How to Create a Faux Stone Tabletop

Materials and Tools:

old table or table legs with plywood tabletop (paint the tabletop edge to match the legs)
concrete slabs or pavers (as many as needed to cover the top of the table)
Triple-S concrete stain
paintbrush, roller or sprayer
water
baking soda
acrylic paints
rubber stamp of your choice
concrete stain sealer or wax
outdoor contact concrete adhesive (optional)

Steps:

1. If the concrete you're using is new, let it cure for two weeks. If it's cured but dirty, clean with a strong cleaner according to the manufacturer's instructions. If cleaning, let the concrete dry before proceeding to the next step.

2. Sand the concrete pieces to prepare them for staining. Wash and let dry.

3. If you want a chipped surface, use chisels to mark up the surface. Note: Wear eye protection and a face mask.

4. To create custom colors, pour the stains into a paint pan in varying amounts for each block and mix, working in a well-ventilated area. Always follow manufacturers' directions.

5. Apply stain to a concrete block with a brush, roller or sprayer. Brush out a pool of the stain. To create a stone look, use small brushes to make rock veins and sponges to create variations in color. Let dry after the first coat.

6. Apply other coats and designs as desired. Let dry.

7. Neutralize stain with a 5 to 10 percent solution of water and baking soda. Gently brush it in and rinse. Let dry.

8. Apply acrylic paints with a rubber stamp to embellish the design.

9. Seal with wax or stain sealer (glossy or flat).

10. Repeat the process with the remaining concrete slabs, producing a different color and stone look with each one.

11. Position the blocks on the tabletop, gluing with concrete adhesive if desired.