DIY Network

Timeless Traditional (3 of 4): Counter Installation From "Kitchen Renovations" episode DKTN-207

	In this week 's episode of Kitchen Renovations, host Paul Ryan starts a four-part project with homeowners Cathy and Dan Zielske to convert this stuck-in-the-'70s kitchen ...
	with serious design problems ...
	that the homeowners wanted to change.
	Even the adjoining family room suffered from the design flaws in the kitchen.
	But step-by-step the kitchen was renovated into this beautiful, ...
	timeless traditional kitchen and family room that will bring the home into the 21st Century.

In this segment host Paul Ryan and the homeowners remove the melamine molds for the counter and the concrete is sealed on all sides. The sink and faucet are brought in and the rest of the counters arrive.

Materials and Tools:

For Installing Cabinets --

Cabinets
Gil lift
Power drill
Level
Ruler
Nail gun

For Concrete Countertops --

Luan
Utility knife
Straight edge
Hot glue gun
Table saw with guide
Wheelbarrow
Shovel
Palm sander
Melamine
Nail gun
Steel mesh
Concrete mix and pigment
Water
Magnesium float
Edger tool
Steel trowel
Foam brush
Sealer
Silicone
Beeswax
Soft cloth

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Installing the Concrete Countertops

1. If you've created the concrete countertop yourself and it has cured for 28 days, remove the Melamine mold and apply a penetrating sealer using a foam brush (figure A). Top this off with a coat of beeswax using a soft cloth.

   Note: Sealant dries to the touch in about one hour, but it should be left for 24 hours to dry completely.

2. Apply a bead of silicone to the top of each cabinet and slide the concrete into place (figure B).

3. For the seams, apply a gray sealant (figure C) made from black and white silicone.

   Note: To maintain the countertops, simply apply beeswax every one to three months (according to how much you use your counters) and buff with a soft cloth.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

	Figure D
	The homeowners and host Paul Ryan (left) admire the new sink and countertops. With only one episode left, this "Timeless Traditional" kitchen is really taking shape!