Willie Posted February 7, 2017 Report Share Posted February 7, 2017 We are looking for experiences of using different types of materials for countertops......concrete, faux stone, tiles, granite, etc. We know of concrete faux stone in Mazatlan but it is heavier than homemade sin...too far away to watch quality control and cost of shipping might be a problem. Is there anything similar in these parts? TIA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHILLIN Posted February 7, 2017 Report Share Posted February 7, 2017 Concrete countertops are usually poured and polished on site. They will typically cost a little more than granite but offer a great many more advantages. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert Zimmerman Posted August 29, 2017 Report Share Posted August 29, 2017 Concrete countertops about the best possible materials of why certain materials are prescribed for specific areas, you will be all around prepared to update your home in the open and look tiles, granite, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WideSky Posted August 29, 2017 Report Share Posted August 29, 2017 Have you looked at caesarstone? This is the MX website but it is available in Cda and US. There are 3 or 4 'concrete' colors http://www.caesarstone.com.mx/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yo1 Posted August 29, 2017 Report Share Posted August 29, 2017 Concrete counter tops only work when constructed properly, which is difficult in Mexico. It's not just a matter of pouring some concrete as many installers think. And it many times cracks and the repair is worse looking than the crack--UGH! Here's a site with other types of counter tops that I personally like the best of anything available. http://www.thekitchn.com/seven-solid-surface-countertop-115932 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zerbit Posted August 29, 2017 Report Share Posted August 29, 2017 Polished and sealed cantera. Acid stained concrete. Our GTO casita. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHILLIN Posted August 29, 2017 Report Share Posted August 29, 2017 3 hours ago, Yo1 said: Concrete counter tops only work when constructed properly, which is difficult in Mexico. It's not just a matter of pouring some concrete as many installers think. And it many times cracks and the repair is worse looking than the crack--UGH! That is true, the wet concrete should be vibrated, with a specially built counter top shaker. The removes all the air from the mix and makes a far superior product. Not likely here in Mexico. Likewise, as I mentioned about the Magnesium Oxychloride cement, it can be tooled into beautiful backsplashes, rollovers, bullnosing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mudgirl Posted August 30, 2017 Report Share Posted August 30, 2017 Polished cement needs to be kept damp as long as possible. This will cut down on surface cracking, although not as far as the floor settling due to earthquakes or uncompacted soil under the subfloor. ( a friend who used to be a building contractor used to get the crew to compact the soil by hand with those heavy compactors that they just smash down on the soil- then one day he rented an electric compactor and the soil went down another foot!) Polished concrete, after it has set up and before it is sealed, should be covered in damp rags, old wetted blankets, etc. Leaving them like this for a week is not overkill. In fact, all cement and concrete work benefits from being kept damp for as long as possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mudgirl Posted August 30, 2017 Report Share Posted August 30, 2017 Additionally, most polished concrete, or concrete with cement skim coat countertops I have seen in Mexico have a very rough, uncleanable undersurface because they pour on top of supported rough boards. There is an easy solution to get a smooth undersurface- staple thick black plastic, stretched tight, to the boards before pouring the concrete. The undersurface will turn out smooth as glass. It's important to staple it on- if you don't, the plastic will shrink up as the concrete gets poured and you will end up with "wrinkles" in the concrete. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferret Posted August 30, 2017 Report Share Posted August 30, 2017 Great tips Mudgirl ! We had friends in San Miguel who built spec houses. They totally covered concrete counters with plastic and sealed the bottom to maintain the moisture and force them to dry very slowly. No cracks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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