Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Note

Items may be Special Order in some stores. Product costs, availability, and item numbers may vary online or by market. Paint colors may vary slightly from those shown. Availability varies by market for lumber species and sizes.

Cast a Concrete Planter

One bag of concrete is enough to make two planters like the one shown. We include the cost of the two storage totes in the $40 estimated cost, but you can clean and reuse them after the project is finished.

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Instructions

Mark the outside of the 6.5-quart tote 7 inches from the bottom. Center the 6.5-quart tote inside the larger one and rock it back and forth while pressing it into the concrete. Continue pressing until the concrete just passes the marks on the 6.5-quart tote.

Good to Know

If you press the small tote too far into the concrete, lightly bounce the large tote on a firm surface to make the small tote float upward to the level you want. To level the concrete around the edges of the small tote, hold it down with one hand and knock on the sides of the large tote until the concrete levels itself.

Add House Numbers

Ensure that the concrete is thoroughly dry before beginning with the next step.

Instructions

Measure the distance from the heads of the screws to the start of the extensions on the backs of the letters. If the distances vary, use the longest one after checking that the screws are all in as far as they’ll go. Place a tape flag on the 3/16-inch bit that distance from the tip to control the drilling depth. At each marked screw location, drill a 3/16-inch hole.

Good to Know

You’ll need a masonry drill bit normally used in a hammer drill. However, avoid using a hammer drill on the newly cast concrete.