7 Cool Concrete Planters That You Can DIY

Concrete isn’t limited to major home renovation projects. It’s a versatile and economical material that can be used to create unique and durable decor. Concrete is the perfect material for making custom planters because it’s easy to mold into various shapes and holds up to indoor and outdoor environments. Moreover, you can add decorative finishes to concrete, like paint or stain, which makes your planter one-of-a-kind.

If you’re on the hunt for new planters for your houseplants or container garden plants then look no further—we’ve rounded up seven cool concrete planters you can DIY in a weekend. To create one of these stylish planters, all you need is Quikrete concrete plus basic tools and supplies you probably already have on hand.

Traditional wooden sugar molds inspired this concrete planter. Although this DIY does take a few woodworking skills to build the mold, once it is constructed, you can create attractive planters over and over again with Quikrete 5000 Concrete Mix.

The planter shape is formed with mini paper cups inserted into the poured concrete, and they are held in place with a piece of scrap wood nailed on top. Before letting it sit overnight, use a sander without sandpaper to get bubbles out. Once the planter is cast and cured, finish off with a light sanding, and pot up some succulents or another low-growing plant. It’s ready to take center stage on your dining or console table!

Make a unique vase using a clear plastic ornament bulb and Quikrete Fast-Setting Concrete Mix. This modern vase will look great with an air plant, a single stem, or small arrangement. To make it, first create a square or rectangular mold using melamine or wood scraps. Oil the sides of the mold to help the concrete release. The mold’s dimensions do not matter, but don’t go too large; keeping the dimensions under a foot or so is more than enough.

Place the mold onto a flat surface, and lay the ornament inside with the head of it positioned against the center top of the mold. Mix one bag of Fast-Setting Concrete. Pour in the concrete about halfway up the sides of the bulb and smooth the surface. Allow the concrete to cure, then remove the mold. And just like that, you have a chic planter!

Large stone or ceramic planters can cost a bit, but with Quikrete 5000 Concrete Mix, you can make a custom planter with mid-century modern vibes. You need some woodworking skills or you can opt to skip the wood base step. Either way, avid DIYers can dive right in and create this custom planter using 2×4’s, 2- and 5-gallon buckets, and a few additional supplies.

Pour the concrete mix into the 5-gallon bucket and insert the 2-gallon one inside it. Add weighted objects into the smaller bucket so it stays in place and doesn’t float. Allow the concrete planter to cure for two to three days. While the concrete planter is hardening, construct the wood base. When both parts are finished attach them together with a strong adhesive. The planter works with several types of decor, from modern to traditional. Plus, it’s durable and will look great for years on your porch or patio!

Create a hanging planter with Quikrete’s Sand/Topping Mix and Concrete Acrylic Fortifier. This stylish planter strikes a lovely balance between industrial and natural decor for a modern, boho look.

Using a mold made from cardboard, pour the prepared Sand/Topping Mix and Concrete Acrylic Fortifier into it and allow it to cure. Once it’s dry, remove the cardboard and fold two 5-foot rope pieces in half and thread the ends through the corner holes and tie a base knot below the concrete. Insert a potted plant in the middle and hang!

Raid your recycling bin and leftover home improvement materials to make these chic planters. These concrete planters are made out of Quikrete 5000 Concrete Mix and reusable molds made from PVC pipe screwed to a piece of vinyl floor mat and PVC trim board. The cavity of the planters is made with mixing buckets and plastic bottles. This project is versatile and opens opportunities for reusing a multitude of materials to create unique planters.

This gradient-color concrete planter looks sophisticated, but no fancy materials are needed to create it! Using inexpensive plastic planters as a mold, this project easily comes together with Quikrete Countertop Mix and Quikrete Liquid Cement Color. The entire project uses just one color (charcoal) but in graduating amounts as each layer is poured. The result is a lovely grayscale ombré planter that is the perfect backdrop for any greenery or bright colored flowers.

This planter is the perfect project if you’re new to the concrete medium! The main materials needed to create the petite planter is a bag of Quikrete Fast-Setting Concrete Mix, a small gift box, cardboard, and four short wood dowels.

The small gift box will act as your mold. Using the measurements of the wood dowels, carve out the corners of the box and insert the dowels in their place. Spray the inside of the box with cooking spray. Now you can pour a small amount of concrete into the mold and then add cardboard or a smaller box to the center. Once it is positioned, you can continue adding the rest of the mix. Allow the planter to cure for a day. You can opt to paint it, sand it down, or add other flourishes or you can let it be all natural. As soon as you perfect this small planter, you can upgrade to a bigger box to make a large concrete planter!