Transform your garden with an affordable DIY outdoor kitchen countertop, giving it a pricey appearance
In the heart of summer, transforming your outdoor space into a functional and fashionable alfresco kitchen is a delightful endeavour. One material that has gained popularity for its durability and sleek aesthetic is microcement. Concrete Lab UK, a leading supplier of DIY microcement kits, offers an affordable solution for homeowners to create their own microcement worktop for an outdoor kitchen.
To embark on this DIY project, begin by preparing the base structure. Use plywood sheets, such as 12mm and 8mm ply, to construct a sturdy worktop base. Glue and screw these sheets together to form a stable substrate suitable for outdoor use.
Next, gather your microcement kit and materials from Concrete Lab UK. Their DIY kit includes everything you need: primers, fiberglass mesh, base coat, top coat, pigments for colour customisation, and sealers. The kit comes with expert video guides and step-by-step instructions, making installation smooth.
Once you have your materials, apply the primer over the ply base to ensure proper adhesion of the microcement layers. Embed the fiberglass mesh into the base coat layer to add strength and crack resistance. Spread the microcement base coat evenly over the primed surface with the mesh embedded. This layer provides structure and durability.
Choose your desired pigment from the kit to tint the microcement, and apply the colour and texture as preferred for the look you want. Concrete Lab UK offers customizable colours and finishes to suit your style. Apply the final top coat and sealer included in the kit to protect the surface from weather, stains, heat, and moisture. These layers make the worktop highly durable for outdoor use without needing extra sealing.
Allow the microcement to cure fully according to the kit instructions before using the worktop. Proper curing ensures maximum hardness and longevity.
Concrete Lab UK's microcement is ideal for outdoor kitchens because it is weather-resistant, heat-resistant, and stain-resistant. This makes it perfect for creating a stylish and functional alfresco cooking space that complements your garden with a sleek, neutral, Mediterranean-inspired look.
For more detailed guidance, follow Concrete Lab UK's free video tutorials and installation manuals that accompany their kits. This approach has been successfully demonstrated by designers like KLK Interiors to create high-end outdoor kitchen islands with microcement worktops.
By following these steps, homeowners can create a durable, beautiful outdoor kitchen worktop using Concrete Lab UK's DIY microcement kit at an affordable price. The kit is available for under £250, making it a cost-effective solution for enhancing your outdoor living space.
To complete the look, consider adding a rattan rug underfoot for comfort, neutral melamine plates for picnics, and chic lanterns for lighting. An extra set of cutlery for your outdoor kitchen is an underrated life hack, and folding chairs provide impromptu seating when needed.
As a word of advice, apply microcement on a warmish day and avoid direct sunlight during the application process. Applying microcement too thickly can result in a patchy, potentially cracking finish, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
With Concrete Lab UK's DIY microcement kit, you can create a stylish and durable outdoor kitchen worktop that will serve you well for years to come. Happy DIYing!
[Article by Holly Cockburn, a Content Editor focusing on kitchen and bathroom designs and buys.]
By following the instructions provided by Concrete Lab UK, you can transform your outdoor living space into a fashionable alfresco kitchen, blending interior design elements with home-and-garden aesthetics. Not only is creating an outdoor kitchen with microcement cost-effective, but it also offers durability and a sleek aesthetic suitable for various lifestyle preferences. Furthermore, incorporating cleaning hacks such as using a rattan rug, melamine plates, and chic lanterns can enhance the functionality and style of your outdoor-living area.
