Building Concrete Countertop Forms: Mistakes to Avoid

Building concrete countertop forms is easy to do, but only when all preparations are made without any mistakes or at least with backup plans. Concrete countertops are quickly becoming a popular choice among homeowners because of the many designs that can be placed on top of it. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when building concrete countertop forms.

Never Start the Building without Prior Planning

Like any other project, never start without conceptualizing a building plan. To do this, first, check if there is a cabinet base in which to place the countertop. If there is none, then plan out how both are to be constructed. Look for good designs online and use them as guides.

Do not Start Building if the Tools and Materials are not Complete

Make sure that all items needed to build the forms are well prepared and ready before starting the actual building process. If there are items that are not present, borrow them from friends or neighbors. Not having all the tools and materials can end up in a disaster so make certain to have a checklist as a guide.

Never Build the Forms without Measuring the Exact Dimensions

Always measure the exact dimensions of the cabinet base and follow these exact measurements to avoid any errors. Transfer these measurements to the form. Add a few inches only if the location of the cabinet base allows it. If the cabinet base is located back to back with the wall, then it is best to follow exact measurements.

Never Build on an Irregular Surface

To ensure that the form stays level, do build it on a flat surface. This is important because when the concrete countertop is to be cast, it should result in a completely level surface. Check the base of the working area to inspect for irregularities. Make sure as well that the base is firm as steady.

Do not Forget the Sink and Faucet Holes

Make cut-outs for the faucet and sinkholes. Measure the exact dimensions of the pipes and sinkholes in order to come up with accurate cut-outs out of melamine or other materials. Better yet, use the template of the sink and the pipe as a guide. Make sure that the hole for the faucet hole is wide enough to allow the plumber to work on the fittings on the faucet. If the faucet hole is too tight and the concrete countertop is too thick, the plumber may complain because the working area is too small. Therefore, always give allowances for the faucet holes before casting the countertop.

Never Cast the Concrete without Using a Sealer

Do not forget to seal the inside corners and base of the form. Apply a bead of silicone caulk in order to create a watertight barrier. Use a finger to smooth out the silicone. When the concrete is cast into the form, the silicone will keep the water from leaking.