This Old House host Kevin O'Connor learns how to create concrete kitchen counters. (See below for a shopping list and tools.)
SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: http://bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse

Shopping List for How to Build Custom Concrete Countertops:
- Latex gloves [https://amzn.to/2ZVP0rG], worn while mixing and working concrete
- 1/4-inch plywood [https://amzn.to/2vDvFgS], for making template of counters
- Hot-melt glue sticks [https://amzn.to/2VH9Sng], for glue gun [https://amzn.to/2VJe85E]
- Melamine-faced particleboard [https://amzn.to/2LojMpO], for building the concrete form
- Silicone sealant [https://amzn.to/2J0DwxF], to seal inside corner joints on the form
- Beeswax [https://amzn.to/2vyeopw], for lubricating the inside of the form
- 3/8-inch-diameter plastic dowel [https://amzn.to/2LiP816], used to smooth the silicone
- Sand [https://amzn.to/2Wktc6M], cement [https://amzn.to/2WniWKW], polymer [https://amzn.to/2H0aJqW], and powdered pigment [https://amzn.to/2H2Bxag], mixed to create concrete
- Acetone [https://amzn.to/2ZU2R1J] and clean rags [https://amzn.to/2IVcs35], for cleaning the form
- Stone aggregate, used to add bits of color to the countertop
- Glass fibers [https://amzn.to/2GUINn9], added to strengthen the concrete
- 1-inch-thick polystyrene foam [https://amzn.to/2PK1L3X], used to fill concrete form
- 1x3 furring strips [https://amzn.to/2VaZZia] and 1 5/8-inch screws [https://amzn.to/2VLBk3d], for holding down the polystyrene foam
- 80-, 100- and 220-grit abrasive disks [https://amzn.to/2GYhKse], for random-orbit sander [https://amzn.to/2vAaJaC]
- Concrete sealer [https://amzn.to/2vCFSuc], to seal countertop
- Steel wool [https://amzn.to/2VdbiGO], for applying concrete sealer
- Construction adhesive [https://amzn.to/2vEYrO5], to adhere counter to cabinets

Tools List for How to Build Custom Concrete Countertops:
- Hot-melt glue gun [https://amzn.to/2VJe85E], to assemble plywood template
- Table saw [https://amzn.to/2VIf1LJ] and miter saw [https://amzn.to/2ZW835e], for ripping and crosscutting melamine-faced particleboard
- Caulking gun [https://amzn.to/2JaUh8T], to apply silicone sealant [https://amzn.to/2J0DwxF]
- Dust mask [https://amzn.to/2UYRQID] and safety goggles [https://amzn.to/2H00tiv], to wear when mixing and dry-sanding concrete
- 1/2-inch electric drill [https://amzn.to/2UR4vxf] with mixing paddle [https://amzn.to/2GVN6yE], to blend concrete
- Wet/dry vacuum [https://amzn.to/2IXGhQq], for removing dust and dirt
- Air sprayer [https://amzn.to/2GTVcaZ] and compressor [https://amzn.to/2VdpDTD], to spray concrete into the form
- Hand roller [https://amzn.to/2YasPMN], for compacting concrete
- Utility knife [https://amzn.to/2PJvJVz], to cut polystyrene foam
- Cordless drill [https://amzn.to/2UR4vxf]
- Right-angle grinder [https://amzn.to/2VKgEse] with diamond-impregnated cut wheel [https://amzn.to/2ZVPrlG], to smooth the cured concrete
- Pry bar [https://amzn.to/2USuhBl], for removing the polystyrene foam
- Hammer [https://amzn.to/2ZTYvYy] and chisel [https://amzn.to/2IZ6xd7], to tap apart the particleboard form
- Sanding block [https://amzn.to/2LvaAzU], for rounding over sharp corners on the countertop
- Wide-blade putty knife [https://amzn.to/2Y6dUmy], to free countertop from form
- Wet grinder with pad [https://amzn.to/2H1hS9s], for smoothing countertop surface
- Random-orbit sander [https://amzn.to/2vAaJaC], to smooth the countertop

Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House INSIDER to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free: https://bit.ly/2GPiYbH

Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet:
https://bit.ly/34RYEP5

Follow This Old House and Ask This Old House:
Facebook: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB
Twitter: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter
http://bit.ly/AskTOHTwitter
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest
Instagram: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIG
http://bit.ly/AskTOHIG

For more on This Old House and Ask This Old House, visit us at: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseWebsite

How to Build Custom Concrete Countertops | Ask This Old House
   / thisoldhouse