eXp Realty, LLC

How to make DIY concrete box planters

by Kyung Kim 06/09/2022

DIY concrete projects are a great way to increase your home improvement skills, while providing meaningful concrete crafts that could help you stay organized for years to come. However, concrete DIY projects can often seem daunting, but they can be as easy as any other DIY project.

For example, try turning an old cardboard box into a custom DIY concrete planter for your garden. Using just a few basic materials, you can create a durable planter box while getting second use out of an otherwise recycled item. Here is a guide to making your own DIY concrete planter box:

DIY concrete planter tools and supplies

  • 2 Cardboard boxes (one large for the outside of the planter, one smaller box for the inside)
  • Duct tape
  • Cardboard corner protector inserts
  • Concrete mix
  • Mixing bucket
  • Plastic wrap or sheet
  • Safety mask & gloves

How to make your planter

  1. Since cardboard isn’t watertight, you’ll need to reinforce it with duct tape to create a solid concrete mold. Cover the inside of the large box with duct tape and use the protector inserts in the corners. This will help the box keep its shape under pressure.
  2. Cover the outside of the smaller box with duct tape, taking care to completely cover the corners and edges.
  3. Mix the concrete in your bucket by adding the dry material and water. For the correct amount of water, follow the specific instructions included with the concrete. Stir the mixture until it’s smooth, adding more water as necessary.
  4. Fill the larger box about halfway with the concrete mixture.
  5. Press the smaller box into the concrete mixture. Add something heavy to the box, like rocks or sand, to help maintain pressure.
  6. Carefully add more concrete to the sides around the small box until it reaches the top edge of the large box.
  7. Cover the entire box with plastic and allow it to cure for several days in a temperate environment. The curing time for your specific mixture may vary, so consult the instructions for details.
  8. Once the concrete has fully cured, it’s time to remove the boxes. Tear or cut the cardboard down each corner to pull away the sides. It’s optional to remove the inner box, but recommended to help avoid mildew from outdoor use.
  9. With the outer box removed, you’re free to sand away sharp edges if you wish. You might also consider using a concrete sealer.

Now you have your own custom-made DIY concrete planter for your porch or garden. You can repeat this same process with any size or shape of cardboard box. Try adding concrete stain or paint for extra customization to match your personal garden decor.

About the Author
Author

Kyung Kim

Hi, I'm Kyung Kim. I immigrated from South Korea to the United States in 1968 when I was 7 years old. I have seen my mom struggle with the English language and work hard to raise her four kids by herself. Still to this day, I don't know how she pulled it off, but she bought her first home in 1979 for $70,000 and because of that decision, she was able to live without worrying about her financial future. I want that for everyone, to feel the pride of home ownership and to build their financial wealth using real estate as part of their financial portfolio. I feel so blessed to play a small role in helping others reach this goal.

I live in Beaverton with my husband, Richard. My mom, who lived with us for several years, passed away in our home in February 2022. Her first home purchase in 1979 made it possible for her to live to the very end, without worrying about her finances. As of August 2022 with a little downpayment assistance, our four children own their own homes. Being in real estate, I quickly realized that if they didn't buy now, they may be priced out of the market in the future. Whether that would have been the case, we will never know, but what we do know is that they are all realizing some good, healthy appreciation in their home values.

As passionate as I am about people owning their homes, I'm also passionate about giving back to our community. I support Compassion First, a non-profit organization that provides aftercare for sex trafficked girls in Indonesia. My husband and I also feel called to financially support social injustice organizations.  

I'd love to assist you. Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. I'd be honored to put my real estate experience to work for you.