updated old 60's bathroom tile with concrete countertops
I think the tile was redone in the 80's because it was done so poorly! Either way, the old school way was to use wire mesh and concrete to lay the tile on, so it was a messy project to get the tile up! After all was said and done the results are gorgeous and the process fairly easy. If you are into the modern look you will probably find the result as beautiful as I do!
the best before pic I have, but you can see the "before" countertop here-
ugly old sink with lovely tile job surround
I just LOVE the bathtub faucet
the beginning... tap off tile and find concrete. Not what I expected!
This is when hubby comes home and says "what did you do?"
so we had no choice but to go forward with my "little update" that would be "easy"...
countertop is gone!
measure and cut a piece of plywood for the bottom and facing side.
I wanted a 2.5" edge, and I wanted it to overhang the edge of the counter.
I found that the drawers were perfect for a 2x4 to lay on and attach the facing wood piece, so the concrete would pour into the overhang. You can just build a frame for it if you don't have drawers.
Mix up your concrete. I used 5500 psi Maximizer because it has smaller aggregate
As you mix you can add color. I used charcoal.
then pour the concrete onto the plywood frame. I used rolled up magazines for the plumbing holes.
Be sure and vibrate the edge so the concrete gets down the front to make a clean edge.
when it dries it looks like this! I used a belt sander to smooth it out a bit. (this process is very dusty so have good ventilation and use heavy duty masks)
next we made smaller frames for the backsplash and sides. Pour your concrete in and let set
attach the sides with construction adhesive and grout or seal the edges.
Seal the concrete with concrete sealer and buff with carnauba wax (you can find this at an auto parts store)
tile goes up
and Ta-Da!
I love our new counter, and it has held up beautifully!
Now to tackle the bathtub area...
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