How to Make Concrete Planters

1-Choose your molds., -The smaller mold should nestle inside the larger with a gap of about 2 inches or 5 cm., - You can create your own mold by cutting two cardboard boxes, the inner and outer mold of your planter, to the size you want. , - Glass...

41 Steps 2 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: 1-Choose your molds.

You will need an outer mold and an inner mold of same shape but different size.

Step 2: -The smaller mold should nestle inside the larger with a gap of about 2 inches or 5 cm.

The gap between molds will be the thickness of your planter's walls.

If your planter will be any larger than 2 feet (0.6 m) by 2 feet (0.6 m), the walls should be 3 inches or
7.5 cm thick. ,, Styrofoam also works well. , This will help you remove it later.

If you use a glass mold, if you coat the glass in lubricant you may not have to break the glass when you remove the molds from the planter. , Crack-resistant concrete is your best bet.

Pour the desired amount of concrete into the tub or wheelbarrow, then add water and mix gradually, until you have consistency similar to cake batter.

Follow the instructions on the packaging. ,,,,,, The base and the walls should be of similar thickness, though the base can be thicker than the walls (usually not the other way around). , Tamp continually with a trowel and push the concrete mix along the edges of the mold to ensure smooth walls and avoid air bubbles. ,,,, If you can make an impression, the concrete is still too wet. , If you used cardboard, you should be able to peel it off.

If you used glass you might have to break it, though mineral coating or lubricant might allow you to salvage glass molds. ,,,,,,

Step 3: - You can create your own mold by cutting two cardboard boxes

Step 4: the inner and outer mold of your planter

Step 5: to the size you want.

Step 6: - Glass

Step 7: plastic

Step 8: cardboard and stainless steel are all common choices.

Step 9: - Spray the inside of your molds with mineral oil or spray lubricant.

Step 10: -Mix concrete in a tub or wheelbarrow.

Step 11: - Protect your hands with kitchen gloves while handling concrete.

Step 12: -Feel free to add decorative glass

Step 13: pebbles

Step 14: shells

Step 15: beads or other materials as you see fit

Step 16: so long as you do not drastically alter the concrete mixes consistency.

Step 17: - Pour concrete mix evenly into the bottom of the outer form mold

Step 18: creating a base.

Step 19: -If you want to add drainage you can embed drainage pebbles in the base now

Step 20: or drill holes later (at least two days after the concrete has dried).

Step 21: - Even and smooth out the concrete mix with a trowel.

Step 22: - Press the inner form mold down onto the concrete mix until the base is at your desired thickness.

Step 23: - Pour concrete mix into the space between your molds.

Step 24: -When you reach the top of your planter

Step 25: even off and smooth with your trowel.

Step 26: - Lightly bounce your planter now

Step 27: to help the concrete consistency (be careful not to break glass molds).

Step 28: -Wrap the planter in plastic

Step 29: and let it sit for about 36 hours.

Step 30: - Test the strength of the concrete with a screwdriver or knife.

Step 31: - Slowly remove the inner form mold.

Step 32: - Remove the planter from the outer form mold.

Step 33: - Smooth out the planter's surface with a rough brush or scouring pad.

Step 34: - Allow the planter to sit for another week.

Step 35: - Rub your planter with a wet sponge or cloth until its color darkens

Step 36: once a day.

Step 37: - After drying for at least two days

Step 38: you can drill drainage holes in the base.

Step 39: Set the planter in the sun

Step 40: pour your soil

Step 41: and add your plants!

Detailed Guide