Outdoor Kitchen

[crbr]

Thanks for the pictures

 

[buggyman1]

The bees are history. I don't know if they left on their own, or the gas finally ran them off.

 

[buggyman1]

Its been awhile sense I posted. I got the framing done, I used treated lumber, for me its easyer to work with. I'll post some pics of it asap. Im not happy with the floor, i got to much sand on it, it kinda got dark on me, and i thought it was going to rain so i was rushing. I started on the concrete countertops, i want the countertops on before i put the hardi-board up. The countertops take a long time to do, i'm trying to get them done before it turns cold here.

 

[buggyman1]

Here's a pic of the templates i made for one of the countertops. I just used plywood and hotmelt glue.

 

[buggyman1]

I made the forms out of melamine, (got mine at Home Depot, Lowes didn't sell the 4x8 sheets) Here's some pics of the forms and taping for the caulk.

 

[buggyman1]

This is after caulking. It is a messy process, i had caulk all over me.

 

[buggyman1]

The rebar and mesh goes in next. I used 3/8's rebar and welded it together because the forms are only 2 inches thick (didn't want the rebar to close to the top of the mold) I used some wire mesh from an old dog cage i had.

 

[buggyman1]

I was going to order the admixture for the countertop off the net and just ad it to 5000 psi concrete, but i found out Quikrete makes a countertop mix ready to go, just ad color and water. After reading up on the Quikrete, i went with it. No one carries it around here yet, but Home Depot will special order it for you. Its pricey at $12.00+ a bag (80lbs) but i really like it.

 

[buggyman1]

Pics after poured and screeded. Have everything ready, this stuff sets-up fast. It calls for only one gallon of water per 80lb bag, but i had to use a gallon and a half to get it to mix. Use a concrete vibrator, i bought a cheap one from H.F.($85.00) that worked fine. It makes a bit of a mess, but well worth it. After i floated it i covered it with plastic. I'm going to let it sit for 5 days, covered, before taking the molds off.

 

[buggyman1]

Couple more pics.

 

[buggyman1]

I cut the wires and buried the ends in the concrete before floating. I didn't bother to finish trowel it as it is the bottom and won't be seen.

 

[ustmd]

Buggyman1,

I am curious to see how your concrete counter tops come out.

The wife and I have been talking about trying to make some. We had been doing some research and everyone who does make the counter tops kept their mix recipe a secret. Quikrete mix for counter tops maybe the way to go.

Five days is going to be a long wait.

 

[buggyman1]

Here's what they look like today.

 

[buggyman1]

Buggyman1,

I am curious to see how your concrete counter tops come out.

The wife and I have been talking about trying to make some. We had been doing some research and everyone who does make the counter tops kept their mix recipe a secret. Quikrete mix for counter tops maybe the way to go.

Five days is going to be a long wait.

ustmd, I actually poured the first of the countertops two weeks ago, here's some pics of them already in place. I was very happy with how they turned-out. My wife wants to put them in the house when we finish the outdoor kitchen. These have been sanded through 400 grit. There is some tiny air holes, but i'm gonna wait until they are all in place before putting the slurry coats on, and final sanding.

 

[buggyman1]

These haven't been sanded at all. They are heavy. They feel almost as smooth as a granite countertop right out of the mold. If not for the tiny pin-holes, i would prob. just seal them as is.

 

[buggyman1]

A couple more pics of the unsanded.

 

[buggyman1]

This is what i came up with to move the countertops from the shop to the kitchen. I wanted to transport them on their edge, was afraid laying them flat they may crack. I didn't want to use the Kubota, figured it was to heavy for the rock floor. (it would have been perfect, i could have did it alone with it)

 

[buggyman1]

Pic of the rock floor. I may at some point try and grind, or sand the joints and surface. It seems to be wearing down a bit walking and driving the rhino on it. May just live with it as is?

 

[buggyman1]

Here's some pics of the framing. It's L shaped, 22 feet long with a 9 foot bar on the end.