DIY large concrete planter
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DIY large concrete planters-How to make it in one weekend

Do you want to DIY large concrete planters in one weekend? Use these simple methods to build a Concrete planter for your front or back patio.

DIY these large concrete planters in one weekend

DIY cement planters

Hi there! We have been working tirelessly in our backyard to create our little outdoor oasis. There’s a lot of design planning and DIY projects going on for this makeover. We have been making great strides and can’t wait to show you the progress. You can see where we started and how we built our pergola in my previous posts. Today, I want to share our DIY large concrete planters that my husband built using plywood and concrete.

The inspiration…

My inspiration came from these enormous planters from a terrace space designed by New York designer Gunn Landscape architects.

I loved the way the two large pots flank the sides of the small patio. This layout from the inspiration yard was similar to ours, so it was a perfect jumping-off point for this makeover.

DIY cement planter inspiration
Planter inspo

Also, l wanted to add trees to soften our space and to make it feel cozy. Since our backyard is fully paved we didn’t have any dirt areas to plant trees except for a small section along the fence. These planters allowed us to incorporate a couple of tall trees.

So, I went perusing the internet endlessly to purchase planters with the right look and size for space. Many of the ones I found were too small or resin pots, that just wouldn’t do. I pitched the idea to my husband, and behold he volunteered to DIY the concrete planters without questioning my sanity. I say go for it!

At first, we were contemplating which materials to use for our planters. We were considering either wood or concrete. However, I was concerned with making such a large planter with wood, not sure how durable it will be for a lengthy period of time. So, we decided to build it with concrete… its strong, durable, easy to work with, and will get a similar feel as the inspiration planters!

Here is how we did it…

Supply list for our 24″W X 24″DX 32″H Planter

How to DIY large concrete planter

First, built two boxes, one 24″ X 32″ square box and one 22″ X 30″ square box by cutting out the plywood to desired sizes.

For the larger plywood box, cut 4-24″ X 32″ panels and 24″ X 24″ for the bottom of the box.

Cutting form for cement planter

For the smaller plywood box, cut out 4 – 22″ X 32″ panels and then cut each of them into half, 11″ X 32″. This will make it easier to remove the interior pieces after the cement sets. Finally, cut 22″ X 22″ for the bottom of the smaller box.

Making form for cement planter

Drill a 2″ hole on the bottom of the large box and put the PVC pipe through. This will create the drainage for the planter. The PVC pipe should be 2″ above the base of the box. Cover the top of the PVC pipe so that cement doesn’t get inside.

Let’s pour some concrete…

After completing the two plywood boxes, we are ready to start forming the concrete planter.

Mix the concrete according to the directions on the bag, mix till you have a peanut butter consistency. Don’t add too much water, this can cause cracks while the concrete is drying.

Now, you are ready to pour the concrete. Pour a 2″ layer of concrete into the large box. This is the bottom of your concrete planter.

Put the smaller box inside the large box and space evenly. Make sure the edges are equal in size all around.

We cut out 2″ blocks and screwed them to the edges to ensure equal space all around.

DIY cement planter process

It’s time to pour the concrete inside the mold. As you are putting in the concrete, tap the box with the rubber mallet to make sure the concrete falls to the bottom.

Continue tapping all around the box, this will break up the bubbles and gaps in the concrete. More vigorous tapping will cause fewer holes in the concrete.

Once the concrete is completely dried, we started to remove the plywood forms to reveal the planter. The outer pieces screwed off very easily. However, the inside was a bit more difficult. We had to use a flat screwdriver and the mallet to pry the plywood.

We were thrilled at the way it came out!

Afterward, sand the edges and any rough area you want to smoothen.

Some holes didn’t break up from the tapping, but in the end, I really like them. I felt it added to the character of the planter. We painted it with Valspar Concrete stain and sealer.

diy cement planter

Time to plant… We had purchased a dwarf apple tree to plant in one pot. Eventually, I’ll plant a fig tree in the second planter. For now, I planted a hydrangea bush till I get a fig tree. The planters are so big that they may be able to hold both the hydrangea plant and the fig tree.

DIY large concrete planter
DIY large concrete planter

There you have it, large DIY concrete planters! I am obsessed with the way they turned out. With a bit of DIY enthusiasm, you would really enjoy experimenting with concrete. You can create different shapes sizes and colors. Also, you don’t need to create such large planters as we did, you can create any size you need for your space.

Here are a few more concrete projects to consider.

4men1lady collage

Check out an adorable inexpensive way to create smaller cement planters here,

holding concrete planter with succulent

You can also check out some really fun DIY projects at Remodelaholic using cement mix, molds such as old dishes or containers, and your imagination. 

Pinterest is a great place to start to get more ideas on various techniques and styles.

Thank you for visiting

My name is Sherry Calamia, a mom, a wife, a DIYer, and a lover of all things beautiful and creative. This blog was created out of my enthusiasm for interior decorating, do-it-yourself projects, art, and food. I love the challenge to create a beautiful space on a budget armed with a little ingenuity.

17 Comments

  • Maureen Finegan

    You’re so awesome 😍😍😍😍

  • Shan

    Gorgeous backyard. Love all the details.

  • Sara Trout

    How do you keep the planters from breaking in the winter and keepthe trees alive then too?

    • houzewize

      Hi Sara, We have had a very bad winter and the planters are doing well. For the leaves, it is an apple tree and the leaves die in the winter and come back in spring. I can’t wait to see how well they come back this year. Thank you so much for stopping by!

      • houzewize

        Hi Sara, this planter is very heavy, approximately 400lb at least. If you’re going to try to make this planter I suggest making it near where it is going to be permanently placed. We put 3 pipes underneath to roll it into place. I do love the way they come out, it is well worth the weight.

    • houzewize

      This planter went through a very harsh winter here in New York this year and there are no signs of cracking or any damage. I have a dwarf apple tree in there, and the leaves are coming out already. I think there is plenty of space for the roots to grow. This is all a trial and error for me, but so far no signs of error. Good Luck if you tackle this project. Let me know if you have any questions. Thank you.

  • Sydney

    These planters are giving me life, holy cow they’re gorgeous. Your photography and website are also beautiful. 🖤

  • Virginia Pollack

    Hi, I love this project. Can you tell me approximately how much this size planter WEIGHS? (empty)

    • houzewize

      Hi Virginia! I didn’t really weigh the planter but I think it may be around 200lbs empty. My husband used two poles underneath to help roll the planters to their place. I don’t plan to move them. Thank you for stopping by!

    • houzewize

      Hi Virginia, We didn’t weigh it but our guesstimate is approximately 400- 500lbs empty.

  • Judi

    Hi, your project is beautiful. The Hugh pot is something I want my husband to make. I have a few questions. You mentioned that your husband used poles underneath to move it. What kind and how did he attach them? Also how long did this take to dry before you could remove the wood? ALSO most important your tutorial on how to make planter was the best one I’ve seen especially with the pictures you’ve added. Sincerely Judi

    • houzewize

      Hi Judi,
      We had to move the huge planters to the other side of the yard, so my husband used 3 steel pipes to roll the planter, making it easier to move. Slowly roll the planter on the pipe, when the back pipe is exposed take it and put it in the front, and continue that till you get to the place you need. He removed the wood after 24 hours of drying. If you need more information, please let me know. This is one of our best projects and it has gone through a harsh New York winter and no cracks or any issues. I planted a dwarf apple tree and it seems to be doing very well. Good luck! Thank you so much for stopping by!