https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/diy-concrete-planters • Posted by Muhaiminah Faiz
I made these concrete planters last week and I was really happy to see how they turned out. I added a little golden pattern on'em because I didn't like the ordinary look. Besides, what I really want to share is the technique of making the drainage hole without drilling one! Check out the tutorial to find out how I did that!
I made these concrete planters last week and I was really happy to see how they turned out. I added a little golden pattern on'em because I didn't like the ordinary look. Besides, what I really want to share is the technique of making the drainage hole without drilling one! Check out the tutorial to find out how I did that!
I used paperboard boxes as the primary and secondary containers. Such as, milk cartons, syrup medicine cartons. Paperboard containers are easily available and all of us have 2 or 3 paperboard containers in stock, I'm sure!
I was afraid of drilling the drainage hole after the concrete or cement dries because I'm not good with drill machines :( So, I came up with the idea of making the drainage hole while the making the planter. Take a small strip of cardboard (0.5 inch X 2.5 inches), Roll the cardboard strip and glue the sides (I used clear tape).
Apply glue on any one sides of the rolled cardboard, Place it on the bottom of the primary container and allow the glue to dry.
Use a big carton for the primary container and a relatively smaller carton for the secondary container, I used 4 X 4 inches carton for the primary container and 3 X 3 inches carton for the secondary container, Cut off the top of the cartons using a scissor or x-acto knife. The secondary container should be longer than the primary container. Wrap the bottom of the containers with brown tape.
Wear your rubber gloves. Measure 2 part cement and 3 parts sand. Mix them very well, Pour a small amount of water into the sand and cement mixture and mix them well with the water, Pour more water if the cement mixture is too thick. Make sure the mixture isn't too thick nor too thin
Fill 2/3 of the primary container with concrete mixture, Put the secondary container right in the middle of it and push it in gently. Make sure that the secondary container touches the rolled cardboard. Place something heavy on top of it or else the secondary container will be pressed up. Allow the concrete to dry for at least a day. Now allow the cement/concrete to dry, it's better to wait 24 hours for the cement/concrete to dry.
After the concrete dries carefully remove the containers. The container can be removed easily.
Carefully remove the rolled cardboard to get the drainage hole.
Lastly, to get red of the ordinary look add some geometric patterns on the planters. Allow the paint to dry. You can add plants now, but it's better to use plants that require less water and nurturing. There, done! Enjoy!