How to make a Concrete Counter Top in 1 hour!

[@MichaelBuilds]

So incredibly sorry about volume of the music! Im still learning the ins and outs of iMovies and I promise you it’ll get better in the next videos.

[@leadfeet6236]

This is great. You're hilarious.

[@bennieknape4857]

Since you're open to suggestions on your on your videos one piece of advice that I've got and I'm not anybody to be weak giving advice but one and it's University a good idea less is more lower the volume on the background noise lower your volume try to emulate our buddy Bob Ross talk with a quiet voice very little background music if any at all nice and easy nice and slow clear clean hell yeah that's not a mistake it's a happy little Bush that dude was so awesome and if you have any questions about how to make a video go back and watch his videos I know you have I have they're awesome emulate that guy nice and calm nice and quiet and you know you're not mistakes your happy little accidents so keep doing what you're doing less-is-more and hell yeah Bob Ross was badass

[@liamoboyle2065]

Great stuff even better for us know it all old buggers my bit is to say that there be very little need for to screed it at all fsuch a small area

[@bennieknape4857]

Oh yeah,one thing never say sorry again! (I appolige !) Never sorry got it ! It's all on you!

[@mrchaucer]

I was about to say something. Great comment but hard to hear over the music.

[@tylersmith7783]

I did this for the top on my outdoor kitchen I build for my patio today, and it could not have worked better. I got quoted $2,400 for a company to do them, I did them myself and it ended up only costing me $180 and a few hours of my time. Can’t thank you enough, keep the videos coming!

[@thooper4380]

I was in the same boat for a 30ft concrete walkway. More time and money on my end compared to countertops, but saved thousands in a single day of work and couldn't be happier with the results. DIY!

[@SlapHappy]

How is it holding up? What did you use to seal it, and is it protecting it from stains while cooking? Just bought a house and need to redo my counter tops was thinking going concrete.

[@infraprods]

Great vid. A couple of pointers for those who are not as used to working with fast setting mortar as Michael is. Rapid Set Mortar sets (sets = maintains shape, but without a lot of strength) in 15 minutes at 70 deg F (20 C). That means at 70 you've got about 10-12 minutes to work with it. At 80 that becomes about 7 minutes and at 90 you're fighting to get it out of the bucket right after you mix it. So mix and get it out of the bucket as fast as you can. It's not like a regular mortar that gives you a lot of time to play. M's method of putting in the Flow Control after mixing the mortar works well, but a way to gain a little bit of speed is to add the Flow Control to the water first and then add the Mortar. That gives you quicker and easier mixing with less stress on your drill.

[@enelson0405]

infraprods +1 I just did a one bag piece that was setting as it hit the mold. I would estimate mix temp in the high 80s.

[@kmc2428]

I am going to try adding the flow control to water as you suggest. My 1st bucket went nicely but my 2nd hardened before I could get it out of the bucket and the 1st pour was already hard by then also. I am going to have 2 buckets set up with water and flow control, bags opened and ready to pour, fully charged batteries and work in the shade in the AM before it gets hot. It was about 80 today and just didn't get it done as easily as he made it look in his video.

[@ryantracy5569]

So glad you posted this, even though it's 5 months old. I'm in Houston, in the summer, trying to follow this method. By the time the concrete was mixing well it was getting hard. I even lost an auger in the concrete because it hardened too fast!!! I was ready to give up after 2 or 3 ruined buckets, but maybe our climate calls for a non fast setting mortar I guess. Thanks!!!

[@alexhaynes7483]

97 degrees here in the southeast. Guess I don't stand a chance at this until late Fall.

[@THEJET52]

The Fast mortar sounds stressful: needs controlled climate maybe? However the tutelage on making the frame and beveling etc is great . I would stick with longer setting concrete, if you aren’t in hurry to get it done in 2 hours.

[@deborahsteady3779]

OMG!! I'm doing it ! This was THE BEST ever! I'm a 66 y/o grandmother and I AM going to be making my countertops now.. You rock!

[@MichaelBuilds]

Show’em how it’s done Grama! 👍🏻😉

[@RUC5]

I decided to try this for four countertops in my house. They turned out pretty good, but I have some tips as I ended up with some cracks. 1. Don't try anything fancy. I tried molding a sink opening and some cutouts, but the mortar broke. Which leads me to... 2. If you add reinforcement, i would try smaller steel than rebar. I added rebar, but the mortar cracked around it. 3. I found 4 qts of water made a better mixture than 5. 4. If you add designs, careful on the amount of mortar, I ended up with some big voids. 5. Be careful on the type of silicone and make sure it gets a good layer of wd40. The stuff I used bonded to the concrete in many places, and I spent a lot of time trying to get it off. 6. Let them dry longer than an hour, the ones I let dry for 24 hours worked better. Make sure to keep them wet as long as possible. The 1 hour strength is good, but why not let it get stronger? 7. Make sure to have a really good 1/2 inch drive drill with a paddle mixer, or a backup. I burned through (literally burned through) a cheap drill and had to borrow one, so I lost a batch of concrete and a bucket. I mixed 10 bags total. 8. Unscrew one side of the mold to make taking the mold off easier. Good job on the video, and keep 'em coming. I am happy with the project, just had some tips for any first timers.

[@pauls.nobert3141]

I have done my counter tops using Suregrip Lite Weigth mix with polymore (not water) poored directly on surface with 3 in melamine sides. It allowed me to poor a thin layer of 1/2 in. The reinforcement was done by some Teflon T shape tip (about 3/8in high and a 1/4in wide - like the one that holds the price tag on a new shirt) mixed with the cement and color powder . I used a 12 in Metal trowel to level the top. SInce some Teflon tip were showing up like hair on your arm , i used some fondue liquid gas and burned them !

[@PowerScissor]

Did you use Mortar or concrete? You said concrete in a few places, so wondering if you did both? Also, did you use the flow control? I have forms ready to go, RapidSet mortar, but the stores have been out of flow control...so not sure if i should try a batch without the flow control or wait until I can source some.

[@pauls.nobert3141]

@@PowerScissor ​ "Light Weight" was written on the bag, and mixed to polemere liquid (1/2 gallon per bag of concrete ). Then, teflon tips for reinforcement and charcoal color concrete powder were added to the mix. The density of the mix itself is more a "Dump and push into place" then "Pooring and leveling liquid". You end up with a concrete 4 times stronger, no pores, very dense surface even after many years. It's been 5 years and at that time I had an expert contact given me expertise , how to's and selling me the right stuff. It was not cheap though. I did not use Flow Control (never heard of that until I read this article a week ago). Maybe we added a little bit of water to the mix , i just don t remember. Sorry. You have 30 to 45 min to poor and push and vibrate the mix on your surface before polymere sets in. 3/8" was the thiness surface. If you use a melamine cast and want to do some ocher veins, you would make a full hand patty that you push firmly into place on the melamine and drop ocher color concrete powder on th edge of that patty before putting the next patty. I would go with 5/8 of an inch and more when doing a cast. Here is a def of polymere concrete: Polymer concrete is an ideal material for constructions outdoors. It fulfills the highest requirements in terms of durability and low wear. The production of the material differs from that of cement concrete through the use of reactive resins instead of cement paste. This results in higher strength, which allows components to be manufactured with thinner walls - and therefore less weight. The decisive advantage, though, is the perfectly smooth and pore-free surface, which remains unchanged over many decades. This is an enormous quality advantage over cement concrete, which tends to become washed out due to weathering and flake in winter due to frost. Hope this helps. [e-mail]

[@PowerScissor]

@@pauls.nobert3141 Thanks, I'm about to make my 2st attempt today.

[@RUC5]

@@PowerScissor i should clarify, I did use the same mortar and flow control as in the video.

[@garylsmalley]

Dude, you need your own tv show. Great humor and edit, including info presented in a non boring way. Your first video? Great job.

[@MichaelBuilds]

Thank you so much! That means a lot to me !

[@lifebeginsat190]

Agreed....his first video?...killed it...entertaining and informative...great job

[@apexvadeor3670]

This is his own tv show that’s the beauty of it

[@kristiwilliams4816]

Yes definitely need your own show on diy or HGTV!!

[@christopherGBrownlee]

Hey everyone. I just wanted to drop a thank you to Michael. This guy has been super helpful. I watched all his videos and he gives great advice. He has given me the confidence to take on remodeling my floors and doing concrete slabs for a pergola. Mike had been kind enough to answer my emails even when he has been super busy. I have very much appreciated it. Thank you Michael.

[@yurp151]

First of all great video man! So I just recently built on outdoor bar top using all the steps in your video. Here are some things I learned after building mine (since i now know what to do i will rebuild this in the fall) My measurements were 96in long, 30in wide and 2.25in deep. #1 do not attempt to mix this rapid set mortar mix in hot weather (above 85 degrees) because it will harden almost instantly. I went through 3 bags of mortar/flow control/ home depot buckets before I got so mad I almost gave up. Waited until later in the day (about 65 degrees) and then it mixed just like the video. And yes I used 55lb bags and 5 qts of water just like in the video. #2 get more bags of mortar mix and flow control than you think you need (you can always take them back) I used 4 bags for my measurements and it wasn't quite even with the sides. So I smoothed it out, let it sit and ran back to home depot for more mortar. It was already hardened when I returned so I just mixed the other bag and poured it on top to level it out all the way to the top. BIG MISTAKE! The second layer never bonded properly to the first layer and it just flakes off very easily (probably because it's so thin) #3 when you are making the live edge USE A BOARD UNDERNEATH WHERE YOU ARE HITTING! Some big pieces broke off and I had to glue them back with construction adhesive. #4 the sanded tile grout works great for the stencil but it will leave the mortar porous in those places so definitely seal the counter top. (Which he has another great video on how to do!) Sorry for the super long comment but I wanted to share what I experienced so it might help others. All in all this video is awesome and yes the cast really does just come right off of the mortar if you do it just like the video shows (I was really worried about that lol)

[@gina994]

Great tips!!! Thank you so much🙂

[@sarahpadilla877]

I would have loved to have seen a video on your process, that way we can all learn on what can go wrong. Thanks for sharing!

[@rancedodd]

Never seen any concrete product set up as fast . Do this project in cool weather and get a helper . Did mine on a 90 degree day on July 4th in Texas .

[@rancedodd]

After it was all done I was very pleased how the table turned out .

[@charlottejarvis4735]

We all learn by trial and error and your’s were so helpful! Definitely will be aware of temperature and hammering live edge as you suggest. Thanks,

[@Joewalshe38]

Well made and edited video. A few suggestions for those following these tips: - Make sure your mould is level in all directions before pouring and on strongly supported. - Add steel mesh or even glass fibres after you have the mix already poured on the mould surface. You may not need the added strength but it should not add much to the cost and you avoid the risk of the slab breaking while being moved. - Bring concrete/mortar mixture to the top of the form before screening it smooth. This way you have a smooth straight finish which will be easier to fit. - I would use less water as the finished product will be much stronger. Vibrate form for longer to reduce the number of air bubbles on the surface. - I made a sample mould and poured a 400mm square concrete slab so as to learn how this process works before pouring for a large Kitchen worktop. Enjoy

[@t.beamer2207]

Of all the comments, I can't believe that no one who has followed your tutorial and made a counter top has responded. Allow me to be the first. I wanted a small counter top, about 10" x 60" with an arced front for my outdoor bar. I followed your instructions from this video and the one concerning curved counter tops. I added some buff pigment for a brown color. Wow. The results were incredible. I was thrilled at how smooth the top was as well as the rounded edges created by the silicone caulk. It absolutely exceeded my expectations. My custom made counter top took me about a day and a half and cost me around $75 bucks. I couldn't be more pleased. If I ever make another one, the only thing I would do differently is take a little more care in applying and smoothing the caulk because any globs or imperfections will definitely show up on the edges. Thanks for the awesome video. You just made me look like a genius...

[@MichaelBuilds]

Thank you so much! I want to see pictures! @michaelbuilds313 instagram!

[@bennieknape4857]

You got to love it when a plan comes together!

[@bennieknape4857]

Bob was bad ass !

[@aardvarkflotilla]

Excellent does not cover your video-producing skills. I've not seen a flare for this before in my KZbin viewing experience. Also, I was the guy at Buckeye Steel Castings in Columbus, Ohio who made the molds from two-part epoxy plastics. I would like to have had you as my Master for the jobs I did. Your incite and your tips and advice are worth untold savings in hours and frustration. When we were all laid off, the Super came and told me face-to-face that I had saved the company a lot of money and, believe me, he did not say that to the other journeymen who had fought him every step of the way! Well done, man! I've given you all the support I can....and you deserve it! John J Webb.

[@OldSchoolVideoPhotography]

DIY, Build talent AND Camera, Editing, Story Telling skills? You are my hero!

[@MichaelBuilds]

WOW! Thank you so much Pete!!!

[@capecrusader6932]

I'm hooked! I made my first concrete bathroom vanity. My first bag of mortar never got out of the bucket and I burned up my drill motor. The second attempt, I was a bag short of mortar and ended up with a 1" counter with thousands of tiny pin holes (I guess I didn't vibrate it enough :) It did give me a practice piece to try my hand at the natural edge. Finally, poured it right on the third attempt. I used a plastic mixing trough, a bag of Set (because I'm slow) and a bag of Flow. I vibrated the bottom with the metal edge of my oscillating sander until my hand went numb and wah-lah, a finished counter with no bubbles and a perfect edge that I took my mason hammer to. Thank you for all the hard work making great videos. HGTV should offer you a DIY show. Matt Bashaw goes to my church and like you, he is an encourager. Keep up the great work!

[@markbither]

Dude, I'm a contractor and laugh at a lot of DIY projects... Your project, your video, your commentary, on point. Nice job man!

[@stephenfresh1754]

well Mark, what school and certifications do you have that makes you a contractor? You just DiY for money lol, all the same

[@jasonhernandez2078]

@@stephenfresh1754 It's called a Contractor's License issued by the State Contractors License Board.

[@trojanhorse9459]

Oh lord Stephen don’t be like that.

[@edgarjimenez1392]

Im licenced by the lord!

[@matthewmeyers1350]

Mark a question since you are a contractor. Using mortar for a countertop: Is it going to be as durable as cement? Is it going to scratch easier that cement?

[@kompman420]

I’ve done a lot of renovations over the years. Never done poured concrete anything let alone a counter. I watch tons of videos on KZbin to either learn something new or laugh at what people try. Gotta say, you have a real gift for doing these videos and seem to have some real talent in what you make. Excellent work my friend. Now I’m going to see what other vids you have.

[@gingermilsap7157]

You are a natural, not only in producing the video but in explaining the process and showmanship! Please, please make more stuff, and show technique and helpful hints. OMGosh, you keep your audience’s attention, you are not full of yourself, and you have an incredible talent. I love it!!!

[@tonybacker1956]

I have been wanting to do this for quite sometime, and as you stated, I've seen about a thousand of these videos. This, by far, is the best DIY video series on KZbin. You were made for this, and I wish you all the best in your continued support of helping train all of us DIYers out here on the interwebs. I look forward to your next videos.

[@marklazarcheff4614]

Have read all the comments. I love Monday Morning Quarterbacks. I am a disabled vet and your video made me believe I can do this with the small assistance while not bothering my friends to help in an over the top project. I love your stencil and ribbon work. would love to find a way to transfer pics onto the cement. I have an idea of creating a table for the backyard where i plan to makw a remembrance garden for my best friend..my dog who passed while I was disabled and almost sent me over the dark edge. I'm sure others have suggested or your own creativity has thought of some other crazy and or fun way to accent the cement . Thank you for the inspiration.

[@raulsanchez4493]

Mark Lazarcheff thank you for your service brother. I have all the respect in the world for you

[@marklazarcheff4614]

Raul Sanchez serving was my honor.

[@brucea550]

There are a few KZbin videos on transferring photos to stone, guessing it would work on cement too.

[@barbarajohnson79]

Thanks for your service Mark, it is because of men like you my grandchildren have a great future to look forward to. Never consider the dark edge.

[@DireWolfForge]

Future home show TV Star right here folks. I’ll say it first. I’m very impressed. Entertaining and well done. Thank you for this.

[@MichaelBuilds]

Thank you so much Rich!

[@scottl5852]

My wife, son and I did our kitchen island. We mixed and poured 4 bags in 20 minutes. It went smooth because of your video 🍻cheers to you Sir! We are starting the the rest of the countertops next week.

[@MichaelBuilds]

That’s awesome! I love that you got the family involved too! That’s what it’s all about!

[@ellenmassey9410]

Can you tell me how big it was? We are needing a 8' x 5' for our island!

[@my99mopar]

Thank you! After lots of debating back-and-forth my wife and I decided to go with concrete countertops. So like all good home DIY people, I go to KZbin and I find this entertaining, funny, very knowledgeable guy who tells me I Will not have to watch another video. He was right! I just did my first countertop of 7 foot long and it turned out amazing! Thank you again!!!

[@danabbate4623]

Well, you're right! I watched a thousand of these videos and they all scared me off of this project. After watching your video I will now be trying this on the smallest of my kitchen cabinets. If it works well I will, most likely, be doing the entire kitchen. EXCELLENT video. Truly well done!

[@MichaelBuilds]

Thank you Dan! Let me know if you have any questions and I want to see pictures!

[@bosdad7]

to keep your art in place, lightly apply several coats of hairspray over them before you pour the concrete. it will lock the sand in place and will not discolor the concrete.

[@ritah.6752]

Great idea!

[@melindadawn5]

👍🏼I do that with my chalk art I do on my pavers and wooden front porch and deck .. Helps keep the art around much longer. even when it rains (and I live in Oregon where it rains all the time.) As much as I love mod podge, and as much time as I spend on each piece of art, I want to enjoy it longer than a day or two but don't want it to be a permanent addition. Hairspray works wonders... As well as keeping my gel pen ink in place on plastics, rocks, and other random, non paper items, so I can then use spray mod podge to lock the art in place. I would have spaced it for something like this project. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👌🏼

[@ShandeleReynolds]

I am female and from watching your video, I am sure I could do that. And I loved your video💚

[@MichaelBuilds]

Thank you so much! I want woman to feel empowered! You got this!

[@NRH117]

Awesome! You made this concrete countertop build simple. Tired of the overly complicated videos out there on KZbin. Thanks, buddy.

[@MichaelBuilds]

THATS WHAT I’M TALKIN ABOUT! Haha 😆

[@richardstadler5287]

production and editing was top shelf for a newby

[@escapefromny2012]

Yes, but I beg men to please lower the volume on the music. I had to turn up the volume really loud to hear his voice and that made in damn near painful when the music was playing. :(

[@Mike-im2xd]

He could use some audio compression . Take a look at kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoqypnaidryiock on how to.

[@margr8218]

A newby? What a preschooler??? Newby=annoying!

[@ShandeleReynolds]

@@margr8218 just shut up. You are annoying=Margaret Rauch

[@elizabethkent5188]

You have just changed my life! I hope you make all sorts of videos to improve the DIY experience! I am the DIYer but my husband hates my grand ideas and hates having to come help! I could get this all done before he even knows we have new counter tops! I was looking for video on a live edge table with concrete inlay rather than epoxy, so happy I found this because I think it’ll be much easier!

[@trainerrg]

This was the best concrete countertop video I’ve seen. I loved that you showed how to make a design in the concrete. The video was well-paced, and I would guess you scripted it beforehand, which is an excellent choice. You kept us in the action, showed just enough of each step to explicate the techniques, and you did the necessary explaining but didn’t go overboard describing every minutia. Please keep making videos! I saw in your video description that you are aware of the loudness of the music. I’ll just mention that it was not only overly loud when you weren’t talking, but also loud enough to obscure your voice at times. I’m sure you’ll sort that out with trial and error, as you wrote.

[@warveteran1-105]

My man, just did this for an outdoor bar top... Worked like a charm... The worker at Home Depot was saying I needed PSI 6000 because the mortar mix is too weak... Wish I could send him the pictures... Thanks my man, the step by step was amazingly easy to follow... 👍🏼

[@saighusa]

I had a company install concrete countertops. They used the ”build in place” method with fiberglass reinforced concrete. If I had only known this method, I'd made them myself. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@MichaelBuilds]

Lol 😂 thank you so much Kevin! Sort I’m late lol

[@onlyericdunn]

Thank you for taking the time to put very good information out there. Ive been a carpenter/mason/tile/yeah for about 28 years. One of the best finds I have had in the past decade is the Rapid-Set product line. I use both the Mortar Mix and Cement All very often and havent had any call backs, or unhappy customers. The Flow Control and Set Control are great additives depending on each application. You should submit your video to Rapid-Set :) For those who dont know, when it sets, it sets, lol Mike said it right "It's Gooooo time" Thanks again :

[@jeffmuehlfelder7468]

Was thinking of doing this for kitchen countertops but noticed he did not seal them...also noticed that rapid set cement all said it is for casting and the mortar mix dos not list that on the bag. Wondering if theres a reason to use the mortar mix over the cement all for a project like this and if there is a recommended sealer for use ina kitchen

[@howarddodson3510]

Agree with the comment re “how the hell is this ur first video?” Great tips that I’ve never seen before (chipped edge, caulking with foam window cleaner, and flow control stuff). Your attention to detail is amazing in your products and video production. Thanks for the time/efforts given to strangers like me!

[@MichaelBuilds]

Thank you so much Howard!!! I can’t tell you how much that means to me!

[@kwgardner04]

I watched/saved this video about a year ago and I had wanted to have a project to create a concrete countertop. The opportunity finally came up and the results were perfect. The steps you provided were very simple to follow and my new countertop turned out excellent. I have already received several compliments and people can’t believe I made it. Thanks for your video!

[@MichaelBuilds]

THATS WHAT IM TAKIN’ ABOUT!!! That’s what it’s all about man!!! 👍🏻😉☺️🤩👍🏻

[@AOMartialArts]

First video?? Solid editing, not bad music, volume control, steady camera *not* handheld, used a tripod, great topic, super clear instruction, 10/10 end product...... Liar. Impossibru face

[@paulmorton2336]

Mate, nice to watch a professionally done KZbin video for once. Content was simple and concise, but the film making was the best feature. It was a pleasure to watch. I wish others would take note of how to present a video on KZbin.

[@threeque]

First video? WTF? Dude this was awesome. You have what it takes. Great project as well. Love your style. Hope you explode here on the Tube.

[@MichaelBuilds]

Again, THANK YOU SO MUCH! I want to be a KZbin star when I grow up! Lol. The first video was so fun to make and I’m having even more fun making this second one! I’m really nervous tho. I hope you all will like it.

[@dakodaspencershmacked5089]

Michael Builds Bro, this was honestly a great video and completely agree with the statement above. Looking forward to additional videos. I’m subscribed fo shizzle

[@shaneryan5304]

Second this, I had to check your page to be sure I read that comment right. You must have been making videos for a long time and this was your first on KZbin, because honestly, shit this was killer man...

[@MichaelBuilds]

So serious! Never picked up a camera until 6 months ago! I started watching Peter McKinnon’s vlog about 5 or 6 months ago and got hooked! I’ve been wanting to make this video for about 2 years but had NO IDEA where or how to start. When I started filming it just turned into a living breathing thing lol

[@johnkolinoff8591]

Michael Builds. we'll you out did yourself... I've seen thousands; of VIDEOS.. and this one was awesome! especially for you're first one.. keep killing it!!!!!!

[@genelynch3874]

Great videos Michael... We just bought a house with an outside lakefront gazebo that had a little outdoor countertop made put of plywood - obviously it rotted - while exploring options I came across your videos and went for it. It's not perfect but I think the happy little accidents give it a rustic look which fits the location. Thanks for the videos

[@TheThreekeys]

This is the BEST DIY vid on concrete countertops EVER!! Thank you for posting!!

[@MichaelBuilds]

Oh my gosh thank you so much!

[@drgunnwilliams5185]

Loved the simplicity. So many want to complicate things, with intent of promoting outside business profits. Nice that see straight forward, with simple instructions. Same kind of things I try to do in instructing about electrical work. Nothing is hard in life when we know how & have an instructor who actually teaches rather than continually showing those learning that they are smarter. Thank you!

[@dwaynecallender8450]

Yo...This guy is my new rock star. First video?? Man I couldn’t stop watching. @HGTV you need to give this guy his own show.

[@MichaelBuilds]

Lol 😂 thank you so much Dwayne!!!

[@AlexMacDIY]

Man, I was so pumped about doing this but I had a huge fail today with the mortar mix. Just stepped away from it to write this actually. I had the frame ready, DW40'd, siliconed, all set. I put in 5 qt's of cold water into my bucket and poured the whole bag in like you did. Immediately put my mixer in at low speed and it was a rock! I mean within 30 seconds. I couldnt get the mixing attachment lower than a certain level. I quickly got another bucket, put 5 qt's in and then tried to take some of the mix from bucket 1 and put it into a new bucket. I got it at the right consistency, added the flow control but it was only half a bucket... I tried to add some dry mix from bucket 1 to the new bucket and then they both became rock hard. Im talking less than 5 minutes here. The closest home depot is an hour away and now im out 1 bag, 2 buckets and a bag of flow control :(

[@garronteed]

Plans, supply procurement, site readiness, mold assembly and preparation, mix preparation with accents, pour, cure, live edge detail, seal, install................totally just ONE HOUR! Still had time to dye my hair, wash my car, do three loads of laundry, paint 300' of wood fence, chop down the Sequoia in my front yard, take a round trip to the moon and smoke a brisket for lunch.......ALL BEFORE BREAKFAST!!!! That said...nice job for your first vid!!...from someone who is light years from doing one himself ;) Many happy returns!

[@RubyTwilite]

First video??? Man, you'll have your own show on a diy channel very soon. Great presentation skills, very relatable, you have what it takes. Hello to the next diy star!

[@MsNailgun]

That was one of the best videos I've seen. I have wanted to make concrete counters for my kitchen, but other videos make it sound difficult. I can so pull that off. Thanks. Look forward to more great videos.

[@dannyketola5947]

i like shortcuts and I usually try and add shortcuts to shortcuts, but I didn't this time and it paid off. This is hands down the best how too video I've seen. I read the reviews on the rapid set mortar mix and almost didn't use the product due to the short work time, but I trusted and followed Mike's instructions. The Flow Control is incredible. Plenty of time to work with it and countertops are looking great. I used some old quarter inch trim moulding I had with Gorilla tape and bypassed the silicone part (impatient and needed to find a shortcut) and and the corners look great. I did a test run with different trims and it's $20 well spent. My wife picked the edge she liked best and I became familiar with process. Used Canola oil spray instead of wd 40 and released easily. Thank you Mike!

[@KashTagg]

Honestly I wasn't going to watch this video because of the length, but it was so well put together and entertaining that I couldn't stop watching. Not too mention how informative and clearly instructed everything was. Thanks! Keep it up!

[@MichaelBuilds]

Oh my god thank you so much Kurt!!!

[@brettelumbaugh9504]

I think you have a real talent for sharing your creativity and skills. It was a pleasure to watch. Thank you.

[@incidentshappen]

I used this method over the weekend to cast a 2' x 8' x 2" outdoor bar top. In general, it worked very well. A couple of notes and other things I learned: 1. If you haven't done this before (I hadn't), and if it's possible with your time or budget or desired level of effort outlay, I would highly recommend a "test cast" of either a full or half bag of mortar in a small mold, before making your finished product. Its really good to get your technique down and practice! A small mold would be about 2'x2'x1.5" which would be a single 0.5 cu/ft bag. 2. I used the WD-40 as recommended, however I forgot to wipe it down before pouring. Turns out this is NOT an optional step. My slab has very evident graffiti-like markings where I sprayed the WD-40. Frankly, the melamine is so slick I'm not even sure this step is needed. Again, a test casting would have found this issue. 3. Make sure whatever structure you are casting on is ROCK SOLID and doesn't allow for any sagging in the mold as the concrete cures. The melamine is surprisingly resistant to deflection but remember that each bag of mix adds 55+ lbs of weight and that adds up quickly. I had a large corner crack off my casting and I attribute that to the mold sagging in the middle over the sawhorses I had it placed on as the concrete cured.

[@garrettsoto1667]

That’s some great info thanks you. How many bags did it take for your pour? And did you put any reinforce it at all

[@incidentshappen]

@@garrettsoto1667 Each 55lb bag is .5 cu ft, so I used 4 in total. And i did not use any reinforcement, other than the corner breaking off (which was because the mold sagged while curing) the top is extremely strong.

[@garrettsoto1667]

Gene Dassing thanks for the reply. Did you have to mix up a slurry coat to patch any air holes?

[@konakaffe]

Love Rapid set products, once while in Home Depot, the representative for Rapid Set told me to try mortar mix for doing stucco, and it works wonderfully well. Test it out on small repairs, and you will be pleased that it dries quickly.

[@szazulyk]

First video😲 I've poured concrete since the 70's and that was amazing.

[@MichaelBuilds]

Thank you so much Steve! I wanted to share the new technology in concrete with the world!

[@szazulyk]

@@MichaelBuilds editing that video must have taken longer than making the table. Love the flow when you added it 😁👌Only a concrete guy can appreciate a product like that. Again incredible job with the table and video👍I'm a long time diver and treasure hunter. Check out my videos if I had your editing skills I would be set.

[@greatboniwanker]

Not even 6 mo's later, over 100k subs. I'd say, people like watching you make stuff!

[@ti5177]

A couple thoughtful comments I rarely watch an entire video but fast forward past the BS to get to the info. Your video was good on so many levels I watched the whole thing. That's especially remarkable because I have very little interest in cement counter tops. Making promises at the beginning caused me to want to watch to see how that would turn out and I found the video informative and entertaining. I especially liked 5 gallon bucket cam and pulling nails with your teeth but the best part was knowing all of this was about a friend needing a coffee table. You're a good friend and I really wanted to see you giving your friend the coffee table you made for him. All of my lavish praise comes at a price - just a suggestion. Tighten it up. There are several minutes that could be cut which would make a really good even better.

[@nicktran939]

Window spray tip. Awesome

[@leifhietala8074]

Place a board or something similar in from the edge during your live edge chipping, to prevent accidentally going in too far and knocking out too large a chunk.

[@brianvincavage9273]

Leif Hietala or stone chisel

[@junkworks1]

There's No such thing as mistakes......" just happy little accidents." The real OG...... B.R.

[@phyllisboegeman5168]

Really great idea.

[@bcs6640]

what is with all the thumbs down, this guy is easy to watch and was ine of the best I have seen. This is what you tube is all about

[@MichaelBuilds]

You Rock Brian! Thank you so much! 😉👍🏻

[@charliewolfe9959]

I agree.

[@Rubicon1954]

It is jealousy. Those who cannot do, criticize.

[@tonymanzulich463]

They were Ford owners and Lowe's people 🤣

[@charliewolfe9959]

@@tonymanzulich463 Hey, I resemble that comment. And I don't do down arrows. Lol

[@BrassBuilder]

Dude...for the love of God and all mankind and all the things living on this planet....puh---leeeezzzze keep making videos! You are an absolute natural at this.

[@MichaelBuilds]

Lol you got it! Thank you so much!

[@EunishaEmerson]

what he said!

[@curtiscox7105]

I agree. But need to dial down the music.

[@lazyh-online4839]

@@curtiscox7105 I disagree, I think he did a good job with adjusting it to fit the video, better than 90% of all the other videos out there with music.

[@tracydempsey6283]

Wow! You could make a fortune selling those. That is beautiful! What an amazing gift!

[@TMMichaelis]

You Sir, are a natural! I look forward to watching many more of your videos.

[@MichaelBuilds]

Why thank you so much man!

[@samuelalvarez5571]

DUDE!!! DUDE!!! awesome!! you have so much talent, and to share it with the world is cool.your way of being is appealing and genuine. i hope you become a you tube monster!!! great job! now on my way to depot run!!!

[@jamesk7947]

"you have over 500 friends on facebook.. im sure 2-3 of them can help you install this"..... best line EVER.

[@MichaelBuilds]

Lol 😂 thank you so much!

[@rahrah8076]

None of them will help because they to busy posting there life and uploading food pics 😂

[@sean5794]

Fantastic video. Poured my first 2 sections of an outdoor kitchen this weekend and they came out amazing. Glass cleaner trick worked beautifully. Guess the Greeks were right. Windex fixes everything.

[@sheslygonzalez9772]

Killed it bro. Beautiful work and one of the most entertaining engaging DIY videos.

[@itin4265]

Wow!!!! Amazing video!!! From the editing to very clear and direct instructions. Well done!!! You earned a sub!!

[@MichaelBuilds]

That’s awesome! Welcome to the channel! 😉👍🏻

[@TitaniummanGarage]

No Way! First video? Love it! Comical and education is a great combination! Makes it fun to learn. I'll be watching for your next videos.

[@JC-us6ro]

Thank you so much. You literally added every single element to this table top that I want for the surprise outdoor kitchen I’m planning on building my husband. The countertop has been the piece that has scared me as I thought I would have to perfectly pour a smooth top directly on top of the grilling station. I feel so much more confident and I get the live edge I want without feeling like I need to buy expensive silicone molds.

[@MichaelBuilds]

Awwwwww! Thank you so much Jennifer! That’s what this channel is all about! 👍🏻😊

[@abnerrivera3986]

Removing rusted nails with your teeth, now that's how it's done! Another awesome build, I need to start stacking wood pallets behind my shed. I just finished a pallet wood crate on casters for raffle at my daughter's school, wish I share/post the pic here.

[@AnimalFacts]

That was pretty darn epic for a first video!

[@MichaelBuilds]

Oh my god thank you so much! 😉

[@davidguinn6970]

Brother I have to say that you did mighty fine work there. I was impressed with your knowledge and work. Keep it up !

[@alanmaxwell8999]

Just did this project with my son 5 days ago, and it turned out great. I only added 4 quarts of water, 1 bag each of Flow and Set control. I also am going to put my brand on the project after the fact with dye and a stencil. Thanks for the encouragement to do this project.

[@mjulnar]

"There are no mistakes, just happy little accidents." I say that to my kids all the time

[@MichaelBuilds]

Lol 😂

[@mr.waynes7555]

i'm sure your cousin is going to be ecstatic when you deliver that bad boy, and what a great gift, also if this is your first video i do believe you are on to a new career.

[@bwghall1]

back in the 50s used to cast 6" thick cold slabs in the larder. was left for a week to cure with shuttering still in place. motor oil/axle grease was the release agent.

[@josephhwang1428]

trying my hand at concrete and you would not believe how many other videos have referenced your video. very easy to follow and learn

[@TonyWadkins]

Thanks for introducing this product to me. The fast set time of 2500 psi in one hour is a time saver. I would have never thought it was a CSA cement ! The light color is a bonus for design colors. I'm surprised they call it Mortar Mix since it has so many other uses. You definitely wouldn't want to use a traditional mortar mix because of the lime content and that it can't be used in thick pours(at least according to Sakrete). A few Home Depots keep stock on Quikrete concrete countertop bag mixes the last time I checked for about the same cost per pound than the Mortar Mix but I think this might be a better product. I would have thrown in some 3/8" rebar for some more strength during handling or at least some strips of cement block or brick steel joint reinforcement I'm not too keen on the WD40 as a mold release because of potential bonding issues with any stains or sealers. WD40 has a lot of VOCs that evaporate and don't leave much oil behind but I'm sure a wipe down with acetone would clean the concrete since you didn't use much. I prefer a furniture type carnuba wax like Johnson's Paste Wax.

[@InvestorTheory]

Very inspiring. And editing is top notch. Definitely going to do this in summer

[@rescobar8572]

This was one of the best DIY videos that I've seen! Bravo amigo!! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and skills.

[@motolifts]

Love the video. Lots of good information, with more of the tips that you learn from experience. So many people spend a ton of time taking about making a mold, but if we made it this far we know at least how to cut a few pieces of wood. That tip with the spray window cleaner is awesome. You are the only person I have seen do that. Brilliant!!

[@MichaelBuilds]

Thank you so much Nathan! I did my best to give you guys enough bullet points and cool tips to get the job done without spending a ton of time on the project! Thank you so much for watching my video!

[@francomacedo2025]

After watching this video I felt confident building a 21’ outdoor kitchen and I needed 7 pieces of different sizes countertops so in order to be able to reuse the Melamine I spray painted the ends of the Melamine so i can reuse to complete my counter tops that I needed. And very nervous at first but luckily everything turned out just fine thank god. The wife is happy and I drink a beer and admire my work. Thank you Michael for making this video and making me look good with the family. Have a great summer because thanks to you my summer is going to be great. Oh and I also made a cap for my fire pit using your method and my fire pit looks awesome thanks again. 👏

[@mohinderlamba]

if this indeed your first video then all i can say is you are a natural at presenting. All the power to you brother. I am a fan already.

[@RangerAJ127]

Great project, easy detailed instructions while being entertaining as well. Loved the shout out to Bob Ross.

[@taraconrad9337]

This is definitely a likeable video. Your sense of humor, and the fact that you went the extra mile to make it entertaining, verses just a how to video, kept me watching and wanting more. I was not at all bothered by the music volume.

[@MichaelBuilds]

awwww! THANK YOU SO MUCH TARA! You just made my day 👍🏻😊

[@taraconrad9337]

And go Tigers!!!!

[@matthewmeyers1350]

We used this technique and had great success. No problems with sticking to the molds. Really no problems. Having the mortar thin resulted in almost no holes (total of 1 on an edge for an entire kitchen worth of countertops. I did the grout pattern on a coffee table and I will say that you need to use VERY LITTLE or you end up with holes. I mean very little in the depth. We added glitter to our counter tops and charcoal coloring. Turned out spectacularly. TIPS: 1. after it sets up a little go through and really clean the mold right up to the main pour. Some of ours were adhered to the mold and though we had no problems at all removing the mold, it did cause the edge to chip a little and wasn't smooth. 2. If you are pouring a large area have more than one person and more than one drill/paddle mixing bags bc you don't want it to get dry on you and it does quickly. 3. make sure it is liquidy enough. Only on 1 countertop did we pour it too dry and the surface wasn't quite as smooth in that area. (the others are SO SMOOTH) 4. mix up the colors. We poured 2 colors next to each other (2 grays) and it ended up looking really cool, but DO NOT POUR INTO A PREVIOUS COLOR. If you do you will get a circle where the new color poured through. That isn't pretty. (we did a practice piece and learned this.) 5. Make a small one first and practice. (we made a coffee table as a practice piece. It was fun and we learned a lot)

[@DaveThomaCommerce]

For your first video... awesome work. High production quality.

[@MichaelBuilds]

Thank you so much Dave!

[@joshainsw]

Probably the best how-to video I have ever seen. Cant believe it was your first. Just subscribed. Thanks

[@MichaelBuilds]

Thank you so much Joshua!!!

[@liquidprog]

This is the best concrete counter top video I have ever seen! Great production and very informative!

[@KP-vl1to]

Saaaame!

[@furrygut]

Hi Michael- I saw your videos and got hooked on the idea of concrete countertop for my new house. Had my contactor made the forms ( I don't have a tablesaw) and poured the most beautiful counter tops myself ... I love looking at them! Also made a bench & used rebar for the legs . Thank you for showing me how to be a concrete superstar!!

[@donnamarieweinberg9548]

Excellent! Entertaining and Informative! 5 star! You should be on HGTV!

[@MichaelBuilds]

Thank you so much Donna!

[@ooocarniegirlooo]

I'll vote for that 😊🤗

[@gr7428]

Love it! Thanks for the "it dosen't have to be perfect" it's all about the thought and effort.

[@normpayne]

An absolutely awesome video - you're a natural in front of the camera.

[@MichaelBuilds]

Thank you so much Norm!

[@jaymehallstrom5471]

Just built my first concrete table top because of this video! Thanks for the easy to follow methods.

[@MMABeijing]

that was amazing, and I can not believe this is your first video either. Great job for the idea, the delivery, the editing and the smile. You are a great asset

[@user-xb1ht4py2v]

love the 'spray before smoothing silicone' tip excellent.

[@kenthomas1109]

Would never have guessed it was your first video - excellent quality, great presentation, and awesome project!

[@perryweatherford2868]

Not sure how to add photos of what I accomplished because of this video. Hoping the longer I type something will pop up..... not happening. Thanks for this. Just built a pool bar out of 6X's. These will top it off nicely. Did 3 frames and 3 pours. Took them out of the molds a while ago, and yes I had to stand on them. I can't build anything square, so one end of the pour is 23.5 inches and the other is 23.25 inches - but I'm thinking it'll work. The only thing I realized I forgot was a hole for my umbrella, but plan B is in the works. Seriously, thanks so much for this idea. My pictures are so cool, sent to family.

[@reginapatrick734]

Very easy to follow. Thanks for making this. I enjoy watching a lot of these videos but I don't always understand what some of these guys are taking about. I feel pretty confident I could make this now after watching this. I appreciated the step by step without all the technicalities. 👍 I'm excited now. Great job! Looking forward to seeing more of your stuff.

[@MichaelBuilds]

Thank you so much Regina! That means a lot to me because I really want to empower woman with this channel! I want to empower anyone that finds projects like these intimidating

[@wcroot]

Probably the best video I’ve seen. Thanks for sharing. I’ll be watching

[@MichaelBuilds]

Thank you so much William!

[@RottenRyebread]

I only need to watch your first video for you to convince me to subscribe. 12,000+ other people think the same thing 😁. Can’t wait to see what you have in store. Keep up the great work!

[@nickygranniss6440]

Loved this video, watched it over and over, typed up instructions and list of supplies, trying it this week with one of my sons. DEPOT RUN! Boom!!!! What better way is there to spend time with your kids, we both have 1 week vacation time to do this project and others! Hanging out in his workshop all week. Thanks Michael, you are a talented and funny guy.

[@MichaelBuilds]

I love it! Good luck! These kind of comments are my favorite because that’s what it’s all about!

[@LisaHall-uc8sq]

Awesome job on your first video you are a natural!!!

[@MichaelBuilds]

THANK YOU SO MUCH LISA!

[@gregschachtman2557]

You are a really excellent videographer and editor!!!Keep up the great work!!

[@MichaelBuilds]

Thank you so much Greg! I won’t let you down!

[@tipiring]

Except for playing music while your talking. Hard to listen to two things at once. Save the music for dead time.

[@MichaelBuilds]

Yeah, sound design is going to be a big priority with this next video coming up. iMovies is so difficult to work with when it comes to sound. I can’t wait to get some better editing software and a laptop that didn’t come in on the Mayflower lol

[@loujirizarry77]

Great video. Looking forward to future projects.

[@MichaelBuilds]

We’re doin it ya’ll!!! 10,000 SUBSCRIBERS!!!!!!

[@Roodoo55]

You've got my vote. I make stuff from found stuff and cheap solutions too. Nicely done. Greetings from Scotland!

[@MichaelBuilds]

Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿! 😉👍🏻