Beginners guide, Concrete Tabletop you can build. No special tools, hand finished 

Hi! Just wanna say I like your video My favorite trick with finger finish- put a tiny bit of dish soap You can also take a bolt and run it on the corner and pull off the excess so you’re left with a super minimal finish on your corner.

This video was the most practical way to build one without any fancy tools that I’ve seen. Using car wax a mould release was genius! The surface finish right out of the mould was fabulous. Thank you for sharing your techniques!

Personal massage guns are also a great vibe tool :P

Great, step by step video. Do you think I can build a large dining table using similar technique? My table top will be 105" x 39".

Noce job. Well done!

great content!!

How do you mount it?

Definitely the best countertop tutorial I’ve seen, makes me even more keen to have a go! Good job, thank you

Hands down the best concrete countertop tutorial I've ever seen. 🙌 I can't wait to make my concrete table.

I've watched a bagillion of these videos, and yours was the only one that has the smooth finish I'm looking for. 👍

Cheers mate, great display of a common sense approach to this project. This is going to be my preferred method when I have a crack down here in NZ.

Amazing!! i've seen like 10 tutorials for this kind of countertop and this is by far the easiest and the pretiest. Greetings from Argentina and thanks for this!!

Hi Jesse - As so many others have stated, yours is BY FAR the best instructional video for a DIY concrete counter I was able to find. Thank you! I used it to make a fireplace hearth. It came out amazing except for one small glitch. For some reason, I'm able to see outlines of the wire reinforcement on the surface. I see in other comments you referred to this as "ghosting." My slab is 1.5" like yours. Perhaps my cement mix was a little too watery and it settled closer to the surface during vibrating. I used countertop mix. I don't think it was too watery, but who knows. Anyway, I wouldn't mind natural color variations since it is concrete after all, but the visible "grid" does take away from the natural look a little. There are spots of the surface that are darker like where the grid lines are and it almost seems as though there is a residue or something in the pores causing the lighter spots. I included a close up photo as well so you can zoom in and hopefully see what I mean. I have thoroughly polished with the 800 grit several times with no change. These photos were taken while it is completely dry. I have not sealed yet and was wondering if you could think of anything I might be able to try to "clean" the lighter areas so at least the grids lines blend in a little better. Thoughts? photos.app.goo.gl/6d5mUvg7XCADpFjNA photos.app.goo.gl/xczbMPRhvs8B7snv8 One other question. Since this is a hearth, I am concerned about using an acrylic (film) sealer rather than a penetrating sealer. Fireplace tools would likely scratch a film over time. My plan is to use a penetrating sealer with the wax. Is my thinking correct on this?

"Math is hard..." 😂 This is amazing!! You made me feel 100% confident that I can do this. Thanks!

Great video, I'm going to try it as soon as I can get all the supplies lined up and outside weather is a little warmer, I'm in Canada, still kind of cold here. I was wondering what kind of dye you used, I would like to add that to the mix as well. Thanks for giving me the courage to give this a try, I plan on making a top for a outside coffee table on my deck.

What mix did you use please??

Thanks for a great video. I took the forms off of the slab and am in the process of sanding, sealing and waxing. So far it looks fantastic. I did exactly what you described and I was surprised at how easy this was. Thanks so much for all of your efforts!

what is that black liquid you guys are pouring into the concrete at 6:45 ?

Excellent video..love the step by step and how you broke everything down so simply..not nervous to do my own now...thanks so much👍🏾

That looks spectacular !!! You’ve done a great job with that! Great tutorial too. Thank you for sharing.

That slab came out perfect. I’m definitely gonna have to try it like he did. I wanna make 2 nightstands like this. Thanks for the info dude. 👍🏼

Great video!! I'm interested in outdoor concrete bench tops - would the same process and finish be applicable for outdoor use? How thick should bench tops be - I would estimate 2"...?

Super clear tutorial... can't wait to try it! Wondering if molds can be reused? I'm hoping to make two small 1'x2' side tables.

One of the nicer looking slabs ive seen and i've watched dozens of similar videos.

Very appreciated video. Thanks for making it !

Excellent video. I am considering doing this - May I ask how long the wax stays on the countertop? I probably daily clean the countertop with anti bacterial spray and once a week with bleach. I am guessing this would strip any protection? Whats your thoughts?

I just finished watching this RU-vid video you made and, boy, am I impressed! What you made is beautiful! I'm now inspired to make something similar - a concrete hearth for my fireplace. A question I have - and I'm hoping you have some knowledge on the subject and can offer an opinion - is if the concrete could handle the heat from a fireplace insert without cracking. The concrete hearth that I have in mind would be 5 ft long x 20 inches wide x 2 inches thick and placed directly on an existing concrete slab foundation. Also, what proportion of 'charcoal dye' did you use per sack of conc? The tone of grey is perfect. Thanks for your posting such an impressive video.

Fantastic video. You include all the necessary and helpful info so many others leave out. Well done.

Great content and explanation. Would love to see some modern or design legs/base for this. Subscribed ;)

Thanks for the video. Thanks also for being normal and informative and not full of 'rah rah. Just made my countertop out of the Glass Fibre Concrete (GFCR) and it came out really well. Only thing I would say is that I wished I'd used as little silicon as possible - the concrete has picked up all of the change in texture and it has left an obvious mark around the edges. Especially where it had smeared a bit wide. But for a first effort I am pretty pleased.

Excellent tutorial - thanks very much! I stumbled upon this whilst looking to buy a concrete dining table but now I think I can make my own thanks to this guide, and it'll be at a fraction of the cost of buying one. Thanks again for sharing this, much appreciated!

Can you make a video showing how you affixed to your cabinet? I would like to try and make an end table. Thank you so much. Your videos are so inspiring and you explain things so simply...

Jesse Great video I appreciate your craftsmanship , I'm wondering if I grind down further to expose aggregate will I end up with more "Bubble" problems?? I'm making 2x 9"x9"x3" thick for some fancy stereo tube amps that I want to dampen vibrations. Weird I know. - cheers

This is a great video. Followed your tutorial to make the first countertop for our outdoor kitchen. Just removed the form today and it looks so good. Waiting now for the next stage. Then just another two countertops to go!!! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

Very beautiful, impressive and professional video. I have a question whether the concrete surface does not absorb liquids from the food and accumulates bacteria, does the sealer close it for a while or does it need to be renewed?

Hi there Jesse, I'm in Canada as well, can you let me know the exact concrete you used. (Is there gravel in it? or just a cement sand mix?) Its for my 2 columns I just made at the end of my driveway and now I have to do the tops. I don't want any gravel showing. Thanks buddy. 😊👍

I am about to replicate this for a table top I’m building following your steps man, thank you for creating this video. I already ordered the sealer and wax from your links, but would you mind sharing the product & mix you used for the color? You said it was a charcoal color, but just curious about your ratio (or if you did it per the manf. recommendations,) but however you did it the color is exactly how I want mine to look. I appreciate your video regardless and if you can provide me the color details it would be a spectacular bonus. Thanks again brother, keep up the solid content 👍🏼

how do you feel about using wd-40 to prevent sticking?

Hello CanaDYIan! You mentionned 6000psi concrete, would 5000psi get a similar result? That’s all I find near me, the only 6000psi is fast set and prefer take my time. Thanks for the great video, nicest results and explanation I found!

I've watched many such like projects but this particular one conquered my heart. It's simple, straightforward and pthe product amazing!

Absolutely brilliant ... i will start mine asap. Never sure about sand and concrete ratio?

nice, next, please do tutorial how to DIY epoxy to the concrete table to look like quartz or stone look

I am so excited to try this! How fragile is the surface when you're done? I'm assuming you couldn't treat it like a cutting board, but how careful do I have to be not to scratch it?

Hello, again. Do you have any advice about the kind of charcoal dye, or how much you added for that particular size slab? Many thanks, Jesse.

Jesse: Outstanding - thanks. How much charcoal dye per 80 lb bag to get finish you had?

Bummer. Did a second one of these and had a bit more car wax than i probably should have and it's like caked into the concrete, which came out perfectly, thanks to your method! Any advice on getting it off? I assume there's a chemical hack to make this happen. Thanks again

Can you make ultra thin slabs using this method of making concrete tabletops? Thin as in 1 centimeter, 1.5 centimeters. Do you need to use fiberglass reinforcement or such? I want to make little concrete box by making four slabs and connecting them.

ok. it came out great. but one question... there are bubbles / indentations in the face of the concrete. I love it by the wife does not. so I'm going to try again. I vibrated for 20-30 mins hitting mostly. shocked at how many bubbles on the top surface. I will hit harder next time... but???? concrete - perhaps mine should be more wet? or i used 5000 'grade' professional cement not 6000? should i put in a bit more mortar? any ideas??

Jesse, great video. I would like to add a concrete acid stain to my counter top. Does the wax mold release stop the concrete from absorbing the acid stain? Your thoughts? Thanks.

Do you use sandpaper Number 800 to polish The concrete surface Only one grade until The job is finished?

Great video. Thanks for good idea. I am about to copy it. How did you get the dark finish? I heard something in the video about adding a kind of charcoal product. Is that right? Appreciate if you can let me know what to add. Thanks a lot.

Excellent video, very helpful. Any idea how to make a WHITE concrete top? Thanks.

you find it difficult to add 1.5 inches to the form, and .75 of inch in height, seriously, your generations. You seem to know what your doing, but really.

it's funny algorithm work. I was just thinking never said it out loud, that I need to make a concrete slab table for my 3D printers to dampen the vibration coming from them and being induce into other things.

Great tutorial - thank you. How do you secure the concrete top to the base? Silicone? And do you use a base (eg mdf or ply)?

How resistant is this kind of countertop to heat - like a hot pot, pizza fresh out of a wood-fired oven, or meat fresh off the smoker, etc. My concern isn't the concrete, but more the sealer and wax...

Can I use any concrete bag? Im using Quikrete crack resistant. Hopefully this will look smooth and not have rocks on the surface finish.

Thanku 4 making a idiot proof perfect tutorial video.. so I can shine .. on my project .. once again thanku..

Great work…..Im trying to buy concrete and the guy at the hardware store is asking if i want my concrete with sand or small rocks in it…..Which one should i buy ? Best regards !

Looking forward to trying this for an outdoor kitchen. Dumb question, but how do you fix the tabletop to a base?

Looks great..I have a question on this though. If I wanted to mount my legs into the table could it be done that way? Like put my legs on a harness down into the mold then pour my concrete down around that?

Late to the game, but question... if you've constructed your counter and want to frame then pour the concrete directly, put the mesh in there, (also using the board as the base), if you don't have direct access to the base, can you just vibrate the exposed sides to get the air out, or would you have to mix the concrete thinner?

math is hard especially when you're dealing with imperial measurements

after trying this when I fliped it over the cement colour I added was very blochie looks like water stain marks. How can I fix it ?

vibrating it wont cause the aggregate to settle and show in the finished side? That is my only concern. I have seen these tops made with a high strength mix such as Rapid set mortar mix from Home depot, and still using the reinforcing wire. Thoughts?

the ingredients please

Great video. Excellent tutorial. Enough for me to know I need to hire someone to make me one :-D

Hey! I’m going to be doing this soon, just want to know if there’s a way to make the concrete more beige or tan versus grey. Please let me know. Thanks!

Your "fingersealing" shows on the end product like a little ridge. It would been better if you used a silicone spatula and really got a nice radius against the melamineform.

I use those same mechanics gloves they are amazing. Why would you ruin them by sticking them into wet concrete?

Hi, I'm wondering how dark the color is after a couple of years? Does it lighten up to an almost white beige natural concrete color or did it stay the way it was in your video?

Thank you for this. Very clear instructions and great looking countertop! Can I put in a wooden slab on the bottom side to make it lighter / easier to ount on the cabinets?

Can you list the die that you used for the concrete? I noticed the water you added was black. Also @06:44 the die is being added.

What seal and polish did you use. I don’t see it in the comments. Thanks for perfect Diy video

Can you use this as a kitchen countertop? What do you use hold the countertop in place on a cabinet? Construction adhesive?

Great video the best I've seen. Would have a checklist of the steps as I'm keen to have a good and I just don't want to miss something. Peter

I agree with the sidewall method. When I've done this in the past. I actually scrubbed measuring length of the sides all together. Just over lengthed first side flushed to one corner of the base leaving a wing, then did the next side clockwise. Leaving each sidewall with just one "wing" for that same sort of grab handle. Worked a treat an eliminates any need for needing any sort math or precision ..or even measuring for sidewall length cuts. 𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓀 𝒴o𝓊 for the carwax mold release idea. Excellent!

Instead of trying to compact the concrete by shaking it by hand, you could insert 8 larger carriage bolts all around the frame of the concrete formwork you are building (always depends on the size of the object, but here I am thinking of the plate size you choose) , these are the ones with the hexagonal head and a coarse thread for wood, in European metric dimensions I would choose a 15 or 17 screw, length 30 or 40 mm; Pre-drill, countersink the screw until the head rests on the frame, i.e. has direct contact. Then you take an old hammer drill (or a pneumatic one, if you already have that luxury [Ryobi has a small, relatively inexpensive one; I think the batteries always cost more than the machines]), then turn one of the same size or even larger Carriage screw into the drill chuck, turn on the impact mechanism, place the screw one by one on the screws inserted all around and start to "shake" with feeling. You have to test the frequency a bit. But experience shows that this brings more than all the hand rocking. Hopefully Google Translate has found the right English words now, but I think most people here are smart enough to grasp the concept... And since I haven't read all the comments - it's possible that someone else has already presented the concept - no copy right infringement intended ;-)

Just demolded mine 3 days later. The car wax is amazing, the sides literally fell off. GREAT video! You cannot vibrate the form enough. I spend 30 mins, I could (should) have spent an hour.

My OCD can’t help noticing the two lines on both ends of the top, did that happen when you had it laying flat on the two by fours?

Also what's that black liquid you poured in the concrete ?

Awesome video, thanks! 2 questions: How did you attach it to counter? Also, is the melamine reusable for another slab, or do you buy new each time?

Do you not add fibreglass strands to your concrete mix? What is the concrete mix?

Great tutorial man!

One of the best tutorials for beginners!

Great video. Thanks. Question: do you have a video on how to install the counter top?

Fantastic video! You did a great job on the video by explaining each step in detail. Great job! I had to cut down my 34 year old tree in my back yard. It was 27" in diameter at about 30" up from ground level. I asked the tree cutters to save the tree stump so that I might be able to build a table on top of it. I have it prepped and ready to build a top, and got the idea to pour a 48" round concrete table top. I have never done this sort of thing before. But, having watched your video now, I think I might be able to do it. Do you have any ideas or suggestions before I attempt the project? I am open to any advice :-) Thanks again!

Thanks a million. Just about to make a test piece of a countertop with scrap melamine board before making big countertop. I will make one mould with sand, cement and plasticiser and another with small stones added to see if aggregate can be seen on the finished surface. Great video. Much appreciated. Great to know I don't need to buy expensive tools for a good finish

quick question about the dye you used , what sort of dye was it ? was it a specific concrete dye ?

Where do you get the wood to make the forms? What is it called? Just walked the entire Lowes store and didn’t find it.

Love this tutorial, we will be using your steps on our fireplace remodel! :)

I do the edge pieces like you, on the side, not too, to make demolding easier. But I make all four pieces too long. One edge flush with the edge of the bottom piece and one end over hanging. Then you can easily pry off all four sides like your showed.

the board your using , what's it called and how high are your side boards?

Would you advise against using rapid set concrete mixes?

What’s the max length you’d go with a counter using this method??

Can I ask how much dye you used please or what brand? Thanks

I’ll be trying this tomorrow, thanks a lot for sharing. This has been the best video I’ve seen so far, simple, to the point and an amazing result (the best one). Keep up the good work!

Anyone guage roughly how much this costs for a slab of that size?

Great job. I am going make a table top for a porch, so I am looking for the products used, like wax, sealer, colorant. Also can I drill into the concrete for table legs? What size drill and do you prefer special screws? Thanks for sharing,

Well done - great tips 👌 Cheers from dowunder