Is there any reason that I shouldn't use prefab pavers for concrete?
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Sha480012
+4
Hello. I am wanting to have concrete countertops in our outdoor kitchen, and I was thinking of using large sidewalk pavers for a shortcut, as well as avoiding some of the expense of custom countertops. I was thinking that I should be able to sand stain and seal these the same as you would after a custom pour. Is there any reason I should not use these prefab pavers for this purpose?
thanks for your input.
Sharla
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No reason why you can't. Many have used them for outdoor kitchens. Check these out. Click on a photo and go to the site. *****
https://www.google.com/search?q=concrete+paver+countertop&biw=1016&bih=642&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjrh_HSssjRAhWh2YMKHWFCBvMQsAQIGQ#imgrc=_
Should work!
Concrete gives off toxins which is one reason why you can't use them for raised garden beds. When you pour concrete for counter tops you have to seal them. My guess is that you will have to seal the pavers also because they will be coming in contact with food.
I have a concrete counter top in my kitchen. I did it myself 15 years ago. The base is the "green" board you use behind tile. It was framed out with wood scraps and the black vinyl garden edging to give it a smooth edge. It's framed out so the concrete looks 2" thick on the edge and covers everything. It's reinforced to support a ledge on one side for eating. In the concrete is gravel, fiber, wire mesh and rebar. Didnt want any cracking. It's sealed with some type of commercial resin that you mix and use. It withstands 550* heat. I put ceramic tiles in a design in case some dummy put a hot pot on the sealer. It was easy to do. It is a bit messy- water running out of the concrete. It will not hurt anything that's washable. Clean out your cabinet, spread towels or anything absorbant all around. Talk to someone at your concrete plant and they can mix you up the amount of powder you need for your project. And the right kind. You mix it up with water at home. Pour it into your frame. Smooth it. Set in your tiles or whatever if you decide on a design Jiggle into place. Smooth your surface. Pick up your wet towels and replace as needed. Take your forms off after a couple days. You can do some smoothing and playing with the concrete while its green. Once it's dry- ask your concrete people- then you seal it. I used 2 coats. Its been fine. I just don't use it as a cutting board. The forming and edging cost about $20. The concrete was about $10. The tiles came from a yard sale. I think the fiber was about $2. The resin was less than $10. The other stuff was scraps from the trash at a construction site of a friend. It's fun, it's easy, it's cheap, if you don't like it have a small sledge hammer party and do it again. Concrete can be colored, stained, painted. It does need sealing. Go for it. And lots of towels. Raid the dirty clothes hamper š¤š¬