Fast DIY Concrete Countertops

Can you really have a concrete countertop done in one day? Yes, if you plan correctly. In a weekend, no problem at all. CTS Rapidset and I teamed up to show you just how fast and easy it is to make your own countertop with concrete.
See all the details here:
housefulofhandmade.com/fast-d...
RapidSet Cement All: homedepot.sjv.io/b4Zgx (opens in a new tab)
Flow Control: homedepot.sjv.io/KaRvx
Set Control: homedepot.sjv.io/7RA9y
Concrete Calculator: www.ctscement.com/concretecal...
Music by:
freemusicarchive.org/music/Jo...

[@jakestephen508]

First video I’ve seen that didn’t use commercially made forms. Great job

[@LindsayMullen]

I've watched like 8 videos on diy concrete countertops and this is easily the best one. nice job!

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thank you!

[@Far_Dad]

So much space, and I love the way it turned out!!

[@derekknight9789]

9:15 - DUDE SAYS THE DETAILS that needs to be NOTED by each and all who are going to implement this type of RAPID SET CONCRETE PROJECT. 9:25 - DUDE's info about the type of RAPID SET and sand-type is KEY.

[@ronniestanley75]

This is the first time I have seen a Rapidset countertop being poured in place. Good results.

[@HousefulofHandmade]

For the size we wanted the pour in place was the best option. It turned out great!

[@trelawnyg]

That countertop looks really great! That's a pretty impressive turn around time as well.

[@sheaconnelly7697]

One step I would add to the process: Use a thinset and cement board fiber mesh tape on all joints found in the hardibacker board. This will make those areas far less prone to cracks in the future.

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thank you for the tip. That is not something I had ever considered. If I were to do it again I would add wire mesh or rebar for added strength.

[@Chris-5446]

Really nice work. Your woodworking skills are impressive.

[@leighatkins22]

I am looking at doing this to replace what would otherwise be a slate slab for my homemade pool table... need to make sure that it is perfectly smooth, perfectly level and almost pollished in the end, and this looks like the go. Well made vid, everything explained nicely, very enjoyable. Thanks 👍

[@sjorlando7282]

Pooltable slate is specially ground flat, this countertop wont work. Ive assembled pool tables before. Those slate tops are actually 2-3 pieces ground as 1 and have alignment marks.

[@jessicat3951]

I really love all of your countertops. I think I might have swapped the cement and the butcher block to have the cement around the sink instead, but only because I used butcher block around a sink and know how it was hard to keep nice over time. Looks great!

[@Arendeagle]

Well done!! Looks 👌

[@GL-tp5hg]

It looks nice. Great video.

[@colourful64able]

Thank you so much for this video. Its the best i could find

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Glad it was helpful!

[@orlandocabinetryllc7478]

Great video, good project and even great interview. THANK YOUUU

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@awesomedave8484]

Great Job! Thank You.

[@monkeyteck2224]

Good work my lady...

[@Real_PK]

Nice work! If you really want to cut through the cream layer use diamond pads on an orbital sander. Depending on what grit you use you can either just smooth the surface or reveal the sand for a speckled look.

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thanks for the info!

[@billram1604]

Great Video Thanks.

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thank you!

[@DiannaAtherton]

That turned out amazing. Great job. Cement is by far hugely less than granite.

[@sveneisenhauer1]

Great video and love the way it turned out. Perfect color too. I don’t remember you mentioning using any coloring or pigments?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

We didn't use any. This is the natural color of the Rapid Set Cement All!

[@Sarahranjit]

Beautiful!!! 🌸🌺🌸

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thank you.

[@angelikapotree2741]

@@HousefulofHandmade How it works after a month? From what I remember concrete soak very well smells... so I am curious if you had any problem with it.

[@aryprice2621]

Beautiful

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thank you

[@Ka-kz2gu]

You made this look so fun but I know it was killer work. Great job! It’s beautiful!

[@joannlievsay6623]

I love this And we’ve been talking about doing concrete tops but I didn’t want all the dust from sanding so the way y’all did it really made me think this is the way to go But I want to have black tops so can you add a color to the mix? Looks fantastic awesome job thank you for sharing

[@HousefulofHandmade]

You can add pigment to the mix. I would probably experiment with some small batches before going for the whole countertop.

[@lessmith3718]

Top woman,explains everything.real girl that

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thank you,

[@lwebber123]

Thank you for the video. I'm making a 5'x3'x1/2" for a skid bar I made 3 years ago. Need to do this. It's been too long. I'll post a picture. One question : What would you use for a color in the cement?

[@CHDean]

16:59 Girl! You have a great technique.

[@ThatSuzanneSchmid]

We tried this process and 1. Our concrete took several hours to set. My husband worried about how long it was taking and removed the sides too early I think, causing a crack. Now I'll have to repair that. 2. We struggled with mixing. Our drill was not powerful enough and started smoking. So I think the slow setting was due to too much water in the mix because we could not get all the concrete mixed in properly

[@bbikermama]

Wonder is you could add color to it! Looks beautiful!!

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Yes you can add color to it when mixing or stain on top. I loved the light gray so I kept it natural!

[@stephenwilliams4118]

If you were doing this for kitchen counters and not an island I assume the pour in forms method would be the only way to go . I love the look of a concrete countertop and we are considering this for ours this summer. Also I was unable to find out if CTS distributes in Canada, certainly Home Depot doesn't carry their products

[@HousefulofHandmade]

A lot of countertops will actually flip them to ensure a smooth top. It can be tricky to make sure you get all the bubbles and imperfections out. Its pretty heavy, but so is marble and granite. I can't say if they export outside the US, perhaps reach out to them directly from the website?

One question I would have asked to the guys from Rapid Set is how to change the color of the concrete

[@sophieknobloch2806]

i really like the color. so beautiful. does it come like that already with the rapid set cement?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Yes, this is the regular color. Nothing was added to it.

[@ChefKevinRiese]

Looks like the surface of the moon!

[@overlycranked8674]

This is a beautifully documented step by step information package. I have seen a few professionally finished concrete countertops and they truly compete with polished granite both in looks and feel. But I know those Pro projects require pro skills and equipment and top secrete finishing materials and supplies. How far could we push a DIY project towards the " Pro " territories? I went through the FAQ on your web pages but didn't find one important question and answer for it: " How smooth the final surface is and if there is a real point of diminishing returns for attempting to create REALLY SMOOTH surface out of a concrete slab " with DIY equipment, elbow grease and off the shelf sand-papers ?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

It is not a polished granite smooth finish. I was going for a "rougher" finish. If you want it smooth its best to flip it over after the pour and not pour in place. Then it would be pretty simple to get the polished look.

[@garyolsen3409]

@@HousefulofHandmade You can get a polished look by hard troweling it smooth like we do on concrete floors. You can ask a concrete guy what that means. Also I didn't see you edge it before you pulled the side forms. Edging will give you a rounded look and take away a possible sharp edge on the top corners.

[@tomwilkinson729]

You can get a wet polisher fairly inexpensively and polish them. I did mine last year with dyed rapid set mortar and am very happy with the result. I poured the sink as well.

[@mailemoore5017]

@@tomwilkinson729 What brand of wet polisher did you buy if you don't mind sharing? Because I want to pour in place and not having to flip over. Thank you

[@tomwilkinson729]

@@mailemoore5017 it was a relatively inexpensive polisher from Amazon. Around 100-130$. Don’t remember brand and it’s at my second home.

[@BetsyUnterborn-lv9dc]

Do you think you could do this with using the current countertop in place of the hardy board?

[@realdanafields]

Very nice!!! I’ve watched many molds here on KZbin. Will going without the wire mesh or chicken wire affects it’s durability?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

The concrete is quite strong. If you have a seam in the hardy backer board I would suggest using wire or rebar. If the ground shifts at all the counter could crack at the seam.

[@PS59761]

Beautiful video and countertop and very informative-Thank you! Based on your experience, what are your thoughts on a thinner top? I am considering resurfacing a Corian bathroom vanity with a thin (1/8-1/4" max. thickness) Rapid Set Cement All overlay. Rather than skim-coating by hand, I could make molds similar to yours but smaller, to give a much thinner cement overlay. Perhaps I could position the bottom molds to give a more substantial height of the front edge of the vanity top. Would you think this would work? Thank you.

[@HousefulofHandmade]

I just did a thinner (1" top) for a bathroom vanity with 1/2" backsplash pieces. The 1/2" thickness broke when removing it from the molds so it needed more support. But since you are coating it over another vanity it might not be an issue. Use a mold to extend the front so it wraps all over the entire vanity top. And make sure to research if you need to do something to your Corian to make sure it adheres properly. Could Be a fun project! Good luck.

[@jdmeji4]

Just saw the video and looks great, but you didn't use anything like mesh or wire to void the cracks for that size of the counter. Wondering that.

[@lmejiapt]

I just poured the cementall countertop and have attempted to seal it 3 times with the Stone Care Granite and stone sealer. Water still leaves dark spots and repels slightly in others. Any thoughts or suggestions? It’s taking most of the bottle. Do you think I can cover it with another sealer like a Behr product?

[@user-bk2im5dh6q]

Thank you!) Tell me which camera did you use? Very good picture quality.

[@HousefulofHandmade]

We use a Nikon D500 and iPhone 11.

[@patrickmccandless7110]

Great job! Does it come in white or can you add titanium dioxide or something to whiten it?

[@timhall1364]

Why no wire mess or reinforcement to keep the concrete from cracking?

[@murdocschannel2761]

Nice work! Looks great!!! In the video you stated you changed the amount of water per 55lb bag....was the final amount per bag 5 quarts? What do you recommend for sealing? Thanks

[@HousefulofHandmade]

The amount of water will very depending on temperature/humidity where you are. It was about 5 quarts per bag. I currently don't have a recommendation on sealer. I wasn't totally happy with the one I picked so I will be trying another one.

[@Real_PK]

I've used concrete countertop institute omega sealer. A little tricky to put on, but nothing seems to stain the countertops once applied.

[@timoclark]

The snap off forms would save you a lot of time. The actual pour portion of the video was beneficial.

[@huntdooly9845]

Looks great! but, Does it not need wire or mesh reinforcement or tapping to get out the air bubbles??

[@HousefulofHandmade]

If you have a solid piece of cement board underlayment the concrete is strong enough. If I were to do it again I would add mesh or rebar since I used two pieces of the cement board. The air bubbles were moved out by the sander and saw.

[@georgepobedanosets1247]

Спасибо!❤👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@renshaw5darlene1519]

What sealer did you use? Is it food safe?

[@haysfamilyhomestead9451]

How thick is the middle of the concrete ,1 inch or more? Do you still like it ? Thanks

[@mailemoore5017]

Thank you so much for the video. What type of cement did you used? Thank you for your prompt response!

[@HousefulofHandmade]

CTS rapid set. You can get all the details at housefulofhandmade.com/fast-diy-concrete-countertops/

[@mailemoore5017]

I am going to try this weekend! May I ask it looks like your countertop looking pretty white. Is it light grey because I didn't see you added any white color or pigment but it is still white. {Please advise, because I was going to order some titanium dioxide to mix in, but if your finished project is pretty white, I now am NOT sure if mixing titanium dioxide is necessary? Thank you for your prompt response!

[@rportugal89]

22:39 seconds in you can see the holes in the cabinets from the previous shelfs. please fill and paint. the black dots create so much contrast

[@HousefulofHandmade]

The beauty of diy is you make it exactly the way you want, and how anyone else chooses to do it doesn't have any impact on your project.

[@sebasstuff8847]

Would you recommend using the cement board even if you’re not doing an in-place install? Any benefits to the form like insulation, support, etc?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

I am not sure I would qualify to recommend or not. I can tell you that if I was not pouring in place I would put it directly on the cabinet. I haven't tried it so I can't say for sure if it'll work.

[@marctardif9300]

Nice video , thanks a lot. Can we put some hot plates on that? what sealer u used? thanks!

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thank you! We put hot pans/plates on it no problem. We used Stone Care Granite & Stone Sealer. I will try something else though it wasn't exactly what I wanted.

[@marctardif9300]

@@HousefulofHandmade hi, have you tried something else yet?

[@skerriesrockart]

I'm wondering can you use any rapid set for this project..in Ireland its called Post 10

[@HousefulofHandmade]

I would look at the specs for the specific rapid set you have available and compare the two. But it might work similarly.

[@EldenMontagne]

Hey, do you have any updates on how this has held up over the last few years?

[@LivingLikeMary]

Hey there!! What sealer did you use?? I would love to start my project very soon!

[@HousefulofHandmade]

The exact sealer I used is listed in the blog post. (link in description) It does need to be resealed to maintain it.

[@sancop]

I noticed the rep for Cement-All say he recommended it “for that size” but he didn’t explain. I need a 57” x 97.5” island top (yes that’s 4.5’ by 8’ plus a 1.5” overhang each side, not including the bar end.). Will the Cement-All work? And why didn’t you use reinforcements like at least like a thin ladder shaped metal piece (I think Lowes calls it a remesh sheet?)

[@HousefulofHandmade]

I believe it would work. I didn't use reinforcement because it really didn't need it. I wish I had though, the seam at the two pieces of hardy backer shifted a bit and now I have a very faint crack in the island. When I do another one I will add some reinforcement.

[@barbaradykema3441]

Hello, do you think this cement product would work for a skim layer over existing laminate?

[@sergiomiranda5648]

Hi. What screws did you used for the melamine boards? Btw, well done!!

[@thelostone6981]

I’ve always used drywall screws. They have a super aggressive tread and easily grab/release from the melamine.

[@barbaradykema3441]

How is your countertop holding up now-3 years out? I'm looking to skim coat my existing laminate countertops. Would this white concrete work for that?

[@PrInCeSsuk8]

What sealant did you use you didnt mention

[@misinec]

hey, what is the minimum thickness for concreate countertops? I am aiming for max 2cm what is approx 0.78in.. is it doable?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

I am not sure what the minimum thickness is. I would try the CTS website or experiment on smaller pieces to see.

[@mailemoore5017]

Hi again, you didn't use any reinforcement? Are you not concerned with cracks in the future? Thanks,

[@HousefulofHandmade]

If I were to do it again I would use reinforcement

[@murdocschannel2761]

Also, one more question....it appears white. No additives needed to get this white color? Thanks

[@HousefulofHandmade]

This is the color it comes straight from the bag. No added pigment at all.

[@dwayneneel9753]

No reinforcement mesh needed for this RapidSet product? or does it depend on thickness?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

For this project we didn't need it. If you have an overhang for bar stools or a thinner area around a sink you will want to reinforce it.

[@GailRDelaneyNovelist]

I realize I'm watching this over a year later, but I have a question as I've been watching several videos on doing this. All other videos I saw recommended a fiberglass mesh in the concrete (like rebar but lighter weight). Why did you opt not to use something like that?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Because my top was completely supported by the cabinets, the CTS reps said it was not necessary. It does help to prevent cracks and is necessary if you have an overhang for a bar top or small pieces of concrete around a sink opening. I have more details on it in my blog post here: housefulofhandmade.com/fast-diy-concrete-countertops/

[@GailRDelaneyNovelist]

@@HousefulofHandmade Ah, okay. That makes sense. Thank you.

[@susanwallentine8673]

What is used for the sealer? Does it have to be resealed eventually?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

The exact sealer I used is listed in the blog post. (link in description) It does need to be resealed to maintain it.

[@shanegeorge9628]

Do you use a special sandpaper to do the wet sanding?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Not a special sand paper, just make sure you get the correct grit.

[@smallsteadtx]

Maybe I missed it, but did you use a dye at all?

[@luisperata8216]

Hello, good job - i have only one question - what do you do with the cement panels?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thank you. I am not sure what you mean by cement panels.

[@leighatkins22]

Break em into 1m lengths, sharpen one end and use them for javelin practice on unwelcome visitors 😁

[@erikl85]

I assume you're talking about the hardi board panels, they stay in place.

[@dannymars]

No reinforcement ? Hope it doesn’t crack.

[@neuroticgypsy]

How long do these countertops last? We are about to start a renovation and looking for an alternative to quartz…the general contractor told me he doesn’t know how long these will last ??

[@HousefulofHandmade]

It depends on what "lasts" means. If its stain free then it depends on how well you seal it. If its structurally just think of how long a driveway/sidewalk/retaining wall last. I expect it to last as long or longer than any stone counter top, so until you decide to remodel your kitchen again. :)

[@derekknight9789]

White concrete is like soapstone classy walrus narwahl

[@mailemoore5017]

Also, what kind of table saw do you have there?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Its Rigid brand from Home Depot. You said also, but I haven't seen another comment or question from you. I hope this helps.

[@MrTHEBRITINWA]

Why no tarp under all the mixing area !!!

[@michellethompson5755]

How much would CTS rapid set have charge to come out and do it professionally without your help?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

I am not sure. They work a lot in the commercial space. It was great to have them for this project to answer the questions. The main point though, is you don't NEED to hire someone to do it. :P

[@jonnyjohnjon9779]

Just curious... where can you get a piece of quartz that big for $600?! lol

[@paulsaunders3700]

I see you didn’t use any steel reinforcing?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

I did not use any steel reinforcing. The counter top had minimal over hang and was supported evenly underneath. If there is a sink cut out or a large over hang, that's when I'd use steel reinforcing.

[@chip582002]

Question, no metal like rebar or the screen?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

We did not use rebar or a screen. There is a crack where the seam in the hardy backer board is. Its pretty small, but I would either add rebar or screen or use a single piece of hardy backer when I do it again.

[@Chicago_Clout]

What kind of water should you use?

[@mram7715]

Cold

[@just0josh8]

My wife and I are looking to do the same thing to our kitchen. But I have one important question, how is the maintenance on it? Now that you’ve had the time to work on it.

[@HousefulofHandmade]

With all concrete the sealing is important if you don't want it to stain. As I've said in other comments I wasn't happy with the first sealer.

[@mailemoore5017]

Nice video! What is your sweet dog’s 💕💕💕💕name?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Thank you, her name is Miss Delilah :)

[@MatthewAvant]

I love how DIY videos always have various dogs standing around wondering what everyone is doing 😂

[@iamepimethus]

So no wire, mesh or bars in the middle of the concrete?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Not for this project.

[@paparedpill1036]

@@HousefulofHandmade Its going to crack 🤦‍♂️ maybe not today but its coming 🤷‍♂️

[@brendagebhart325]

@@paparedpill1036 I am from Colombia and my grandma had a kitchen for over 45 years with cement counter top Idk if you know but my country is hot as hell and the counter was amazing, the things that are dome right they can stay almost forever

[@ctaaaaaaa]

@@brendagebhart325 it’s not heat you have to worry about lmao, it’s cold.

[@leonelherrera7924]

What sealant did you use?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

We used Stone Care Granite & Stone sealer. You can see all the details if you follow the link to the post in the description.

[@flippingfurnitureflipper7205]

Does the concrete stain easy?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Like most concrete they are prone to being stained. The sealer you choose will have the most impact. We started with an almost not there look. It needs to be applied more regularly and we ended up with a few stains.

[@CHDean]

20:51 Why not use an electric sander?

[@lynpromDi]

Hi... can i make it as a flooring ?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

I haven't ever done concrete flooring. CTS does LOTS of commercial flooring though!

[@trelawnyg]

On an upper level floor, that would be against residential building code. Cement is very heavy and the underlying joist and subfloor system would buckle. You could achieve a similar-ish look by using 12x24" tile with a matte stone finish (very popular & affordable item in any home improvement store).

[@meRegnar11b]

3:33 almost caught a board to the head at breakneck speeds.

[@bobjayp]

You think that's DIY and easy - Does the company rep with the red shirt and the guy with the mask come with the bags of cement?

[@dacostarik]

what was the depth of the countertop?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Its an inch and a half thick. All the details are through the link in the description.

[@dacostarik]

@@HousefulofHandmade Thank you, thats what i was looking for. I just saw it on your blog. Thank again and beautiful countertop

[@waynebogatin5140]

NO cabinet doors?

[@HousefulofHandmade]

Not yet :)

[@brian2008]

Why did you no add rio bar inside concrete?????

[@HousefulofHandmade]

It was explained to us that it was strong enough to not need it. There is a crack where the Hardy Backer board has a seam, and if I were to do it again, I would add rebar to it.

[@Real_PK]

1.5" thick slab is too thin to add rebar. Reinforcement should be 1/8 the thickness of the slab, so for 1.5" thick slab the diameter of reinforcement should be no more than 3/16". Otherwise their won't be enough concrete on top of the rebar and the slab may crack and the rebar print through. An alkali resistant fiberglass mesh is a better option in addition to using glass fiber in the mix. Most premade countertop mixes have glass fiber already in them. Additionally any seams in the cement board should be supported by adding a wood rib underneath the seam and fastening the rib to the cabinet box.

[@johnmcguffin7481]

No aggregate? No rebar? Where is the strength?

[@marklem7167]

And you too can make an easy concrete countertop with 10 of your closest friends...

[@HousefulofHandmade]

the more the merrier! If you have 2 people this project is pretty simple

[@timekabolden5309]

Ok. The reps come...but y don't they just install it themselves? I know they charge to come out. 😆

[@HousefulofHandmade]

The reps were there to give all the accurate information. They would have helped more but I like to do things myself :)

[@cinemaipswich4636]

"Cement Control" is just washing soda, that is $3.00 a kilo.

[@user-hu1il1kr4v]

No it’s not. It’s citric acid.

[@skiprope536]

Lmao.

[@timekabolden5309]

Whew Chile. 😅 😩

[@Chicago_Clout]

Working like a mule.

[@sikosis999]

i mean DIY cool but it was kinda half a product advert . . . and not a very good one tbh. . . if that system doesn't have a form set why not use one and solve 80% of your issues with finish. it's about the same 'cost' as messing with all the form work and nonsense out of the stone age :) you can more effectively level and finish the way you wish be it from a rougher 'rustic' to full up blackened if you want . . . and it provides a uniform scree base to work off of, y'all had a lump at one end and divets all over the other heh . . . should also be careful about giving 'universal' concrete recommendations, what works or is required for where ever you are may be not only wrong but dangerous & illegal else where . . . and that applies all the way from the foundation/frame work through finish and use. . . beyond my armchair quarter edit'n it was very cool of you to document, show and share the process and experience, kudos! :)