Concrete and microcement table top and kitchen worktop

 

After concrete floors, walls and ceilings, the time has come for concrete furniture and especially countertops – kitchen counters and kitchen islands, bathroom counters, bar counters and restaurant tables. To obtain the effect of a concrete top, we have two solutions – make a table top cast from architectural concrete or a table top covered with a thin layer of microcement.

 

microcement kitchen worktop - Scandinavian kitchen

A table top made of concrete or table top covered with microcement?

The first one is quite heavy, it requires the use of high quality concrete. In addition, it should be reinforced with fiberglass (GRC table top). First, the form for the top is built, it is poured with concrete, it is blotted and then it cures for a minimum of 24-48 hours. Then the formwork is removed and polished to achieve the desired effect. The last step is impregnation, which will give the surface smoothness, protect it against dirt and reduce the absorption of concrete.
If we want a faster effect, we can cover the countertop (made of wood, OSB or MDF etc.)  with microcement. At the beginning, the surface should be primed, and then with the help of a trowel, two thin layers of microcement should be applied at intervals of approximately 3 hours.
After the second layer dries,  the worktop is grinded gently.  Finally, as in the case of architectural concrete worktop, we need to cover the microcement table top with sealer.

The most important advantage of the microcement is greater resistance and the fact that it is much lighter. It is especially important when, for example, we want to make tables with a concrete counter in a restaurant or cafe, which will often be moved. Another convenience is the much smaller amount of material that you need to buy and better resistance to moisture.

To make a microcement table top we recommend the Festwall Life or Festfloor Go microcement kits.

By the way, we must warn against an idea that sometimes comes to customers’ minds. Some people try to combine both techniques and instead of using microcement, use concrete made of plain cement to cover the countertop. Such a concrete will not stick to the surface, and if it sticks to it to some extent, it will crumble and fall off with the slightest strike. The microcement is a special mixture containing polymers that provide excellent adhesion, flexibility and water resistance, and in this case can not be replaced with concrete.

 

Concrete table top and microcement table top – instructions for use and maintenance

  • Use the board. Do not cut with a knife directly on the counter.
  • Use pads for hot pots and dishes.
  • Spilled vinegar, lemon juice, oils and similar liquids should be removed as soon as possible, because they can damage the varnish.
  • The concrete top should not come into contact with substances such as nail polish remover, hydrochloric acid, ammonia, as they can also damage the varnish.
  • For care and cleaning, use a mild detergent, such as dishwashing liquid.

 

microcement table top

Countertop and sink covered with Festfloor Go! Microcement color 7035.

 

concrete countertop

Countertop covered with Festfloor Go! Microcement color 7035.

 

Graphite kitchen worktop covered with microcement Festfloor Go! color RAL7016

 

Graphite kitchen worktop covered with microcement Festfloor Go! color RAL7016

 

This table top in a cafe in Warsaw is covered with pink microcement Festfloor Life. More photos and a video from this project.

 

 

Refreshing the old table – table top covered with FestfloorGo! microcement color NCS S 5540-B80G and a flower pot made of ArchiFest.

A concrete table made by one of our British clients. See more photos from this project.

 

A DIY table made from scratch. Metal legs and table top covered with Festfwall Life microcement, color GR4. See more photos.

 

Cream beige kitchen worktop made of MFP board covered with Festfwall Life microcement and covered with PU FEST 2K varnish.

 

Concrete table top in a restaurant

The Madrid Boho Bar restaurant is a great example of microcement in a restaurant. The restaurant was founded by two friends, travelers and dreamers, in love with Thai exoticism, Marrakesh magic, cosmopolitan New York and the explosion of Indian colors. The space they created evokes the best of each of these places. The restaurant, as the name suggests, is in the boho style. We find here a mix of styles, a fusion of cultures, a wealth of colors, textures and materials. An old, polished concrete floor was combined here with microcement tops impregnated with glossy sealer. As you can see, the floor has already worn out, but the owners do not bother. We are not surprised at this, because cracks, stains and other imperfections on the floor look interesting. In addition to the tables, we have here a bar of microcement – a very practical solution. The  gray of the concrete floor and microcement tabletops are enriched by the juicy tones of  beautiful sunny yellow lamp and turquoise elements (chairs, tiles, patterns on pillows). Thanks to this combination, the interior is very energetic.