<font size="3" color="#990000"><strong>Updating a Kitchen with Concrete Countertops</strong></font> <p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt">Updating a kitchen with concrete countertops is an inexpensive way to add new counters without the expense of marble or granite.<span> </span>Concrete countertops make use of a traditional material in a non-traditional way.<span> </span>Concrete makes an excellent counter surface, because it is extremely hard and extremely durable.<span> </span>Installing a concrete countertop takes time, but also gives the homeowners an excellent opportunity to eat out during the construction process.</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt"></span></p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt"><strong>Counter Preparation</strong> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Begin by putting on safety glasses and gloves to protect eyes and hands during demolition and installation.<span> </span>Then remove the current countertop.<span> </span>This may mean removing the sink and the sink hardware if the counter there is also being replaced.<span> </span>Once the countertop is removed, if there is a base underneath it, brush it clean and wipe with a damp cloth.<span> </span>If there is no countertop base and the cabinet is exposed below, cut an appropriate size length and width of plywood to create the surface.<span> </span>Most traditional cabinet bases will easily bear the weight of a concrete countertop.<span> </span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/2a.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/2a.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div></span></p><strong>Building a Frame</strong> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">The next step will be to build a frame using two-by-fours around the outer edge of the cabinet.<span> </span>Any countertop edges that are against a back splash or wall should be heavily taped with black electrical tape.<span> </span>Although this may sound odd, the concrete will not stick to the black electrical tape and the tape itself will not leave a residue on the walls or back splashes.<span> </span>The inside surfaces of the two-by-fours should also be taped with black electrical tape, so that they will detach more easily.<span> </span>The height of the boards and taping should be about 2 1/2-inches to allow for the concrete.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><strong>Strengthening the Surface</strong> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">After the frame has been built, cut a piece of steel mesh to place in the framed out box.<span> </span>The steel mesh acts similar to re-bar, in that it provides the countertop with strength and stability.<span> </span>The addition of the mesh also reduces the chance of cracks and fractures of the surface.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></p><strong>Concrete Installation</strong> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">The process of building a concrete countertop requires two applications of concrete.<span> </span>The first application is of a thicker, more crumbly mixture of concrete.<span> </span>The water to concrete ratio should be reduced so that the concrete needs to be shoveled into the space due to its thick, oatmeal like consistency.<span> </span>Shovel enough of the concrete into the box so that it is half full.<span> </span>Press the concrete down with a float to get rid of air bubbles that could damage and weaken the surface.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">After the first batch of concrete is shoveled in, mix a second batch in a clean pail or wheelbarrow.<span> </span>This second batch should be smoother in consistency and can include pigments, slag for sparkle, and other additions before it is mixed.<span> </span>Add water and mix the concrete so that it can retain its shape even when scooped up.<span> </span>Shovel this batch of concrete into the form, filling it up about 1/3-inch from the top.<span> </span>Tap it in place and level it.<span> </span>Pour a thinner mixture of the concrete along the edges of the form to help eliminate air bubbles and smooth the edges.<span> </span>Be sure to thoroughly work the concrete into the form and create a tightly packed surface.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Finishing Up</strong> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Let the concrete dry and then remove the wooden form and tape.<span> </span>Wipe the countertop surface down to remove any residue.<span> </span>After the concrete has completely dried after a few days, it can be finished with a special seal-coating that will protect it from moisture.<span> </span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/2b.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/2b.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="applica
tion/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Concrete countertops are durable and provide an interesting focal point in a room.<span> </span>They are relatively easy and inexpensive to install.<span> </span>Taking the proper time to compress the concrete and smooth the surface will result in a stronger, more durable, kitchen countertop.</p> <p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt">With signature design style, Jessica Ackerman, an online writer with WallDecorandHomeAccents.com, describes bold approaches to <a href="http://www.walldecorandhomeaccents.com/grapes-wine-decor.html" target="_blank">wine wall decor</a> and <a href="http://www.walldecorandhomeaccents.com/fish-wall-art.html" target="_blank">nautical wall decor</a>.</span></p></span>
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