DIY Concrete Countertops – Mixing the Crete

The next step in the process of building cement countetops or as those in the business call, concrete countertops, is preparing the mix.

What you need:

1. Buddy Rhodes mix – on the Buddy Rhodes web site you will find a list of Distributors around the country who carry the Buddy Rhodes line. The mix is about $40.00 per bag and figure about $12.50 for colorant per bag. You will find that all materials end up costing about $15.00 – $18.00 per square foot including molds, mix, colors, sealers and wax. Each bag covers 5 square feet at 1 1/2 inch thick and is 70 lbs.

2. Mixer – For small amounts here is a link to a mixer at http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93841 that is reasonably priced that will do the job. You can use the low viscosity mixing paddle on the same page for $12.99.

3. Large Mixer – For larger projects you will want to consider a mortar mixer. Crown and a few other companies make Mortar mixers (paddle mixers) and they start around $2,100 brand new. You can also rent them at tool rental companies. The 6 and 9 cubic foot ones are the right size. They come in both electric and gas models.

4. Spray Form Release - W. R. Meadows http://www.wrmeadows.com/wrm0197.html
has a form release that you spray into the mold called Duogard form release agent. You can contact them for the product.

5. Palm Sander – you will need a palm sander and extension cord to vibrate the edges. This will help work out the air holes in the edges of the concrete. When you watch the Buddy Rhodes video at Metrocrete.TV you’ll see how this works.

6. Magnesium or Resin Float - Sometimes you’ll find the right tools at a Home Depot or Lowes but you’re better off at a specialty concrete or stone shop for these tools.

7. Wood Float – The wood float is great for working to a flat surface and helps bring the cream to the top. Building concrete countertops require the proper tools. Make a list of what you need before you start. You’ll find that preparation will save you a lot of time and frustration. When you are organized everything goes well. It’s part of the system.

8. Screed – A 2 x 4 will work just fine as a screed to make the concrete in the mold smooth. Just make sure it’s long enough.

Mixing the mix – Once you have everything you need you’re ready to start mixing. The amount of water you use per bag will depend on the type of finish you’re looking to achieve. the veined process is mixed very dry, burnished or polished concrete countertops are mixed with more water.

This part is very important. Buddy and his team do a much better job explaining the mixing process in the video than I can here. When you get to this part watch carefully.

Don’t try and rush the process. Just follow the steps.

The day after this step you will take the concrete out of the mold. I’ll review the tools you need for the final steps in the next post.

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