Want to try your hand at concrete crafting but don't have a lot of time to commit? We've got you covered. These five DIY concrete projects can be completed in a single weekend, require minimal tools and materials, and will give you beautiful, functional pieces for your home. Perfect for beginners, these projects are also satisfying for more experienced crafters looking for quick creative outlets.

Each project includes a materials list, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to ensure success. Let's get started!

1. Minimalist Concrete Planters

Concrete Planters

These sleek, modern planters are perfect for succulents, small cacti, or herbs, and they add an industrial touch to any windowsill or tabletop.

Materials You'll Need:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Prepare your molds: Clean the containers thoroughly. Apply cooking spray or petroleum jelly to the inside of the larger container and the outside of the smaller container.
  2. Mix the concrete: Following package instructions, mix the concrete to a consistency similar to thick pancake batter.
  3. Pour the base: Pour about 1-2 cm of concrete into the larger container and tap gently to remove air bubbles.
  4. Create the hollow: Place the smaller container in the center, pressing down until it touches the concrete base. Fill the space between containers with more concrete. Add weights to the inner container if it tries to float up.
  5. Let it cure: Allow the concrete to set according to the package instructions, typically 24-48 hours.
  6. Demolding: Carefully remove both containers. If the smaller one sticks, try running a thin knife around the edge or drilling a small hole to break the vacuum.
  7. Finishing touches: Sand any rough edges with sandpaper, starting with the coarser grit and moving to the finer grit for a smooth finish.
  8. Optional sealing: Apply concrete sealer if you want to protect against water stains.

Pro Tip: Create a drainage hole by inserting a dowel or thick straw into the wet concrete base and removing it after the concrete has partially set (about 1-2 hours).

2. Industrial Concrete Candle Holders

These elegant candle holders combine industrial style with warm ambiance, perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere in any room.

Materials You'll Need:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Prepare your molds: Clean the silicone molds. No release agent is needed for silicone.
  2. Mix the concrete: Following package instructions, mix the concrete. Add pigment at this stage if desired.
  3. Pour and set: Fill your molds halfway with concrete. Tap the molds gently on your work surface to remove air bubbles.
  4. Create the cavity: Push the paper cup or empty tea light container into the center of each mold, making sure not to push all the way to the bottom (leave about 1 cm of concrete for the base).
  5. Let it cure: Allow the concrete to set completely, about 24-48 hours.
  6. Demolding: Remove the candle holders from the silicone molds. If the paper cups don't come out easily, you can tear them away or soak them in water.
  7. Finishing touches: Sand any rough edges and wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Weekend Project Ideas

3. Hexagonal Concrete Coasters

Protect your surfaces in style with these modern hexagonal coasters. They make great gifts and can be customized with different colors and patterns.

Materials You'll Need:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Mix the concrete: Follow package instructions to prepare your concrete mix. Add pigment if desired.
  2. Pour into molds: Fill each hexagonal mold with concrete, tapping to remove air bubbles.
  3. Let it cure: Allow to set for 24 hours.
  4. Demolding and sanding: Remove from molds and sand the edges and surface for a smooth finish.
  5. Decoration (optional): Add gold leaf to the edges or paint patterns on the surface.
  6. Sealing: Apply concrete sealer to protect against water marks and stains.
  7. Add backing (optional): Cut cork or felt to size and attach to the bottom with strong adhesive to prevent scratching surfaces.

Pro Tip: Create a marbled effect by mixing two different colored batches of concrete and swirling them together lightly in the mold before setting.

4. Abstract Concrete Wall Art

Create stunning minimalist wall art that adds texture and interest to any room. This project allows for endless creativity with shapes and finishes.

Materials You'll Need:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Design your arrangement: Sketch a layout for your wall piece, planning how your shapes will fit together.
  2. Prepare your molds: Clean the silicone molds.
  3. Mix and pour: Mix the concrete according to instructions and pour into your molds. For visual interest, vary the thickness of different pieces.
  4. Adding texture: While the concrete is still wet, you can press textures into the surface or embed small objects.
  5. Curing: Allow to set for 24-48 hours.
  6. Demolding and finishing: Remove from molds and sand edges. You can leave the concrete natural or paint sections with acrylic paint.
  7. Assembly: According to your design, arrange pieces on a flat surface. You may want to create a template on paper first.
  8. Mounting: Attach hanging hardware to the back of the largest piece(s) using strong adhesive. If pieces will be connected, attach them to each other using construction adhesive.

5. Industrial Concrete Bookends

These sturdy bookends are not only functional but also serve as sculptural elements that enhance your shelving display.

Materials You'll Need:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Prepare your molds: Apply cooking spray or petroleum jelly to the inside of your containers.
  2. Mix the concrete: Prepare according to package instructions.
  3. Pour concrete: Fill the containers about 3/4 full with concrete, tapping to remove air bubbles.
  4. Add grip (optional): If using metal mesh, press it into the bottom surface that will contact your books while the concrete is still wet.
  5. Curing: Allow to set for 24-48 hours.
  6. Demolding and finishing: Remove from containers and sand any rough edges.
  7. Decoration (optional): Paint or add other decorative elements as desired.

Pro Tip: For extra weight and stability, you can embed metal weights or heavy washers in the concrete as you pour it.

General Tips for Weekend Concrete Projects

These five weekend projects are perfect for dipping your toes into the satisfying world of concrete crafting. Each one can be completed in just a day or two, with most of that time being passive curing time. The results are beautiful, functional pieces that add industrial chic style to your home.

Once you've mastered these projects, you might be ready to tackle more ambitious concrete endeavors like furniture pieces, larger planters, or even concrete countertops. The skills you develop with these smaller projects build a foundation for more complex work.

Ready to get your hands dirty? Gather your materials, set aside a weekend, and enjoy the creative process of transforming simple concrete into beautiful decor for your home. If you create any of these projects, we'd love to see them—tag us on social media or share your creations when you visit our concrete crafting workshops!