Step 1: Watch an Overview Video

Step 2: Gather Your Materials and Tools

Materials and Tools:

heavy cardboard or plywood
palm sander
hammer
nails
buffer
caulk gun and silicone caulk
1-gallon buckets
jigsaw
circular saw
melamine
denatured alcohol
fiberglass or masonite
cement
two parts rock (3/8-inch pea gravel)
three parts sand
water
coloring pigment
mask
safety goggles
rubber gloves
150-grit sandpaper
shop vacuum
taping knife
water-based sealer
3/16-inch paint roller
food-safe wax

Step 3: Create a Template

A durable, weather-resistant concrete countertop is ideal for an outdoor kitchen.

Start by creating a template of the countertop out of heavy cardboard or plywood.

Tip: Allow 1/8 inch between countertop and wall or backsplash.

Out of fiberglass or Masonite, build forms to fit template.

Step 4: Mix the Concrete

Mix sand, gravel, cement, and water. Add coloring pigment to tint concrete any color you like.

Use mixing wand to smooth concrete mixture. Pour concrete into forms and allow to harden for four days.

Level forms with shims to make concrete smooth and level. Vibrating forms will release air bubbles.

Step 5: Smooth and Sand the Concrete

Strip forms from hardened concrete. Smooth concrete edges with orbital sander.

Flip countertop.

Tip: Get someone to help flip top; a concrete countertop can weigh 50 to 75 pounds.

Sand top with 150-grit sandpaper and palm sander. Vacuum away dust and sand.

Step 6: Seal and Install the Countertop

Seal concrete with water-based sealer. Sand again, vacuum, and seal with food-safe wax.

With helper, gently set countertop in place.

Fill seam between countertop and wall or backsplash with silicone caulk.

Polish countertop with power buffer.