10 DIY Concrete Countertops

Concrete countertops can be quite expensive, which is why a lot of homeowners consider creating their own to save money. Although this DIY project requires a couple days to complete, it is a very inexpensive project that can bring a whole new life to your kitchen. If you want to know how to make concrete countertops, you are in luck. There are various options available for creating the most attractive DIY concrete countertops for your space.

1. Easy DIY Concrete Countertops

This tutorial will show you just how to create the perfect DIY concrete countertop for your space. Concrete will show every bump and crack it encounters as it dries, which is why it is important to follow these steps accordingly to ensure your countertop is smooth when finished.

Some tools you will need to complete this project are:

Circular saw: to cut the wood underside to size for your countertop
Level: to make sure the surface is level
Wood clamps: to hold the wood sides to the base to create a sealed edge

2. DIY Polished Concrete Countertops

A DIY polished concrete countertop is a beautiful way to dress up a concrete countertop without utilizing dyes that can fade away. These DIY concrete countertops use broken glass to create a reflective speckled surface throughout. The concrete is then sealed to ensure the surface is smooth and even for daily use.

You will need:

Miter saw: to cut the angles from the wood
Jig saw: to cut openings on the countertop

3. Flawless DIY Concrete Countertops

Another great DIY concrete countertop tutorial comes from This Old House’s YouTube channel. This countertop requires you to make a template in order to ensure a seamless fit for the concrete. This project allows you to create a concrete countertop outside of your kitchen so you do not have to be inconvenienced with limited access during the setting process.

For this project, you will need:

- Hot glue gun: to seal the seams around the wood
- Circular saw: to cut the wood to size for the frame

4. DIY Stained Concrete Countertop

Quite often, homeowners want to install concrete countertops in their home, but they are not big fans of the finished concrete look. Rather than settling with an ordinary gray concrete surface, you can stain the concrete. Staining the concrete countertop allows you to create a stone or wood appearance on your surface without compromising price or quality.

To complete this type of countertop, you will need:

Concrete trowel: to create a smooth finished surface
Concrete pigment: to stain the concrete surface
Spray bottles: to apply the concrete stains to the surface

5. Lightweight DIY Concrete Countertops

Another idea for DIY concrete countertops you can complete requires laying concrete over an existing laminate surface. The finished product is often referred to as an overlay concrete countertop. The benefit of creating this type of countertop is that it does not require your cabinets to support as much concrete weight. Additionally, creating an overlay countertop costs less money than solid concrete.

To create your own overlay countertop you will need:

Tuff Duck FeatherCrete Concrete: to apply over existing surface
Putty knife: to spread the Concrete

6. DIY Concrete Countertops Poured in Place

If you are able to go without using your kitchen for 2-to-4-days, you can create a concrete countertop which is poured in place. These DIY concrete countertops do not require any heavy lifting, which is why this practice is one of the most commonly used.

You will need the following tools to complete this countertop:

Concrete mixer: to ensure the concrete powder is thoroughly mixed correctly
Bucket: to mix the concrete in
Drill: to mix the concrete and assemble frame

7. DIY Concrete Countertops with Fancy Edging

Typical concrete countertops have the flat edges. If you want a fancier finished product, this tutorial will show you how to utilize “Counterform” to create a more attractive surface for your kitchen.

For this concrete countertop you will need:

Silicone: to seal the countertop surface underneath
Miter saw: to cut angles in the frame

8. DIY Concrete Countertops Poured Over Laminate

This is another option for laying concrete over an existing laminate surface. This countertop application process is quick, requiring only 1-to-2-day to complete. Utilizing this technique allows you to create a beautiful concrete surface for your kitchen with little to no experience required.

Sandpaper: to smooth the existing laminate before applying concrete
Overlay concrete: concrete to lay over the surface
Magic trowel: to smooth the concrete during application

9. DIY Concrete Countertops with Circular Edge

If you are looking for a concrete countertop with a simple circular edge, you are in luck. This step-by-step video will show you how to create a simple curved edge using silicone during the molding process.

To create this concrete countertop you will need:

Silicone: to smooth inner corners for circular edging
Petroleum jelly: to create a mixture for application
Mineral spirits: to mix with petroleum jelly

10. DIY Concrete Countertops That Look Like Stone

Without a doubt, stone countertops are extremely expensive. Instead of spending thousands of dollars on a stone surface, you can incorporate a concrete countertop into your space at a fraction of the cost. Instead of having a plain concrete surface, you can apply a stain to make it look like expensive stone.

To complete this project you will need:

Spray bottles: to apply the stain over the surface
Concrete stain: to create a stone-like appearance
Sea sponge: to create a textured appearance in the stain

Conclusion

Concrete countertops are a sensible and less-expensive solid surface option for your kitchen. There are several tutorials for DIY concrete countertops available that show you how to redesign your kitchen in under 7-days. Whether you are looking for a smooth surface, a textured stone appearance or a fancy finished edge there are endless options available for you here that you can complete on your own.