How to Remodel Kitchen Countertops Yourself
If you cannot afford new kitchen countertops, remodeling the ones that you already have is a good alternative. There are many techniques for creating a new look with the kitchen countertops that already exist, but many of them are difficult, time-consuming and require a great amount of skill. In addition, some refacing styles are not widely appreciated, which can lower the resale value of your home. One of the easiest countertop remodels to accomplish yourself is overlaying your existing countertops with concrete. Concrete is popular in modern homes, it looks fantastic and is neutral enough to suit a multitude of tastes. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Plastic tarps or drop cloths
- Painter's tape
- Concrete mesh liner
- Wire snips
- Sharp scissors
- 2-inch screws
- Drill with screw bit
- Metal trowel
- Prepared concrete
- Spray bottle full of water
- Large paintbrush
- Rubber float
Instructions
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Cover the floor of your kitchen and any other surfaces that you want to protect with plastic tarps or drop cloths. Protect vertical surfaces with layers of painter's tape.
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2
Cut the concrete mesh liner into pieces with wire snips. Make enough pieces of mesh so that there is one for each individual flat surface of the countertop. Trim the pieces of mesh with very sharp scissors so that there is 1/2-inch to 1-inch border of existing countertop surface left uncovered all the way around each piece of concrete mesh liner. This allows the concrete to expand and contract without the mesh poking through the edges. Attach the concrete mesh liner to the countertop using 2-inch screws and a drill.
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3
Use a metal trowel to apply a thin layer of concrete all over the surface of the existing countertop. Make this layer approximately 3/8 inch thick. Work evenly from one end of the countertop to the other. Remember to cover the edges of the countertop with concrete as well.
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Inspect the surface of the first layer of concrete. Lightly spray any rough or uneven areas with water from a spray bottle. Use a large, clean, dry paintbrush to gently brush these areas smooth. Cure the concrete for an hour.
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Apply a second layer of concrete to the countertop with the trowel. Build up the concrete this time so that the countertop is as thick as you want it to be. Keep the application even all over. Level and smooth the concrete again using the cleaned paintbrush and spray bottle.
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Work the surface of the concrete with a hand-held rubber float. This will make the countertop finish smooth while bringing all of the trapped moisture to the surface so that it can evaporate. Cure the finished countertop for 48 to 72 hours before using it.
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Tips & Warnings
Seal your concrete countertop with concrete or masonry sealant to prolong its life. Apply two coats initially, then reseal the countertop once a year to prevent scratches, chips and bacterial growth.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Concrete mixer image by zalisa from Fotolia.com
