast bar. > [@Tbirdsc1](#): > > Very nice, backsplash fits in nicely too… > What brand/model stove is that? Love it thanks… It’s a Bosch Duel Fuel Range w/ Convection (HDI7282U) ---
**Author:** ![boardjnky4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/96bed5/32.png) [@boardjnky4](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/boardjnky4)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2011, 6:07am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156/140 "2011-02-15T06:07:21Z")
still not feeling that backsplash, but to each his own…Huge improvement all around, and the countertops look phenomenal [Previous page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156.md?page=6) [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/diy-taking-a-stab-at-concrete-countertops/208156.md?page=8)