#1 Your cabinets will need to re-enforced to handle the weight. Concrete countertops are much heavier than laminate or tile.

#2 The hardest part is building the custom forms for the concrete to be set up in.

#3 Using a special mix of concrete, pour the cement into the forms gently. You need to avoid creating air pockets.

#4 Use a flat trowel to spread the concrete and then use a 2″x4″ to remove excess concrete.

#5 Sides of the form have to be vibrated to remove excess air pockets.

# 6 After waiting the recommended curing time, you will need to remove the form and sand edges smooth.

#7 To give the concrete some color, unless you were going for the gray look, you will need to use dyes, stains, or acids to color the concrete

Here is a video from the diy network that will give you a more in-depth look at this process.

This video shows a slightly different installation process, in the video they are creating the countertops off-site and then bringing them back to the kitchen to install them.  This is the way that the professionals do it.  If you can’t lift extremely heavy objects, I suggest making the forms on site on top of the cabinets they will be installed on.  That way you also save yourself a step.

All in all, it takes a lot to install concrete countertops so it is important to understand the steps involved and know your own skill level before beginning this or any other project.

Often when you are redoing a room in your home progress doesn’t start happening until you make the first decision, whether that be paint color, flooring, cabinet color or countertops.  You need something to help pull the rest of the room together.  Our something for our makeover was a Zodiaq countertop.

We were looking at all types of countertops: Vetrazzo, laminate, granite, Silestone, tile, and concrete.  And in every single category we both liked different colors.  I felt like we were never going to make a decision.  Then we walked into a Zodiaq countertop dealer and we both were drawn to the same color!

We choose Coriander from the Terra Collection.  The great thing about the Terra Collection is it is made from 25% post consumer recycled glass content.

This number is not as high as the Vetrazzo countertops, but considering we couldn’t agree on a color in Vetrazzo and the nearest dealer was over 200 miles away. Zodiaq countertops ended up being less expensive and better for our marriage!

After 2 years with Zodiaq countertops they still look brand new. It has endured well.   Basically a quartz countertop it is hard enough to withstand everything we dish out. Our Zodiaq countertop still has no scratches and looks great.  And I love that I don’t have to reseal it, like you do with some granite or marbles!

Zodiaq has been a great countertop and I love that it is low upkeep. It was a great find and really helped us bring the rest of our kitchen makeover together!

It was only quite recently that I became aware of a product called PaperStone.

And after tracking down a dealer in my area, I actually got to see a sample of the recycled paper countertops. I’ve got to say, I’m impressed! Like any product though it has good and bad points so check out this list of pro’s and con’s to see if you should consider PaperStone for your next kitchen makeover!

PaperStone Countertops Pros And Cons

The pros: Good for the environment, made from either post consumer cardboard or office paper and petroleum-free resin, PaperStone has the look of solid surface countertop but does not feel cold like granite or quartz, it’s durable, and is beautiful with a stone like look.

The Cons: Dyes may darken or yellow over time. There are only twelve colors available at this time.. PaperStone is expensive compared to laminate, but is in the same price range as granite and quartz.

If you want to know more about how eco friendly and durable PaperStone is check out this quote directly from their website:

“PaperStone isn’t just an attractive new material that is produced in a socially responsible manner, it is also strong and tough. It has steel-like strength in span. It has stone-like beauty and it can be worked like fine hardwoods. PaperStone is innovative and cost competitive.“

At the very least I think this is a great new product to be considered when choosing an eco friendly countertop for any home makeover!

There is a countertop paint that makes your tired laminate or solid surfaces look like new.  The newest one I’ve found makes your countertop look like polished granite and it is called Giani Countertop Paint.

It appears to fairly easy, check out the five step process:

1. Clean your old countertop.

2. Tape off anything you don’t want paint on, walls, sinks, cabinets etc.

3. Roll on primer, working in three-foot sections.

4. Sponge on all minerals, working in two foot sections.

5. Apply topcoat.

Because you have to wait in between steps this project is best spread out over two days or a weekend. Here is a link to Giani’s instructions on how to install.  This site provides very thorough instructions and should give you a very good idea of all of the processes and what you are getting yourself into.

Another great thing about Giani Countertop Paint is the price, it is more affordable than Modern Masters Countertop Transformations at only $49.95 for a kit that covers 35 square feet or up to 16 lineal feet of countertop.  Both companies use a different process so check out samples, installation instructions and colors before you decide on either of these eco-options for improving existing countertops!

Let’s start with the most common, wood molding.  Using an ornate wood molding for countertop edging looks very traditional, choose a plain edge for more casual and contemporary rooms.

The pros: Economically priced, less seams than tile, can be painted or stained any color.

The Cons: This can be difficult for novices because of corners and having to make miter cuts, can dent or scratch depending on wood species/hardness.

Next, let’s look at tile bullnose and sink rails.  These edges can go with almost any style, if you are going more traditional look for a sink rail with lots of detail and lines.

The pros: Gives a finished looked to your countertop edge, allows you to continue your tile right to the edge without adding extra details or styles, easy to coordinate which means less stress when pulling your project together.

The cons: Bullnose and sink rails are not available with every tile, so if your tile doesn’t come with it you will have to try and coordinate with another style or color, trim pieces for tile are often expensive, sink rails in particular range from $5 a lineal foot and up, can be difficult to install especially if corner pieces are not available.

Schluter Edges are metal or plastic trim pieces that get laid down with your tile.  They can go with any style but are more commonly used in modern and casual rooms.

The Pros: Available in a wide range of colors, almost all metal tones and several plastic colors, corners can be ordered so you don’t have to do miter cuts on the metal, plastic edges can be cut with heavy duty scissors and are economical.

The cons: Metal counter top Schluter can be expensive depending on the type of metal selected, they only come in 8 foot lengths, regardless of what you need. If you are a novice, the metal ones may be difficult to cut.

Another option is to create your own bullnose piece by using a rubbing stone or file.  This is most commonly done with granite or marble, as those edges are expensive and difficult to find.  In my experience, they never turn out as well as you might imagine them.  You can file down the edges so they are smoother but will have  a hard time getting the polished look back to them or having them look even.  This job may be more suited to a professional.

No matter what countertop edge you select, there is bound to be something for every tile and every taste.  Don’t forget to consider your skill level when looking into countertop edging options.

Looking for help with crown molding? Learn how to cut and install your own crown molding!