Waterproofing the stand/countertop?

[edgray]

Hi all,

We've just finished the hearth layer on our build and are waiting for our firebricks to turn up. 

I covered it with a tarp to 'protect it' during the last few days of torrential rain, but I foolishly forgot that untreated concrete is a sponge and now the whole thing is completely saturated (see photo) . Hopefully once we stick a gazebo over it it'll dry out without any problems, BUT this gazebo is going to be a temporary thing so when everything's done I'll presumably need to waterproof the whole stand to make sure water doesn't come up through the cooking floor?

Can I do this by rendering the countertop and the blocks? If anyone has suggestions for what I can use that'll hide the terrible work I've done so far with a nice smooth render that'd be great, cheers!

[truckcab79]

It’ll dry out fine and won’t be harmed at all. Obviously there is plenty of moisture in the air this time of year even if it’s not raining so it won’t dry out quickly or completely. 

You can render and use a waterproof additive and / or paint. Or use KRend which is waterproof.

That will protect the exterior but water rising through the structure will only be stopped if you added a DPM under the slab or after the first course of blocks. I wouldn’t worry too much if you didn’t though to be honest. It will be fine for years. 

I personally wouldn’t render the countertop I’d either tile using a waterproof adhesive and grout or if you want it natural then just use a stone sealer.

[edgray]

Ahhh ok well we didn't use a DPM, but I'm guessing by using KRend or similar I'll be able to reduce the amount of water it sucks up..

Good call on the countertop - I think we will use tiles which should hopefully work well for food prep.

Thanks for the advice!