Key Takeaways

  • Concrete furnishings are eco-friendly, long-lasting, and reuse materials from the earth like sand and water.
  • Concrete is an excellent material for furniture due to its water-resistant, easy to clean, and high-temperature resistant properties.
  • Concrete can be used to create a variety of furniture pieces, including benches, coffee tables, side tables, stools, and even fire pits. Get inspired and make your own unique concrete furniture!

There are many benefits to concrete furnishings. Aside from the modern appeal, concrete is eco-friendly because it is long-lasting and reuses materials from the earth, like sand, water, and sand.

What makes concrete so hard and long-standing is the chemical reaction between cement and water. When mixed, the reaction creates a strong binding. Adding to its benefits, concrete is excellent for furniture because it’s water-resistant, easy to clean, and high-temperature resistant. There are plenty of concrete furnishings to choose from, so get inspired by different concrete furniture (and accessories) you can make yourself!

1 Create the Ultimate Fire Pit Bench

Add cushions and greenery to soften up the look

A cement outdoor bench
Image credits: Bself via Shutterstock

Create a permanent space to unwind around a fire pit. Make your own concrete bench that’s perfectly huddled around your fire pit. The size and shape are up to you, considering the space you have.

Materials Needed:

  • Grass-friendly spray paint (optional. You can also use stakes or chalk)
  • Pressure-treated lumber (length and width depending on the size of bench you want)
  • Gravel
  • Concrete scraper
  • Screws
  • Drill bit
  • Cinder blocks (number depends on the size of the bench)
  • Concrete caps
  • Quick-setting concrete mix
  • Level

Step 1:

Use spray paint, chalk, or stakes to lay out the shape, length, and width onto the surface. If you have grass, dig out the grass inside the pinned lines. Fill the space with gravel before building on top.

Step 2:

Using pressure-treated wood, slide the pieces into the ground as the parameters of the bench. In the end, your pieces of wood should outline the shape of your bench.

Step 3:

Stack cinder blocks on top of the wood in the formation of your bench’s design. Once stacked, pour the concrete inside the cement blocks. Because cement hardens, pour little by little.

Step 4:

Once the concrete hardens, add a construction adhesive to the tops of the cement blocks and attach caps. The cement caps will ensure nothing gets inside the bench.

Step 5:

Now hard and in formation, add a base coat of concrete to the entire bench. Paint the cement white for a clean-looking aesthetic (optional).

2 A Low Coffee Table for a Modern Room

Create the coffee table of your dreams

A cement coffee table in a modern room

Concrete coffee tables can come with a hefty price tag, but you can make them yourself more affordably. And a DIY coffee table is a great option if you're looking for a modern touch. Over time, concrete can form hairline cracks due to different elements, so seal your concrete coffee table with a polyurethane sealer. Polyurethane creates a thick coating on bare concrete.

Materials Needed:

  • Drill bit
  • Galvanized nails (perfect for concrete boards)
  • Plywood (amount and size depend on how long you want your coffee table)
  • Electric sander
  • One concrete scraper
  • Drill bit
  • Quick-setting vinyl concrete mix
  • Concrete sealant of your choice

Step 1:

Create a rectangle- or box-shaped coffee table by using a drill bit and nailing the plywood together. In the end, there should be six sides enclosed (four sides, top, and bottom).

Step 2:

Protect the wood and nail concrete boards on top of each piece of wood.

Step 3:

Sand each side for a smooth texture before coating each side with concrete. Add a thick amount of concrete so the concrete board doesn't show through. Allow each side to dry completely before adding more concrete.

Step 4:

Once each side of the concrete has dried, sand it for a smooth finish.

Step 5:

Seal your coffee table with a sealant to prevent water rings and cracks.

3 Create an Outdoor High-Rise Concrete Table

Warm your concrete table by adding river rock to the base

Concrete is a popular option for outdoor furniture because of its water-resistant surface. However, concrete isn't safe from mold just because of its surface. Keep an eye on your concrete furniture to keep it mold-free. You can make your concrete table indoors or out in a few steps.

Materials Needed:

  • One slab of concrete board
  • Mortar mix
  • Your choice of wood for the base and legs (try cedar)
  • Level
  • Concrete scraper
  • Electric sander
  • Wood stain
  • Table hinges
  • Screws

Step 1:

Create your tabletop by cutting a concrete board and screwing pieces of wood to each side. This creates a border to keep the concrete inside when it's added.

Step 2:

Pour concrete inside the border and smooth it through to create a nice, level surface.

Step 3:

While the tabletop dries, create the base out of wood. Make the legs as tall and thick as you'd like to create your desired aesthetic.

Step 4:

Sand and stain the wood. Connect the wood with beams going along the length of the table as extra support. Once dry, it's time to add the concrete slab.

Step 5:

Attach the concrete slab to the wooden base using hinges.

Step 6:

Add some chairs, and a centerpiece, and enjoy your new concrete table!

Like wooden outdoor furniture, mold can also grow on concrete and needs to be scrubbed when detected. To clean mold off concrete, try the following:

  • Coat the area in equal parts laundry detergent and water.
  • Let the area soak for 10 minutes before scrubbing the mold with a bristle brush.

4 Make Concrete Accessories to Match

Why not add some concrete accessories to match the concrete furniture you've added to your home? Things like concrete bowls and planters are fun projects, especially if you have leftover concrete mix that you don't want to waste. To make a unique bowl (that can also be used as a planter), all you'll need is:

Materials Needed:

  • T-shirt or rag
  • Plastic bowl
  • Plastic bag
  • Concrete mix

Step 1:

Place a plastic bag over a bowl to protect it from concrete. Place the bowl on top of something with some height to prevent the fabric from touching the ground.

Step 2:

Dip your piece of fabric in concrete. Do a thick layer to make this unique bowl sturdy.

Step 3:

Place the coated fabric over the underside of the bowl. Shape the fabric how you want it to look, since it will dry how you shape it.

Step 4:

Once dry, flip the bowl over. Gently pop the plastic-covered bowl out of your new concrete bowl. You can now place a plant inside or spray paint the concrete as a decorative piece.

5 A Flower Bed That Will Last

Try a concrete raised flower bed if your wooden ones keep deteriorating

Raised flower beds are great resources for those with limited yard space. Raised flower beds can be added to porches and decks, another aspect that makes them appealing. These flower beds also offer:

  • Better drainage
  • Manageable crop rotation
  • Controlled soil

Create one or more raised flower beds out of concrete and fill them with your favorite herbs, flowers, or shrubs!

Materials Needed:

  • Cinder blocks (amount needed depends on the height and length desired)
  • Level
  • Concrete scraper
  • Screws
  • Drill bit
  • Ready-mix concrete
  • Soil and plants of your choice!

Step 1:

You can create cement molds or use cinder blocks. Lay out the first layer of your base by creating the parameters of the garden bed. Ensure the blocks are level and there are no gaps in the ground.

Step 2:

Build up your cement blocks to add height. Once the second layer of blocks is added, pour concrete inside the cinder block or mold. Let the mixture dry completely before adding another layer of cinder block and repeating the process.

Step 3:

Once you're at your preferred height for the raised garden bed, pave concrete on the insides and outskirts of the box for a cohesive look.

Step 4:

When the garden box is dry, add your soil and plants of choice!

6 Sit on a Unique Outdoor Bench

The combination of wood and concrete creates a great contrast.

Retaining wall bench
Image credits: hikesterson via Canva

If you’re looking for simplicity and mixing materials, a wooden bench with a concrete base is an excellent option for your yard or porch. The concrete will act as the legs of the bench, while the wood is where you’ll sit.

The wood adds a nice rustic feel, while the concrete is sturdy and modern. The length and width of your wood depend on how you'd like to style your bench!

Materials Needed:

  • Quick-setting concrete
  • Two 5-gallon buckets
  • Concrete scraper
  • Screws
  • Drill bit
  • Slab of wood for the seat (cedar is a lovely option with concrete)

Step 1:

Pour your concrete mix into a 5-gallon bucket. You'll need to do this twice because the two bucks act as the base of the bench.

Step 2:

Once the concrete is dry, flip the bucket over and chip away the plastic until it peels off the concrete, leaving the mold.

Step 3:

Grab your choice of wood and stain it to protect it from the elements. Drill holes into the concrete base to connect your bench.

7 A Side Mix and Match Side Table

Design a one-of-a-kind side table that can't be found anywhere else

Mix and match materials for a chic side table. Make two and use them next to either side of a bed or couch, or place one next to a comfortable chair.

The combination of wood and concrete makes the piece warm and uniform. Use a darker piece of wood (like Mahogoany) or stain your wood a darker shade for a nice contrast between materials.

Materials Needed:

  • Sauna tube
  • Pencil
  • Your choice of wood as the tabletop
  • Circular saw
  • Three 2 x 3s
  • Screws
  • Concrete scraper
  • Drill bit
  • Mix bag of concrete
  • Sander

Step 1:

The sauna tube is your base; feel free to trim it to make the table the height you want.

Step 2:

In this design, the wooden top will slide into a cutout in the tube. Use a pencil and draw a line where you want the tabletop to slide into. You'll need a circular saw to cut out the section after it's drawn.

Step 3:

Before adding concrete, slide your tabletop into the tube cutout to make sure it fits. Once it fits nicely, create the base of the table to slide inside the tube. Attach three 2 x 3s to a flat piece of scrap wood. Slide the 2 x 3s into the tube, leaving the flat base on the ground under the tube.

Step 4:

With the base in place and the tabletop taped to the cutout (to prevent it from shifting during the concrete process), dump concrete into the tube.

Step 5:

Once the concrete is dry, peel away the tube and tape. Sand down the concrete and seal the wood for a smooth touch!

8 Fire on Wheels!

Make your own tabletop fire pit or buy one to slide into the table

Fire pits are wonderful sources of warmth and entertainment in a backyard. While an array of fire pits can be bought from home stores, you can also build your own tabletop fire pit.

Design a coffee table with a fire pit in the center using concrete. Add wheels to the bottom of the table so that it can always be moved to a place you choose before lighting the fire.

Materials Needed:

  • Slab of melamine (cut it to the size and length you want your coffee table)
  • Four pieces of plywood
  • Polyacrylic acid
  • Quick-setting concrete mix (5000 psi)
  • Screws
  • Drill bit
  • Concrete scraper
  • The fire pit of your choice
  • Four wheels with locks

Step 1:

Use melamine as the base. Cut down to the length and shape you’re looking for, but make sure there’s enough space for a small flame and people’s drinks.

Step 2:

Add wood to the sides of the tabletop to create a barrier for the concrete.

Step 3:

Cut out a small rectangular shape into the melamine. This will be where the fire pit of your choice slides into. Using extra scrap wood, screw a small barrier around the fire pit cutout (this keeps the concrete from filling the hole).

Step 4:

Paint the wood with polyacrylic acid. Polyacrylic acid keeps the concrete from soaking the absorbent wood.

Step 5:

Pour the concrete into the mold with the flat side of the melamine on the ground and the borders facing up.

Step 6:

After 20 hours, remove the boards to reveal your new coffee table.

Step 7:

Screw the wheels onto the bottom and input your fire pit.

Make sure the wheels are locked when the fire is lit.

9 Concrete Stool

Paint the stool to warm up your space

Concrete is a great material for DIY stools and chairs. Because of concrete’s strength and durability, it creates a long-lasting stool that can fit different aesthetics. Add a chair cover or some paint to make it work for your room if you don’t like the concrete’s naturally gray color.

Materials Needed:

  • Chicken wire
  • Concrete
  • Plastic bag
  • Concrete scraper
  • Table hinges
  • Screws
  • Drill bit

Step 1:

Make the legs of the stool first. Lay down a sheet of plastic and slather the concrete into two rectangles. These rectangles can be as tall or short as you want your chair to be.

Step 2:

Before the concrete dries, cut out in the center. Try a circle or another rectangle. The cutout in the leg is purely decorative but will give the stool a classic four-legged appearance.

Step 3:

After adding a thin layer of concrete, lay some chicken wire in the center of the concrete. This allows the concrete to cling to something as it hardens. Once you apply the wire, add more concrete. Allow it to set slightly before adding more layers to thicken the legs to your liking.

Step 4:

Next, it’s time to make the concrete seat. Like the legs, slather a square shape on the plastic. Add strips of chicken wire to the seat before adding more concrete. Make it as thick as you'd like your seat to be.

Step 5:

Once the three pieces are dried, add hinges with screws and a drill bit to secure the seat to the legs. Sand it down for a soft finish.

Whether it's an accessory for an empty space, a coffee table, or a chair, you can incorporate concrete into your furniture in many ways. It's a material that works outdoors and indoors, making it versatile for plenty of DIY projects.

Have you used concrete to make your own furniture? Share this article to inspire others to do the same!