[Greenbuilding] Counters

[William R Bloom]

I recently made my own concrete counters.  From what 
research I can find on the production and materials, its a 
reasonable alternative.

http://planetgreen.discovery.com/home-garden/concrete-countertops-chic-nontoxic.html

I made my molds from 3/4" melamine with the white slick 
finish, 2" sides and upside down to what the finished 
counter will be.  Ran a bead of silicone to the inside 
corners and rounded it with my index finger to make a nice 
radiused edge.  Created a plug for the sink area, rented a 
nine bag capacity mixer and poured in one shot.   Used 
reinforcing mesh throughout and rebar around the sink 
opening.  After a day, flipped the mold over to be right 
side up and removed the melamine boards.   I reused them 
in my garage as shelving.  Deglaze with a mild acid wash 
and seal with several coats of sealer and a final polish 
with beeswax polish.  The surface is a smooth as granite, 
more satin than high gloss.

Bill
Albuquerque