Concrete Countertop Dreams
I have always been a design enthusiast, constantly looking for ways to put my personal stamp on my living spaces. Whether it’s DIY-ing something I can’t find or can’t afford, or taking on a full renovation project, there’s nothing I enjoy more than transforming a space. Last year, when we renovated a distressed property into an Airbnb, I knew I had to incorporate my love for industrial-chic design. And what better way to achieve that look than with a DIY concrete countertop?
After stumbling upon a tutorial that described an easy way to create the concrete countertop look without actually pouring heavy concrete, I knew I had to give it a try. The process sounded almost too good to be true – an Ardex Feather Finish product that could help me achieve the industrial aesthetic I craved, with minimal effort.
A Weekend Transformation
When we started our kitchen refresh for The One Room Challenge, we had just six weeks to completely transform the space. That’s a tight timeline, especially for a weekend home. As I began researching the process of pouring a real concrete countertop, I quickly realized it would be a much more involved undertaking than I had anticipated. The wall would need reinforcement to hold the weight, and we’d need brackets to support the counter – not exactly the clean, streamlined look I was going for.
That’s when I remembered the skim coat technique I had used on a rental property countertop in the past. It had held up beautifully, and I knew it would be the perfect solution for our weekend home. With Ardex Feather Finish as my secret weapon, I set out to create the concrete countertop of my dreams.
The Ardex Feather Finish Method
The great thing about using Ardex Feather Finish is that it’s a simple DIY project, even for a beginner. It does require some sanding, which can be a bit messy and tedious, but I promise the results are worth it.
Here’s the step-by-step process I followed:
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Add Plywood for Depth: I started by adding a layer of plywood to the existing countertop to give me the extra depth I wanted. I traced the outline of the Formica countertop onto the plywood, cut it to size, and used wood glue and screws to attach it.
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Mix the Feather Finish: I mixed the Ardex Feather Finish according to the directions, making sure to work in small batches to prevent the product from drying out too quickly. The key is to apply it in thin, even coats.
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Fill the Gaps: I used the Feather Finish to fill in the gaps between the Formica and the plywood, letting each coat dry completely before moving on.
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Sand and Repeat: Once the gaps were filled, I sanded the surface to a smooth finish, wiped it clean, and applied another layer of the Feather Finish. I repeated this process a few times until I achieved the desired look.
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Seal with 511 Impregnator: The final step was to seal the concrete with three coats of the 511 Impregnator, using sponge applicators and letting each coat dry thoroughly between applications.
The ABC Home team was thrilled with the end result – a beautiful, industrial-inspired concrete countertop that we were able to create in a single weekend. And the best part? It’s incredibly durable and easy to maintain, with just a quick wipe-down using a gentle household cleaner.
Endless Possibilities
The beauty of the Ardex Feather Finish method is that it’s not limited to just countertops. You can use it on a variety of surfaces, including:
- Fireplace surrounds: Imagine the contrast of a rugged concrete fireplace against a cozy, rustic living room.
- Bathroom vanities: For a modern, spa-like feel, try Feather Finish on your bathroom vanity.
- Outdoor surfaces: Take the industrial look outside with Feather Finish on a patio, garden wall, or even a DIY fire pit.
The possibilities are endless, and the best part is that you don’t need to be a professional to achieve the look. With a little patience and elbow grease, you can transform any space in your home with the beauty of DIY concrete.
A Lesson in Adaptability
Looking back on our kitchen renovation, I’m reminded that sometimes the best-laid plans don’t always work out. When I realized that pouring a real concrete countertop would be more trouble than it was worth, I had to get creative and find a Plan B. But that’s the beauty of DIY – the ability to adapt and find solutions that work for your specific needs and timeline.
The Ardex Feather Finish method may not have been my initial vision, but in the end, I’m so glad I went with it. The industrial-chic aesthetic is everything I had hoped for, and the process was far less daunting than I had anticipated. Plus, the countertops have held up beautifully, even with all the foot traffic and entertaining we’ve had at our weekend home.
So, if you’re dreaming of the perfect concrete countertop but don’t want to tackle the complexities of a full-on concrete pour, I highly recommend giving the Ardex Feather Finish a try. It’s a weekend project that packs a major visual punch, and with a little elbow grease, you can create the industrial-style kitchen or bath of your dreams.
