DIY Concrete Table

Make your own concrete table at home!
Learn from my mistakes so that you can save time!
UPDATE: More of an information, epoxy could be a good option for the surface - think about it, instead of the beeswax that I used. I also did a table where I did epoxy finish - skip to 0914 in that video to see it. I found this much easier. There are also a lot of other people out there that are way better than me doing epoxy, think about watching them.
UPDATE: There are so many great improvements to what I did, from all of you in the comments, take a minute to read them if you are planning on actually doing something like this :)
Tips: Use Plasticizer! can be bought here: amzn.to/2GUhevk
And vibrate more, that saves you from a lot of work. Use a different kind of sealer, if you wanna save time. (But then it might not be possible to get the structure that I got)
Cast some wood in it! It makes it much easier to fasten the legs.
UPDATE: I have been using the table for a month now, and it is no longer shiny. I could polish it again to get it back, but I will just leave it matt.
Visit: www.DIYSupply.io for more.
UPDATE: link to steel legs: • Steel legs for concret...

[@pandapanda8354]

This vid had everything. IMO very entertaining, super funny content, truly could not believe the choices made in the whole process. Wax melts into a pourable liquid in a saucepan or crockpot. Melted wax can be mixed with turpentine to make an easy to apply, penetrating top coat. Pre-portioned baggies of admixtures are sold right next to the premixed concrete brands. The major brands each sell an admixture that increases slump (wetter, more flowable mix) without compromising strength. Mortar is a product like concrete but without the chunky rocks. It can be used to fill pinholes in concrete. Polyurea is a heat resistant, scratch proof, food safe, waterproof, penetrating, shiny sealer for concrete that is stronger and more sound than epoxy. Before use the concrete must be fully cured first (that’s about 30 days)

[@DIYSupply]

Thank you for the comment and input Panda🙂 I did try and make wax in a pan combined with linseed oil, for another project, it worked out great. I also used plasticizer on another project, it made a huge difference. Have a nice day :)

[@TrabajosL3on]

Saludos y bendiciones! ✌️👍🙏🙏🙏🔥🔥🔥

[@TheChromePoet]

@@DIYSupply Very informative. I will make a couple of test pieces for practice.

[@michaeladams2077]

thanks for potent info. looked up gallon of the POLYUREA and it goes for $250. a gallon holy smokes!! lol

[@joshuablanchette2836]

Use flow control plasitcier next time. Turns your cement into pancake batter consistency without losing strength like you would by adding additional water. It will help a lot with bubbles.

[@geminaritz]

This is a valuable addition to my woodwork collection kzbin.infoUgkxbnOKZBE4evMO5V2vroHeCjq6d_MV6wJO I still will rate this woodwork plan as the best in my reference library. It always seem to stand out from the rest whenever you go through the library. This is a masterpiece.

[@justindenlinger6304]

As someone who does this professionally, one of my first recommendations would be to a lot higher slump (wetter) of concrete/cement. That will help a lot with the bubbles.

[@jtkilroy]

I think a water reducing add mixture would have really helped a lot here.

[@ttiization]

As someone who does this professionally, you should know water excess will make the finak product of way lesser mechanical resistance

[@justindenlinger6304]

@@Robo.1776 You should really use GFRC tops like this anyway, with a good plasticizer. The mix you use for this kind of stuff is like a baking recipe.

[@inbuenostv4461]

To get rid of the holes, you should try a reactive form release agent. The reaction forms a kind of soap that decreases the surface tension and allows even small bubbles to escape. You may also want to try a water reducer or superplasticiser to give it more fluidity and this also helps in eliminating bubbles and diminishing any potential shrinkage cracking. I have used Nox-Crete brand for several decades.

[@ramaSwamp]

WD40 works wonders

[@peady64]

Nice table. One suggestion though, use unsanded grout for filling air bubbles and gaps. Sometimes you need multiple passes, but it works like a charm and is easy to remove once set and cured.

[@Dendro2001]

Straight Portland cement works great to fill voids. But the trick is to mist the surface with water and rub the dry Portland into the pin holes and use your finger to work it in. Mist a little more water if needed...

[@living9377]

Good tip. Thanks!

[@stefantrautvetter875]

When you are using a levelling compound you will get a perfekt surface. I made countertops for my kitchen and it is just perfect. Cheap concrete is not good because you have a relatively dry material and when you add water you will get bubbles.

[@TrabajosL3on]

Saludos y bendiciones!! ✌️👍🙏🔥🔥

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

A perfect surface with no air bubbles is boring… what isn’t boring? Mixing epoxy with glow in the dark powder and colored powder so you have small spots all over the table that turn into stars in the night’s sky when the lights are off….

[@danielwhitaker5445]

IMO - the finish you ended up with is the epitome of what a "concrete" countertop finish should look like!! Appreciate you sharing what did and didn't work as well - Great job!

[@loukhryst.7366]

Never Give Up, Never Give Up as the Late Jimmy quoted. Nice organic peace and the bubbles gives the table character.

[@ManuelOrbeaOtaola]

Really nice job man!!! in my case, I really like the holes on it! It gives it kind of an organic / rustic look.

[@jordanl5628]

For future reference to till the bubble holes you'll want to use a slurry mix using pure cement but make it pretty thin, like thinner than pancake mix and just rub it down on the table.

[@cathypickren655]

Thx for including imperfect results at first. So often the weird shit that happens with a project is excluded. Beautiful result!

[@jonlaughner9019]

Love the video, all of it, and the inspiration you instilled! Absolutely wonderful, thank you. And thank you to all the commenters who provided additional insights!

[@DIYSupply]

Thanks for the comment Jon, it means a lot. :)

[@justinkennedy2128]

Some painful moments to watch , but this how we learn thanks for the inspiration! End result is awesome 👏

[@djClubMoney]

The finish ended up being one of my favourites that I’ve seen! So nice.

[@hohcomics]

I think if you tampered, float and troweled the concrete after screed you can avoid the air bubbles. It helps bring up the “cream” from the concrete also so maybe will help with less sanding.

[@DIYSupply]

Thank you for the input! I may try that in another project!

[@maconsdu4740]

hi from france ! im craftsman mason and profesionnal in decorative concrete u did really good job and ure comments are really a pleasure to read, u did mistakes and u say it, u tried , u dig in ure head to find tips and solutions thats pure make like i love to watch on yt what about ure wax , this table is supposed to be outdoor ? im not sure ure choice of rebbar is good the risk of rust is high and rebbar during vibrating concrete oftenly go down and risk to appear when unmolding i ll prefer to use inox , sure its more expensive but more sure in the time , in my opininion sorry for english mistakes i do my best ^^ keep like that bye^^ nicolas

[@DIYSupply]

Hello Nicolas! Thank you for your comment. The table is indoor at the moment - I never planned on putting it outdoors, though i think it would not be a problem. The rebar is galvanized, so i don't think it will be a problem. As for the vibrating - I put it about 1/3 from the top, when i made the table, so it shouldn't move down so much that it would become a problem - and it will give it better strength.

[@adm.sergei5341]

Was really fun. "How to spend a life to made good table, making all possible mistakes". But you did it, awesome result!)

[@tonyrodriguez414]

wow never seen so much work for such a small table. that is perseverance!

[@suetv7084]

"Sometimes you just gotta try something instead of watching all these KZbin videos" - So true, you got me here, you made some mistakes, but you did try...and I am just sitting here watching the video! LOL :)

[@DIYSupply]

Thanks for stopping by :)

[@anhay2082]

I watched more than 20 videos how to finish & polish the concrete surface haha

[@Cake-Form]

Well done! You ended up with a beautiful surface that tells a story of every step in the process. One of a kind👏

[@Jayonekonobi]

Nice job, get yourself a screed and a finishing trowel, will make it a lot easier and quicker for you, grout is the best way to fill air holes, much quicker . A grind stone is good for edges.

[@jhonvillalobos2051]

I work with concrete everyday. I strongly believe that you could eliminate those air bubbles if you add more water into the concrete when mixing, it gives you more workability with the paste + a better finish. You could also add some water proofing additive to make it even better. It looks nice, well done. Cheers!

[@DIYSupply]

Hey! Thank you for your input. My reason for not adding more water was that it would make the concrete weaker. I have used some plasticizer on other projects, it worked out a bit better with less bubbles but same amount of water. Cheers!

[@danielmv1721]

I have a quation. How he did the concrete? Its a ready mix or just cement and water? I didnt see the sand..

[@mxfern854]

I commend you on your perseverance. Just like life, nothing goes as planned. I have been there many times, finding solutions to new problems.

[@DIYSupply]

Thank you - And you are right :) Just keep on going!

[@eduardobarajas2573]

What of waisted time this dumb ass should go back to you tube and watch more videos😂😂😂😂😂

[@Itdontmatter69]

I built my island top the exact same way. BUT, I filled the form very close to being full, i vibrated the heck out of it, then I placed the wire mesh in, then just top coated it to cover the wire. Adding the wire mesh while vibrating will only drop the mesh down to far that it will be exposed

[@opticalfresh]

I enjoyed watching it. The table is so beautiful , the holes makes it unique.

[@Petapan33]

I like the bubble holes, especially when they are filled with resin

[@danielenicola5555]

The result is astonishing, a lot of work but I guess it was worth it based on the result

[@michaeladams2077]

thanks for showing us the ins and outs and inbetween! came out awesome

[@DIYSupply]

@@michaeladams2077 I poured epoxy over it as a finish now - would have saved me a lot of time, if I did it in the first place :)

[@christopherschrock4738]

Sealing this reminds me of waxing skis or a snowboard. It may have been easier to get a waxing iron or just cover a regular iron with tin foil and turn it on - place the sealing block on the tin foil covered iron. Eventually the wax drips down and you can cover the table with the drops in a snaking pattern. You can then smooth it out by going over the surface of the table with the iron - then buffing it - then scraping it. I’m not familiar with the exact sealant so it might not work the same but its just a thought!

[@poritorico]

I think that has to be the beautiful and shiny concrete table of all KZbin, congratulation men!!!

[@stevetaylor1904]

I can’t believe I’m commenting again and watching it for the third time. I just cast my concrete table top and thought I’d look at finishing options. Laughing and sniggering AGAIN. Great video mate. Nice job.

[@DIYSupply]

Thanks mate! But there are so many great options for finsishing it off, oils, epoxy and what not - they might be a lot easier than what I did here :)

[@X3WorkshopDesigns]

Wow. I’m impressed at how shiny that surface looks like. Nice work.

[@organize1979]

Wow I love this table- looks like the surface of the moon. Nice job!

[@influenceince]

Sometimes concrete with imperfections can still be authentic and beautiful

[@Stormbless3d]

This^ - Guy that does concrete polishing for a living.

[@SAILFISHBRASIL]

Congratulations. Yoy did a very good job. I made some like this, but, the diference is that i used a glass to create the concrete surface and that came out finished and no needed to sand or pulished.

[@glosterspread]

It’s great that you show your mistakes too. Because you got there in the end, and looked fun too. I think your table looks great 👍

[@tangerineskybarg]

I really liked the way the colors turned out. It's way more interesting than one solid color. I am at the point on my tops where I need to start filling in the holes. Watching a lot videos to see what everyone else is doing. Thank you for your ideas and tips. Looks great!!!👍👍👍👍👍😊😊😊. Awesome job!!!

[@samolubatuba]

You could start to polish concrete let's say after 8 hours of setting with metal spatula, but that's different approach when you are able work on the top of the table the whole time. Ive seen it on industrial scale they were polishing the floor with lawn like machines but with metal rotating wings. The result of it is mirror like surface. But to the point amazing vid you made u inspired me 👌

[@pushpull76]

Beautiful work, I just suggest the use of a concrete vibrator to avoid all the problems with bubbles.

[@tangerineskybarg]

I love the way it turned out. Nice job with the polishing. The surface pattern is really unique as well. Great job.

[@jaiderariza1292]

Thank you for showing the good and bad. It looks very very heavy, Ideal as countertop for an island but not for a dining table.

[@KellyMacBart1985]

You made my day. The blowtorch was just... Chef's kiss 😘

[@timheasman2984]

Dude ! I was with you all the way ! You did not give up 😀👍 Great job !

[@DIYSupply]

Dude! Thank you :)

[@falconfree7757]

Looks great, Like the surface of the Moon!

[@DIYSupply]

Haha, thank you Falcon!

[@turn1210]

I actually like the 'crater' marks too.

[@Supertomiman]

You could try filling in the bubbles with ceramic tile grout. It will probably fill them up easier, and you can wipe it flush with a wet sponge.

[@cndbrn7975]

Next time you have pits fill them in, then mix portland cement and water into a paint consistency, paint the entire surface then seal.

[@kenyanana]

ie make a slurry... I'm no concrete guru but this is what I'd have tried too

[@adrianwalker9416]

Experiment = Experience Did you do it right? Who cares! End result..... you got a table. I'm sure some of it was frustrating, but good onya for sticking at it. 👍

[@DIYSupply]

Thank you Adrian!

[@richardrostin7373]

respect! thanks for all your effort, I know you have saved many man hours globally.

[@pixellegolas]

thanks for metric system! That is what everyone needs :)

[@DIYSupply]

I could get in trouble here - but to me it makes more sense yes :) Maybe because that's just what i'm used to.

[@Rufdesign1]

This is too difficult for the Americans, they have already tried in the 70s and have failed miserably.

[@lennartpersson9834]

The Americans has decided to move over to the metric system but gradually, inch by inch!

[@matthewfox3760]

Nice work it looks awesome If anybody wants to use wax to polish with I recommend looking into ski tuning tools And iron for melting the wax into the base material and plastic brushes in a plastic scraper You can also get plastic brushes on a rotary handle that attach to a drill

[@calvinwong365]

I watch so much car paint correction videos. Never thought of using the same concept on concrete. So amazing and that Makita polisher is love!!

[@paulcritchley464]

Grinding the surface does help with a commercial grinder. All the colours of the stones will be shown red greys yellows, even add black stones. Finish with a lacquer Extra vibrating helps, use a pencil vibrater. Made one in the eighties Cheers have a great day

[@willijl]

Use a plastcizer. To thin out your mix and make the concrete raiser to vibrate

[@-everythingsRosie]

You’re hilarious! Thanks for showing all the little things that might not go according to plan… (totally on purpose I’m sure 😉) My husband said ‘see I can do that!’ I’m pretty sure he meant he wants to copy you exactly so he too can use the flame thrower/ grass burner! 😂

[@DIYSupply]

Haha, thanks for the comment. Actually I just poured some clear epoxy over it at this point, the wax didnt hold op for very long. Good luck with the project!

[@-everythingsRosie]

@@DIYSupply ooh epoxy… that’s a great idea! 💡 I think you did a great job - we had to pause the vid a few times until we stopped laughing. You have a great personality and we love that you included the mishaps! Thanks for response. Keep up the great work! Cheers 🍻

[@YanTales]

end result looks really good, actually surprised me.

[@manacrafts7555]

For the air holes it's best to get a can of SBR bond and kiln dried sand (same colour as the sand you mixed the concrete with) mixed with cement (same ratio as your concrete mix) then put a little SBR bond with your water and mix the kiln dried sand and cament into a paste not too dry no too wet and work It into the holes take off exess and leave a day before buffing out.

[@paulnovak833]

Super plasticizer is perfect for this application to make concrete flow better and reduce bubbles.

[@FknNefFy]

That’s pretty cool! I never knew you could get concrete to look so shiny! I think if you put it down on a really smooth surface to start and then paint a really thin layer of concrete before pouring it it will save you all the sanding or at least most of it!

[@pn3940]

I see another video showing use of a white powder to help the mortar flow better, and he made it much thinner which helps removing air bubbles easier.

[@DIYSupply]

Hey, yes - as in the description, use plasticizer :)

[@oscarmarfori613]

I use gypsum putty ready mix to fill up the holes much more manageable both application and sanding,

[@wwt17]

I like the way the concrete came out.

[@back2paranormal]

So cool man, I'm gonna try making one with rounded corners, thanks for sharing.

[@manuellagotorrealba]

Amazing, looks like a picture of moon's surface

[@tiborinna]

What works best for me is, rubbing the mold with a thin layer of cooking oil, then spraying it in addition with dishwashing soap and watter mix, 1 spoon soap on 1 0,5 liter of water..making sure it goes everywhere. Then vibrating. The results are superb, no bubbles, perfect details, and easy release from the form. Try it next time!

[@RossCrain]

Love the surface. Looks like the moon.

[@jodylebouton9436]

I want to make concrete tables and chairs for our reception in October but watching what you went through has me thinking just order the dang things. I just like making things.

[@DIYSupply]

Hey! It's not as hard and complicated as it looks, I made a lot of mistakes - if you just vibrate it well, maybe use a thinner mix and/or some plasticizer to avoid bubbles, and another sealer - there's many options out there, you will be good - good luck :)

[@jodylebouton9436]

DIY Supply I watched the video again and as I am not making big tables I believe I can do it. Instead of milk crates I am going to use good old HD buckets. A round seat with padding and material will be more comfy. Thank you for the show of confidence.

[@jodylebouton9436]

My fiancé has disappeared on the road from the Sambisa Forest where he was stationed. He had signed his retirement papers and was driving to the UN in Ghana. UN says he never got there. I am sick and scared.

[@jamesrogers47]

You could also have embedded a strip of brass around the table top's perimeter, say about two or three centimeters from the edges as an accent. When you ground down the surface and polished it, the polished brass would have been very attractive.

[@DIYSupply]

Hey James! Thank you for the input - that is not a bad idea :)

[@carlhe5072]

you may try to use cement paste to seal the air hole, it could save a lot of time

[@gns-gu8xh]

I have used tile grout and it works good if you seal the concrete

[@JohnOsCreations]

I use diamond sanding / polishing discs. 100% easier than the sand paper. Got them in a set 50,150,300,500,1000,2000,3000 grits.

[@yurimichellegudino-muriel2808]

This table is amazing! Super neat.... great job on this project. 👍

[@estebancastano8543]

It came out really nice. Looking at this video makes me wanna make a concrete project. You got a new subscriber

[@Daniel-qw9dm]

I appreciate the errors included helps me learn!

[@kylasas5668]

Beautiful result! I think that the air bubbles and imperfections tell a story about process and hand that can't be replicated by machine. I love that you used wax to seal it.

[@skylux9634]

Totally agree Kyla, concrete furniture should have that brutal-industrial finish the blemishes to add character...otherwise you may as well go for stone or some engineered solution.

[@PabloPazosGutierrez]

Why not float the bottom and use is as top? Seen magnesium floating that makes a great polished finish.

[@margaretingleby679]

Finished top looks great , wouldn't you have more control over bubbles if the original working top became the finished side .

[@CalgaryMan2009]

Why didn't you use a slurry to fix the holes? You used come concrete mix at the beginning on your first attempt but it was too wet. A slurry is much much wetter. Also you can use a bonding agent to help the new concrete bond to the table. Just a thought.

[@CalgaryMan2009]

Sorry, I meant the first concrete was not wet enough. A slurry is liquid.

[@infoaccount7323]

Do you think you can make a garage floor look that cool?

[@jdmec81]

Love the way the wax and burned waxed cause the color changes. Really awesome effect, much better looking than just cement.

[@unsortedguy]

Always fun finding out videos are from norwegians.

[@DIYSupply]

Hey Unsorted Gaming I have to disappoint you, I’m from Denmark - but it’s close :)

[@martina8489]

Hi! From Argentina! You are magnificent!! I love the table🥰

[@johnsdiy6085]

Reckon I'll be giving this ago, it looks so straightforward

[@turn1210]

I'd advise boiled linseed oil, then furniture wax. This seemed like so much hassle to seal.

[@fernandoaguilera9534]

Buen travajo bro!, "el unico que nunca se equiboca es el que nada hace"

[@gregggrossman4103]

love the trial and error. a coating of epoxy would have filled the holes too easier to work with. great looking table, nice job

[@williamlee7119]

I was screaming "use epoxy!!" the whole video

[@buenavida5407]

Sin duda un trabajo excelente, pero no estoy seguro de que lo pueda hacer yo mismo

[@kilowaverider131]

Man ur effort deserves respect. But u want to check on different concrete and in my experience when using a good surfice as form as u did, using a slightly more fluid mix (self levelling) will solve a lot of problems. Tumb up

[@MrLucascoelho23]

Ficou muito legal. Get's really beatiful. greatings from brazil!

[@DIYSupply]

Thank you! 🇧🇷

[@sumitkhandelwal100]

Your honesty touched me. God bless u.

[@Dennis.5150]

Tile grout fills the little holes just fine.

[@shitheadjohnson2797]

thats not bad. i wonder if dissolving and recementing the surface can help??? (but dont dissolve and recement yourself in the process.)

[@theobgyn6787]

Should have wet cured. Simply don't tent the plastic. Even better if you have some burlap instead of plastic then you can come by and spray it down a few times. Curious why are you finishing the bottom? I understand if you're trying to have a design into table locking epoxy inlay or something of nature. However if all you're looking for is a nice smooth clean finish. it would be much easier to just burnished the top of the table as it's getting close to be ready to be covered you'll get a better smooth product without all that grinding and additives that you were doing on the bottom that way.

[@aivanjogambito5242]

Mi opinión es que para desaparecer las burbujas y taparlas sería con 1x1 agua y cemento puro pasarla con una espátula y sellarlo el concreto y listo .gracias

[@DIYSupply]

Hola! Thank you for your input :)

[@DancerCommander]

Man, YOU ARE PATIENT AND PERSISTENT!!! Looks beautiful! Thanks for xharing!!....cynthiaArt

[@DIYSupply]

Thank you!

[@robsonj.2950]

Try cement and white glue mix, to close the holes.

[@altafhasen4739]

Nice video pal! You should probably have used the diamond grinding disks and polishing pads to make the work less time consuming.

[@Realbigcheese15]

Amazing video, thanks for share, man, what kind of wood did u use for the base?

[@syoungy763]

Nice video gave a idea 💡 pool table going screw fix

[@pablobrixton9958]

great instructional video. These days of toktok supereasypeasy tutorials it's sooo necessary to show very frequently things, don't work out as the plan!!! I think bubbles weren't a big deal, they would have got filled up with dirt anyway afer using it, and then polished. On the other hand, to get that glass-looking effect, casting liquid epoxy on top might have worked out too.these days these days very frequently