When you think of DIY, concrete is not likely the first thing that comes to mind. However, concrete is surprisingly easy to work with for a wide variety of DIY projects. Whether you want to create purely functional additions to your home or fun, industrial-style decor, there are DIY concrete projects for you.
Here are some great suggestions for concrete projects to try:
Many homeowners would agree: you can never have too many drink coasters. A custom set of concrete coasters also makes a clever gift idea for anybody on your list.
For this concrete project, use a plastic cup or lid as a mold for the coasters. Once they’re set, you can customize them with paint or concrete stain for added aesthetic appeal. Glue foam dots to the bottom to protect your surfaces from scratches.
You can create concrete planters in any shape or style. They make perfect cache pots or containers for houseplants, succulents and air plants.
For a sleek, modern vibe, customize your concrete planters with metallic paint to balance out the rustic aesthetic. Use geometric shapes, stripes or polka dot patterns to make them truly unique.
Custom candleholders for tea lights are simple to make and to customize. You can use a wide variety of containers for a mold, depending on what shape you’d like your candleholder to be. Individual cylinder candleholders can use plastic cups, while a single concrete piece for multiple candles might use a large rectangular box.
One inspiring idea is to use lace or mesh on the inside of your mold to add texture. Finish off your candleholders with metallic paint or keep them plain for a charming and rustic aesthetic.
Does your yard or garden need a pathway? Instead of spending a fortune on expensive flagstone, try making your own DIY stepping stones with concrete. Use a plastic tray or bucket lid to make quick and simple circular molds, or build wooden box molds for other shapes.
Add concrete stain for a colorful twist, or even glass beads and mortar for a whimsical pathway.
The list of possible DIY concrete projects is practically endless. For larger projects, consider making a concrete fire pit or your own concrete countertops. However, to get started, these ideas are perfect for exploring the possibilities of concrete crafting.
You don’t need to do this alone. I am bilingual in English and Spanish, and I have been in the industry for over 20 years, after earning my degree in Business Management and successive studies in Human Resources and Technology. Never content to let my education lapse, I also received a certification in Negotiation Skills from Pepperdine University and attended courses at Stanford University. A leader in the field, I am a member of the Santa Clara Board of Realtors and served as a professional standards ombudsman for 8 years. I completed a term as the President of the National Hispanic Organization of Real Estate’s Santa Clara chapter in 2016, now serving as this organization’s National Vice President. I pursued additional in-depth training to achieve professional designations as an ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative), CRS (Certified Professional Specialist), and SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist), GREEN certification, and RCS-D (Divorce Real Estate Specialist). Far from being a meaningless alphabet soup, this demonstrates how proactive I am in pursuing the latest knowledge so that I completely prepared to satisfy all my sellers' and buyers' unique needs. I am committed to Excellence!