Better Homes And Gardens Concrete Table Top

How to Make a Concrete Tabletop

Do you need a low-maintenance, high performance table for your patio? Pair a sturdy metal coffee table frame with an edgy (and heavy!) concrete topper to create an alfresco focal point.

The patio is ready for an upgrade, but you'd hate to see your sturdy coffee table go to waste. Rather than getting rid of it, update the top with a concrete slab! Better yet, make the concrete topper yourself. We've got all the tips and tricks here.

What You Need:

countertop mix and tools

Sturdy coffee table with top removed
HardieBacker 500 cement board
Utility knife
4 Concrete Countertop Solutions Square Edge countertop forms
Miter saw
Drill
5/8-inch construction screws
Packing tape
Safety gloves
1 roll Concrete Countertop Solutions FG50 Fiber Mesh Reinforcement
1 box Concrete Countertop Solutions Z Clips
Tarp
2 bags Concrete Countertop Solutions Z Counterform White Countertop Mix
Mixing paddle
Two 5-gallon buckets
Cement trowel
Angle grinder with diamond sandpaper
Concrete Countertop Solutions Z SiAcryl 14 Sealer
2 paint trays
2 small paint rollers
Concrete Countertop Solutions Z Counter-Shine

How-To:

coffee table

Step 1:Cut the cement board to the size of the tabletop (ours is 24×42 inches) with a utility knife. Create a concrete mold by miter-cutting the square-edge forms so the inside dimensions match the cement board. Screw the forms onto the cement board, placing a screw every few inches.

Step 2: Apply tape to the corners of the mold to prevent concrete from seeping through the cracks.

Step 3: Wearing gloves, measure the mesh reinforcement to the size of your tabletop minus 1/2 inch on each side, then cut with scissors. Place mesh inside mold.

Step 4: Snap off the two longest legs on the Z clips. Then attach the clips to the underside of the mesh, placing one every 7 inches in straight rows starting at the edge of the mesh and working your way across it. Next stagger clips between the existing rows, and screw clips in place.

Step 5:Place the mold on a tarp. Mix concrete according to the package instructions, then pour the mixture into the mold, filling it to the top edge. Tap the edges of the mold to remove air bubbles, then smooth the concrete with a cement trowel, making sure the surface is even. Let cure for 24 hours.

Step 6:After the concrete has cured, polish it using an angle grinder and diamond sandpaper. Pour water onto the concrete surface as you sand, forming puddles, until you reach your desired smoothness. Remove dust with a damp cloth, then snap off the mold. Let dry overnight.

Step 7: Pour sealer into a paint tray and use a small roller to apply it to the concrete. Roll across the concrete until it's evenly coated. Apply two coats of sealer, letting it dry between coats.

Step 8:Once sealer has dried, pour Counter-Shine into another paint tray and use a small roller to apply it to the concrete. Let dry before placing tabletop onto the coffee table frame.

Cast in Concrete

refinished coffee table detail

The mesh reinforcement keeps the tabletop strong, perfect for propping up feet and potted plants alike, while the sealant defends it against dirt, rain, and beverage spills. All-weather and all-purpose, this DIY concrete table is perfect for any patio.