How to Make a Concrete Planter

How to make a concrete planter making a cement pot mixing concrete
Connect with me on IG / tedsbackyard337
Music:
"Acid Jazz" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
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"Poofy Reel" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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"There It Is" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
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"That's a Wrap" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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[@dnomyarnostaw]

For new viewers, I reviewed the comments, sumnarised here 1) Cooking oil as a release agent got a lot of mentions. 2) Needed the sides of the inner plug to be sloped inwards for ease of removal. 3) Use a concrete edge finisher tool on the top edge before it sets. 4) the water channels on the bottom are way too small. They need to be bigger to stop being clogged over time. 5) Some wire for reinforcement may be a good idea at the bottm and at various levels 6) Vibration on outside for better bubble removal, as you mentioned. 7) Plastic tape on all inner corners for smooth edges, and tape over all the drainage molding strips. 8) no need for bottom inner mold bottom. Just level the first few inches and then set the inner walls on top. Nothing like practice for perfection : -)

[@kathyg7240]

Thanks!

[@Mungu-Akubariki]

Thank you for an "honest" video. It's encouraging, a lot less intimidating. A lot of videos are made where we don't see the first try or that a better method can be used. Thank you for that. I'm much more inclined to try and mould a planter now because the pressures off. Nothing wrong at all with Wondermen ... But all too often they're not around! 😆

[@tedsbackyard]

Glad it was helpful!

[@judya.shroads8245]

Beautiful!!!! You tried something for the first time. You won!!!!

[@fallenslave6684]

Yeah. He is a champ.!

[@texasclodcruncher9580]

Hint: line inside with roofing felt before adding concrete, it doesn't stick! Good job!

[@willemkelles7942]

Indeed, its refreshing to see a video from someone who is not an expert and is showing all the issues he faced as well.so much more helpfull to prepare for the challenges trying this out as well.

[@Megutsell]

Great Job Teddy. I know how much those planters can cost. You'd have so much more pride in making your own no matter the outcome. It looked great and for those of us just starting out it's very informative. A lot of people near my home dump old things on their nature strips. Recycling their rubbish is a fantastic idea

[@tedsbackyard]

Thanks! However, I don't recommend making one this thick if you were thinking of doing so.

[@BunnyKitKat]

I don't know why but I love this guy's videos. I don't even garden but these amuse me

[@elhaamie]

BunnyKitKa`discard

[@lindacaoyag7151]

BunnyKit Kat

[@maddeusdoggeus1]

Thanks for taking the time to show us this👍

[@71160000]

Most comments are spot on about tapering, oiling, finishing. I would add perlite to the concrete mix to make a lighter planter and you might consider adding some type of wood shape inside each outside panel to make an inset on each side to also reduce weight and make the planter much nicer to look at. Lets face it an empty planter should be light enough to move around and position where you want it.

[@aguilasenmano]

I liked your video because you show the little worries, matter or situation , that we, beginners sometimes need to dealt with, in making this arts, and overcome. Thanks

[@Hey_me]

Nice video. Shows trials and errors till perfection. Well done!

[@michaeliannone2577]

You did a really nice job with this project, and I'm sure you saved a ton of money!

[@laurenpiantino8312]

I think you did exceedingly well considering all the problems that occurred toward the end. You were cool, calm and connected, and resolved the issues. The plant pot looks great, and altho I don't plan on making anything near as large this summer with cement, your issues with the pot allows us all to learn from them. You did well; altho I'm not an expert in cement projects, I'm merely a portrait artist, I thought the video was super. Thank you for sharing your work of art. :)

[@laurenpiantino8312]

@@sabel146 I don't remember ever watching this video, but obviously I did. I admire people who at least try to make, create or do something they've never tried before, and in this guy's case he did an excellent job for a first attempt. It's amazing what we can do if we try. :)

[@pamelalong7747]

I love it. The bubbles and imperfections gives it a lot of character.

[@SP-lm1pk]

Exactly what I was looking for. Great to see what you had issues with etc. It looks great. Thank you. Off to buy some quick crete.

[@jameschumbley5053]

I've been wanting to do this. Thank you!

[@Artchitextural]

Nice planter. Just a note, if you wipe oil (any kind), or spray with PAM cooking spray, or line the inside with plastic - the concrete won't stick to your mold. Hope that helps.

[@B_BNavarro]

Auto oil it's best

[@usmantemuri]

Poomkddxc

[@psidvicious]

For big jobs we use ‘Form Release’ by the 55 gal drums. In the old days we used to just use diesel fuel.

[@shoppingrb9544]

@@psidvicious I just soybean oil.

[@Professional_Youtube_Commenter]

I've watched other videos, it doesn't work. The concrete probably just absorbed the oil in and then stick to the wood. Everyone who used oil still had to fight to get the mould off. Imho, if you're ok with plastic bag fold Mark's the best thing would be to line the mould with some cheap tarp or maybe even self adhesive carpet protectors that you lay on carpets for painting and decorating.

[@seanhaney8748]

I used vaseline as mold release and it worked great! You could taper your inner box similar to a draft angle. Even 10* of an angle would make it easier to back out. Great video!

[@vincentbrown808]

sean christian Your right. I wondered how everyone missed that the entire issue was the draft angle of the inner box. At 90 degrees it would almost be impossible to pull out.

[@anikac8380]

A lot of sound ideas and great inspiration here! Thanks for sharing your process. How about fashioning the planter upside down in the form? I am positive there is spray on release agent made specifically for concrete forms. I’d ask a pro, but I believe melamine forms release much more easily. I would wrap my form in cling film. As for as aesthetics, I love your square project, but I would want to stick colored glass into the top edge while it was wet. I agree that the bubbles are attractive. If you needed a smooth finish, you could make a thinner concrete mix and trowel it over, like plaster on a wall. Next time, play with concrete pigments! Planters that size or heartbreakingly expensive, so I applaud this DIY endeavor!

[@judywhitsell6370]

I loved your video. I can't believe how snarky so many of the the comments have been. One of the greatest things about a diy video is the helpful and informative comments sent in that we all can learn from. That's why we read them. Thank you for making this video.

[@karstdeboer4538]

Hey teddyd30, I love how much effort you put in projects like this one. I hope you'll also make a video showing what you plant inside the planter: hope it'll be something cool!

[@tedsbackyard]

I will. Thanks!! It'll be something cool like a Dragon Plant or a Cheeseburger Tree

[@karstdeboer4538]

Nice, sound cool! Already excited

[@marcussanders9193]

Three or four coats of a waterborne sealer good form a decent line of plastic should prevent sticking

[@williamjackson5942]

Used engine oil or vegetable oil can be used as a release agent. You can also make a slurry of mortar mix like a sandy latex paint and brush it over the outside to fill the air pockets, or if you want it smoother a similar "paint" of portland cement and water will work as well.

[@LikodsaPayag]

wow' thank you so much sir for giving us an idea on how to make concrete pot, i love it :)

[@HolbergEM]

Great planter. Thanks for sharing!

[@vote4republicans2024]

One thing you can try is wrapping your inner box with cardboard and masking tape. It compresses to compensate for the concrete shrinking as it dries. You can usually put the inner box straight out of the mold. Use a pressure washer to remove the remaining cardboard or just leave it because it will desolve eventually.

[@mamadoudiop5462]

Great job, simplicity works. I learned something. Thank you

[@matthewgarcia9494]

I have watched millions of learning videos since 2006 and am subbed to thousands of channels,you've definitely created one of the most informative videos I've seen. I'm going to do exactly what you did but I'm going to built it for a safe

[@tedsbackyard]

Yeah, this one is way too thick and heavy...

[@1961kickboxer]

Good effort love the planter might try making one now.

[@eponymousIme]

I like that you share what didn't go as you expected, and what you planned to try differently in the future....y'know, like what the rest of us actually experience. . .! :-)

[@MH-gc2hr]

I really appreciate seeing the problems in this project so people can learn from that.

[@tedsbackyard]

That's my strength. Thanks!

[@HergerTheJoyous]

That is a beast of a planter!

[@TexPR1]

That is really beautiful! I need a couple of those for a couple of citrus trees I have!

[@ccoweja2957]

nice video, good instructions. You missed the release agent part so the mold can be removed without being destroyed and available for future planters. Thank you Teddyd30, I learned some ideas from you, I try to make concrete planters all the time.

[@robinrowe8025]

I've been watching KZbin how to make large pots instead of wood on the bottom put some sand on the bottom get it damp with water then add cement the thickness that you want . Take a pvc pipe push it through the bottom then pull it out . now you have hole for the drainage I loved your video thank you .

[@joeviking61]

Excellent Video ! Thanks for this ! You gave me ideas !!

[@shesinthegarden4490]

I am so doing this, thanks for the idea!

[@bestestinventions7032]

that's a badass planter!

[@lindamcd1217]

Amazing! Great job. You saved hundreds!

[@jonasaur6462]

cool video man. i like it when people try stuff / experiment and post results.

[@renepalma536]

I would like to make one myself for a pond/waterfall piece. Nice video tutorial

[@alyssaadams4024]

I love this! I am going to try this at home. Thanks!!

[@HellenaHanbasquet]

Thank you! I love that you showed what worked and what didn’t work so well. This was a lot of help.

[@Vincentofvega]

Great idea. one suggestion I would make to get rid of the air bubbles and have a much smoother finish in the absence of a proper vibrating table is to put either a very blunt or very big masonry drill bit into your drill/cordless drill and turn it onto hammer action and then simply drill into the the timber shuttering and watch the the level of concrete fly down. You have to be careful of course that you don't drill right through, which is very unlikely with a blunt or big masonry drill bit as they're obviously struggle to go through timber.

[@GlennGehrke]

When you make the next one make the inner box tapered and only let it stay in there a few hours, the bottom width both directions about a half inch smaller than the top. By tapping on it a little and pulling it up it should pop free and slide out. The concrete will have set up enough to hold its shape. Also on the strips of wood for the bottom, taper them as well just a little bit and they will pop out pretty easy too, on these the bottom will be wider than the top, 1/8th inch should do the trick. You should also be able to deform the outside after a couple days. No need to wait a week. Looking Good!

[@joewilliams7783]

Ya, this guy's saw only cuts at a 90 deg angle. He really needs to learn about champher. (I need to learn to spell). Should have put a triangular molding (90/45/45 degrees) at inner corners so inner plywood comes out parallel to adjoining sheet (no overlapping). Molding is lost with each cast but ply is not. Would have dressed up the outside as well, top corners...

[@phild2473]

That, Sir is a definite success :D Thanks for the video

[@Vdama90]

they turned out really nice!

[@Birdsnest65]

Melamine for your frame works wonders when it's time to release the mold from the concrete. It's a little pricey, but saves a lot of time foe the project. Your container looks great!

[@seanteer4121]

Nice job. Thank you for posting!

[@psidvicious]

This is very similar to forming the sump pit in the floor of an elevator shaft. Next time just eliminate the bottom form of the inner box all together. Pour the bottom and just let that set up for a few minutes, then continue pouring the sides. Or use a solid block of styrofoam for the inside form. Any solvent like gasoline will dissolve the styrofoam. No smoking!

[@SandraAnnEvans]

THANK YOU TED! It's BEAUTIFUL; REALLY. I THINK IT'S AWESOME AND FOR A FIRST TIME ATTEMPT . . . WOW! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING TIME TO SHARE! I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR TIME AND EFFORT. IT'S A GREAT "LEARNING" EXPERIENCE FOR ME.

[@tedsbackyard]

I'm glad you liked it and got something out of it!

[@seriouslyreally5413]

Fiber reinforcement is just fiberglass added to the mix to reduce cracks in the fine finishes of small projects like yours. Developed I believe, for concrete countertops to reduce small surface cracks, its used a lot in moulded ornamentals like birdbaths, fountains and planters and concrete garden art pieces.

[@TheEmeraldNight]

Wipe the surfaces down with waste oil next time, that is what we used on wooden forms for concreting. With the innerbox make the sides overlap the base and not the base over lapping the sides and affix with screws so you can unscrew from the inside. Only need the inner form for the first few hours, no more than 24. The other you can leave for a bit longer if wanted. Nice work.

[@RockandLap]

Nice job on the video. I’m considering building a mold also and found your step by step very helpful. Thank you for sharing, lessons learned, etc. cheers!

[@grannypantsification]

I wonder if Formica or coating the wood in some sort of slick varnish would make the mold more reusable? Maybe if we knock off the rough edges before it fully hardens? I’ve never worked with cement, so I have no idea, but I love your box in a box ideas! I bet the wooden bottom will rot soon enough when filled with soil This is a marvelous planter! Thanks so much for sharing!💕

[@FaithFellowshipChurch]

Hey, we use to build houses with concrete forms. We sprayed the forms with diesel oil and the forms would peel right off the concrete.

[@brookebricks1053]

wow..does oil not damage concrete??

[@carlomezzatesta4659]

Me thinking like this

[@yolysab3899]

beautiful, i want to try to do one for my yard.

[@saudram4736]

Love it. I'll try this but I'll remove the mold sooner. Thank you for making this video

[@tedsbackyard]

You're welcome! This was my first time making something out of concrete. I'd make it thinner next time and use some reinforcing wire mesh.

[@ski69]

good job man!! excellent way to do this job...for fraction what they ask out there in the commercial world!!!

[@lpena10]

Great video! Great Planter and a lot of great ideas come out of this project, thank you for sharing!!

[@tedsbackyard]

You are so welcome! Glad I can inspirte

[@Dave-ps3ff]

I worked at a pre cast concrete product manufacturer temporarily, I'm not an expert, anyway we used cooking oil in a chemical spray bottle, like you use for weed killer but industrial (metal) instead of pumping it we used a compressor to pressurize to lube the forms and molds. We were making bulk products, a plastic sprayer might be fine for your needs We inserted desired lengths of metal rods immediately after pooring the forms, much thinner than rebar. We had a hand held electric vibrator we simply held to the forms make sure it settles in, fills all areas properly and gets the air bubbles out. I enjoyed my brief introduction to making precast concrete products.

[@tedsbackyard]

You sound like more of an expert than me! I'll follow your tips next time. Thanks!

[@taohuang359]

Here is a tip for you. Oil all forms first. Car wax works well too. Use hinges on form bottoms then tape over them to prevent leakage. Remove tape, let’s air in to break the vacuum, hinge makes it super easy to remove bottom without breaking forms. Reuse!

[@Ksulli01]

Just a suggestion for smoothing your top try water and a grinder. I think that might save you time. Love the planter.

[@jasondoust4935]

If, as my old coach told me, tenacity is the hallmark of the champion, then you're a champion, sir. That project had it's hiccups and you valiantly succeeded. Good on you! *Some* good suggestions below. Next time, consider making the mould a popcorn box shape, even if slightly tapered, as this will assist in "draw", a moulding term that means that the mould will release much easier with reduced chipping. And if, one day you decide that the bubbles have to go, you've got a nice rendering project to film. 😀

[@yushikuang7877]

Nice job. This is what i need!

[@Thedevilisgreen]

Yes! Thanks for the video

[@tedsbackyard]

Glad you liked it!

[@nightcoder5k]

Interesting project. Looks like you had fun with it. I think if you put some engine oil or wax on the panels it would be easier to remove. Yeah, had you removed it when it was still a bit damp you could knock down the rough edges easily. You could make it thinner and add some mesh and use the standard quikcrete mix to save some money.

[@gearhead4526]

A diamond tip masonry blade on an angle grinder will make short work of those high spots!

[@marlenelarose4470]

Great job , thanks I'm going to try .

[@dianawilliams6700]

Thank you for the helpful video.

[@camilomora8785]

great work !thank you

[@jammer6524]

When I built one of these concrete planters I did not have a bottom on the inside box. I used 2x2 in the inside corners of inside box with all the screws from the inside to make removing screws from the inside box easy and reusable to make another box. PS I used a releasing agent (vaseline) on all wood in contact with concrete.

[@hjisagirl]

Cool Planter!! Makes me think I might be able,to do it too!!

[@jesuiscequejesuis2267]

Looks fantastic. If you wanted to make several the same you could construct out of marine ply and re-use the formwork.

[@joewilliams7783]

It is the alkalinity of concrete that destroys plywood, not the water. Paint the inside with 50/50 bondo and oil based paint to get up to 100 uses.

[@andrewvoros4037]

you could also use a masonry disc on an angle grinder to get the concrete "bumps," but much better to float the top with a trowel after filling with concrete. Also, a thin rebar length should be used to get the bubbles out, like in the old days.

[@JanetteGailFrancis]

Good job. Maybe 90 degree angle brackets to make the inner box, easier to just unscrew. I'd like to include a handles of sorts for the finished product. More for character than function. Steady hand with an angle grinder will shape the top nicely.

[@jimwilleford6140]

I really like the look.

[@newworldorder8002]

Made big one it's epic!

[@veronicaatkins2806]

Wow it looks so beautiful great job

[@jared7211]

Nice job on the planter and on the video.

[@lanceuppercut6168]

Man, people in the comments need to learn humility, not everyone is an expert and everyone has to start somewhere. Someone will know more than you in something so don't be douchebags with what you do know. Anyway, thanks for the vid :D Not making a planter but definitely gave me an idea on making cement molds. Cheers!

[@Eddie-ev9bv]

@Hair Razor Detox Down this way, we call them the "hurlers on the fence". What they wouldn't do if only they were on the field, wouldn't be worth doing!

[@petermathews9298]

Well said

[@susanmead2219]

Your thoughts are kind. But I do appreciate seeing him work through his first attempts, with the glitches - then hear the others pitch in. It's like being among friends.

[@talcareyifill5937]

The ones who are talking they can't even lift a paper bag much less make a pun wheel

[@cheeseheadfiddle]

I thought the video was great and there are lots of great refinements in the comments. Best of KZbin. This is what it’s for. Keep the good constructive comments coming.

[@StudzMuffinzbro]

Nice one man, need to see some of them plants in them!

[@tedsbackyard]

Thanks! It's coming!

[@djordjeradakovic6169]

You are cool. make new videos about taking care of your plants. i like that.

[@earnie219]

Some 1/2" schedule 40 pvc is a cheap way to move almost any heavy smooth surface object. I moved a 1100 lbs safe across my garage with two sticks of schedule 40 1/2" one handed ....nice video. thanks and a cheap orbital sander cheapest one you can find will get air bubbles off the form surface...

[@wow1726]

Very neat work !! 😍👍🏻 But a lot of work for me, Plus cost 😏 Thanks, it was nice and not boring to watch.

[@attilarivera]

This would be great as a water reservoir!!! 😆

[@colincrooky]

A very honest video! Helpful too, thank you.!

[@GreyElement]

nice work!

[@fran1395]

looks great !!!!

[@brookebricks1053]

A SUPERLIKE for you.... what a great job!

[@marcoderosa3953]

You did Great ! One piece of Advise .. Use spray on veggie oil or a light oil base on the porous Wood to keep the Concrete from sticking Makes removing the Forms So much easier . Nice work . It’s a Labor of love to make a Planter like this ❤ 🏡 🪴

[@_Happysowinghappygrowing]

Great super smashing success going to give it a try

[@markd5067]

Thanks....Painful but instructive...

[@3Dimencia]

in construction we brush the plywood with diesel before we pour concrete, for this small project you can use motor oil (for the wood to come off easily, and not stick)

[@ramanandasaralaya9319]

I used plastic sheet over inside box and the pot was very good.For out side I used two big sheet and two small sheets and made the box by screwing each other.It It is easy to dismantle box after finishing the work.

[@oceanaforrest1268]

I WANTED TO MAKE TWO OF THOSE PLANTERS, BUT GEEZ TO MUCH WORK. IT LOOKS NICE!

[@buthainaashqar7078]

I loved the wooden boxes

[@MrSemilla123]

Hi teddy. Good idea. I build catch basins for syorm drsins. I cut my forms into pieces beforehand to make easy to strip. Cleat togather. It works well, and you can reuse your forms.

[@tedsbackyard]

I will try that next time! Thanks!

[@annwltr]

Good work! If you can get your hands on one of those plug in handheld shiatsu massagers they are great for settling

[@TONDANO-09]

thank you, useful tutorial. 👍🙏

[@ritawilliams8473]

Love it !!!! Thank you 🙏🏾

[@tedsbackyard]

You are so welcome

[@sparkfishes]

Taper everything to help disassembly. Great video. Primer sealer is probably just PVA .....watered down glue 🇬🇧