Cement + Peat Moss + Sand - The Great Outdoors

Tufa is a lightweight, tough, inexpensive material that can be formed into and endless variety of garden containers. You can choose the size, shape and even the color of your container- your only limitation is your own imagination. The finished result will be a useful “stone-looking” creation that will add your individual touch to the great outdoors.
Materials Needed:
- peat moss
- Portland cement
- builder’s sand or vermiculite
- water
- plastic trash bags
- disposable vinyl or latex gloves
- cardboard box, trashcan lid, or other object to make your form
- concrete coloring (if desired)
- small piece of a dowel rod
- pebbles, rocks, shells or
Tools Needed:
- wheel barrow or other container for mixing
- spade or shovel
- small garden trowel
- wire brush
STEPS TO CREATE A TUFA PLANTER
Step1
Build your form(s). Many different items can be used to build your forms. Cardboard boxes can be used to create square or rectangular planters and a trashcan lid can form an in-ground birdbath. Use your imagination. However, be sure you cover any item you choose with a plastic trash bag. This will make removing the form easier and protect the item from the tufa mix.
Step2
Mix your tufa mix. The amount of tufa mix you need, will vary with the size of container you are building. The recipe is simple: 1 part portland cement, 1 part builder’s sand or vermiculite, and 2 parts peat moss. Be sure when you are mixing, to add water a little at a time. Stir the mixture until you reach the consistency of a “lumpy paste.” Next, put on some disposable gloves and “knead” the mixture, like you would knead bread.
Step3
Place the mix in/on the form(s). After your mixture reaches the right consistency, place it in or on your form. Remember, if you are using a box you will place the mixture over the form, but if you are using something like a trashcan lid you will place the mixture inside the form. Be sure to cover the surface with a 2-inch layer of mix. If you want to smooth the surface, dampen your glove and smooth it with your hand. If you are building a planter, push a small section of dowel rod through the tufa mix, until it hits the form. This will provide a drain hole.
Step4
Decorate your container. While the mixture is still moist, you can press decorations into the wet tufa. Sea shells, polished stones, gravel, pieces of tile, etc. can all add an individual touch to your tufa project.
Step5
Let your container dry. Place your wet mold in a cool, shaded area for about 5-6 days until the tufa is hard. After removing your container from the mold, you can add a rustic look by rubbing the surface with a wire brush.
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[@davidstorton910]

That mate is brilliant

[@queeneywarren9474]

Now I know how to make my birdbath. Thanks

[@vapoureyes]

A very clear to the point video.👍🏻

[@holzmann8443]

If you're undertaking this project, look for a finer sand. I used coarse playsand and the adhesion was slightly lacking.

[@jamespatrick5348]

So cool. Love what you did!

[@debiegordon3787]

ThanQ👍👍👍So much nicer than store bought! U could even put that bowl on top of that pot for pedistal birdbath👍🐦🐦🐦

[@pauldow1648]

Peat moss expensive. Try pulverized paper egg cartons or packing material made out of paper slurry.

[@deborahmerkerson1145]

I wonder if sawdust will work. It’s free in a lot of places.

[@nowirehangers2815]

Yes peat moss has gone up so much it’s insane

[@robertcook9264]

Coco coir ( coconut fiber)

[@virginiahurley8806]

Great job!!

[@jasperedinger4233]

I think u just answered the meaning to life, don't be adults

[@timventura]

Just curious - most people use pearlite and you use sand. Why?

[@WonkaWillE]

Isnt cement porous? Wont the birdbath leak?

[@mcongmail7278]

I have the same question as well. Did you get a respond for your question?

[@deniecedonnafield5264]

Yes cement is porous.... And overtime cement birdbaths breakdown and leak ... Plus you have to let it cure for over 2 weeks... Because of the toxins in cement.... I keep my eyes open for large semi large and medium and sometimes small flat shape glass, ceramic bowls even low-sided baking dishes even then I still put some rocks inside.... Because I don't want birds falling in and drowning.... I have lots of birds even the low sided bowls or some call it plates that you can put underneath your plants.... I had two birdbath cement that had lost their tops by cracking or leaking over time.... And I replaced both of them with large plates ones with shallow sides.... Fasten it to the top of my cement bird bath pedestal.... With expensive clear silicone caulking.... Some people also glue to cement with hard as nails caulking... Hope this helps.... Also I have these large flat bowls plates that is used for plants place directly on the ground... and on bakers racks in my garden which are also feeding and water stations....

[@pauldow1648]

I am not sure how long water will stay in this bird bath. It may leak eventually. Of course one needs to keep the water fresh. Replace what is splashed away, and used by birds or evaporated. So you may need to add fresh water depending on seasons and other things. If it soaks water in the concrete mixture will fail eventually. One could add a waterproof/concrete additive to mix. Also you could paint inside with swimming pool paint or other brush or spray waterproof product. For what's worth. Tile fragments and grout cand be made to adhere ..... Becareful because some products may leach into water and might be harmful when ingested by birds.

[@maryxm1]

Can I make bricks with this ??

[@penguin0101]

Why add peat moss, what properties does it bring?

[@nikkibiondo7399]

I was wondering the same thing… only thing I can think of is to make it lighter

[@evgenitantikov5865]

Lightweight and natural appearance of the final product

[@AB-rl6kd]

Can I use peat?

[@jassasingh539]

Peat moss?

[@deniecedonnafield5264]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@Esme-qu7zs]

peat moss is a nature recourse. You should not use it! March is extremely important for wildlife! 😢

[@ShumilaAhmad]

I've made it with cocopeat instead. Works