My concrete countertop

I have been working with concrete for many years and simply cannot resist the smooth touch of the concrete (if you know the way to cast it). Here is how I did my kitchen counter top.

First, I built the mold with wood panels and aluminum sheets on the bottom (as the top side of the counter top) so that the finishing surface on the top would come out perfectly smooth. 

There were two layers of rebar inside this 2.5 inch deep mold and well positioned to reinforce the strength of the concrete. Special reinforcement was added to the opening of the sink as well.

Quikrete® Non-Shrink Precision Grout was the cement that I used and only mixed with water. I also added some red pigment during the mixing and it came out with somehow warm but light red color.

Curing is very important for concrete casting especially when there is only cement used. I used wet towels to cover these babies and watering them everyday for over two weeks. 

After the molds were removed, I used very fine sand papers to wipe out the residue, and later sealed them with sealant and bee wax on the clean surfaces as waterproofing. Be sure to use non-toxic water-based sealant since the food will be touching the concrete.

Backyard Canvas Shelter

Backyard Canvas Shelter:

An easy canvas shelter made with 2x4 and 4x4 wood frame and sail canvas. I designed it back in 2010 and built it in my backyard. Unlike the traditional gazebo or pergola seen in the backyard, it is simple, light, easy and inexpensive to build. The design can be viewed with SketchUp or it can be easily figured out by looking at the pictures below. It can be built with multiple spans. My neighbor built one with 3 spans for he has a larger backyard. If you have any question, please do not hesitate to ask and if you decide to build one, please share with me your pictures. Thank you!

This two-unit shelter is ideal for a dining set with six chairs. Remember to orient the canvas to face south so it blocks the most sun light if you live on the north hemisphere.  The 4x4s were used as the post to support the canvas frames (2x4). They are all treated timber that you can get easily in Home Depot or Lowes. My neighbor made a large three-unit shelter with different style canvas. The 4x4 posts should be erected first with the connecting bars as well as the 2x4 framing beams. Make sure all beams are leveled and posts are plumbed. Temporary bracing or support shall be needed before the final casting on the ground. A two-foot-deep hole for each post should be cast in with concrete. The bracing can than be removed after two days. Remember to cure the concrete with water for the first two to four weeks.