Polishing concrete for BBQ

Hi I’m thinking about making a concrete countertop for my outdoor BBQ. The area is about 3’ x 6’ with my BBQ in the middle. I read online where the concrete can be polished smooth using an orbital sander and diamond pads. This is a small project and I don’t want to buy an orbital sander. (low budget) Any ideas for polishing the concrete? Are there drill attachments I can use? Thanks

 

Work like an Egyptian... Yes, you can do it but without the "proper" tools it will take a lot of time and effort. A orbital sander can do it but depending on how bad the concrete is and how smooth you want it may take a long time and a lot of sanding pads. Best would be to use a diamond polisher. I would first check to see if you can rent one. $50 for a half day rental might be the best money you spend.

 

I have never done this but I find it hard to believe you will polish a slab of concrete in 1/2 day.

Renting tools (there are exceptions I fully agree) is simply a wast of money, for small power tools what they charge you can put that toward a quality used tool and then if really motivated sell it when done.

Tools are not an expense, they save me thousands of dollars every year, they are a necessity of life!

 

you'll have better luck using a steel pool trowel to 'burn' the surface by hand,,, ck eBay for polishing pads - probably only need to go up to 400grit after which you can put on a good sealer

 

I've done some grinding on concrete and the most impressive surfaces were from the embedded stones. My work was just to alter the concrete floor but some areas sure looked nice.

I have read that using selected stones in the top surface will give you great results.

I use a diamond cup with a grinder or right angle drill. I agree with investing in tools but stop and talk with your local rental store, I have always found them friendly, experienced, and with good advice.

Note, to polish the stones near the surface you will need a good diamond grinder, orbital sander I would think not.

Bud

 

we'd have 2hrs into that size if polishing w/hand tools BUT we also have a sull set of diamonds up to 800 grit

 

Thanks for all your input. I have some thinking to do.

 

I decided to go with tile. Thanks for all your help