Concrete

[Dave_G]

Hi,

Any of you folks used concrete as a work surface for a kitchen or table top instead of marble etc...?

I'm really interested in finding out more about using this material, casting, finishing etc...

Can anyone help?

Thanks,

Dave

 

[jasonB]

Have a look on Amazon for books by Fu-Tung Cheng such as "Concrete at Home"

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Concrete-Counte ... 1561584843 The search inside will allow you to see some of the contents

Jason

 

[Anonymous]

I've seen it once as a kitchen work surface.

Now maybe it was just done badly, but it looked absolutly terrible, totally unhygenic and very rough surface finish.

It really looked like a very cheap option and in this case failed miserably.

 

[Dave_G]

Hi JasonB - that book looks just the job and I have just put that guys name into Google and have found this site:
http://www.concreteexchange.com/gallery_cd.jsp

Hi senior - you are right, I have seen a couple of work surfaces that looked 'nasty' but I have seen a number of examples that were amazing.

I'm just curious as I have a number of design ideas that I want to experiment with over the winter - it keeps me out of trouble! :shock:

Cheers,

Dave

 

[jasonB]

Interesting site dave, I knew there was a bit more to it than shuttering ply and a few bags of balast :lol: Will have a better read later.

I assume the products will be expensive to import into the UK and the hire of plant is obviously out, start saving now as a Flex polisher and pads will set you back a lot of money

Jason

 

[houtslager]

Read the book thoroughly, many years ago I was into sailing boats and shipwrighting for my sins, I got involved into making yacht hulls out of concrete.
There I learnt many new tricks and these I have incorperated into furniture made in concrete.
The book is pretty good , has some handy design ideas which I will be using in my house when I get round tuit , hmmmm in 3 or 4 years from now I reckon.

when using concrete for the worktops REMEMBER to have solid , well made cabinets under as the loading is MUCH more then a normal top even granite is lighter :shock: .

If you get round to doing one, don't forget to post piccies

 

[Dave_G]

Interesting site dave, I knew there was a bit more to it than shuttering ply and a few bags of balast :lol: Will have a better read later.

I assume the products will be expensive to import into the UK and the hire of plant is obviously out, start saving now as a Flex polisher and pads will set you back a lot of money

Jason

Jason, I have an old yet functional flex polisher that has been stood in my workshop for a while and the concrete society (yes there is one!) seems to have a wealth of info.

http://www.concrete.org.uk/

I need to work on my designs a little more and do some more research and if the project comes off I will post pics etc...

Cheers,

Dave