These summer DIY concrete projects are so hot, they’re cool
With warmer days on the horizon, there’s been a lot of people posting about “do it yourself” concrete projects on social media. Why DIY? Budget, for starters! Concrete is affordable, looks great, and won’t crack under pressure. Not only is it durable, but it’s a sustainable material, too. So if you’re ready to try DIY, and are looking for some cool projects, check out these hot ones trending now.
Concrete Fire Pit
Concrete fire pits have been a must-have patio accessory for a while now and for good reason. Is there anything nicer than sitting around a cozy fire on a cool summer evening with umbrella-adorned beverages and squishy s’mores for kids? Fire pits are a great gathering place for friends and family alike, of all ages. And the best part is, concrete fire pits can do double-duty as a table when you can’t use it for fires. Create a cover and voila! Instant coffee table.
Flower Troughs
Want planters packing a punch? Concrete is a knock-out! It looks chic and can stand up to all kinds of seasonal weather. Plus, it’s simple to get a square or rectangular shape to house your favorite blooms. Use an old kitchen cabinet as a mold, or even a box. Just make sure to choose a shape and size that will work with your garden or patio space!
Cement planters
When most folks think of planters, they think of the big troughs mentioned above. Those are popular now, but you know what else is? Mini round planters. These can be made from ball or balloon molds, or even plastic kitchen Tupperware-style molds. For a truly trendy look, you can magnetize them and build a green wall by attaching them to the wall with succulents inside. Or have them scattered around the patio. There are so many creative possibilities to customize this project.
Outdoor furniture
If your concrete DIY dreams are bigger than planters, why not try furniture? You can start by making simple stools and end tables. Or for a statement piece, build a concrete bench. If full-scale furniture feels like a bit much, you can accent existing furniture with a concrete tabletop. It’s an easy way to give an old coffee table a makeover for the season.
Ready to try DIY? Great! But first, consider these steps:
Choose the right concrete for the job. Do your research and find the best match for your project.
Check the weather. It’s important to know when to pour, and when not to pour concrete.
Gather your supplies in advance. This may sound obvious, but make sure everything is prepped and ready before you pour. Get your molds ready, gloves on, etc. before you start so you aren’t scrambling around looking for things!
Equip yourself for safety. Ensure you have a good dust mask, protective eyewear, gloves, etc.
Pro tips:
Don’t pour concrete down the drain, or rinse it off in the sink. It could harden or clog the drain and cause costly damage.
Depending on what you are making, you might want to invest in a good concrete sealer or stain. Some crafters like doing a two-tone paint color on their projects, and really fancy folks even use gold leaf.
Have additional molds ready in case you have leftover concrete. It’s fun to experiment with small molds to make things like coasters for patio cocktail hours, backyard BBQ parties, etc.
At Mathews Ready Mix, we love helping our clients find concrete solutions. Are you ready to begin your DIY project? If you’re in need of concrete and/or concrete services for a larger job, contact us today!