Best concrete DIY projects - Best cement DIY projects

Cement and Concrete DIY Projects

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The term rustic has been dominating the home décor conversations for the last few years. The rustic style has been transforming homes utilizing earth like tones and textures such as reclaimed wood, wool fibers, stone, hardwood and other natural material.

The organic nature of this style has grown in popularity with the reclaimed wood use, stone countertops, and wool textures in the design of homes. These giant statement pieces within our homes are great and work to create a cohesive design, however, as we step back there may be some small quaint details missing that could be added to interconnect the space and its design. 

Truly beautiful things do not demand attention, with so many pieces of furniture and décor overcrowding homes it can be difficult to find items that blend form and function while keeping a quiet simplicity. Concrete has been used to build sidewalks, roads, swimming pools, and other outdoor recreational spaces for decades. However, the use of concrete has become a friendly material to the average “Do it Yourselfer” making the possibilities of home décor endless.

Concrete can be used to tie together large rustic elements within a home such as stone countertops and raw hardwood tables to create a cohesive, seamless décor that functions with grace and simplicity.

Here are four quick and easy concrete DIY projects that will make your home décor truly unique. 

Table of Contents show

DIY Candle Holders


Candle holders are a must have center piece for coffee tables, dining room tables, or entryway tables. Candles as centerpieces are a great way to promote a cozy welcoming feel to the home.  Cement candle holders have a quiet seamless appeal to them, blending into the overall aesthetic of the home without demanding overt attention. Cement tea light squares is a great way to make a timeless and classy centerpiece.

Here’s what you’ll need:


How-To DIY: Candle Holders


First mix cement powder with water following the directions on the cement bag. The consistency of the mixture should turn out to a paste like consistency.

If you will be using a wooden box for your mold, you’ll need to apply some WD-40 to the sides and bottom so the dry cement can be removed without destroying the wooden mold. Apply the grease with a paper towel rubbing it into the inner areas of the mold. 

Pour the cement mixture into the mold, if you’re using a wooden mold, vigorously tap the sides of the mold to get out air bubbles. If you’re using a silicon mold put it on an aluminum sheet, placing one hand on each side of the aluminum sheet tap it on the counter to relieve air bubbles. 

Take the glass tea light holder and gently press into the square using a preferred design. The 3×3 design is the most common. Gently press the glass about an inch into the wet mixture and lift up. If release from the mixture does not come easily twist the glass during the next release to minimize rough areas. 

Leave your square to set for 24 hours.

After 24 hours begin to remove the square from the mold. Do this by placing one hand on the face of your square and gently flip the project over. Set it face down on a flat surface and begin to remove the mold. Peel the silicon mold away from the set square starting with one corner and gently working towards the other side. This is a fragile process, so speed is not recommended. 

Use the sandpaper and lightly sand away any bumps or rough areas. This is what your final product will look like, so to ensure a store-like quality take this step slowly so there are no missed areas. 

Seal the entire square using the cement sealer. The Wooster Chinex brush is preferred during this step to eliminate any brush lines ensuring a smooth factory like finish. Let the sealer set for 24 hours before using the new tea light holder in your home. 

Decorate by placing tea light candles in the inner circle imprints of the square arrange as a centerpiece using table runners or doilies. 

DIY Catch All Trays


Catch all trays don’t leave their purpose up to the imagination. These little trays are used to catch keys, spare change, and for the true DIYers drill bits and screws. They are great on entryway tables, bathroom counters, laundry room shelves and anywhere else you find an assortment of random items accumulating. These little trays can be placed in the spot where a mixture of trinkets continues to land so when cleaning, looking for spare change, or guests come those random items are in their place. Catch all trays with cement can be used to add a simple look to the surface without taking away from the overall décor. The overall design of the tray however has endless possibilities. Simple on color designs can be used or different colored designs. Using two different colors of cement powder a marbled look can be achieved giving your space a sense of elegance and timeless design.

Here’s what you’ll need:


How-To DIY: Catch All Trays


To begin, mix your white cement powder with water following the instructions on the bag. Keep in mind the end result should be a paste-like consistency. After the white cement is mixed prepare a smaller amount of grey cement mix according to the directions on the bag keeping the consistency as close to the white mixture as possible. 

Pour a small amount of the white cement mixture into the large square a few table spoons should be fine. Using the plastic spoon drop sparing drops of grey cement mixture into the mold. Lift the mold into the air and swirl it in circular motions to create a marbled effect. Do this pattern until the entire bottom of the mold is covered and your cement mixtures measure about a half-inch thick.

Take the toothpick and swirl the top cement mixtures together in a way that resembles marble. Make sure that the cement mixture is evenly distributed within the large mold, this is important to avoid uneven sides of the catch all trays. 

After the cement is evenly poured place the mold onto an aluminum sheet and tap it on a flat surface to relieve any air bubbles from the project. Tap gently so that the even distribution of mixture is not disturbed. 

Gently press the smaller mold into the larger mold and cement mixture, this will give the finished product ‘sides’ giving it a more tray like appearance and keeping in the assortment of trinkets within the tray. Be sure to press evenly using the flat press to ensure there are no unwanted imprints under the mold. Any uneven pressing can leave lasting imprints on the underside of the mold. After the small mold is pressed evenly and gently into the large mold leave it to set for 24 hours. 

After 24 hours remove the silicon molds gently revealing your tray. Using 300 grit sand paper gently sand off any imperfections or rough spots within the tray. Also, be sure to even out the edges of the tray. Optional: Use the sandpaper to slightly round off the edges of the tray to create a softer smoother edge. 

Seal the tray using cement sealer. 

Decorate using your new catch all tray by placing it in areas that gather clutter to achieve a cleaner, more organized look. Pair with other décor items to create a finished flawless look. Candles, fresh flowers or plants, and baskets filled with everyday necessary items will complete the look and create an organized, functional space that everyone can enjoy. 

DIY Planters


Plants add life, clean air and a pop of color to every space they are in. Whether you’re decorating with a pathos vine, a fiddle leaf tree or cute little succulents plants are a must have when it comes to home décor. Planters and flower pots are the perfect way to add character and charm to any surface where a plant resides. Cement planters are a way to add that rustic touch to your home. 

Here’s what you’ll need: 


How-To: DIY Planters


Following the directions on the cement powder bag, mix cement and water until you achieve a thick paste like consistency.

Pour the mixture into the special pot mold until it is about in inch from the top. Tap the sides of the mold gently with a wooden spoon to relieve any air bubbles, lifting the planter and tapping it on a flat surface can also assist in relieving air pressure.

Finish pouring the mixture until it’s at the top of the mold. Using the rubber scraper remove any access cement creating an even and balanced top.

Wet a paper towel and remove any excess cement that has fallen over the edges of the mold to ensure clean lines. This will also make it easier to remove the mold after it has set. 

Let set for 24 hours.

After 24 hours remove the mold and reveal your new planter. Using 300 grit sand paper, lightly sand imperfections and rough areas. 

Seal using cement sealer. 

Enjoy.

DIY Cement Vases


Cement vases can add earth toned rustic charm to any flat surface in the home. In a guest bath, entryway table, on the mantle or anywhere in the home where color and life need to be added. Fresh flowers can bring a sense of joy and peace to a space however often the vases available in the cabinet are charmless and overused. These cement vases are the perfect touch of quiet character.

Here’s what you’ll need:


How-To: DIY Cement Vases


Begin by mixing the cement powder with the water following the directions on the bag. The end mixture should form a paste-like consistency. 

Pour the mixture into the glass vase until the mixture is about an inch from the top. Gently put in the glass beaker. Scrape off any excess cement that has protruded from the mouth of the vase. Ensure that none gets into the glass beaker – you can do this by taking the beaker scrub brush and gently pulling out any mixture that fell into the beaker. 

Wipe off any excess mixture that got on the outside of the glass vase, using the wet sponge. Doing so will make it easier to remove the vase after the cement sets. 

Let project dry for 24 hours. After the project has set, hold your project over a trash can while wearing your protective gloves, and protective eye wear gently begin to break the glass surrounding your cement project. Do not attempt to break glass forcefully as it will result in a breakage of your project. Remove all large pieces of glass from the vase figure and using the scrubbing sponge remove the rest. Discard the sponge after use. 

While still wearing the protective gear gently sand the vase using 300 grit sand paper. Remove any imperfections, rough spots or left-over glass. Ensure that there is no glass remaining before continuing or removing your safety gear.

Seal with cement sealer. 

To decorate using the new cement vase, fill inner beaker with water and arrange freshly cut flowers inside the beaker. Set in an area of the home that could use a pop of character. 

Summary: DIY Cement Projects


Cement is the perfect addition when you want to decorate using the rustic style. Its quiet charm adds character to every space that it is in. Whether you love DIY or love cement décor, these projects will prove to be the perfect choice for weekend projects or after-work relaxation.

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