Custom Designed End Table Project

After an afternoon of searching for an end table at IKEA, I decided to make a one of a concrete countertop end table for our home. The beauty of concrete, the flexibility of being able to incorporate anything I want, and design something that is one of a kind, how could I not.

Designing custom concrete countertops is a passion for me, even with all the choices of natural and synthetic stones on the market today, NOTHING is more versatile than

concrete countertops.

This project features a simplistic design. The shape is nothing out of the ordinary besides the fact that I was able to build it according to the space in which it will be placed. I could possibly have searched, and searched for something to fit my needs but that would be the end of it. I would simply place the bought end table in my living room and never looked at it again, I would only use it.

But now I have something that started ou

t as an

idea, and is now a reality. This concrete countertop features a few eye catching elements to it. I placed a few copper fittings in the mold to give it a personal touch. When I polished them down, along with the aggregate, they glea

med as you can see in this photo.

The polishing on this concrete countertop began in one corner, and swooped to the opposite corner, giving it a stylish stripe of aggregates down the middle.

Other features of this countertop are the four glass tiles I embedded. They have a rustic feel to them which looks really nice. Also, when the lights are off the add this cool depth to the concrete countertop .

This design turned out well, and I can't wait to post pictures of the end result in my living room. Next I will be working on a stand for it, which will either be iron from a recycled old end table, or I might cast a stand and incorporate some recycled butcher block. The possibilities are endless!

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Outdoor Kitchen Ideas...

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Concrete Countertops for an outdoor Barbecue Pit. One project that stands out this summer is this emerald green, concrete countertop, created for an outdoor Barbecue Pit. The owner really took advantage of our ability to mold concrete in any shape and form. The Concrete countertop was built in two levels. The lower level being the main base, a place to put cooking utensils, plates, etc. The upper level being a bar for friends to relax, and enjoy a cold drink while hanging out. The owner opted to build the base himself out of wood framing, which actually supported the weight of the two concrete countertops very well, although I normally build the base myself out of cinder blocks. I formed a small modern bull nose around the perimeter, and a 14" cantilever edge at the bar area to provide leg room. After I poured the countertops, I lightly polished them. I then applied a custom color concrete stain. The owner specified emerald green, which does not exist as for as concrete color goes. So with a little patience, I was able to mix a few different concrete stains, and the owner was very happy with it.

Pay no mind to the wood studs, I was told that later the whole frame of the Barbecue Pit was faced with synthetic stones, which I am sure looks great, and of course all the appliances were also added including a Viking Grill.

I am very happy with this design, and the ideas you can get from knowing with concrete countertops, anything is possible.

Protecting And Maintaining Concrete Countertops

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The first step in protecting Concrete Countertops is proper sealing. Some people get the idea that concrete countertops are stained easily, because of the fact that concrete is porous. This is true only if the concrete countertop is not sealed properly. Concrete countertop sealers are different than outdoor concrete sealer. Most outdoor concrete sealers are made with harmful chemicals you don't want near your food, or inside your home period. These concrete sealers also don't last very log and ted to peel off to let you know " hey, I need to be stripped, then reapplied!" Can you imagine the mess?

There are natural, and safe concrete countertop sealers though. Non toxic, water based concrete countertop sealer are the go to option for my projects. The water based formulas, absorb into the concrete, protecting it by closing up the pores. These concrete countertop sealer do not leave streaks, or a film on the surface. Starting off with sealing a concrete countertop this way, creates a few lines of defense against stains. I apply two to three coats, beginning by diluting with water, and working my way up to a stronger solution.

The next line of defense in protecting your concrete countertop is topical, natural waxes. Never use a car wax for concrete countertops, they too have many harmful chemicals. Natural waxes can be buffed to give a high gloss shine, or a semi gloss shine. The best part is Natural wax repels liquids that can stain concrete countertops. Natural wax also protects the water based concrete sealer. I also apply two to three coats on each concrete countertop depending on the gloss desired.

The kind of maintenance that a concrete countertop needs is very simple. You should never let harmful liquids stand on the countertop for long periods of time. You should never cut directly on the surface, a cutting board is always recommended. Placing hot pans on your concrete countertop will not scar the concrete, but it can harm the sealer.

The sealer methods I use are to protect concrete countertops for years, and years. Every year, you can apply a coat of wax, by hand, to maintain protection, and restore the shine. This is done very easily, and will take, in most cases, less than an hour. No stripping of any coats of concrete countertop sealer is need. Also, if at any time you do get a stain on your concrete countertop, a simple rub with a diamond sanding block and a little water, will wipe it right out.

Protecting and maintaining your concrete countertops a simple task, and rewarding when done correctly. Even though it is a concrete countertop, and we drive on concrete everyday, we should treat it like a unique part of our home. By using these simple preventive maintenance steps with correct concrete countertop sealers, and yearly maintenance, we will have a beautiful countertop, that will last and satisfy us for years.

Building Green Concrete Countertops

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What is Green Building?

Green Building: an outcome of a design, which focuses on increasing the efficiency of resource use.

Ok. Even if you are not a green enthusiast today, and the appearance of your concrete countertop is your main concern, knowing that your concrete countertops were made with a green building state of mind, when it's all said and done can be a plus. Lets think for a minute of the mountain sides in foreign countries, and here in the US, that are being bored, cut, and mangled to provide granite, marble, quartz a home in our home. Think of all the factories and chemicals that are laminating, burning off waste, and destroying the atmosphere to fabricate a plastic, vinyl, chemically enhanced place to sit our food... The Romans developed and used concrete without any type of global footprint.

Today... Concrete isn't any saint, but with a green state of mind, we can adapt a few simple principles to achieve a beautiful product for our kitchens, baths, and outdoors while positively impacting the earth:

1. The use of recycled materials:

Thrifty or artistic. The use of recycled materials is the first step. Recycled glass concrete countertops, in my opinion, are some of the most beautiful and original concrete countertops on the market. Scroll down to my second post to see a picture.

2. Cement admixtures: Adding fly ash, which is recycled from burned coal, makes concrete stronger and more durable. I also use admixtures to increase the strength up to 3x psi of normal concrete.

3. Re-Using Concrete Countertop Forms: This one is easy. Since the price of quality materials is not cheap, I make it a practice on using everything at least three times. As long as forms are properly treated prior to pouring with natural oils , they will always release with ease.

4. Re-Using H2o: For wet polishing concrete countertops, a great idea we use is a filter table. The water used to polish the concrete is drained, filtered, then re- fed into the polisher. This concept saves gallons upon gallons of water, and keeps hazardous elements out of our creeks> rivers> oceans.

Green Built Concrete Countertops in your home may not be a number one priority, but Concrete Countertops are giving you the choice of functionality, unprecedented color options, and the added negative global footprint.

Design Ideas...

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Design Ideas... hmm. If you you can't help but feel overwhelmed about all the options, you are not alone. Try to keep in mind what you are really seeking, and what can be of everyday use. Let me break it down...

Shape: Designing a concrete countertop shape is simple. The measurements of your cabinets, kitchen, or outdoor island is the basis of your design. All you need to decide is if you would like to incorporate some of your own personal touches like drain boards, or accent bowls where you can place decorative stones and water features. Keep in mind accents like these cannot be removed, and you should consider if these features are something you want around for the life of your countertop.

Finish:

• A Polished Concrete Countertop (above right) exposes what we have put into our mix like Recycled Glass, or Colored Stones and Sands. The more, or less creative you want to be with the selection of these mix items will always prove to be pleasing to the eye because concrete countertops naturally have sands and stones, ready for polishing. Adding a little recycled glass into the picture, in my opinion, gives them that extra uniqueness... Unique. If any word could define concrete countertops, by its self, that would be it.

• An alternative to a polish finish would be a Burned Finish. Some like the more "Industrial" look of concrete. A burn finish will give you exactly that. Modern smooth surface, and you know its concrete.

• Either of these finishes can be made in ANY color you decide....
  

Color: Your color can be chosen from any color palette. Whether it be from a paint store, home depot, or any where else, any color for your concrete countertop can be achieved. That being said, we do have standard colors that go good with certain woods and you should not steer too far from these if the countertops are being placed above wood cabinets. We have plenty of samples that you can have and decide from. Samples also give us a visual to match.

These three simple items, are the foundation in designing concrete countertops.

Designing Green Concrete Countertops.

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Green building is no longer just an option for concrete countertops, to me its becoming more of a standard. In fact, with the use of recycled materials, like glass and tiles, the end results are even more beautiful and add uniqueness to whole project.

Its the little things like, re-using countertop forms, buying materials from local sources, and using an eco-friendly mix design that help to improve a positive global impact. Compared to other alternatives, concrete is at the forefront of green countertop choices.

Though all materials used to build these beautiful creations are not yet recycled, using a conscious design and build process is key.

The next posts will describe how to design your own green concrete countertops in three steps:

1. Design Ideas.

2. Building Green Concrete Countertops.

3. Protecting and Maintaining your New Concrete Countertops.

Recycled Glass Countertop / Food SAFE Sealers.

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Hi, Here is a requested photo of a recycled glass in a concrete countertop. To answer the question of food safe sealers for kitchens, your best choice it to use a water-based, penetrating sealer first. Usually about three applications, followed by natural waxes for added protection is best. The end result will be a beautiful protected shine, safe enough for the kitchen.