2 Clever Ways To Incorporate Concrete in The Kitchen

Concrete is probably not the first material that comes to mind when thinking about the floors and countertops in your kitchen. Isn’t that, like, what sidewalks are made of? We get it. While slightly shocking at first, concrete is becoming a go-to choice when remodeling kitchens. Its durability, simplicity and versatility has paved the way for its place in home design, and its popularity continues to rise. Here you’ll find out how to stain concrete floors and how to make a concrete countertop.

How To Stain ConcreteRTA-Stained-Concrete

While the natural color of concrete may not be super appealing, staining it brings on a whole new level of beauty. The difficulty of staining concrete varies, and the condition of the slab is the major factor. If your concrete is damaged or already colored, it will be difficult to create an even finish and hide everything you’re hoping to cover. Stains also react differently to different materials; so testing out your slabs before diving in is a step you won’t want to skip.

If you’re up for a challenge, you can DIY this project, but be sure to watch a few instructional videos first to master the technique.
Here’s what you’ll need to do:

  1. Find an acid stain but understand the color you choose may not look as it appears on the packaging. When a stain goes on concrete it is not completely opaque — color and markings will show through — so a stain’s appearance will vary based on the concrete it is applied to. Keep in mind that these imperfections are part of the appeal.
  2. Clean the concrete so that your floors are free of debris (dust or dirt will show through the stain). A thorough cleaning before starting your project will help you get the best finish possible.
  3. Test out a small area to get a general idea of how the stain will look on your surface.
  4. Apply your stain using the method of choice (different application methods yield different looks, for example scrubbing will create the appearance of an interesting texture).
  5. Apply a sealant once your stain has completely dried.

 

How To Make A Concrete CountertopRTA-Concrete-Countertop 

New countertops can be a big expense, but if you’re crafty, building your own with concrete is an affordable and unique DIY option that has the potential to look amazing!
 

  1. Remove your old countertop and measure the area so that you know the dimensions of your concrete slab.
  2. Build your mold using dual-sided laminate melamine. You will basically create a “box” to pour your mix into. Place on top of a hard work surface with plastic tarp below.
  3. Mix up your cement. You’ll combine cement, rock, sand, water and a reducer or pigment to reach the perfect consistency for your mixture.
  4. Distribute concrete into your mold by pouring it in evenly. Scrape off any excess and let sit for a few days. The drying process usually takes 48 to 72 hours.
  5. Carefully flip over your mold to remove the countertop. Concrete is heavy and can break, so extra hands are definitely helpful!
  6. Sand, clean, seal, wax and buff your slab. When all of these stages are complete your countertop will be ready to install.
  7. Install your countertop and caulk the divisions between your countertop and kitchen cabinets.

Concrete works best in industrial, contemporary, and rustic spaces. And while it may be an unconventional choice, it can be quite beautiful in the kitchen. This affordable, versatile and thoroughly unique material is growing in popularity for a reason!
 

At TheRTAStore we help make your dream kitchen a reality with RTA (Ready To Assemble) cabinets, Pre-Assembled cabinets, and accessories with the same (if not better) quality you would find at any retail store but for a fraction of the price. Stop by our website or give us a call and let one of our friendly kitchen designers help make your kitchen dreams come true!