I am getting ready to start on my concrete countertops. Not going at this completely green. I recently did all the floors in my house with a concrete overlay (Ardex) rough troweled, stained, cut in 2x2 tiles with circular saw and then ran crack chaser and grouted. They are beautiful. Now I am embarking on the countertops. Have a good substructure for the weight. My real question falls with how thick to pour and best edging material to build out the edges before I pour (do not plan to bullnose the edge or anything - just going to square off). Thought about just using some 1x6's....do I silicone/caulk the joints of the wood in the frame for the edges to keep the concrete from "dripping" through? Anyone done this at their place?

i like your idea

if i was going to install a 1"x6" i would at least router the outside edges

Well really it is just a form - I plan to pour the edges but not sure what to use to make the form? I have seen something where they use styrofoam or something.

Similar to this...

I used a form that was styrofoam that made the edges look like it was a thick rock slab. Cant remember where I got it from.

If you remember then let me know. How do you like your countertops?

I worked on a Bar & Grill a couple months ago off W.7th & Universety,they did the whole bar top in cement,they used a styrofoam frame around it bullnosed,with wood to hold it in place.And then had a cement truck come,and wheel barreled inside and put it in the bar,then smoothed the top down.It looked real good when they took the forms off.Then they sanded on it about 2 days,then stained it.Turned out real nice.

you can find some good information at DIY Network I've seen several shows on there where they've done concrete countertops. Good luck!!

Try wraping the inside of the form with plastic to get a smooth finish. I would do a test piece before i got to far along.

If you need help send me a pm

The best way is to use vis king, basically laminated board, used for shelving (flormica) white from HD or Lowes.

If you want to avoid pits, use a sprayer one you would use for like popcorn ceilings. Shift the cement for no rocks and spray the forms first, then mix the rest and pack it in.

If you are using colors in the cement you will have to measure everything to keep it constant,

For sink cut outs use stroform board located at HD and Lowes in the AC / Heating area, and the tape that goes with it silver.

I like that part that is angled down into the sink where you would put your drying dishes....thats a darn good idea.

Was this the Pour House? We sold the stain for that one. Nice bar.

I love mine. They are definitely the conversation piece everytime someone visits for the first time

I love the look of stained concrete. I have never seen a concrete counter top, but I imagine they would look fantastic. I will keep this in mind when I am ready to tackle a remodel. I'm sure the cost would be a fraction of granite or even slate right?