You can walk into Menards, grab a few bags of “concrete countertop mix,” and think you’re saving money. But are you? This week on The Concrete Podcast, Brandon and Jon break down the real cost of DIY concrete countertops - from what those hardware store mixes truly cost per square foot, to how they stack up against professional-grade materials like Kodiak Pro’s Maker Mix.
They unpack why DIY-grade concrete often leads to cracking, discoloration, and sealer failure, and why pro mixes actually save money in the long run. It’s an honest look at dollars, cents, and craftsmanship - because when you’re building something meant to last, the hardware store option usually costs you the most.
If you’ve ever wondered what separates a weekend project from a professional result, this episode will show you the numbers, the science, and the truth behind every bag of mix.
#TheConcretePodcast #DIYConcreteCountertops #ConcreteCountertops #KodiakPro #MakerMix #ConcreteMixComparison #Craftsmanship #ConcreteSealer #ConcreteProjects #MakerMindset
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You can walk into Menards, grab a few bags of “concrete countertop mix,” and think you’re saving money. But are you? This week on The Concrete Podcast, Brandon and Jon break down the real cost of DIY concrete countertops - from what those hardware store mixes truly cost per square foot, to how they stack up against professional-grade materials like Kodiak Pro’s Maker Mix.
They unpack why DIY-grade concrete often leads to cracking, discoloration, and sealer failure, and why pro mixes actually save money in the long run. It’s an honest look at dollars, cents, and craftsmanship - because when you’re building something meant to last, the hardware store option usually costs you the most.
If you’ve ever wondered what separates a weekend project from a professional result, this episode will show you the numbers, the science, and the truth behind every bag of mix.
#TheConcretePodcast #DIYConcreteCountertops #ConcreteCountertops #KodiakPro #MakerMix #ConcreteMixComparison #Craftsmanship #ConcreteSealer #ConcreteProjects #MakerMindset
Concrete Countertop Mistakes: What DIYers and Pros Keep Getting Wrong
The Concrete Podcast
1 hour 11 minutes 37 seconds
8 months ago
Concrete Countertop Mistakes: What DIYers and Pros Keep Getting Wrong
Success in concrete—like life—is about knowing what to fix, what to charge for, and what to let go. In this episode of The Concrete Podcast, we’re talking shop on everything from perfecting your mix to getting paid for storage, because craftsmanship isn't just about the pour—it’s about the business behind it.
We’ll cover:
* MatteMax mastery—how to get stronger, more predictable results.
* The art of charging for storage—why holding client pieces shouldn’t come out of your pocket.
* Polytek 74-29 White Rubber for molds—first impressions and what it means for your workflow.
* Brandon Gore’s new live-stream setup—a peek into the studio, raw and unfiltered.
* Fixing an unevenly acid-etched cast-in-place countertop—before sealing locks in the problem.
* Common mistakes that cost you time and money, including:
* Overwatering your mix (hello, weak concrete).
* Why rebar is the wrong move for reinforcement.
* The truth about curing time—why patience equals strength.
* What really causes hairline cracks (hint: it’s not what you think).
* Salvaging a warped slab—when to fix it, when to walk away.
If you’re in the business of making concrete—and making it well—this one’s for you. Tune in, take notes, and let’s make sure your next project is your best one yet.
#ConcreteWisdom #MakerMindset #BuildBetter #ConcreteCraft #EntrepreneurLife #ConcreteCountertops #DIYConcrete #HandmadeBusiness #ConstructionHacks #CreativeProblemSolving
The Concrete Podcast
You can walk into Menards, grab a few bags of “concrete countertop mix,” and think you’re saving money. But are you? This week on The Concrete Podcast, Brandon and Jon break down the real cost of DIY concrete countertops - from what those hardware store mixes truly cost per square foot, to how they stack up against professional-grade materials like Kodiak Pro’s Maker Mix.
They unpack why DIY-grade concrete often leads to cracking, discoloration, and sealer failure, and why pro mixes actually save money in the long run. It’s an honest look at dollars, cents, and craftsmanship - because when you’re building something meant to last, the hardware store option usually costs you the most.
If you’ve ever wondered what separates a weekend project from a professional result, this episode will show you the numbers, the science, and the truth behind every bag of mix.
#TheConcretePodcast #DIYConcreteCountertops #ConcreteCountertops #KodiakPro #MakerMix #ConcreteMixComparison #Craftsmanship #ConcreteSealer #ConcreteProjects #MakerMindset
