I know it sounds kind of crazy to DIY concrete countertops over your laminate countertops. You are probably wondering how well it works, and if it’s cost effective. I get it, I was definitely a bit doubtful myself when I first heard about it. After looking more into it, and reading the reviews it seemed promising. So I took the leap.
I went into this as a total experiment. I didn’t have much to lose, our laminate countertop had seen better days. It was two different sections of counter top, so pretty much anything would look better than this Frankenstein counter. I figured that if it worked then I would have this awesome new tool at my fingertips that I could use on other projects. Plus a way more attractive coffee bar.
How To: DIY Concrete Countertops
First, con your significant other into doing it for you. Ha just kidding I totally intended on doing this all on my own. I guess the little bag of concrete and sealer had his curiosity peaked, and I gladly let him take it on. Here’s what he did:
- First if you do have multiple pieces of the same laminate countertops make sure to attach the pieces underneath. To each other and to the cabinet if possible. You don’t want it to crack if they were to separate for whatever reason
- Sand and wipe off the existing laminate countertop before applying the concrete finish. I had read others skipped this step, but we didn’t think it was worth risking. It’s always good to have something for the finish to grip to.
- Mix concrete finish with water until it is a cake batter consistency. Don’t mix too much up at a time it will most likely dry up between coats, and you don’t want to waste a bunch
- Apply first coat of concrete finish to laminate counter with large drywall taping knife. This is the concrete finish we used here.
- Allow to dry and sand down any high spots. Then apply second coat of concrete finish with the same drywall taping knife. Make sure you really let it dry, we rushed and put a second coat on after a couple of hours-maybe three and we ended up with some bubbles. They worked out most of them, but I kind of like the few bubbles we ended up with.
- If you need to do a third coat repeat step 5.
- Smooth finish with large sponge, like you would use for tile grout. This gives a really nice texture to the finished result.
- Once the final coat of the concrete finish is fully dry, apply the sealer with a foam brush. You can find the sealer we used here. We did two coats to be safe. Just make sure to let the first coat dry fully before applying the second.
- Enjoy!
DIY Concrete Countertops- Over Laminate Cost:
We spent a little under $80 for the concrete finish and sealer. We still have a bit of both left. I already have my wheels turning on what I want to add this concrete finish to next. Luckily we did not have to buy laminate or wood to apply this concrete finish to. Also we already had the tools we used on hand from previous projects. So those are costs to consider before taking this project on.
Is this DIY Countertop Worth It?
I will have to report back after a longer period of time. We have had ours done for about a week now, and so far I am so happy with it. We had some dried coffee on there that came right up. For $80 I could not be happier. We were looking at spending about $300 on butcher block counter to replace this laminate counter top. So I’m very happy with that savings, and I love the added texture we get from it.
As with butcher block it has it’s imperfections. To me I think of these imperfections as character, but I know some might be bothered by it. So as with most things it is not for everyone. I think that if you are trying to make your countertop more attractive without breaking the bank this is a great option. You could even do this in the meantime while you save up for your dream countertop.
Thank you for visiting our farmhouse! If you would like to see more of our DIY projects you can find those here. If you want to see some of my renovations you can find those here and my designs can be found here. I will be posting more DIY, home renovations and designs, so be sure to check back.