Navigation
- Staining Concrete
- Acid Stains
- Acrylic Stains
- Faux Finish Stains
- Scoring Patterns
- Acrylic Stains
- Interior Concrete
- Floor Coatings
- Epoxy Paints
- Interior Flooring
- Basement floors
- Garage Floors
- Polished Concrete
- Concrete Countertops
- Radiant Floor Heat
- Epoxy Paints
- Exterior Concrete
- Patios
- Sidewalks
- Driveways
- Pool Decks
- Concrete Steps
- Stamped Concrete
- Colored Concrete
- Exposed Aggregate Concrete
- Sidewalks
- Overlays
- Concrete Overlays
- Countertop Overlay
- Maintenance
- Concrete Sealer
- Colored sealer
- Concrete Floor Wax
- Concrete Cleaning
- Removing Stains
- Concrete Repair
- Concrete Caulk
- Efflorescence
- Colored sealer
- Photo Galleries
- Concrete Staining
- Stamped Concrete
- Decorative Overlays
- Stamped Concrete
Calculate Concrete Yards
FAQ
Helpful Sites
Ask An Expert
Contact Us
About Us
Concrete Blog
Sitemap
| site search by freefind |
Learn the myths and truths about Concrete Deicers!
Which Deicers work best?
Countertop Overlay
A countertop overlay is an easier and less expensive alternative to solid concrete countertops. A microtopping is applied to the surface of a countertop to give the appearance of solid concrete. Color is added by either putting it into the mix or staining, just as you would concrete. It can be done over existing tops such as laminate or on newly constructed tops.
Advantages of a Countertop Overlay
- The overlay method is significantly cheaper than solid concrete, especially when done on an existing countertop.
- It won't be nearly as heavy as solid concrete which can weigh 25lbs per sq ft. Overlaying an existing top adds only a few pounds. This methods eliminates any concerns of the cabinets not being able to support concrete.
- You can make the entire countertop seamless including the backsplash, which isn't possible with any of the other traditional countertop materials.
- It makes installation much easier and less messy, especially with the "cast in place" method.
The only disadvantage of a countertop overlay versus solid concrete is less versatility. You can't embed objects such as cutting boards or broken glass like you can in concrete. However, overlays are still very versatile and you are only limited by your imagination.
Existing Countertop Overlay
Countertop overlays can be done on your existing tops. Of course it can only be done if the countertop is still in good shape structurally. Unless you want to change the size or shape, then consider an overlay instead of ripping out the tops and replacing with new.
So how do you get an overlay to stick to the countertop? You have to scar, scratch, grind the surface to get rid of the coatings and get down to the raw material. This will allow the primer for the overlay to penetrate the pores for a good bond. Any seems should be taped with mesh tape. This prevents hairline cracks from occurring along seems.
All overlay sytems for countertops will require a primer to be rolled on before applying the topping. Once that dries, the overlay goes down with a trowel. Then you can stain it and seal it just as you would concrete.
Countertop overlays are one of the cheapest but most dramatic ways to spuce up a kitchen or a bathroom. The best part is each one can be unique and customized just for you.
| Return from Countertop overlay to All Things Concrete home. |
