Ben Shoemate's Notebook

I had to share what Cassie had to say about the kitchen in her email:

Hi there!
I really wanted to send you my kitchen remodel for a couple reasons:

1) We are renting and didn't want to spend a ton of money, which I think can account for a lot of people out there and...

2) We have done several remodels before but did some things different this time and wanted to share our new, fast and super cheap idea with the world.

We have done a handful of concrete countertops in the past, and wanted the same look without the two weeks of process and the steep price tag. (People think concrete is cheaper, but it is actually the same as granite because of the labor in the long run) So, my husband decided to go right over the existing countertop with Level Quick concrete.  I'll tell you what, it turned out amazing, and I had instant countertops that didn't have to cure for two weeks.

Check out her awesome BIG KITCHEN REVEAL!!
 Pink cabinets, pink tiled countertops. This picture is blurry, but you get it.
 So we painted the cabinets with  glossy white and added some stainless hardware.
Then we did the countertops:

 My husband made forms around the existing countertops.

 We sanded the tile so the concrete would have something to grab on to.

 Then he poured concrete over the top of them

 The concrete leveled itself out.

 Removed the forms, and my husband smoothed it out.

 Now, we have done several concrete countertops before, and have removed the old countertop and poured a whole new one. This was an experiment to pour concrete over the top of existing countertops. And I must say, it has worked out so far! There are a couple cracks, but ALL concrete cracks. Gives it character. Just wait for it to be done curing, then we put a coat of concrete sealer over the top and heres what they look like now:

Super gorgeous. And it was cheap, and fast-about $200 for a new countertop!! Then we had the ugly backsplash, remember?

So here it is all put together...

 I am thinking a rug in here too....any suggestions?

 New appliances- Craigslist $2500

 New faucet- Ebay $100

 We decided not to stain this countertop, we just left the concrete as is, and it came out with a beautiful color and finish.

 So there is my big reveal! Hope you enjoyed it.  Keep checking in, there is a lot of adding and tweeking to be done!