Building A Large Round Concrete Planters At Home
Why not create your own sleek, contemporary concrete planter instead of spending hundreds of dollars on one for your outside plants? You may create a unique planter that is the ideal size and shape for your garden with just a few basic materials and concrete. This post will step-by-step demonstrate how to create a mold and pour the concrete for your planter. You'll have a strong, attractive new plant home soon.
Step 1: Establishing The Mold
- Get 2 Different Sized Boxes
Obtain 2 boxes of various sizes. You'll use the boxes as the molds to make the planters. Find a box that is both large and slightly smaller. It ought should be possible for the smaller box to fit within the bigger one. Your concrete planters' thickness will depend on the distance between the two boxes.- Wood or cardboard can be used to make the boxes.
- On each side, the smaller box needs to be at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) smaller than the larger box.
- For larger plants, the smaller box should be at least 8 inches (20 cm) deep; for smaller plants, it should be 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm) deep.
- Get strong boxes so that when you fill the mold with concrete, it won't break.
- Use Plastic Containers
Instead of using boxes, use plastic containers. You can buy plastic containers in any shape to use as molds if you want a concrete planter that isn't square or rectangle-shaped. Locate 2 plastic containers of varying sizes from a department store or online.- Around each side, the smaller container needs to be at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) smaller than the bigger one.
- For smaller plants, the smaller container should be at least 3 inches (7.6-10.2 cm) deep and at least 8 inches (20 cm) deep for bigger plants.
- For instance, you can get two plastic dishes or two pots.
- Tape A Plastic Trash Bag Around The Smaller Container
A plastic garbage bag should be taped around the smaller container. The garbage bag should be tight against the sides of the smaller container as you stretch it over it. Additionally, the garbage bag must be tightly pressed against the interior of the container. Use duct tape to attach the garbage bag to the box or container. The plastic bag will help with mold removal and keep the concrete from adhering to the tiny container. - Mark 2 Inches From The Bottom Of The Large Container
Mark the huge container 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the bottom. On the inside of the huge container, measure 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the base using a ruler. Use a pen or marker to draw a horizontal line. This will assist you in deciding how much concrete to pour into the mold at first.- Measure and mark the line to reflect the change in size if you want your planter's sides to be thicker.
- For instance, if the walls of your planter are 4 in (10 cm) thick, you would measure and mark 4 in (10 cm) from the planter's base.
- Apply Cooking Spray
Apply cooking spray to the interior of the bigger box. To evenly coat the interior of the larger box, spread the non-stick spray around the area. Concrete won't stick to the sides of the larger container thanks to the cooking spray. A can of cooking spray is available for purchase online or at a grocery shop. Instead of using cooking spray, you can coat the interior of the larger box with mineral spirits. Pour the spirits into the box's bottom and use a rag to disperse them all over the interior.
Step 2: Filling In The Mold
- Mix Concrete And Water
In a bucket or wheelbarrow, combine the water and concrete. To find out the concrete to water ratio, read all of the instructions on the concrete package. Put on a pair of gloves before adding the concrete mixture to the bucket or wheelbarrow. After that, steadily add the necessary amount of water to the concrete mixture. With a stick or shovel, combine the concrete and water until the mixture resembles oatmeal.- When mixing the concrete, you can add a selection of powdered concrete pigments to add various colors to the planter. Online retailers offer concrete pigments.
- Colors like blue and red are among the many shades of pigment used in concrete.
- Mix more concrete if you run out while trying to fill your mold.
- Before pouring, make an effort to remove all of the lumps from the concrete.
- Pour Concrete Into The Larger Box
Up to the line you drew, pour concrete into the larger box. In the big container, shovel the concrete from the wheelbarrow or bucket. Fill the larger container until it reaches the mark you established or reaches a height of 2 inches (5.1 cm). Your planter's bottom will be made up of this. If your walls are thicker, adjust the level of the concrete pour. If the line you marked is 4 inches (10 cm) from the base of the planter, for example, fill the concrete to that point. - Place The Smaller Container In The Larger Container
In the bigger container, put the smaller one. Fill the smaller container with sand or stones to make it heavier. This will keep the smaller container from floating around when you fill the mold to capacity. - Pour The Wet Concrete In Between The Smaller And Larger Container
Between the smaller and larger container, pour the wet concrete. Pour the concrete gradually between each container. Pour the concrete again and again until the mold is entirely filled. The little container should not be completely filled with concrete, nor should it connect over the top rim. - Let The Mixture Cure For A Full Day
Give the mixture a full day to cure. The molds should be set away in a location that won't be disturbed. A cloth or tarp should be placed over the molds' tops. Wait an entire day for the concrete to completely solidify and set. For precise curing times, refer to the instructions on your concrete bag.
Step 3: Finishing The Planter
- Pull Out The Smaller Mold
Take the smaller mold out. The smaller container may be removed from the concrete by grabbing its edges. It ought to be quite simple to remove if you covered it with a plastic bag. Any plastic that could have adhered to the interior of the larger mold should be peeled off. Use a crowbar to force the little mold out of the larger mold if you're having difficulties removing it. - Flip The Planter Over And Lift Up The Larger Container
Turn the planter over, then raise the bigger pot. The planter ought to slide out if you used cooking spray inside. Peel the sides and bottom of the cardboard box, if you used one, to reveal the concrete planter. Don't be afraid to break the larger mold if you're having difficulties removing the planter. - Decorate The Outside Of The Planter
To make the planter your own, decorate the outside. To make the planter look more colorful, superglue stones, ornamental glass, or beads to the outside. If you want the planter's outside to be a different color, you can paint it with masonry paint.- Put a coat of block primer on the planter so that you have a smooth surface to work on before painting it with masonry paint.
- You can paint specific images onto your planters by using stencils. Apply masonry paint to the gaps after taping the stencil to the planter's side.
- Plant Your Indoor Or Outdoor Plant
In the planter, place your indoor or outdoor plant. Plant whatever flower or houseplant you like after filling the planter with potting soil. To maintain your plant alive and healthy, you might want to adjust and replenish the soil once a month. By putting a seed in the container, you can also grow a brand-new plant.