Leave a comment and let me know if you'd like to see a build video for a matching white concrete coffee table using "just-add-water" GFRC mix and easier-to-make wood base. If you ask for it, I will build it :)
That would be very cool. I actually have a video for waterfall concrete countertop with integrated LED lighting which is in production now (preview pics on Instagram, if you interested). As for integrated sinks, I made two countertops with integrated sinks for my bathrooms, but alas, it was before I started recording my builds. At some point I will go back and do some quick videos showing past builds.....
The tip for using the cake tool to smooth the caulking was worth the price of admission alone. What a cool idea. For those that didn't catch the name of the tool, it's a "fondant ball tool", and Amazon has them. Nice work!
Nothing2cHere glad you found it useful! I can't take full credit for the idea, since I got it from a video by concrete countertop institute (if you search for their video on how to caulk a form, it is worth a watch).
Nothing2cHere ps there is actually an Amazon link in the description for the fondant. If you use that link to purchase, it helps to support my channel :)
I have done some woodworks in the past but this woodwork plan czcams.com/users/postUgkxZF0EMnrujZvqHhGkxiz559uIABJWR9TG helps me do much in a far lesser time than i used to do i have already built several projects with this plan and i intend to do many more soon. Thank you so much!
This was it! This was the project that got me hooked on everything else you've done. I'd never seen white concrete before and never combined with wood. It is a stunning piece. I dream of having a kitchen count done like an expansion of this project. That would give me a cutting board to die for!
An elegant example of the fact that the cost of the material does not determine the result, but the originality of the idea and the hands that grew out of the right place.
I just finished the moulds for a concrete project this weekend. It’s late here but I had to trie the ball-method for the silicone. I ordered the ball tool earlier this weekend and got some cheap antique wax. I tried it on the outside and came back after dinner. I can confirm. It is far out the easiest and cleanest way to apply the silicone. A year ago on version 1 I used a coffee-spoon and painters-tape. But due to the raised lip after pulling the tape, the silicone got stuck in the cement. Also depending on the angle of holding the spoon I got different thickness/radius. This never really cleaned up well. Now it’s just super smooth and equal all the way. Even the corners are perfect. (I did use a tiny amount of dish soap on the rag I used tho clean my tool with, I think it helped me in the corners)
I really enjoyed your video. When I first saw it, I was thinking countertop with built-in cutting board, not beautiful side/end table. This video is definitely going into my 'ideas' folder! Thanks.
Thanks! I actually just helped a friend do exactly what you were thinking with a cutting-board style inlay (walnut, maple, and purpleheart). There are some pics on my Instagram if you are interested.
I think it is safe to say I have finally found my favorite DIY person. This table is beautiful. Your videos are so informative and clear. I'm never left confused after watching. So far I have only watched a couple, but love every one of them. And I can't wait to hear about the new products you were talking about. So happy I found your videos on here today.
What a fantastic looking table! Really love that spalted wood with the white concrete. The hint about using that tool with the caulk was really a good one. Thanks for passing this along. Subscribed!
I love your work sir. You're a good sport despite some of the rude/annoying comments left by some people. Thank you for inspiring us all with your creativity. I look forward to your future projects.
Safety tip... you shouldn't use gloves while operating your table saw or miter saw... if you ever have an accident, you may loose a finger, but with gloves on... the blade will grab the glove and you will loose your hand.
Thanks for clarifying. I mentioned this mistake in my latest video (for the concrete wall art) to set it straight. For some reason, I was told to wear gloves for safety reasons when I started, but the CZcams universe has now set me straight :)
This white concrete is beautiful! After watching your video I am considering building a round, white concrete gas fire pit. Thank you so much for sharing your work!
Thank you! Make sure to check out the video I did with Modern Builds (on his channel) -- we made a white concrete fire pit very similar to what you describe.
Yea, GFRC is some really great stuff! I definitely recommend doing a small pour (like a side table) so you can get a feel for it, before doing a countertop, but it is a totally doable project. Let me know if you have any questions, and if you share pictures of what you make, I'd love to see them.
Thanks! Yea, once I figured that out, all other techniques seemed like a huge pain. I love something where you can be as sloppy as you want, and the tool does all the work for you.
Thanks for the suggestion to use a fondant tools to finish the silicon and round the edge of the concrete. We didn't have one, so I rounded the end of a short oak dowel, sealed and waxed it just in case. I'm building something similar, great tutorial overall ... thanks!
I would love to see pictures of what you make. If you tag me on Instagram or send me an email (link the "about" tab on my CZcams channel), that would awesome.
Thanks! Feel free to reach out if you need any help. I've also got an instructable up with more details on the project. www.instructables.com/id/DIY-White-Concrete-Table-W-Live-Edge-Maple-Inlay/
I actually thought I was being safe -- I'm totally self-taught. After researching a bit more, it looks like the consensus is that gloves create more danger than they alleviate. I'll have to include a PSA in my next video during the table saw shots (it is already filmed).
Modustrial Maker I always enjoy when DIYers make comments on being safe. It doesnt take much to get a serious injury! Eye and ear protection, no loose clothing or jewelry, no gloves, dust mask as needed.
I follow a lot of concrete DYI channels, and have a particular interest in GFRC. I was 2 minutes into your video and had subscribed. Very well done video, nice editing, great explanations. Look forward to looking through more of your stuff. Thanks!
Hah! Yes, working in a basement storage area adjacent to neighbors, I had to use plastic sheets to control dust. Didn't make the Dexter connection until the CZcams universe pointed it out :)
Thanks! I might be popularizing it, but credit is due to Concrete Countertop Institute for discovering it. If you plan to use it, definitely check out their video on how to caulk a mold. It is a simple process, but watching their video was still very helpful to me.
I wear Puma shoes throughout most of my videos, but I just realized you weren't talking about the shoes...LOL. Maybe I'll do some DIY plumbing videos in the future....
Great video! I love the idea of using the cake decorating tool. It's good to see someone spending a lot of time preparing and cleaning the contact surfaces....a very underestimated process which greatly improves the finished product! Keep the projects coming, I'm loving your work!
I definitely plan on it. I do have one concrete video that is done with just regular old concrete that has already been filmed and will be out soon. After that I'm planning a simple GFRC project where I'll have time to go into the mix in more detail. I also plan to do a written tutorial on my website (modustrialmaker.com), which will likely get done before the full video. Check there over the next month, and it should be up (or if you like, I've set up an RSS feed for the website).
Nice job. I'm looking at making large study desks using the same method you show here. white concrete with a glass aggregate is an option. Steel frame to support the load.
Thank you for this great tutorial, I would love to try it myself. I find these type of tables look great with roughness of the wood contrasts with immaculate quality of the concrete, here you see concrete is quite rough as well which looks like the cause of use of silicon. Liked.
Fine job! Here, the only white cement is Lehigh portland cement type 1. I'm trying to find the right mix of sand to cement. I poured some small samples of this and they came out quite hard without adding any sand - but I'd like to do a countertop - and think that I probably need to add some for strength.
Adore this. Thinking about making a concrete top that will be apart of a Green Egg outdoor kitchen for my Pops. Perfect for a removable cutting board idea as well. Thank you!
Seeing your creative work was a treat. I'm on board and looking forward to seeing more. This table will definitely be on my list of diy projects. Thanks.
I like your project so much, so I tryed to make it myself. Thank you so much for all the useful info you share, without it it wouldn't be possible for me!
Glad you found it useful. I got it from a video posted by Concrete Countertop Institute. Definitely check out their video as they go into a lot more detail.
Modustrial Maker hey, have you worked with adding minerals to change appearance of the concrete? I saw someone else's video where they added dust from turquoise, but was thinking about stuff that would make the appearance more like granite or quartz; something a little chunky (larger than dust) and sparkly, either mica chips or tiny diamond chips. If you have done something similar I'm wondering if it worked for you or not. I love this table, more industrial rural chic. Would look great in my Alaskan cabin. I have been planning on colored concrete slabs for counter tops, underlay for wood stove, and possibly even decks (wood decks are too common, but tile deck substructures are spendy and it would tie my interior space to my exterior space looking in or out through the French doors and have matching deck, kitchen counter, wood stove pedestal). Again, nice work, thanks for sharing.
No, I haven't seen that technique but will definitely check it out. I'm always searching for new techniques to mix into my builds. Would love to see what you end up making -- if you post photos to Instagram, please tag me so I can check it out.
Modustrial Maker I found some colorful GFRC here. Not that I'd purchase here, but it's really interesting to see what colors are possible. www.concreteexchange.com/surecrete-colors/
I have used their colors and they are nice -- a bit overpriced in my opinion. If you were doing a coffee table, for example, it would be $50+ just for the pigment! But, they are very nice. Fishstone has nice colors for much lower prices: www.concretecountertopsupply.com/Category/Pigments Some of them are only listed on website in larger volumes, but if you are buying other supplies from them, you could give them a call and see if they would sell a smaller color pack size that isn't listed on the website.
Expansion was definitely a concern. This is part of the reason I poured the concrete right over the wood in the mold, and then covered the mold while the concrete cured. While I sealed the wood before I did this, the water from the concrete mix still evaporates and creates a very humid environment in the mold (surrounding the wood). This is about the maximum humidity you would find any any environment the table will be in. Thus, the wood expands a bit in the mold while the concrete is still curing (i.e., not hard yet), and the concrete cures around and takes the shape of the slightly expanded wood. Once demolded, the wood contracts. As a result, there is a slight gap between the concrete, but nothing too noticeable (at least IMO). More importantly, there is very little chance the wood will ever expand more than it did in the mold and cause cracking in the concrete or wood. GFRC also can flex and bend a bit (much more than standard concrete), so this helps. I actually made this table about 6 months ago, and it has been moved around, inside and outside, and so far, so good :)
I am not handy at all, but I really like the table. Aesthetically looks amazing, very polished, finished really well. Very good taste as well combining those material and the wood. And, Puma got a free advert as well.
Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing your methodology. Quite obviously, you do this professionally... can you please share where you find clients and/or buyers for your products? Thanks so much!
Trip Ives that is a huge compliment...I actually just do this for enjoyment, nights and weekends. Most things I make are for my own home or for friends.
For the silicone lines , you could also take a Spreybottle with dishwashin soap-water spray it on the fresh silicone and deduct whats to much with the Stick of a Icecreame. thats how we do such things in Germany =)
Interesting idea, I'll have to try it and see how it works. (Over here we call this a popsicle stick, btw :) ) I bought a spray product (forgetting the name) that was supposed to do something similar, but it didn't work so well. Maybe the cheap and simple solution will be better.
First I want to thank you for providing a new way to do concrete that seems logically better. The result looks so smooth. This is the first time I'm hearing about a face coat but makes perfect sense. When I made my concrete slab there were huge pebbles in there causing irregularities on the surface. Now does the face coat need to be sprayed or just pouring or painting it on suffice? I don't want to buy a dedicated sprayer just to do a spray coat if it's not necessary. I'm all about that clean look when it comes to concrete. I don't think my Home Depot in Cleveland has Portland Cement and in the past I used Quikrete with the Fiberglass already mixed in. Thanks and keep making! ^^
You can just pour and paint the face coat (and actually don't really need to paint it -- working it around with your hands can also work). You can actually see an example of how it comes out when you pour in a face coat in my other video for the live edge table with concrete post. In that build I just poured in a face coat for the top of the post and the top came out flawless (but sides did not). Also, if you check out my Instagram, there is a recent post with a grey table w/ inlay I helped a friend build, where we used this technique. There are two things to be aware of if you do this. First, pouring the face coat and using a brush to pull it up the sides works great on horizontal surfaces, but vertical surfaces will likely have a few flaws. (You can either slurry coat them after, or just accept them as character.) Second, you have to be careful not to make the face coat too thick if you pour it in (not more than 1/4"). I have experienced some cracking when accidentally pouring it too thick.
Great project. Definitely thumbs up & subscribed! How could i not. Love it and im about ready to watch some more. Glad i stumbled upon your channel. Nice job
Gorgeous table. One point- the tool you used on the caulk is called a "fondant tool" because it's used to work on fondant, which is like a clay Baker's use to make a super smooth, sculpted surface on cakes. If you ask for cake fondant, you'll get a box of that frosting clay. 😁 You could also go to a craft store like Michael's or Joanne and ask for a large ball stylus tool. They can be found in the polymer clay area. The more you know, right?
+RandomChannel967 no problem, glad you like it! If you make something I would love to see it...just tag me on Instagram ( @modustrialmaker ) when you share pics.
Couple questions- hoppers are like 400$. 1) Can we just paint the top coat on? Is the spraying just a time-saving thing? 2) how bad do you need that concrete mixer? Could I just use an attachment on my drill? 3) if I wanted to make a mold that I could reuse over and over, would you suggest wood or pressboard? If I predrilled the holes, could I reuse the screw-holes in the pressboard? I just don't want to go to all that trouble to make a form just to throw it away. 4) one more question but I forget. I contacted fishstone and as you mentioned their customer service is super good.
The hopper I link to is around $100 I believe, and works well. You can brush the face coat in, however, and get pretty good results as long as you don't have large verticals. If you have a beefy corded drill, you should be OK, just make sure to get a helical mixing paddle for it.
I’m getting ready to build a farmhouse sink or vessel sink. It’s going to be 2” thick on all walls and bottom. How would you recommend I go about it? I really like how you use a face coat, but I don’t know I’ll be able to spray into that 2” thick void and brush well. Sink will be about 8”’deep total. Any advice?
Thanks! It is very cool, and opens up so many possibilities of shape, size, vertical surfaces, etc. that aren't possible or would be way more difficult to create with standard concrete.
hey, I want to use GFRC for some speakers I'm designing. do you know if there is a way to do this without an air hopper and fancy cement mixer? could i brush on the base coat by hand, and mix the concrete with a trowel or something? or alternatively do you know of an affordable way to rent the mixing+airhopper equipment?
Could this technique (without the wood) be used to make a 1/2 counter top, or is it too fragile? What about how safe this material is once solid? And it would need to be done with food grade sealers: anyone has any tips on this? Love the white stone look.
Thanks! I actually made a bench with a live-edge rosewood inlay when I was first experimenting with this technique. I posted pics on my Instagram, if you are interested. I might do a bench build again at some point, if I find some creative twist so it isn't just a bigger version of the table.
Leave a comment and let me know if you'd like to see a build video for a matching white concrete coffee table using "just-add-water" GFRC mix and easier-to-make wood base. If you ask for it, I will build it :)
That would be a massive project, but pretty darn cool!
That would be very cool. I actually have a video for waterfall concrete countertop with integrated LED lighting which is in production now (preview pics on Instagram, if you interested). As for integrated sinks, I made two countertops with integrated sinks for my bathrooms, but alas, it was before I started recording my builds. At some point I will go back and do some quick videos showing past builds.....
Would love to see a video using "just add-water" GFRC. I need all the help I can get. Wonderful finished product. Just subscribed.
My new-ish video for the concrete coat rack uses the just-add-water mix. Check it out if you haven't already!
hey man very cool! ow did you glue the wood to the concrete in the end??
The tip for using the cake tool to smooth the caulking was worth the price of admission alone. What a cool idea. For those that didn't catch the name of the tool, it's a "fondant ball tool", and Amazon has them. Nice work!
Nothing2cHere glad you found it useful! I can't take full credit for the idea, since I got it from a video by concrete countertop institute (if you search for their video on how to caulk a form, it is worth a watch).
Nothing2cHere ps there is actually an Amazon link in the description for the fondant. If you use that link to purchase, it helps to support my channel :)
I have done some woodworks in the past but this woodwork plan czcams.com/users/postUgkxZF0EMnrujZvqHhGkxiz559uIABJWR9TG helps me do much in a far lesser time than i used to do i have already built several projects with this plan and i intend to do many more soon. Thank you so much!
This was it! This was the project that got me hooked on everything else you've done. I'd never seen white concrete before and never combined with wood. It is a stunning piece. I dream of having a kitchen count done like an expansion of this project. That would give me a cutting board to die for!
An elegant example of the fact that the cost of the material does not determine the result, but the originality of the idea and the hands that grew out of the right place.
Thank you!
I just finished the moulds for a concrete project this weekend. It’s late here but I had to trie the ball-method for the silicone. I ordered the ball tool earlier this weekend and got some cheap antique wax. I tried it on the outside and came back after dinner. I can confirm. It is far out the easiest and cleanest way to apply the silicone. A year ago on version 1 I used a coffee-spoon and painters-tape. But due to the raised lip after pulling the tape, the silicone got stuck in the cement. Also depending on the angle of holding the spoon I got different thickness/radius. This never really cleaned up well. Now it’s just super smooth and equal all the way. Even the corners are perfect. (I did use a tiny amount of dish soap on the rag I used tho clean my tool with, I think it helped me in the corners)
Glad it worked well, and that is an interesting tip for the dish soap. Going to put that one in my bag of tricks for later!
I really enjoyed your video. When I first saw it, I was thinking countertop with built-in cutting board, not beautiful side/end table. This video is definitely going into my 'ideas' folder! Thanks.
Thanks! I actually just helped a friend do exactly what you were thinking with a cutting-board style inlay (walnut, maple, and purpleheart). There are some pics on my Instagram if you are interested.
I think it is safe to say I have finally found my favorite DIY person. This table is beautiful. Your videos are so informative and clear. I'm never left confused after watching. So far I have only watched a couple, but love every one of them. And I can't wait to hear about the new products you were talking about. So happy I found your videos on here today.
Thank you so much! Glad you are enjoying them.
This is beautiful! Well explained and loved the tip with the cake tool! Really diggin' your videos!
Make Something Thanks! I've been a fan of your channel for some time, and I think the recent wall art is your best work yet.
Make Something it looks awesome but oje question isn't it super heavy?
Modustrial Maker 😂😂😂😂
Make Something O
It is about 25 lbs. Definitely not lightweight, but manageable...
Modustrial Maker You Sir are an artist. The table looks like a million bucks. Hats of to you.
Thank you!
What a fantastic looking table! Really love that spalted wood with the white concrete. The hint about using that tool with the caulk was really a good one. Thanks for passing this along. Subscribed!
Thanks! Glad you like it.
Never seen white concrete before. Fascinating and beautiful! Looks like ceramics.
Thanks!
This came out really beautiful! great job
Thanks much!
I love your work sir. You're a good sport despite some of the rude/annoying comments left by some people. Thank you for inspiring us all with your creativity. I look forward to your future projects.
Thanks! I think some people just have a different idea of constructive criticism :)
Wow ♥ beautiful and flawless up to the point that it's hard to believe this is concrete :)
Thanks for the kind words!
Safety tip... you shouldn't use gloves while operating your table saw or miter saw... if you ever have an accident, you may loose a finger, but with gloves on... the blade will grab the glove and you will loose your hand.
Thanks for clarifying. I mentioned this mistake in my latest video (for the concrete wall art) to set it straight. For some reason, I was told to wear gloves for safety reasons when I started, but the CZcams universe has now set me straight :)
Thanks for this tip
*lose
My friend used router table with steel gloves and lost 3 fingers. Gloves stucked in to the spinning blade and smashed the fingers.
Eek! I've now discontinued use of the gloves, thanks to advice from folks here....
This white concrete is beautiful! After watching your video I am considering building a round, white concrete gas fire pit. Thank you so much for sharing your work!
Thank you! Make sure to check out the video I did with Modern Builds (on his channel) -- we made a white concrete fire pit very similar to what you describe.
Very informative video Mike and the result is perfect. You think that is marble and not concrete at the end. Very cool
Thanks! That was the look I was going for, so glad you shared the vision.
Yeah, when I saw the thumbnail, I thought it was marble.
never knew you could make smooth bright white concrete, this gives me so many ideas and will likely take the place of my planned marble countertops
Yea, GFRC is some really great stuff! I definitely recommend doing a small pour (like a side table) so you can get a feel for it, before doing a countertop, but it is a totally doable project. Let me know if you have any questions, and if you share pictures of what you make, I'd love to see them.
Those lines are amazing. Great tip!
Thanks! Yea, once I figured that out, all other techniques seemed like a huge pain. I love something where you can be as sloppy as you want, and the tool does all the work for you.
please tell me the name of that tool??? :)
Sathish Kumar cake decorating ball tool
Thanks for the suggestion to use a fondant tools to finish the silicon and round the edge of the concrete. We didn't have one, so I rounded the end of a short oak dowel, sealed and waxed it just in case. I'm building something similar, great tutorial overall ... thanks!
I would love to see pictures of what you make. If you tag me on Instagram or send me an email (link the "about" tab on my CZcams channel), that would awesome.
Great idea, the video was well explained and the result beautiful!
Thanks much!
The quality of your video production has improved greatly! This project was very easy to follow and I can't wait to give this a try myself!
Thanks! Feel free to reach out if you need any help. I've also got an instructable up with more details on the project. www.instructables.com/id/DIY-White-Concrete-Table-W-Live-Edge-Maple-Inlay/
9:19 "A friend of mine who I work with who's a fellow patent attorney, actually does steal work." LOL
Us patent attorneys are the creative ones from the lawyer ranks ;)
Junk & other stuff ironic statement five 🖐
Leave it to you CZcams to catch this play on words -- perhaps I should have just said "welding" :)
Remember when my dad started making those back in the 90s. didn't take long for too see a lot of other companies and people make them
Anyone else get goosebumps when first seeing this guy use gloves on the table saw??
I actually thought I was being safe -- I'm totally self-taught. After researching a bit more, it looks like the consensus is that gloves create more danger than they alleviate. I'll have to include a PSA in my next video during the table saw shots (it is already filmed).
Modustrial Maker I always enjoy when DIYers make comments on being safe. It doesnt take much to get a serious injury! Eye and ear protection, no loose clothing or jewelry, no gloves, dust mask as needed.
Made my sphincter twitch to be honest...
Slashley gibbins lol, made a PSA in my next video....hopefully others learn from my mistake without losing fingers!
Nope. Gave no shits.
I follow a lot of concrete DYI channels, and have a particular interest in GFRC. I was 2 minutes into your video and had subscribed. Very well done video, nice editing, great explanations. Look forward to looking through more of your stuff. Thanks!
Thanks! I'll have a more detailed video dedicated to GFRC mix itself at some point in the near future.
Subscribed!!
Now all you need to do is to keep those gooood videos up
Thanks! I'll do my best :)
that is super clean, love the contrast of natural and synthetic
Atif Hassan thanks!
+Atif Hassan thank you!
You look like Dexter (with dark hairs), and your room too! :)
Good Job!
Hah! Yes, working in a basement storage area adjacent to neighbors, I had to use plastic sheets to control dust. Didn't make the Dexter connection until the CZcams universe pointed it out :)
Absolutely love the white and wood combination! Stunning!
Thanks Beth!
Really smart caulk trick!
Thanks! I might be popularizing it, but credit is due to Concrete Countertop Institute for discovering it. If you plan to use it, definitely check out their video on how to caulk a mold. It is a simple process, but watching their video was still very helpful to me.
Good to know and I like that you give kudos to the video you found it out from. I respect that.
It is just the golden rule - when I have new ideas and share them on CZcams, I hope others will do the same :)
I get a WOT security warning when I click the like for GFRC
Puma should sponsor you ;)
I'm all for it! Can you make the introduction? ;)
I wear Puma shoes throughout most of my videos, but I just realized you weren't talking about the shoes...LOL. Maybe I'll do some DIY plumbing videos in the future....
hahahahaha :-)
Great video! I love the idea of using the cake decorating tool. It's good to see someone spending a lot of time preparing and cleaning the contact surfaces....a very underestimated process which greatly improves the finished product!
Keep the projects coming, I'm loving your work!
Toddyb81 thanks! Yes, with concrete the old saying "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" is most definitely true!
please make more concrete projects and get really into detail about the mix which is the hard part.
I definitely plan on it. I do have one concrete video that is done with just regular old concrete that has already been filmed and will be out soon. After that I'm planning a simple GFRC project where I'll have time to go into the mix in more detail. I also plan to do a written tutorial on my website (modustrialmaker.com), which will likely get done before the full video. Check there over the next month, and it should be up (or if you like, I've set up an RSS feed for the website).
Circling back on this, I've got a few more videos up with more details now.
Bonito trabajo. Vi este video antiguo, en esas instalaciones antiguas. Me alegra ver cómo haz prosperado con tu esfuerzo y talento.
Whoa!!! Super awesome and why a great tutorial! Fantastic job brother!!👊👊😊
Thanks, much appreciated!
That cake tool and peeling off was a touch of genius!
Thanks!
Modustrial Maker you could probably rebrand and market it in the DIY market. A package with some wax, silicone, cloth, roller etc.
Good thought!
did i just watch a crime scene? good work though, dexter ;)
+.Renato. ha, thanks! Just started building some real walls, so the sheets will slowly be disappearing from future videos :)
Nice job. I'm looking at making large study desks using the same method you show here. white concrete with a glass aggregate is an option. Steel frame to support the load.
Sounds like a cool design!
your camera is far away
Thank you for this great tutorial, I would love to try it myself. I find these type of tables look great with roughness of the wood contrasts with immaculate quality of the concrete, here you see concrete is quite rough as well which looks like the cause of use of silicon. Liked.
Thanks much! I would love to see what you create if you give it a try. Just shoot me an email with pictures or tag me on Instagram: @modustrialmaker
I tryed, I sucked! It's hard :(((
DUDE...... This table is beautiful!!!! You are sooooo talented!!!
Thanks Diane!
Fine job! Here, the only white cement is Lehigh portland cement type 1. I'm trying to find the right mix of sand to cement. I poured some small samples of this and they came out quite hard without adding any sand - but I'd like to do a countertop - and think that I probably need to add some for strength.
50/50 is a good place to start for sand/cement ... Try starting there maybe?
This turned out beautifully !! Would love to see an outdoor furniture set styles around the same design. Nicely paired with the black steel legs.
Adore this. Thinking about making a concrete top that will be apart of a Green Egg outdoor kitchen for my Pops. Perfect for a removable cutting board idea as well. Thank you!
So beautiful. I would LOVE this as just a simple serving platter/tray. I wish I wasn’t afraid to use tools. Great job.
Thank you!
This is a beautiful peace of work! Love the contrast between the wood and the concrete! Great job!
Thank you!
Seeing your creative work was a treat. I'm on board and looking forward to seeing more. This table will definitely be on my list of diy projects.
Thanks.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! I'd love to see what you create.
I like your project so much, so I tryed to make it myself. Thank you so much for all the useful info you share, without it it wouldn't be possible for me!
Thanks! Let me know if you have any questions along the way 😀
Great video Mike! I've never seen white concrete before, looks super clean and modern. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! I just checked out your channel. The fire pit build is pretty cool.
Great project and explanation! I'm going to have to try the silicone trick in my next concrete project.
Thanks! Love your channel -- been following it ever since the Two 2x4 Challenge.
this is breath taking
Nice build brother. Great talking to you today at workbenchcon. Looking forward to your content!!
Thanks man! Same to you. Got a lot of videos to watch when I get back!
This is digital gold my boy!🎉 definitely subscribed 💯
This was a treat to my eyes...I wish if I could make something half as good as yours...
Thanks! It really isn't too bad, I only started working with concrete as a hobby a couple years ago....don't be afraid to give it a try :)
What a extreme work, We have many ideas for doing similar work.
Love that trick about the caulk line!
Glad you found it useful. I got it from a video posted by Concrete Countertop Institute. Definitely check out their video as they go into a lot more detail.
Awesome video! I'm always looking for great info on concrete and yours by far have been the best!
Rich Ruiz: The Mad Creator glad you found it helpful. Definitely reach out if you need help with any of your projects.
Modustrial Maker hey, have you worked with adding minerals to change appearance of the concrete? I saw someone else's video where they added dust from turquoise, but was thinking about stuff that would make the appearance more like granite or quartz; something a little chunky (larger than dust) and sparkly, either mica chips or tiny diamond chips. If you have done something similar I'm wondering if it worked for you or not.
I love this table, more industrial rural chic. Would look great in my Alaskan cabin. I have been planning on colored concrete slabs for counter tops, underlay for wood stove, and possibly even decks (wood decks are too common, but tile deck substructures are spendy and it would tie my interior space to my exterior space looking in or out through the French doors and have matching deck, kitchen counter, wood stove pedestal).
Again, nice work, thanks for sharing.
No, I haven't seen that technique but will definitely check it out. I'm always searching for new techniques to mix into my builds. Would love to see what you end up making -- if you post photos to Instagram, please tag me so I can check it out.
Modustrial Maker I found some colorful GFRC here. Not that I'd purchase here, but it's really interesting to see what colors are possible. www.concreteexchange.com/surecrete-colors/
I have used their colors and they are nice -- a bit overpriced in my opinion. If you were doing a coffee table, for example, it would be $50+ just for the pigment! But, they are very nice. Fishstone has nice colors for much lower prices: www.concretecountertopsupply.com/Category/Pigments Some of them are only listed on website in larger volumes, but if you are buying other supplies from them, you could give them a call and see if they would sell a smaller color pack size that isn't listed on the website.
anytime you can make concrete look like carrera marble you have a winner!
Thank you!
Dude, that is so hot! I don't think I've seen anything quite like this material before, and I learned a lot from the video. Great project!
Thanks! Glad you like it. Got a second white concrete table video, with a waterfall edge, in the works, so stay tuned :)
Very nice work. The two materials have very different coefficients of expansion/contraction you may have in time problems keeping the two together.
Expansion was definitely a concern. This is part of the reason I poured the concrete right over the wood in the mold, and then covered the mold while the concrete cured. While I sealed the wood before I did this, the water from the concrete mix still evaporates and creates a very humid environment in the mold (surrounding the wood). This is about the maximum humidity you would find any any environment the table will be in. Thus, the wood expands a bit in the mold while the concrete is still curing (i.e., not hard yet), and the concrete cures around and takes the shape of the slightly expanded wood. Once demolded, the wood contracts. As a result, there is a slight gap between the concrete, but nothing too noticeable (at least IMO). More importantly, there is very little chance the wood will ever expand more than it did in the mold and cause cracking in the concrete or wood. GFRC also can flex and bend a bit (much more than standard concrete), so this helps. I actually made this table about 6 months ago, and it has been moved around, inside and outside, and so far, so good :)
I am not handy at all, but I really like the table. Aesthetically looks amazing, very polished, finished really well. Very good taste as well combining those material and the wood. And, Puma got a free advert as well.
Thanks much! And love my pumas 🤣
Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing your methodology. Quite obviously, you do this professionally... can you please share where you find clients and/or buyers for your products? Thanks so much!
Trip Ives that is a huge compliment...I actually just do this for enjoyment, nights and weekends. Most things I make are for my own home or for friends.
You have some mad skills for a DIYer! Keep going! :-)
Well done. Usually I don't leave any comments, but hands down you have some skills. Love the idea and design. ;)
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed.
really love this wood addition. I've made mine a standard size where wood can be replaced easily if needed. Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you!
Amazing work, awesome art and technique, you really got a talent for extraordinary stuff.
Thank you!
For the silicone lines , you could also take a Spreybottle with dishwashin soap-water spray it on the fresh silicone and deduct whats to much with the Stick of a Icecreame. thats how we do such things in Germany =)
Interesting idea, I'll have to try it and see how it works. (Over here we call this a popsicle stick, btw :) ) I bought a spray product (forgetting the name) that was supposed to do something similar, but it didn't work so well. Maybe the cheap and simple solution will be better.
So many excellent ideas here to ensure professional finishes.
Man that really looks awesome, you just gave me some ideads :)
First I want to thank you for providing a new way to do concrete that seems logically better. The result looks so smooth. This is the first time I'm hearing about a face coat but makes perfect sense. When I made my concrete slab there were huge pebbles in there causing irregularities on the surface. Now does the face coat need to be sprayed or just pouring or painting it on suffice? I don't want to buy a dedicated sprayer just to do a spray coat if it's not necessary. I'm all about that clean look when it comes to concrete. I don't think my Home Depot in Cleveland has Portland Cement and in the past I used Quikrete with the Fiberglass already mixed in. Thanks and keep making! ^^
You can just pour and paint the face coat (and actually don't really need to paint it -- working it around with your hands can also work). You can actually see an example of how it comes out when you pour in a face coat in my other video for the live edge table with concrete post. In that build I just poured in a face coat for the top of the post and the top came out flawless (but sides did not). Also, if you check out my Instagram, there is a recent post with a grey table w/ inlay I helped a friend build, where we used this technique.
There are two things to be aware of if you do this. First, pouring the face coat and using a brush to pull it up the sides works great on horizontal surfaces, but vertical surfaces will likely have a few flaws. (You can either slurry coat them after, or just accept them as character.) Second, you have to be careful not to make the face coat too thick if you pour it in (not more than 1/4"). I have experienced some cracking when accidentally pouring it too thick.
Just found your channel, love the white concrete, looks almost like a white quartz or marble.
Thanks, glad you like it. I've got another twist on the white concrete in the pipeline...
That's awesome makes me wanna try doing this as my new counter top
Thanks! Would love to see what you create.
Is this foodsafe?
Yes, it is foodsafe
Great project. Definitely thumbs up & subscribed! How could i not. Love it and im about ready to watch some more. Glad i stumbled upon your channel. Nice job
Thanks! Glad you've enjoyed it so far.
Thumbs up just for that caulking tip! Amazing
Thanks!
Trabajo espectacular!!! Amazing Work!!!! Thanks for all the info you share with us!!!!!!
Miguel Perez thanks much!
Couldnt find a video or anyone that could help me and tgis is exactly what i was looking for love it thank you for the video☺
Glad I could help :)
Gorgeous table. One point- the tool you used on the caulk is called a "fondant tool" because it's used to work on fondant, which is like a clay Baker's use to make a super smooth, sculpted surface on cakes. If you ask for cake fondant, you'll get a box of that frosting clay. 😁
You could also go to a craft store like Michael's or Joanne and ask for a large ball stylus tool. They can be found in the polymer clay area.
The more you know, right?
Thanks for that info. I am not a baker, so that is definitely helpful :)
Modustrial Maker You're very welcome! I figure creative types should help each other out when they can, and this video inspired me!
OMG! That cake tool silicone tip is now my favourite thing on the internet!
ha, thanks!
Thank you! I've been wanting to try my hand at a cast concrete project and I really like the look of this. I appreciate your content.
+RandomChannel967 no problem, glad you like it! If you make something I would love to see it...just tag me on Instagram ( @modustrialmaker ) when you share pics.
Will do!
Couple questions- hoppers are like 400$. 1) Can we just paint the top coat on? Is the spraying just a time-saving thing? 2) how bad do you need that concrete mixer? Could I just use an attachment on my drill? 3) if I wanted to make a mold that I could reuse over and over, would you suggest wood or pressboard? If I predrilled the holes, could I reuse the screw-holes in the pressboard? I just don't want to go to all that trouble to make a form just to throw it away. 4) one more question but I forget. I contacted fishstone and as you mentioned their customer service is super good.
The hopper I link to is around $100 I believe, and works well. You can brush the face coat in, however, and get pretty good results as long as you don't have large verticals. If you have a beefy corded drill, you should be OK, just make sure to get a helical mixing paddle for it.
For a reusable form, invest in silicone... If you do a bit of searching on CZcams, you'll find videos showing how to make silicone molds for GFRC
Excellent project and great production.
Thank you!
Great and fresh content, nice quality shots and good pace, keep it up!
Thanks much!
He is built like a god!!!!
Your projects are very unique. I love your style!
Thanks! Glad you enjoy them.
I’m getting ready to build a farmhouse sink or vessel sink. It’s going to be 2” thick on all walls and bottom. How would you recommend I go about it?
I really like how you use a face coat, but I don’t know I’ll be able to spray into that 2” thick void and brush well. Sink will be about 8”’deep total.
Any advice?
Wow. that is a beautiful piece. Very nice work!
Gary J Smith thanks much!
OMG!!! got my like because of this silicone trick : O!!! very good !!
Thank you!
beautiful! Incredible work! I've never heard of gfrc before but I'll definitely take a look!
Thanks! It is very cool, and opens up so many possibilities of shape, size, vertical surfaces, etc. that aren't possible or would be way more difficult to create with standard concrete.
I have read through the comments but can not find the ratio or dye you use nor the sealers you mentioned in the video. Thank you for the video.
hey, I want to use GFRC for some speakers I'm designing. do you know if there is a way to do this without an air hopper and fancy cement mixer? could i brush on the base coat by hand, and mix the concrete with a trowel or something? or alternatively do you know of an affordable way to rent the mixing+airhopper equipment?
The white concrete looks very attractive; I’m not too enamoured of the natural or gray tops I’ve seen on CZcams, which look splotchy to me.
Thanks much!
This guy works quick
Ha!
If you don't have a hopper gun to apply the first coat, could you just use a chip brush to apply that first coat? Thanks!
looks good! lots of work but so worth it!
+EagleRun23 thanks much!
Could this technique (without the wood) be used to make a 1/2 counter top, or is it too fragile? What about how safe this material is once solid? And it would need to be done with food grade sealers: anyone has any tips on this? Love the white stone look.
I finish the silicon with my finger . Perfect every time.
Ok
Apply the silicone then spray soapy water. Then use a pop stick and rag to scoop the excess off
I've tried something like this and it works well, but not quite as well as the paste wax and metal ball tool
Very nice for a bar bench ( if structurally sound ), this one has Etsy sales written all over it.
Thanks! I actually made a bench with a live-edge rosewood inlay when I was first experimenting with this technique. I posted pics on my Instagram, if you are interested. I might do a bench build again at some point, if I find some creative twist so it isn't just a bigger version of the table.
Definitely will check out your Instagram, thanks.
That looks classic....
Thanks!