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Remodeling Porches & Decks Landscape Design

Concrete Countertop for BBQ Island?

2 years ago

Built a bbq island using the steel frame kits from bbqguys and now need to choose the countertop. Thinking of poured concrete - pros? Cons? Things I need to know/consider? do I need to worry about cracks or chips? Will be uncovered, outdoor, california weather. Has a bar top and circular end.

Please keep in mind I know nothing about this :) Thanks in advance.

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Comments (5)

PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
2 years ago
I took a picture of the concrete countertop in the Atlanta airport bar several years ago; sorry, I can't find it. I'm sure it was built as the architect specified, but what a disgusting uncleanable mess. How the health department allows it is beyond me. And you're talking spilled barbeque sauce with fat and those were only martinis.

You'd better go granite, and one that is so dense it can't be sealed. Sunlight will destroy granite sealer and it peels. I'd avoid built-up edges too. Sunlight degrades the polyester adhesive and your edges split off. I just turned down one of those repairs 'cause the last guy who touches it owns it.
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
2 years ago
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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
2 years ago
Concrete countertops are very common - and practical - with outdoor kitchens. And becoming more and more popular with indoor applications in contemporary homes for both kitchens and baths. If sealed properly, there is nothing unsanitary about them and they are dead easy to clean and maintain. And a relatively simple DIY project - lots of online tutorials.
fkkaabi
2 years ago
Hi.

Did you decide what to install for your outdoor bbq counters yet? We are in the thick of it and have chosen poured in place concrete for our outdoor bbq countertop with a rounded end on one side.

My initial only two concerns were oil/grease/food stains and hairline cracks. Sealing should minimize stains (ive seen a video on sanding down the counter to get rid of grease stains "after thanksgiving dinner so worse case, this is a solution?) and control joint cuts should minimize (hopefully avoid hairline cracks). But I was hoping for a seamless slab! I have not seen any pictures of concrete counters with control joint cuts in them. Could it be that people take and post pictures before it is done? Everywhere I've read it says control joints in concrete is the proper way of doing it.

I've already agreed to have them done so it's too late for me. They don't look too bad, just not what I had envisioned. I will probably be the only one who notices them and once my appliances are installed... maybe they'll disappear.

Anyone... please chime in on if this was really necessary? I am in southern ca. what you think? My island is 10x3, with a 12" overhang all around, 15" overhang around the rounded part. 3.5" thick.

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