How to make DIY concrete box planters

by Teresa Merelman, Broker 03/01/2023

DIY concrete projects are a great way to increase your home improvement skills, while providing meaningful concrete crafts that could help you stay organized for years to come. However, concrete DIY projects can often seem daunting, but they can be as easy as any other DIY project.

For example, try turning an old cardboard box into a custom DIY concrete planter for your garden. Using just a few basic materials, you can create a durable planter box while getting second use out of an otherwise recycled item. Here is a guide to making your own DIY concrete planter box:

DIY concrete planter tools and supplies

2 Cardboard boxes (one large for the outside of the planter, one smaller box for the inside)
Duct tape
Cardboard corner protector inserts
Concrete mix
Mixing bucket
Plastic wrap or sheet
Safety mask & gloves

How to make your planter

Since cardboard isn’t watertight, you’ll need to reinforce it with duct tape to create a solid concrete mold. Cover the inside of the large box with duct tape and use the protector inserts in the corners. This will help the box keep its shape under pressure.
Cover the outside of the smaller box with duct tape, taking care to completely cover the corners and edges.
Mix the concrete in your bucket by adding the dry material and water. For the correct amount of water, follow the specific instructions included with the concrete. Stir the mixture until it’s smooth, adding more water as necessary.
Fill the larger box about halfway with the concrete mixture.
Press the smaller box into the concrete mixture. Add something heavy to the box, like rocks or sand, to help maintain pressure.
Carefully add more concrete to the sides around the small box until it reaches the top edge of the large box.
Cover the entire box with plastic and allow it to cure for several days in a temperate environment. The curing time for your specific mixture may vary, so consult the instructions for details.
Once the concrete has fully cured, it’s time to remove the boxes. Tear or cut the cardboard down each corner to pull away the sides. It’s optional to remove the inner box, but recommended to help avoid mildew from outdoor use.
With the outer box removed, you’re free to sand away sharp edges if you wish. You might also consider using a concrete sealer.

Now you have your own custom-made DIY concrete planter for your porch or garden. You can repeat this same process with any size or shape of cardboard box. Try adding concrete stain or paint for extra customization to match your personal garden decor.

About the Author

Teresa Merelman, Broker

Teresa's beginnings were at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. She was child #5 of 8 and born into an Air Force family that moved all over the United States but usually ended up back in the Washington, D.C. area. Teresa attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and received her bachelor's degree in business from George Mason University, in Fairfax, Virginia. Some of her prior careers include: computer buyer in Fairfax, Virginia; Deputy Clerk at the U.S. District Court in Denver, Colorado; Police Officer in Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and Bed & Breakfast owner in Stowe, Vermont. Teresa obtained her license as a Realtor® in 1998. She has been through many ups and downs in this profession and continues to learn every day. She very much enjoys the real estate profession and the wonderful people she has met and assisted along the way. In order to serve her clients and customers, Teresa continually attends classes and seminars. Some of her Designations and Certifications include:

ABR - Accredited Buyer Representative (2003)
CBR - Certified Buyer Representative (2000)
e-PRO - Internet Certified Professional (2001)
CNHS - Certified New Home Specialist (2005)
CRS - Certified Residential Specialist (2005)
AHS - Accredited Home-Stager Specialist (2008)
TRC - Transaction Referral Certification (2009)
RSPS - Resort and Second Home Specialist (2009)
GREEN - NAR's Green Designation (2009)
SFR - Short Sales & Foreclosures Certification (2009)
SRES - Senior Real Estate Specialist Designation (2012)
AHWD - At Home With Diversity (2021)
SRS - Seller Representative Specialist (2021)

Teresa has also served and continues to serve on several boards:

Lamoille Area Board of Realtors - President and Board of Directors
Vermont Association of Realtors - Board of Directors
NEREN (MLS) - Board of Directors and Shareholder
Vermont Real Estate Commission - as a member of VAR's Liaison Committee
Stowe Vibrancy - Board of Directors - this is a volunteer group that promotes activities in the Village of Stowe

In 2007, Teresa was named Vermont Realtor of the Year.Teresa and her husband, a local attorney, moved to Stowe in 1987. They had two sons and Stowe has been their home for the past 36 years. She still feels the Stowe area is a wonderful place to raise a family, there's always something going on. Teresa can often be found behind the lens of her camera documenting the beauty of the area and its many events.As an update, Teresa's older son is now a Doctor/resident at the University of New Mexico's Emergency Management Program. Her younger son graduated from James Mason University and currently resides in Chicago, IL as a supervisor for OKTA.