Concrete Desktop with Wood Insert

[Trochu]

Good evening guys. Been awhile since I've posted, anyways...

I'm in process of making a desk with a concrete top with a permanent oak insert. The plan is for a 30"x66"x2.25" top with a 1"x6'x1" running lengthwise about 8" from the back. Any thoughts on finishing the wood prior to pouring the concrete? I'm thinking sealing and then pouring or leaving natural, sanding down when cured, and then finishing are my two options, just don't know which is the better choice. I'm using a charcoal tint in the concrete so was thinking of leaving the oak near natural for contrast. Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.

 

[Kaizen]

Sounds interesting. Think I would probably use melamine with taped edges in the original form and then cut the wood to the exact size. Your way I’d be worried the concrete would leave too big of a gap when it shrunk. Also that charcoal will bleed into the wood or discolor the edges


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[xyster101]

I would finish the wood first. It will absorb moisture from the concrete. When you polish the concrete you will take the finish off the wood and have to reapply it, but the finish will still be on the sides of the wood and the bottom. I would think the end grain especially will absorb the moisture and possibly the color from the concrete.

+1 to making the mold from melamine. Also pour the counter upside down. Hot glue the wood insert to the bottom of the mold, pour in the concrete and vibrate a little. That will give you a perfectly flat top once the mold is removed. Also seal all the joints in the mold with silicon. Stops it from leaking and makes all the edges have a round over.

 

[MDM]

Screw screws into the side of the wood so when you cast the concrete around it, it has something to lock onto.