Custom Outdoor Kitchen Countertop Design

by Jon Woods
(Yakima, WA)

QUESTION:

I am planning a outdoor kitchen countertop and bar area. I would like to impregnate some sand dollars into the counter top then seal it with an epoxy do you have any ideas?

Direct sunlight summer average temp 92 degrees all the seasons.

ANSWER:

It is possible to imbed objects in concrete countertops.

You'll want to hire a concrete countertop craftsman experienced with placing objects in the countertop though.

One drawback of concrete outside is that any coloring you add to the concrete will likely fade and turn yellowish with prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Imbedding objects in granite or other surfaces really isn't practical.

Indoors you could make a wood box that sand dollars, shells, etc. could sit in and cover it with a thick glass. This would not likely work too well outside unless you could seal all the joints really well.

Good Luck,
Ryan