Cement Planter DIY: How to Make your Own

Let me show you how to make your own DIY cement planter for a fraction of the price! It’s as easy and fun as playing with dirt!

Cement can be used for more than sidewalks!There is so much you can do with cement, and it’s fun for the kids too! For this tutorial, I focused the cement planter. Planters can be pricey, so why not make our own?! A 60-pound bag of Quikrete costs less than a drink at Starbucks, and a little goes a long way. Not only is the material cheap, but a mold can be created out of virtually any material found at home. Don’t want to make your own mold? Amazon has lots of premade silicone ones like the one I used (click here).  For the sake of this tutorial, I stuck with 4 mold materials: cardboard, plastic food container, solo cup, and a premade silicone mold from Amazon. I love the natural and rugged fell of a cement planter.  Let’s get started!

Materials

• Planter Molds 
• Quikrete
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Mixing Spoon
• Cooking Spray

Instructions

Step 1: Create Mold

Cardboard Box Mold

• This mold requires two boxes: a large box to form the shape of the planter and a smaller box to create the hole for the plant. If you don’t like the shape or size of your boxes, cut and tape the cardboard to form the shape you need.
• To create a nonstick surface, tape all sides of the box that will come in contact with the cement (the inside of the large box, and the outside of the small box).
• Spray cooking oil onto the taped sides to assure the cement planter will pop out with no problem.

Plastic Food Containers

• This mold requires two containers: a large container to form the shape of the planter, and a smaller container to create the hole for the plant.
• I chose to cut the upper lip of the smaller container, but it can be left as is.
• Spray cooking oil onto all sides of the container that will come in contact with the cement to create a nonstick surface.

Cup

• Cut the cup to your preferred size
• For my center, I used a shot glass and covered it with aluminum foil so I can reuse it in the future
• Spray cooking oil onto all sides of the container that will come in contact with the cement to create a nonstick surface.

Silicone Mold (found on Amazon) -no prep needed

Step 2: Create Space for Drainage – I FORGOT THIS STEP!!

I have yet to develop my green thumb, so I completely forgot to create a space for a drainage hole. Do as I say, not as I do! If your planter needs a drainage hole, tape an object to the bottom center of the large mold. I suggest using a rock, small chunk of wood, or a straw. Cover the object with tape and spray it with cooking oil. After the planter is dry and ready to be used, place a rock over the hole to allow slower drainage.

Step 3: Mix Quikrete & Water

GRADUALLY mix water into Quikrete powder until a frosting-like texture forms. It doesn’t take much water, so add a little bit at a time.

Step 4: Fill Mold ¾ of the Way

Fill the mold 3/4 of the way with the mixture (if you are using a silicone mold, fill it to the top). Gently shake the container side to side to level out the cement.

Step 5: Press in Small Mold

Gently press the smaller mold in to the mixture. If you have an object tapped-in for a drainage hole, push the small mold into the mixture until it touches the object. Skip this step if you are using the silicone mold.

Step 6: Add weight

Add weight to the inner mold to prevent shifting. Skip this step if you are using the silicone mold.

Step 7: Touch Up

Gently shake your mold side to side to level out the cement. Top off with cement if necessary. To create a smooth edge, drag a popsicle stick along the top of the cement. To release air pockets, gently squeeze the sides of the mold to “burp” the cement.

Step 8: Allow concrete to sit for 24 hours

Let your molds sit undisturbed for 24 hours. Keep them away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Time may vary depending on the type of cement used.

Step 9: Remove Planters from Molds

After your molds have sat for 24 hours, carefully flip them upside down to remove the planter. You may need to squeeze or cut away the mold. Now you are ready to fill your planters with beautiful plants!

Free Decorating Guide

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Step 10: Share it!

As always, thank you for following along with me in my journey. Be sure to tag me and use #meagannicholedotcom when sharing your cement projects! Thanks for stopping by MeaganNichole.com

DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting, so I can continue to provide you with free content each week!

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