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Length - 05:35

One of the most essential tools needed for concrete countertop making is a vibrator. Countertop fabricator, trainer, and author Fu-Tung Cheng shows how to select vibrators and provides tips on using vibrators to consolidate a concrete counter during the pour.

Vibrators are used to consolidate the material onto the surface of the mold. Concrete vibration is important in removing air pockets in the mix as well as moving the cream layer of the concrete to the bottom of the mold (remember the bottom of the mold is the top of the finished countertop).

There are two types of concrete vibrators that can be used here—a pencil vibrator or a table vibrator. Both of these tools can either be bought or rented at a local rental yard. When using a pencil vibrator lay the tip into the material and be sure not to make contact with the bottom of the melamine below the concrete. This can dislocate some the inlays or materials placed at the bottom of the mold.

If you are looking for a more perfected finish on the countertop consider using a table vibrator. Here Fu-Tung installed two table vibrators to consolidate even a small concrete countertop, say for a vanity or bathroom. These vibrators will vibrate the entire table and mold. It is important to have a controller with these to control the oscillation.

Start out the vibration process at a high frequency to remove all of the air from the material. Then turn down the frequency and let it run for a little while making sure the concrete gets into all the corners of the mold. Vibrating at a low frequency also prevents too much of the large aggregate from separating from the mix.

Make sure not to over vibrate the mold. Over vibration results in aggregate at the very bottom of the mold and a soup-like material at the top. Remember we want the fine material at the bottom of the mold—this will be the finished surface of the concrete countertop.