Hey Mr Carter, you wrote above:

"you would be shocked at how much work and expertise goes into createing a masterpiece". Well - No I wouldn't. Check this site out.

http://search.us.kohler.com/?i=1&page=1&q=lavastone&u1=q&x=12&y=6§ion=B athroom

I'm trying to find a reasonable alternative for Kohler lavastone myself. If you have any ideas or know anyone in the Biloxi, MS area who can do that kind of work please let me know. Thanks a bunch

Tim,
I saw a show once where the designer actually painted on some form of concrete on counter tops. Are you familiar with this? Does it even exist? If so, is it durable? Is it something I could do by myself?

Kathy,
I am not familiar with that product. Sorry!

Kathy, There is a product that you have described. I have used it and found it more than satisfactory. I believe the name of the product is Flexstone or Flexrock and I got mine from Home Hardware in Canada. The process is very simple and much less expensive than replacing a countertop with natural stone and much less labor intensive than replacing one with concrete. I have put this product on the countertops of two bathrooms and my daughter has used it to cover the plywood surrounding her range nook to make it look like limestone blocks.
In both cases it has generated wows and disbelief when told the nature of the product. The only problems I have encountered is that the layer of concrete is relatively thin (about 1/8 inch or so) and one of my boys dropped a wrench on it and chipped a tiny hole in the counter where the underlying counter color shows through. Patching it is pretty simple. Let me know if I can help further.
Also, my husband and I have done beautiful concrete countertops for our kitchen. They were a first for us and problematic at times, but eventually we resolved our difficulties and they are pretty gorgeous. Our only unsolved problem is the matter of the sealer, which is why I visited this site in the first place. Although the one we have is extremely easy to apply, it also scratches easily and turns white when water is left on it. Does anyone know of a sealer they would recommend? Lorraine

I have concrete countertops that need to be sealed. We were advised not to seal them permanently because then they would get a "plastic look." Instead - we use "Pledge" and when they are polished - they look great. Unfortunately, because I love to cook - I have stains from everything acidic.

Help! What product can be used to seal these permanently and end my fear of anyone trying to help me in the kitchen for fear of more stainage!

I Girl,
How about a silane/siloxane water repellent? Go to www.SaverSystems.com and look at Masonry Saver.

Tim,thanks for the suggestion. The product looks just like what we need. If I don't hear back from the 2 different contractors that I have repeatedly contacted (is it industry standard to not return phone calls?), I will tackle this myself. =)

Tim.

I am a concrete contractor expanding into the field of concrete as a decorative and beautiful part of our indoor homes, from polished floors to countertops and furniture styles. From start to finish this has been an enormous learning cure because most of the information to work on these types of projects comes from people selling product that will not do what they say it will! Any one who has put the time and effort into finding what works for them will have a great deal hesitation to share with the average home owner or builder.
To produce the picture perfect countertop with the luxury of durability is not an easy task. I would not recommend any home owner or do it yourself to tackle this sort of a project. Concrete countertops are best left to the professionals with years of experience and a lot of well kept secrets to create a masterpiece that is not only beautiful but also durable. I hope the average Joe will not take offence to this, but it may destroy their appreciation for concrete and all of the possibilities that can be created with this wonderful material!!!!!
I would like to hear any responses to the above comments, thanks Scott!!!!

Scott,

I am not a contractor or home builder, but I just finished my first counter top. It is for our bathroom we just put into our basement. While the task of creating a counter top is time consuming at first, it can be relatively easy for those with "better than average" skills.
The resources I used were from a few different websites and books on the subject. From them I learned about mold making and the different types of concrete that can be used. When I was ready for polishing I found a website that sells polishing pads to the public. After the last buffing pad was used my counter top looks great! Now I just need to seal it. Any pointers? ;)

Tim,
If we always left it to the professionals with years of experience there would be no new professionals... Sounds like nepotism to me. I believe that any person with patience and a willingness to take their time to learn a craft and has enough money to supplement mistakes should endeavor to take on a new craft. Our Co. does everything but electrical and plumbing for commercial property managers, Home builders, and Home owners. Concrete counter tops and not just ground but polished and stained concrete floors are our next endeavor. I live to learn, and I am thankful that I have a career that allows me to learn and perform as many trades as I dream to. (exit stage left from soap box...)

Me again. All complete! I ended up using a natural stone/ceramic/granite deep penetrating sealer from Home Depot that also give it that "wet look". After that cured I used a surface sealer/cleaner to finish it off. It looks beautiful! Here is a link to the finished product if anyone is interested.
*before the pour*
http://darkjuan.livejournal.com/65093.html
*breaking the mold and finishng*
http://darkjuan.livejournal.com/65613.html

Good luck to everybody!

Ken,
Thanks for your comment. I agree with you. That is how I learned. But you have to always read the question part of the column to understand my answer. In this case, this was the first time the person was going to try it - and on her own home! My feeling was this was not the time for on-the-job training.

We just finished our first kitchen countertop, and the color is already peeling off the top in places. I'm actually thrilled since I hate the color, but any tips on getting the rest of the sealer and concrete stain off without destroying my beautiful new--and CLEAN--kitchen and wood floors?

Also, I'm trying to find out how to create the rustic acid-eaten, marble-like vintage look after removing the old color. Any ideas? We'd like to do it ourselves if at all possible, since the first time around was done by "professionals." Thanks!!!

Liza,
I am not a fan of amateur chemistry experiments. You should contact the sealer and stain manufacturers to see about reversing the chemistry. As for aging the concrete, once again you are talking about some form of chemistry. Buy some great drop cloths.....

I am interested in whether it is possible to lay concrete floors over ceramic tile floors inside our home...

Carrie,
It is possible.

darkjuan what sites did you use in terms of the molding....

I am building a house and on a fairly tight budget. I like concrete counter tops, and a friend of mine has some that I may be able to salvage and re-install in my kitchen. He said that someone he knows had them installed/poured in his new kitchen, and upon getting married his wife did not like concrete and wanted to replace them with granite. He had them removed, but in complete pieces and gave them to my friend who was thinking of how he could use them. However, they are stained a greenish color which does not work for me, and I was wondering how difficult it will be to restain them a dark charcoal gray...what are the steps, and how should I go about this if it's at all possible? Thanks, any help would be appreciated for this first time homebuilder...