How to Make a DIY Concrete Planter

Create a unique garden planter using concrete! Use this easy-to-follow DIY to make concrete planters in multiple shapes and sizes for your garden or patio.


Skill
Beginner
Time
Few Hours
Cost
Less Than $500
diy concrete planter for outdoor plants and flowers

What You Need for This Project


Tools

Materials

  1. 1

    GATHER YOUR MATERIALS

    Start by gathering the forms you plant to use as a mold for your planter. We recommend using buckets of varying sizes, like 3- and 5-gallon (11.36 L and 18.93 L) buckets. Use cooking spray to coat the inside of the large bucket and the outside of the small bucket. 


  2. Steps:

step one: prepare the plastic bucket
  1. 2

    MIX CONCRETE

    Mix concrete in a tub (wear rubber gloves and a mask) following package directions.

  2. Steps:

step two: mix concrete
  1. 3

    POUR THE CONCRETE

    Pour the mixture into the large bucket to about the halfway mark. Slide the small bucket into the centre of the large bucket and push down to within 2 inches (approximately 5 cm) of the bottom.

  2. Steps:

step three: place the small bucket inside the larger bucket
  1. 4

    SECURE THE SMALL BUCKET

    Using bricks, stones, or sand, weigh down the small bucket and secure it with duct tape so it doesn’t rise.

  2. Steps:

step four: secure bricks in the bucket
  1. 5

    CAREFULLY REMOVE THE PLASTIC BUCKETS

    Remove the weights after 48 hours. Slit the inside of the small bucket and remove. Slit the outside of the large bucket and remove.


  2. Steps:

step five: cut the large bucket
  1. 6

    DRILL INTO THE PLANTER

    Use a masonry bit to drill a hole in the side or bottom of the container for drainage.

  2. Steps:

step six: drill a hole for drainage
  1. 7

    FINISHED

    Your planter is complete! Fill with soil and your favourite plants or flowers and enjoy your new piece of decor.


  2. Steps:

step seven: prepared the planter

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