Concrete Side Table
Introduction: Concrete Side Table
Hey guys! In this Instructable I’ll show you my first ever project using concrete! This round side table used white concrete and walnut for the base. I'll share with you the tips and tricks I learned along the way as well as something I'd do differently the next time I did a project like this.
Keep reading and I’ll show you how I did it!
If you like this instructable be sure to check out my most popular instructables below:
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If you like this instructional content you can also find me at:
My Website (full tutorials, plans, videos): https://mwawoodworks.com
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My Instagram (behind the scenes stuff): https://instagram.com/mwawoodworks
My Pinterest (things I find inspirational) : https://pinterest.com/mwawoodworks
Supplies
TOOLS AND SUPPLIES IN THIS VIDEO:
►Spectape Two Sided Tape - https://amzn.to/3wleKh4
►Black Type 2 Silicone Caulk - https://amzn.to/3zjHqc0
►3/8” Masonry Drill Bit - https://amzn.to/3zjHqc0
►Mud/Concrete Auger - https://amzn.to/3zjHqc0
►Silicone Caulking Tool - https://amzn.to/3zjHqc0
►Heat Gun - https://amzn.to/3zjHqc0
►Table Saw Ripping Blade – https://amzn.to/3zjHqc0
►Table Saw Dado Blades - https://amzn.to/3zjHqc0
►White Concrete Countertop Mix – https://www.concretecountertopsolutions.com/produ...
►Bright White Integral Pigment – https://www.concretecountertopsolutions.com/produ...
►Z Aqua-Thane M35 Concrete Sealer - https://www.concretecountertopsolutions.com/produ...
Step 1: Creating the Concrete Form
So, like I said this is my first time using concrete in a project and the first thing I need to do is create a form to cast the concrete in. I want to create a 20” round table top and so I’m cutting a 20” round circle out of ¾” melamine on the CNC.
For all of you sans-CNC folk two good options for cutting out a circle like this is to use a router attached to a trammel or you could use a circle cutting jig on the bandsaw. If you don’t follow me on Instagram yet I’ve posted videos of making and using my circle cutting jig at the bandsaw, so check those out if you want to learn more about that method.
The end result is one perfect 20” circle.
Now, for the side wall of the form I went and picked up a piece of PVC base molding at the big orange borg. It cost me all of 8 bucks. 493
I went ahead and cut off the top of the trim to leave me with a nice flat surface.
I then turned it up on edge and basically cut it in half but apparently my camera battery died. The end result is a strip that’s about ¼” thick, which gives it enough flexibility to bend it around this circle form and screw it into place.
A trick I learned is that using a heat gun to soften the pvc will get you across the goal line.
Step 2: Sealing the Form
Next I needed to caulk the seams and I’m using black silicone caulk for this. I’m using black just for visibility sake. You can see it better against the melamine versus a white or clear caulk, but if all you can find is white or clear they will work too. This is why I wanted the high visibility so I can go back and remove all the excess easily.
This excess just peels right off the PVC and melamine and a scotch bright pad works like a magic eraser, cleaning up all the remaining smears.
For a little precaution I also added a ratchet strap. I don’t think this is completely necessary but since I haven’t worked with concrete, I wasn’t sure if the sides would bulge or not, so better safe than sorry. 933