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Molding/pouring concrete faux-stone shelves

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  • Molding/pouring concrete faux-stone shelves

    I'm planning a wall of potted plants on shelves in my house and I think it would look really cool if the pots were sitting on stone shelves rather than wood. I'm considering the possibility of actual stone, although I would prefer a rough flagstone like look to a clean, sheer granite "countertop" piece, but I also thought I might be able to make my own by pouring concrete with some dye. I already have brown dye left over from stuccoing my oven and I can think of several advantages. For one thing, I would have to cut a piece of stone to the right shape. It needs a flat, straight back edge along the wall and a natural rough mis-shapen edge on the front. Rather than saw through a piece of flagstone, I could just make the mold that shape. Also, instead of drilling into stone or granite to attach bolts to braces, I could just insert wooden plugs during the pour, pop them out afterwards, and then bolt through the holes to attach the slab to the brace.

    I'm not really sure about all of this though. Should I put some mesh or a few smallest-gauge rebar inside the pour? I'm a little worried that a heavy plant in the middle of a shelf might break the shelf. Would a poured concrete slab of a given volume weigh more or less than a corresponding chunk of stone. I'm a little worried about the stress these shelves with pots will put on the wall (obviously, I'll hit the studs!).

    I'm also curious about any other thoughts on how to do this, namely, how to mold the exterior edge so it looks like rough-cut stone instead of the inside of a 2x4, and likewise any other thoughts on achieving a stone-like appearance and the necessary strength.

    What do you think?

    Thanks.

    Website: http://keithwiley.com
    WFO Webpage: http://keithwiley.com/brickPizzaOven.shtml
    Thread: http://www.fornobravo.com/forum/f21/...ttle-7878.html

  • #2
    Re: Molding/pouring concrete shelves

    Keith,

    There are a number of YouTube videos on casting concrete by the master of concrete countertops, Fu Tung Cheng. Here is the the one that addresses casting concrete molds to look like whatever you're mimicking:

    YouTube - cntelevision's Channel

    You can also check his website here for design ideas:

    Concrete Exchange - Cheng Concrete Countertops - Design Gallery, Training, DIY Products, Contractors

    Good luck and let us know how it comes out.

    John

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    • #3
      Re: Molding/pouring concrete faux-stone shelves

      Thanks, I'll check those out.

      Website: http://keithwiley.com
      WFO Webpage: http://keithwiley.com/brickPizzaOven.shtml
      Thread: http://www.fornobravo.com/forum/f21/...ttle-7878.html

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      • #4
        Re: Molding/pouring concrete faux-stone shelves

        So? How'd it go? Inquiring minds wanna know!
        "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." - Jim Elliot

        "Success isn't permanent and failure isn't fatal." -Mike Ditka
        [/CENTER]

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        • #5
          Re: Molding/pouring concrete faux-stone shelves

          Originally posted by Archena View Post
          So? How'd it go? Inquiring minds wanna know!
          I ended up not using stone/concrete shelves. I just used unfinished cedar planks. Looks great.

          Website: http://keithwiley.com
          WFO Webpage: http://keithwiley.com/brickPizzaOven.shtml
          Thread: http://www.fornobravo.com/forum/f21/...ttle-7878.html

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Molding/pouring concrete faux-stone shelves

            Click image for larger version

Name:	thumb.gif
Views:	7
Size:	1.6 KB
ID:	286857 Cool, those look great. Thanks.
            "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." - Jim Elliot

            "Success isn't permanent and failure isn't fatal." -Mike Ditka
            [/CENTER]

            Comment

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