I have a built in countertop type area in my shop with a big tub sink about 8' long. The sink has to be replaced, it's just plastic and disgusting, and the current surface material is 3/4" plywood with some sort of odd unknown blackish-semi-waterproof coating.(?)
I'm going to build cabinets below and I'd like a better water proof surface for the top. I'd also like to have the sink under mounted in some way, so I can use a sprayer to spray the whole surface off.
My issue - I've got a lot more time than money these days. I've seen concrete countertops used even in high end kitchens, so I know it's doable. I also know these are often pre-cast somewhere else and upside down, to give a smooth finish, and then sanded and polished while it's still "green".
I was thinking instead of trying to cast it somewhere else and upside down, I'd just pour some concrete over the existing 3/4" plywood with some edge forms. I could make it level with the edge of the new sink. I know an expert concrete finisher can make a surface glassy smooth, but I'm not one of them.
Would it really be that hard to get ultra smooth results in an area only about 8'x24"? How thick do you think I would need to pour it, and what kind of cement mix would I use? I think it would be mostly just cement/sand, without the gravel. Possibly embed some wire mesh for strenght? Any tips on finishing for an idiot that hasn't done much more than a post hole or two?
On top of that I was thinking about the possibility of casting a custom concrete tub sink. Maybe that's taking things a bit too far?
Just thinking outloud here...
I'm going to build cabinets below and I'd like a better water proof surface for the top. I'd also like to have the sink under mounted in some way, so I can use a sprayer to spray the whole surface off.
My issue - I've got a lot more time than money these days. I've seen concrete countertops used even in high end kitchens, so I know it's doable. I also know these are often pre-cast somewhere else and upside down, to give a smooth finish, and then sanded and polished while it's still "green".
I was thinking instead of trying to cast it somewhere else and upside down, I'd just pour some concrete over the existing 3/4" plywood with some edge forms. I could make it level with the edge of the new sink. I know an expert concrete finisher can make a surface glassy smooth, but I'm not one of them.
Would it really be that hard to get ultra smooth results in an area only about 8'x24"? How thick do you think I would need to pour it, and what kind of cement mix would I use? I think it would be mostly just cement/sand, without the gravel. Possibly embed some wire mesh for strenght? Any tips on finishing for an idiot that hasn't done much more than a post hole or two?On top of that I was thinking about the possibility of casting a custom concrete tub sink. Maybe that's taking things a bit too far?
Just thinking outloud here...