Table in a summer gazebo. Concrete table - “Sand and sea Applying concrete mixture

To purchase a ready-made countertop for your kitchen that will fully meet your needs in terms of aesthetics, reliability and functionality, you need to prepare a considerable amount of money. It is much cheaper to make it yourself, especially since it is quite possible to do it at home. This idea can be realized using wood, chipboard, liquid stone or concrete. Among these options, perhaps the most interesting is a concrete countertop, due to the availability of the material and the relative ease of working with it. Knowing the basics of concreting, you can not only make a new work surface in the kitchen, but also to restore the old one, which will make it possible to save even more.

Concrete in its structure is solid and durable material, which can withstand high temperature. In this regard, it is practically not inferior to granite, although it costs an order of magnitude cheaper. However, the concrete surface has one feature that must be taken into account during manufacture. kitchen countertop. The fact is that concrete consists of pores that can become clogged with various organic substances, which makes cleaning the kitchen more difficult. In addition, this material must be protected from acid-containing products, since they can destroy calcium, which is the main binding element in concrete.

Note! Negative Impact on concrete surface even a drop can have an impact lemon juice, leaving behind a stain.

This drawback is easily eliminated with the help of a protective polymer layer, which is applied to the concrete after it hardens. A concrete countertop with such protection is easy to clean and retains its appearance for long period. However, using such a surface as cutting board or placing a hot frying pan on it is not recommended, since, unlike concrete, the polymer coating is less resistant to such loads.

Concrete worktop without polymer coating can be used in a living room, bedroom or office where there are no strict operational requirements

Manufacturing of monolithic concrete countertops

The production of concrete furniture is based on standard technology that is used in construction. To make a concrete countertop with your own hands, you need to complete several steps, each of which is important in its own way.

Preparation of materials

Since the kitchen countertop in our case is made of concrete, we need to prepare the main components for its production:

• cement;
• sand (preferably river);
• crushed stone or marble chips;
• water.

Advice! To make the countertop look like marble, granite, or have any other shade other than gray, a special pigment (color) is added to the mixture, which can be purchased at any hardware store.

To make formwork you will need wooden beam 50x30 mm and moisture-resistant plywood 12 mm thick. You can use a sheet as a base instead of plywood laminated chipboard appropriate thickness. The main thing is that the base is perfectly flat and does not succumb to deformation under the load of the slab.

Considering that we will be making the tabletop ourselves, we will need the following set of tools:

• shovel;
• bucket or other container;
• construction mixer or concrete mixer;
• Master OK;
• jigsaw;
• screwdriver;
• sander;
• tape measure, level, pencil.

Product drawing

Meaning high-quality sketch difficult to overestimate. Correct drawing The work is greatly simplified, and the wrong one adds headaches during the process of installing the countertop. It is very important to accurately measure the parameters of the kitchen, the location of cabinets and plumbing fixtures. If you need to place a sink or hob, then the space for their installation must be calculated down to the millimeter.

Example drawing of a concrete countertop

Advice! If general design has significant dimensions, then it is better to divide it into several parts to simplify the process of installing the stove.

Creating formwork

Lay a sheet of plywood or chipboard on flat surface, after which we transfer the previously prepared drawing using a ruler and pencil. On each line we install a wooden beam 50x30 mm, so that in the end the thickness of our tabletop is 50 mm. This parameter is considered optimal for concrete product: reducing the thickness will make the structure fragile, increasing it will make it too heavy.

The fastening of the formwork walls must be strong enough to withstand the load created by the concrete during its curing process. It is better to connect the joints of two walls using corners or long screws (from 60 mm).

The space for the sink is located depending on the type and dimensions plumbing fixture. There are two types of sinks: built-in and overhead. The second option has a horizontal side about 30 mm wide, which must be taken into account when drawing up the drawing.

Advice! If you decide to make a kitchen countertop from concrete, then it is better to use an overhead sink. Firstly, built-in models have a landing chamfer, which is not so easy to make. Secondly, the presence of a side allows for a small error when creating a hole for the sink.

It is also necessary to provide a hole for the mixer. To do this, you can use a plastic pipe with a diameter of 35 mm ( standard size mixer mounting pipe).

Formwork for pouring a concrete countertop

Installation of reinforcing frame

The frame is steel mesh with cell size 25x25 mm. This design must be placed inside the formwork so that it is at a distance of 25 mm from the plywood and walls.

Before installing the reinforcing frame, a polyethylene film is laid on the base. Its edges need to be placed on the side boards. At the same time, it is very important that the film lays down without folds, if you do not want to observe their imprint on the concrete slab.

Increase bearing capacity using a steel frame

Pouring concrete

Concrete for making countertops with your own hands is made using classic recipe:

• 1 share of cement;
• 2 shares of sand;
• 4 shares of filler;
• 0.5 parts water.

At the first stage, cement is mixed with water until a homogeneous mass is obtained, after which the remaining ingredients are added to the mixture. The concrete preparation process itself must be performed at low speeds, thoroughly mixing the solution.

Important! You should not increase the amount of water in order to instant cooking mixtures. Excessive moisture content in the solution will cause many pores to appear after it dries.

After pouring and evenly distributing concrete over the entire area of ​​the formwork, it is covered with film and left in this state for a day. After 24 hours, the film is removed and a wet cloth is placed in its place to prevent cracks. After 48 hours the formwork can be dismantled.

Surface treatment

The kitchen countertop must be perfectly smooth, so the front side is sanded. For such purposes, it is better to use a grinding machine, since manual processing sanding the surface will take a lot of time and effort.

First, the slab is sanded using a coarse-grained wheel. After receiving smooth surface processing is carried out with fine-grained sandpaper. Despite the fact that the polished concrete countertop already looks great, it still needs to be sealed with water-repellent polymer impregnation.

Final stage– grinding with a felt wheel using a special paste, after which the slab acquires “marble” characteristics.

Grinding concrete slab for kitchen

Restoring an old countertop using concrete

Concrete can be used for more than just manufacturing monolithic slab. With its help, it is quite possible to restore an old surface. Moreover, the costs in this case will be much less. Below we will look at how to restore an old kitchen countertop with your own hands.

Necessary materials

Because it's too thick layer in this case is not required, instead ordinary solution We will use a concrete mixture to screed the floor. For work we will need the following materials:

• concrete mixture for screed (finish);
• acrylic sealant;
• concrete varnish;
• container for preparing the mixture;
• 2 spatulas (20 mm and 10 mm);
• sandpaper;
• industrial mixer;
• Sander.

Note! Quantity concrete mixture must be determined based on the coverage area. Typically, material consumption is indicated on the packaging and averages 1.2-1.5 kg per 1 m² with a layer thickness of 1 mm.

Cement-based floor leveling mixtures

Surface preparation

Kitchen countertops are often made of MDF, which can develop scratches, chips, temperature defects and grease stains during use. Before applying concrete, the surface must be cleaned of all contaminants. Special attention pay attention to the remaining fat - they can be removed using kitchen detergents. If present on the surface silicone sealant, then it should also be removed, since concrete has poor adhesion to such materials.

Once the surface is completely clean, it should be sanded with 25-H or 20-H coarse sandpaper. The purpose of this process is to improve the adhesion of concrete to old surface by creating a lot of scratches. After sanding, the countertop should be washed and allowed to dry thoroughly.

Applying concrete mixture

The technology for making concrete mixture can be read on the packaging. Usually it is diluted with water in a ratio of 2 to 1. The main thing is that the consistency is not too liquid or thick, since in this case the process of applying the solution to the stove will become more complicated.

Advice! First, prepare a small portion of the mixture to determine the amount of water to obtain the optimal viscosity. In the future, strictly observe this proportion. Even minor discrepancies can affect the shade of dried concrete.

Concrete is applied to the surface of the countertop using a wide spatula, while the ends are treated with a narrow spatula. Spread the mixture over the surface using slow and smooth movements to reduce the chance of bubbles forming. The thickness of the applied layer should not be large - 1-2 mm is enough.

Distributing the concrete mixture over the countertop

Concrete grinding

After completely dry layer (about 24 hours), the concrete countertop is sanded using coarse sandpaper. Pay special attention to the smoothness of the surface - no unevenness should be felt when moving your hand.

Note! Grinding concrete is quite a dirty job. You need to be prepared for the fact that dust will be everywhere in the kitchen. Therefore, it is better not to do such work without a painting mask.

To make a reliable kitchen countertop with your own hands, you need to apply 3-4 layers of concrete, each of which is sanded after drying. If coarse-grained sandpaper is used to process the first layers, then the last layer, in addition to roughing, is subjected to finishing sanding using fine-grained sandpaper.

Polished surface of concrete countertop

Waterproofing and varnishing

To protect concrete from moisture, a special acrylic-based sealant liquid is used. It is applied with a regular paint brush and, after drying, creates a reliable waterproofing layer. This material It is absorbed very quickly and dries completely within a day, after which the second and final layer of sealant can be applied.

So that the tabletop has glossy finish, after waterproofing, a layer of concrete varnish is applied, the drying of which, depending on the temperature in the room, takes from 4 to 8 hours. After the varnish has dried, the slab is polished using fine-grained M14 sandpaper.

DIY concrete countertop for the kitchen

In conclusion, we would like to add that although the manufacturing technology of such a countertop is not particularly complicated, to implement it you must have skills in working with concrete. Therefore, in the absence of such construction experience, it is better to use professional help.

Video tutorial on making a concrete countertop:

Detailed master class from the pros:

Concrete in kitchen interior— inspired by design:

Something new is constantly appearing in the creation of interior design, and the latest innovation is the elements of concrete present in various furniture, this is especially true in the kitchen or in the country house. However, you should not limit yourself only to kitchen set, a coffee table in the living room with a concrete top will look very original and interesting.

And it’s quite easy to make such a tabletop with your own hands, and you don’t need great experience, almost anyone can make it, the main thing would be desire.

1. These countertops are simply irreplaceable. For country furniture : I don’t get wet, they don’t spoil!
2. , just cover a worn-out table with it and you will get a super modern thing.
3. For the kitchen - they do not deteriorate and are very durable!

Tools

To make a coffee table with a concrete top rectangular shape, we need:

• Wooden boards.
• Wire mesh for strengthening concrete.
• A piece of 1/2-inch chipboard or plywood to make the desired shape.
• Drywall.
• Screws.
• Pneumatic nailer to attach the sides to the bottom panel.
• Big plastic container for mixing cement.

Instructions for making a tabletop

Step 1: Making a box

Regardless of the size or shape of the countertop, the wire mesh should be two inches smaller in width and height than the chipboard or plywood panels.

We make a box of the shape and size we need from panels and gypsum board. Once the workpiece is completely ready, you can begin mixing the concrete.

Step 2: Pour the concrete

1. Mix the cement in a plastic container; for this you can use an ordinary shovel, which needs to thoroughly mix the mixture.
2. After this, carefully pour the concrete into the mold up to halfway, distributing it in the corners.
3. Cover mixture wire mesh , and then fill the mold to the top so that the mixture protrudes slightly from the top. This is done to make it easier to level the surface and make it smooth; for this purpose it is best to use a spatula.

TIP: After this, you need to leave the mold for several days for the cement to dry completely.

Step 3: Sanding

Then you need to remove mold and sand from the surface. 120-grit sandpaper works well to smooth the countertop.

Then you need to wipe the surface well with a sponge, roller brush or soft cloth.

If you don't want to cover the surface with anything coffee table, then it's best treat the countertop with concrete sealant, then it will look very beautiful and will be more practical.

Step 4: Attach the tabletop to the legs

1. Once the top of the coffee table is completely ready, you can use absolutely any base.
2. Very beautiful and practical option it will be like this table on wooden legs on wheels, making it easy to move.
3. Fastening the table top to the legs liquid nails or silicone glue.

Such an original concrete table will become a real decoration home decor and will make the interior irresistible.

Ideas and photos of countertops and tables made of concrete

With a flowerbed in the middle

For the dacha great option— when pouring concrete, leave a trench where you can plant flowers. Looks very amazing.

How to lighten the design

1. Ideal option and great idea- leave a hole in the middle and make a glass tab. To do this, you need to cut out a trench for the glass tab.
2. Also install a concrete countertop on legs with wheels- this is especially appropriate for coffee tables which often have to be moved.

The technology for manufacturing concrete products is popular in both industrial and private construction. This material can be used to fill window sills, steps for stairs, floor tiles, countertops, and so on. The main thing is that any thing can be made independently, without involving outside specialists. Let's give an example of how to make a concrete countertop with your own hands.

Like anyone construction process, the production of countertops from concrete mortar is divided into several stages. Each of them is very important; it is impossible to allow any operation to be missed.

Preparatory process

Preparation consists of acquiring necessary materials and tool. To begin with, all the same components are purchased that are necessary for the production of a standard concrete solution. Namely:

• cement;
• sand;
• crushed stone;
• water.

Since the tabletop is a decorative element, it is worth considering the issue regarding it color design. For example, if you use regular cement gray, then the tabletop itself will be gray. Fortunately, today there are a large number of colors that can be added to the mixture, choosing according to the color shade.

Basic materials

To increase the strength of a concrete countertop, it is necessary to place a metal reinforcing frame in the body of the solution. To do this you will need steel wire with a diameter of 2-3 mm. To assemble a mesh from this wire, you need to tie it, for which you will need knitting wire. To attach the frame you will need self-tapping screws.

The tabletop must be poured into the formwork. It is made from several different materials. The main one is a sheet of moisture-resistant plywood with a thickness of at least 12 mm. Instead of plywood, you can use laminated chipboard or MDF.

Please note that the strength of these materials must be high. A slight curvature will immediately appear on the concrete product itself.

To create the thickness of the tabletop, you will need boards with a section of 50x30 mm and several wooden blocks of 50x50 mm.

Since a sink will definitely be installed on the kitchen countertop, it will be necessary to make a hole for the mixer. What is it needed for? plastic pipe with a diameter of 35 mm and a length of 50 mm. Typically, the diameter of the mixer mounting pipe is 35 mm.

Tools

To make a concrete countertop, you will need the following tools: a shovel, usually a trowel, a spatula, a bucket, a construction mixer (if a small volume is mixed) or a concrete mixer.

To assemble the formwork you will need a saw and a screwdriver. To make a reinforced frame, use pliers. Do not forget that all formwork elements will have to be precisely aligned according to a pre-made drawing, so a ruler, level and pencil will also be needed. To measure the dimensions of the future tabletop, you need to prepare a tape measure.

Create a drawing

You can draw a sketch either before or after preparation. It is important to accurately measure the space where cabinets with concrete countertops will be installed. If kitchen furniture will be installed in the corner of the room, then we kindly ask you to align the angle at 90º. This is not only a criterion for the quality of the repairs carried out, but also the ease of installing furniture exactly along the wall planes.

Now the boundaries of the tabletop installation are measured with a tape measure. Often work zone The kitchen has a curved shape with an approach to the adjacent wall. If this is the shape (corner) that is adopted, then it is better to divide the element into several sections and make its own tabletop for each part. In this case, the formwork will be uniform, but divided into sections.

The main thing is to make the boundaries of the areas transverse, which must exactly coincide with the walls of the kitchen cabinets. This is the only way to avoid the formation of cracks. A monolithic countertop will weigh a lot, which will create inconvenience during its installation.

Place a sheet of moisture-resistant plywood on a flat horizontal surface. It could be a table. Now transfer all the dimensions from the drawing to this sheet, for which you use a ruler and pencil. Along the edges of the lines, 50x30 mm boards are installed on the edge. They will determine the height of the concrete countertop, which will be 50 mm. Why this particular size? Reducing the thickness will reduce the strength. Increase – increases the weight of the product. Therefore, 50 mm is the optimal size.

Because concrete mortar will create a lot of pressure on the walls of the formwork, it is necessary to secure them well. There are two options here:

• use 50×50 mm bars for fastening;
• install metal corners.

In the first case, the bars are attached to the corners of the structure. If the installed board is long, then 2-3 additional bars are attached in the middle evenly from each other along the entire length of the board.

As for sinks, you need to pay attention to the type of device purchased. There are built-in sinks and overhead sinks. They differ from each other in that the overhead ones have a horizontal edge along the entire perimeter of the plumbing fixture.

For overhead models

If this particular option is installed, then the sink is turned over, placed on a sheet of plywood and a line is made along its side. Then the width of the side is measured, for example, it is 3 cm, which means that exactly the same shape is placed inside at a distance of 2.5 cm.

For built-in

In the case of a built-in sink, the outline is drawn along its edge. Now 50x50 mm bars are installed along the lines, which are attached to the plywood with self-tapping screws. Please note that 50x30 mm boards are installed outside the marked lines, and in the case of a sink, 50x50 mm bars are installed inside.

And one more thing - built-in sinks have a seating chamfer, which is not easy to make. Therefore, anyone who is going to make a concrete countertop with their own hands is recommended to choose an overhead model. All that remains is to glue the pipe to the location where the mixer is installed.

It is necessary to immediately make a reservation that the reinforcing frame made of steel wire should be like a mesh with cells 25x25 mm. At the same time, from plywood sheet and it should also be located at a distance of 25 mm from the edges of the formwork. Therefore, pieces of wire are cut taking into account these reservations.

A polyethylene film is placed in the formwork, the edges of which are placed on the boards. Make sure that the film lies flat without folds.

Installation of supporting structure

Now the frame itself. It can be made separately and then installed locally. You can assemble it directly in the formwork. Installation at a height of 25 mm is done using self-tapping screws. For example, the second installation option.

We screwed self-tapping screws into the plywood along the entire perimeter of the formwork every 25 mm. Alignment of the caps in height is done using a ruler and level. After that, pieces of wire are screwed to the screws. At the intersection points, tying wire is used for fastening.

Almost everything is ready to start pouring the concrete countertop with your own hands. All that remains is to treat the joints between the formwork elements with sealant. It is important here that this material fills exactly the gaps and cracks.

If there is a need to make rounded corners on the tabletop, then a pipe is installed at the junction of two 50x30 mm boards, that is, in the corner. And the corner space, limited by the pipe and two adjacent boards, is filled with sealant.

Concreting

There are two ways to pour concrete.

1. Completely filling the formwork.
2. Layer by layer.

In the first case, concrete is prepared according to the classic recipe: 1 part cement, 2 parts sand (pure river), 4 parts coarse aggregate (in in this case It’s best to take marble chips) and 0.5 parts of water. First, cement and water are mixed until cement laitance is formed, then other components are added in portions. The solution must be mixed very thoroughly.

A tabletop made from concrete mortar can look very original. The main thing is to approach the design of its front side correctly. For example, you can put it on plastic film pieces broken glass, beads, arrange in patterns copper wire or fiber optic cable cores.

It is imperative to secure these decorative elements glue so that they do not move during the pouring process. The brand of glue is not important, the main thing is that it holds well.

For the first face layer, a solution of fine sand without large fillers (gravel, crushed stone) is required. There should be a little less water than in the classic recipe. This way you can avoid the appearance of pores. But you also cannot add too little water, because this can lead to the formation of cracks.

Therefore, if there is any doubt that the solution may not turn out the same, it is better to purchase a ready-made dry mixture for screed. There are instructions on its packaging indicating how much water to add. Mixing should be carried out at low speeds. It doesn’t matter whether the process is carried out with a mixer or a concrete mixer. This solution is poured to a third or half the height of the formwork. There is no need to wait for it to dry.

Filling the base layer

The main supporting layer can be poured after half an hour. There are no restrictions on the composition of this mixture. This can be a classic recipe, in which, instead of gravel or crushed stone, expanded clay can be added to lighten the entire structure.

After which (it doesn’t matter whether it’s the first or second option), the concrete countertop needs to be covered with film. After a day, the film is removed, and pieces of wet fabric are placed on top. After two days you can dismantle the formwork.

If a concrete countertop is made without a decorative layer, then its front side must be sanded. You should not use a grinder for this. It's better to use it grinder corner type. It is more convenient to use for horizontal surfaces. Plus, you will have to buy several grinding wheels for the machine.

First, the slab is ground with a coarse-grained wheel. Then they switch to fine-grained. Polishing is best done with a felt wheel. If it is necessary to trim the tabletop, then use a grinder with diamond blades.

If small depressions have formed on the surface of the slab, they can be removed by applying a special sealing mixture to acrylic base. After it dries, additional sanding is carried out.

This is how it is made concrete countertop with your own hands. We will not assure that this process simple It is complex and requires attention and accuracy.

Recently, concrete countertops have become increasingly popular, which can give your home exclusivity and individuality. Of course, you can invite a designer and builders who will make your dreams and desires come true. But, by showing “miracles of craftsmanship”, it is possible to make a similar product on our own, which in the end will not be inferior to its marble counterpart.

Preparatory stage

A countertop is a work surface that is an integral part of any kitchen. At the first stage, you need to decide on the dimensions of the future product, since it must be harmoniously combined with the existing interior. Also, when creating a kitchen countertop with your own “golden” hands, you need to make sure that it fits as tightly as possible to the wall. To achieve this, you need to carefully measure everything and make an accurate drawing.

Advice! If you want to avoid problems in the manufacture and installation of the countertop, it makes sense to divide the entire product into several elements and take this into account in the drawing, that is, the formwork will be single, but divided into sections.

Also, when designing a kitchen concrete countertop, one must take into account very important point: joints of parts finished product must fit clearly onto the transverse elements of the table frame (otherwise there is a risk of cracks).

Required materials and tools

To make a concrete countertop you will need the following materials:

• cement;
• sand (fine, sifted);
• gravel (or expanded clay);
• wooden blocks (size 40 x 40 or 50 x 50 mm);
• boards;
• , laminated chipboard 18 mm thick;
• (for reinforcement);
• silicone sealant;
• decorative elements;
• glue;
• drying oil, vegetable oil or special form;
• pigments – dyes (if you want to have a colored surface).

You will also need the following tools:

• screwdriver and screws;
• Bulgarian;
• hacksaw;
• grinding machine with abrasive discs;
• construction mixer or electric drill with a special attachment;
• building level;
• rule;
• roulette;
• container for preparing the solution;
• respirator, safety glasses and rubber gloves;
• putty knife;
• vacuum cleaner.

Work order

The procedure for making a house countertop from concrete with your own hands is as follows:

• we make formwork for casting the future tabletop based on a previously completed drawing;
• we install it on a workbench, sawhorse or work table (we check the correctness with a level);
• coat the mold with drying oil or vegetable oil(this will make it easier to remove the finished product);
• We place decorative elements on the bottom (there is room for your imagination) and secure them with glue (it is these details that will later become the front side of your tabletop).

• put into shape metal mesh, which we attach to the edges of the formwork thin wire in such a way that it is raised to a height of 25-30 mm from the bottom of the mold, and during the pouring process the solution appears under and above it;
• we prepare a concrete mixture using the basic recipe (that is, which includes sand);
• pour into the mold.

If the form will be filled with solution layer by layer, then we adhere to the following order:

• prepare a solution for the layer that will be the front surface of your countertop (the components correspond to the main recipe);
• pour the prepared solution into the mold;
• we lay a metal mesh (there is no need to lift it);
• we prepare a solution for the base layer, to which we add gravel or expanded clay instead of sand (it takes no more than two hours to prepare it, since the liquid stage of concrete does not last that long);
• pour it into the mold.

• put in liquid concrete blocks or corners so that the tabletop can later be attached to the legs or walls of the table;
• tamp with a trowel and remove excess with a rule;
• cover the formwork with a sheet of laminated chipboard, having previously lubricated it with drying oil;
• We cover the entire structure on top with a polyethylene film;
• leave everything alone for 7-9 days;
• free from polyethylene;
• remove the formwork;
• leave the product for additional drying (5-7 days);
• if you need to trim the tabletop, we do it using a grinder;
• grind;
• polish;
• if the tabletop consists of individual elements, then after assembling them we seal the joints with special silicone or moisture-resistant grout.

If you still have any questions about the process of making a kitchen countertop from polished concrete, then the video will help you.

We create a form (formwork) for making a tabletop

In order for the hand-made tabletop to ultimately bring you satisfaction and not disappoint you with its quality characteristics, it is necessary to strictly observe all the dimensions indicated in the drawing when creating its shape. The work algorithm is as follows:

• cut out a sheet of moisture-resistant plywood (or laminated chipboard, fiberboard or MDF) with dimensions exceeding the dimensions of the future tabletop by 10-15 cm on each side;
• along the entire perimeter of the form we make sides 50-60 mm high (this thickness is optimal for the future tabletop), using long boards (50X30 or 60X30 mm), which we place on the edge and fasten with self-tapping screws; to strengthen the structure with outside We install two or three bars or metal corners in the corners and in the middle;
• as a result, we obtain a container whose dimensions clearly correspond to the dimensions of the tabletop;
• carefully seal all joints, seams, gaps and cracks in the mold using silicone sealant;
• if desired, give the finished product rounded shapes, we recommend using inserts made of plastic or silicone, which are installed in the corners of the form and removed after the concrete solution has dried;

• if it is planned to install a sink in the work surface, then provision should be made for free space for it (to do this, at the bottom of the mold you need to draw a rectangle corresponding to the size of the sink; fasten bars 50 x 50 or 50 x 60 mm; the drawing lines must remain on the outside of the bars), and also make a hole for the mixer (for this you will need a piece of pipe with a diameter 35 mm and length 50-60 mm).

Advice! For the countertop, it is better to choose a countertop sink, so as not to suffer in the future with the seating chamfer, which is available in built-in models (but do not forget to take into account the presence of a horizontal side of countertop sinks around the entire perimeter at the stage of preparing the drawing).

The creation of formwork must be approached carefully, without missing anything, since the concrete countertop will completely repeat the shape into which the solution will be poured: all irregularities, bends and recesses will spoil the appearance of the finished product.

Preparing the concrete mixture

It includes:

• 2 parts cement (M 500);
• 3 parts sand (sifted);
• plasticizers;
• water (to give the mixture a creamy appearance).

If the volume of the solution is not large, then it can be prepared in a small container (for example, in a bucket) and stirred using construction mixer using a special nozzle. If the dimensions of the finished product are large, then it makes sense to use a concrete mixer.

Important! The mixture must be stirred very thoroughly.

If you want to make a concrete countertop with your own hands of a certain color, then you need to add pigments - dyes - to the solution. But remember: to give the concrete a uniform color, pigments must be added to the dry mixture; and to obtain stains, like on marble, it is recommended to dissolve coloring matter in water, and then mixed with the finished concrete mixture.

Advice! If you doubt that the mixture will not have the consistency required, it is better to go to the store and buy a ready-made one, the packaging of which will indicate all the proportions.

Grinding and polishing

To make a concrete countertop attractive and similar to granite or marble, we carefully polish it with a special machine using diamond discs. The process looks like this:

• Place the tabletop flat with the front side up;
• remove the main irregularities using a rough disc;
• processed with special care front surface products;
• grind with a disc, abrasiveness – 50 units;
• We perform final grinding with a disc - 100 units;
• we carry out polishing (it is better to polish with discs - 400 units);
• on final stage use a felt circle.

In custody

Our step-by-step instruction, outlined above, will help you make a very beautiful kitchen worktop. Make it yourself, and then use your experience to show others how to make a countertop.

If there is a gazebo without a table, then why such a gazebo? All construction is started for the sake of a meal in the gazebo, at a large table, in the summer heat.

You can limit yourself to a wooden or plastic (Chinese, of course) table. But both options are short-lived. It is not known which of them will become unusable first. The tree will shrink and swell due to changes in temperature and humidity. In winter, snow will speed up this process. To reduce these factors, it is necessary to periodically coat the wood with varnish or paint. Plastic is an even less durable material. The surface of the table quickly becomes covered with scratches and marks from hot objects.

Therefore, in an outdoor gazebo, it is most practical to make an “eternal table” of concrete.

At first glance, its cost is higher than any of the options mentioned. But if you take into account its durability, the costs will be justified over the years.

The table decoration can be made simpler than in the top photo. Limit yourself to the basis of brick pillars with jointing or making racks from natural stone. And pour the countertop out of concrete and paint it facade paint. For such work, great skill is not required. You can do everything yourself. All technology is clear from photographs.

Concrete table at one of the stages of construction

When a mesh of reinforcement is laid at the base of the concrete floor of the gazebo, then a foundation for a concrete table is not needed.

Besides the table, in summer construction needs to be highlighted workplace(countertop) for cooking. It can also be made from concrete.

Concrete table top in the gazebo

Concrete furniture is quite common in Europe.

Dutch designer Thomas Linssen, a lover of experimenting with materials, created the latest project “Concrete Kitchen”.

Designer Rainer Spehl (Germany) prefers furniture from natural wood in combination with concrete. And what’s most interesting is that designers offer their creations for the home, not the street.

The Frenchman Philippe Tissot once tried to work with these materials, then founded the Taporo studio, which produces several dozen types of furniture from concrete.

These examples add courage to fantasy and experimentation.

Everything you came up with no longer seems crazy.

A tennis table made of concrete becomes the only possible option in places of active recreation of people.

If you continue to fantasize in this direction, then concrete furniture can be diversified with products made from natural stone. Seats and tables can be made entirely from natural material or be partially concrete. The advantage of this approach is the durability of the stone. The service life of such furniture is no longer decades, but several generations.