Are you dreaming of a modern, stylish kitchen island but balking at the high cost of custom concrete countertops? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will walk you through creating a gorgeous, DIY faux concrete kitchen island with a sleek waterfall edge, transforming your kitchen into a contemporary masterpiece without breaking the bank. Get ready to learn the secrets to achieving a high-end look with a hands-on approach.
If this inspiring project sparks your creativity, you might also enjoy exploring these 27 innovative kitchen island ideas, mastering the technique with this glossy painted kitchen counter top tutorial, or discovering the rustic charm of this beautiful copper kitchen countertop tutorial.
Hello fellow DIY enthusiasts! My name is Karisa, and I share my passion for home design and remodeling over at Petite Modern Life. I am absolutely thrilled to join the esteemed Remodelaholic contributor team for 2015, bringing you fantastic home remodeling projects, innovative decorating tips, and abundant inspiration right here on this fabulous blog!
Our journey into home renovation began exactly one year ago when we first tackled our 1970s rambler. What a transformation it has undergone! From its uninspired, standardized fixtures and finishes, awkward pocket doors, dull oatmeal-colored walls and carpets, to the drafty, screenless single-paned metal windows, every corner of our home has been reimagined. Today, however, our spotlight shines brightly on the heart of the home: the kitchen. We’ll dive deep into its incredible metamorphosis, with a special focus on the show-stopping DIY concrete island we crafted. But before we get to the concrete details, let me quickly take you through the monumental effort required just to carve out a space for an island in our original kitchen. It was truly a serious undertaking!
To truly appreciate the “after,” it’s essential to understand the “before.” Here’s what our kitchen looked like when we first acquired the house from its previous owners:
The kitchen was undeniably enclosed, dark, and felt almost “cave-like.” It was the antithesis of the bright, open concept I envisioned for my “dream home.” The challenge was clear: how do you transform such a confined space into an inviting, open-plan kitchen? The answer, as many DIYers know, involves a healthy dose of determination, a trusty hammer, a robust crowbar, and, of course, a little bit of passionate love for the project. Our goal was to create a functional, aesthetically pleasing space that flowed seamlessly with the rest of our home.
The moment those inhibiting walls came down was truly glorious! Just look at how the natural light now floods the space – it was a breathtaking sight and an affirmation of all our hard work. And yes, for those wondering, the roof did *not* cave in! We meticulously researched trusses and support structures, and thankfully, had a structural engineer friend on standby for expert consultation, ensuring our demolition was both safe and sound. With the walls gone, our next step was to strategically rearrange the existing cabinets to maximize storage and optimize the kitchen’s new, open layout. We encountered a slight hurdle with a tall pantry cabinet that only opened at a specific height, prompting us to ingeniously raise all the surrounding cabinets using wood inserts and shims to achieve a perfectly level and cohesive look. While we entertained the idea of adding custom drawers underneath, we wisely recognized when “one project too many” might lead to burnout, deciding to streamline our efforts.
During this intense phase of renovation, we also undertook the significant task of tearing out all the old floors and carpets. Living on plywood for several months became our temporary reality as we carefully selected and awaited the arrival of our new flooring – which, I must say, we absolutely adore! I’m excited to share more about those beautiful floors in a future post. Once the new floors and baseboards were meticulously installed, our vision for the kitchen island truly began to solidify. We decided on a faux concrete island, designed with a sophisticated waterfall end that would seamlessly blend modern aesthetics with practical functionality. Below, I’m thrilled to provide you with a detailed, step-by-step guide on how we brought this incredible concrete counter to life, demonstrating that you too can achieve a high-impact, custom look with a DIY approach.
Crafting Your Dream: DIY Concrete Kitchen Island How-To Guide
Embarking on a DIY concrete countertop project might seem daunting, but with the right materials and a clear guide, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience. Here’s everything you’ll need to create your stunning concrete kitchen island surface:
- Structural Base: 3 Sheets of high-quality plywood (each totaling approximately 2.25″ thick) – Budget estimate: ~$150
- Concrete Finish: 2 Bags of Ardex Concrete Feather Finish – Budget estimate: ~$63 (This specific product is renowned for its smooth application and excellent adhesion.)
- Trowels: A set of durable metal trowels, including a 10″ for large surfaces, a 3″ for detailed work, and an extra 3″ for versatility.
- Mixing Equipment: A robust medium mixing bucket (at least 60 oz capacity) and a drill mixer attachment – essential for achieving the perfect concrete consistency.
- Precision Measurement: A measured mason jar or similar container for accurate water-to-powder ratios.
- Protection & Cleanup: Painter’s tape to protect surrounding surfaces, and a supply of rags for quick cleanups.
- Sanding Supplies: A variety of sandpaper grits: 400 (for initial smoothing), 220 (for refinement), and 180 (for the final finish). A power sander will expedite the process for large areas, and a sanding block for edges and smaller details.
- Dust Management: A powerful Shop-Vac – an absolute game-changer for keeping dust under control during sanding.
- Sealing System: GST International Satin Sealer & GST International Final Coat – Budget estimate: ~$80 (These provide crucial durability and a beautiful finish.)
- Application Tools: High-density roller brushes (both large and small for various surfaces), a stain brush for precise application, and a paint pan.
Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and begin the detailed process of creating your DIY concrete kitchen island. Our initial step involved a trip to Lowe’s, armed with precise measurements for our counter, including the desired overhang for the bar seating area. We carefully selected and purchased three sturdy slabs of plywood, ensuring a total thickness of 2.25 inches to provide a solid and substantial base. The first piece of plywood was securely drilled into the perimeter of the existing cabinets, forming the foundational support. The subsequent two pieces were then heavily screwed into one another and the first layer, creating an incredibly stable and robust core for our countertop. After securing the plywood, we diligently filled all screw holes with wood filler, allowed it to dry completely, and then sanded the surface to an even finish. It’s important to note that you don’t need to sand the entire plywood base to a fine polish before applying the concrete. In fact, the Ardex Feather Finish requires a slightly roughened surface to properly adhere, ensuring a strong bond. Next, protect your cabinetry and any other surfaces you wish to keep concrete-free with painter’s tape. A useful tip: while some tape might become permanently encased in concrete, an X-Acto knife can easily cut away any visible excess once the concrete cures, leaving clean lines.
With your base meticulously prepared, you are now ready for the transformative concrete finish! This wasn’t our first rodeo with Ardex Feather Finish; we previously used it for our bathroom counters. That invaluable experience taught us several crucial lessons, which I’ll integrate into the detailed instructions below to help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve a flawless result.
- Optimal Mixing for Smoothness: The key to a manageable and smooth application is to mix your concrete thinner than the manufacturer’s recommendations. Through trial and error, we found that a ratio of 32 oz of water to 20 oz of concrete powder yielded the ideal consistency. This thinner mix is far easier to spread uniformly across the surface, significantly extends the working time before it dries in the bucket, and simplifies the sanding process between coats. Use your drill mixer attachment to thoroughly whip the water and powder together until completely smooth. Let the mixture sit for approximately 5 minutes to allow for full hydration, then give it another quick stir with your trowel before beginning application.
- Strategic Spreading Technique: Begin by applying large “splats” of the mixed concrete across your largest surface (the top of the island) using your largest (10″) trowel. Work quickly and spread the concrete thinly and evenly until the entire surface is covered. Immediately after, switch to your smaller trowel (3″) to cover the side and underneath surfaces, ensuring continuous coverage. Having a “compadre” or helper during this stage is incredibly beneficial – they can follow you around to promptly wipe up any concrete that drips or falls onto the floor, minimizing cleanup later.
- Tool Maintenance for Efficiency: To save money and ensure your tools remain in optimal condition for subsequent coats, make it a habit to clean your trowels and mixing buckets thoroughly outdoors immediately after each application. Dried concrete is notoriously difficult to remove.
- Achieving Crisp Edges: After the concrete has been applied and allowed to sit for approximately 30 minutes, it will begin to firm up. This is the perfect window to define your edges. Using your small trowel, carefully pull it along all the edges of the island. Our goal was to achieve razor-sharp angles for a truly modern, industrial look, and this step is crucial for that precise finish.
- Thorough Sanding Between Coats: Once a coat is completely dry (this can vary significantly based on your home’s temperature and humidity; we typically waited at least 12 hours), it’s time to sand. Begin by sanding down the large, flat surfaces with 400-grit sandpaper attached to a power sander. Exercise extreme caution near the edges when using a power sander, as you risk sanding through the thin concrete layer back to the plywood. For the edges and smaller, more delicate surfaces, use a sanding block to manually smooth them out. *PRO TIP:* Did you know you can hook up your shop vac directly to your power sander? This ingenious connection captures almost all the dust, making indoor sanding a much cleaner and more pleasant experience, virtually eliminating airborne concrete dust!
- Layering for Durability and Finish: Repeat the entire application and sanding process (steps 1-5) 2 to 3 times. More coats are perfectly acceptable, especially if you find you’ve sanded a bit too aggressively in one area or encountered any minor imperfections. This layering process builds durability and a smoother finish. With each subsequent coat, switch to a lower grit sandpaper for the sanding stage. For instance, after your second coat, use 220-grit, and for your final concrete coat, finish sanding with 180-grit. Allow each coat to dry completely before proceeding. It can be a delicate process, so patience is key.
- Mastering the Final Coat for a Professional Look: *ADVANCED TIP:* To achieve a truly professional, legitimate slab-like appearance and eliminate any potential for “random smears” or uneven drying, we employed a slightly OCD but highly effective technique for our very last concrete coat. We divided the application into three distinct parts:
- First, apply concrete to the top surface and the waterfall edge. As you apply, meticulously scrape off any excess concrete that gets onto the sides. Allow this section to dry for approximately 2 hours.
- Next, apply concrete to the undersides of the island. Again, carefully scrape off any excess that might get onto the previously dried top/waterfall or the other sides. Let this dry for another 2 hours.
- Finally, apply concrete specifically to the remaining exposed edges, scraping off any excess that gets on the top or waterfall side. Let this final section to fully dry before sanding. This meticulous approach ensures consistent drying times across all surfaces, prevents noticeable transitions, and contributes significantly to the monolithic appearance of solid concrete. Once fully dry, proceed with the final sanding (180-grit) as described in step 5.
The penultimate, yet critically important, step in this DIY journey is sealing your concrete island. A proper sealing process is what truly protects your beautiful work, making it durable, water-resistant, and ready for daily kitchen use. For our project, we wanted a sealer that offered superior performance compared to what we used in our bathroom. After extensive online research and consideration, we opted for a two-part system: the GST International Satin Sealer for the initial coats, chosen for its excellent oil and water resistance, long-lasting protection, and re-sealable properties. This was followed by the GST International Final Coat, which provides exceptional scuff resistance, extended longevity, and a desirable high-gloss finish. We sourced our sealers through a local dealer, which was a fortunate find. Be aware that these specialized products can sometimes take over three weeks to receive if ordered from their sole online store, so plan accordingly! The application of the sealer was surprisingly easy and remarkably fast. Apply the satin sealer very quickly and evenly using a high-density foam roller. This product dries in less than 10 minutes, so agility is key to achieving seamless, even coverage without lap marks. We applied two generous coats of the satin sealer, allowing adequate drying time between each. This was then followed by four thin, even coats of the final coat, building up the protective, glossy layer. All six coats were completed within a single day. For optimal durability and performance, it is highly recommended to let the sealer cure for ideally four days. We, perhaps a bit daringly, hosted a large party after just three days of curing. While we meticulously tried to conceal our slight anxiety over the situation, we were incredibly impressed by how beautifully the concrete held up under pressure – a true testament to the sealer’s quality!
Just look at that magnificent gloss! It was precisely the high-sheen finish we envisioned, perfectly complementing the concrete’s original, subtle gray coloration. The rich luster brings out the unique, organic variations in the concrete, elevating it from a simple material to a sophisticated design element. For a powerful visual reminder of this incredible transformation, let’s take a quick look back at the “before” state of the kitchen:
And now, behold the breathtaking “after”!
What are your thoughts on the elegant wood accent beneath the island? These are 1x6x8 Douglas Fir Boards, precisely cut and securely mounted to the cabinet base using a nail gun. To achieve a rich, deep hue that harmonizes with our existing shelves, we applied two coats of dark walnut stain, providing a more intense color compared to the single coat used elsewhere. This small detail adds warmth and a touch of organic texture, beautifully contrasting with the industrial concrete. (Total cost for 7 planks: approximately ~$130).
The waterfall look is, without a doubt, my absolute favorite design element of this entire project! I’m incredibly pleased we committed to it. In this picture, you can truly appreciate the subtle yet unique colorations and variations inherent in the concrete. These natural patterns add an authentic, perfectly industrial aesthetic that I’ve always admired and aimed for in our home’s design. It’s these imperfections, in fact, that give the concrete its character and charm.
To complete the look, we found these perfect, stylish bar stools conveniently on Amazon. Their sleek design complements the industrial aesthetic of the concrete island beautifully.
The crisp, clean edges of the concrete island provide a striking contrast to some of the softer, more rounded decorative elements found elsewhere in our home. Yet, this juxtaposition perfectly aligns with my favorite industrial design pieces, creating a harmonious balance between raw, utilitarian aesthetics and comfortable, modern living. It’s a testament to how different textures and forms can coexist beautifully in a thoughtfully designed space.
Project Overview: Time and Cost Summary
The overall cost for your DIY concrete kitchen island project will naturally vary depending on the size of your island, regional material prices, and what supplies you may already have on hand. For our specific project, the total investment for materials was approximately $450. This comprehensive transformation, from initial plywood installation to the final sealing, can typically be completed within a focused timeframe of 3 to 4 days, making it an achievable weekend project for dedicated DIYers.
Thank you so much for joining me on this detailed journey through the creation of our DIY concrete kitchen island! I truly hope this in-depth tutorial empowers and assists you in crafting something equally stunning and functional for your own home. My husband and I are committed to sharing quarterly updates on how our concrete island is holding up over the coming year, so be sure to check back on our blog, Petite Modern Life, for all the latest insights on its long-term durability and appearance!
Furthermore, I’m absolutely thrilled to connect with you all here on Remodelaholic! I genuinely hope you’ll stick around to explore more of the amazing projects and insightful content consistently shared by Cassity and the talented team of contributors on this inspiring blog.
If you enjoyed this detailed post and are eager for more DIY inspiration, you’ll definitely love my comprehensive tutorial for Heavy Duty Floating Shelves, our innovative guide on DIY Painted Shower Tiles, and this incredibly clever tutorial for a DIY $35 Modern Pendant Light. I invite you to stop by Petite Modern Life anytime and say hello! I’ll be actively monitoring the comments section below, so please feel free to ask any questions you might have. Cheers, friends!
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We are so incredibly thrilled to have Karisa as a valuable member of our Remodelaholic team, and we absolutely adore the inspiring transformations she’s creating in her own home!
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