DIY Projects Made Easy! How to make a Concrete End Table with an embedded gem. Learn how to embed items into concrete. This project is simple, the look of the end table is clean and modern, and it is very affordable to build. \r
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For more info, project photos, and downloadable plans check out:\r
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Download Plans: \r
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Build the Melamine Form\r
Well want to build the melamine form, mix, and pour the cement first so that it can cure while were building the wood base. The melamine forms dimensions can be found in the downloadable plans. Well cut our melamine on the table saw, if you do not have a table saw, then a circular saw and some sort of straight edge will work. Pre drill the holes for the side pieces attaching to the forms base. Then using 1 ½” screws, screw the side pieces of the form into place. Clean the form thoroughly and add a silicone bead around the inside edges.\r
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Add the Agate Piece and Cut Wire Mesh\r
Well then add the piece of sliced agate to the base of the melamine form. With your silicone, add just enough to stick the agate piece to the melamine form, but not too much. Smooth it onto the agate, make sure to not add too much for this will cause the agate and the concrete to cure at different levels and will not be flush in the end.\r
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Mix the Cement and Pour into Form\r
Grab two 5 gallon buckets, one filled halfway with cool water and leave the other one empty. Start by pouring a small amount of water into the empty bucket, then add the Quikcrete countertop mixture to that same bucket. Add about half of an 80 lb bag for this project and add more water as needed. Mix with a shovel, piece of scrap wood, or other mixing device. Were going for a peanut butter consistency here, so make sure to add the right amount of water and mix it all together thoroughly. Slowly add the cement to your clean melamine form, filling it about ⅔ full. Add your wire mesh and then pour the rest of the cement mixture in.\r
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Screed, Vibrate, Level, and Trowel\r
After you have the cement in the melamine form, work it into the form with your gloved hands. Well then want to screed the cement in the form. Grab a piece of square scrap wood and scrape it along the top of the form, this should work some excess cement out. Work the cement into any voids, vibrate the form to ensure consistency, and level it all out. Using your trowel, smooth out the cement mixture to create the look of what the cured concrete will look like. Let this cure in the form for the manufurers recommended amount of time.\r
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Kreg Jig the Base Together\r
Grab your kreg jig! Well assemble the base together with hidden pocket hole joinery. For the bottom ¾” thick shelf that attaches into the 1 ½” supports, well set the Kreg jig and drill bit at ¾” setting and use 1 ½” screws. For all of the other pocket holes for the legs, stiles, and rails, well set the Jig and Bit to 1 ½” and use 2” screws. Add wood glue between the joints and then screw everything together. Use clamps if necessary.\r
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Final Sanding and Finish the Base\r
Sand off any wood glue spillovers and clean up the wood base overall to prep it for finishing. To keep with the minimal, clean, and modern look I decided to simply add a clear coat to the base. Apply your coats of finish, letting dry for the recommended amount of time in between. Now lets go reveal the concrete top!\r
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Seal the Concrete Top and Install\r
Well now seal the concrete top with a few coats of concrete sealant. Apply the coats with a microfiber cloth and work it into every part of the concrete, top and bottom. Apply three or more coats to completely seal it. Well then grab the wood base and install the concrete top into place! You can either place the concrete directly onto it or add silicone beads to the wood base where the concrete will touch to help adhesion. Youre done!\r
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Pete Sveen\r
1627 W Main Street Suite 182\r
Bozeman, Montana 59715
