How to Make a Ribbed Concrete Planter for Tabletop Décor?

Want to create a DIY project under $5?

By Priya ChauhanJune 20, 20243 Mins Read

Contrary to what you may think, concrete planters are far cheaper than other types of planters. They give metal planters a run for their value in strength and rival ceramics in beauty. But even more interesting is the fact that you can make concrete planters at home during a free weekend for under $5.

It will sound outlandish but concrete or cement is far cheaper than metal or ceramic. Besides, one bag can give you multiple items and you can have a small concrete planter garden for yourself. For this easy and affordable DIY ribbed concrete planter craft, all you need is a pliant piece of cardboard and concrete. You can also keep some acrylic paint and brush at hand, but that is optional.

Also Read: How to Make Concrete Bowl Planter for Succulent Forest

Start by peeling the outer layer of the cardboard to reveal the ribbed section inside. It will give a nice fluted effect to the pot and add some drama. I used a piece of cardboard packaging that came with a rosemary plant I ordered on Amazon.

DIY Ribbed Concrete Planter for Tabletop Décor — Image: Homecrux/Rishik Sharma

Then roll it into a cylinder where the ribbed portion is on the inside and tape it from unraveling, and this will be our mold. Now, here is what not to do.

I made some incisions on the base to form the bottom of the mold. What happened was that the bottom came out with incision dents. It stands fine and even but the design could have been better.

DIY Ribbed Concrete Planter for Tabletop Décor - from cardboard — Image: Homecrux/Rishik Sharma

DIY Ribbed Concrete Planter for Tabletop Décor - form bottom — Image: Homecrux/Rishik Sharma

DIY Ribbed Concrete Planter for Tabletop Décor - roll the cardboard to make cylinder — Image: Homecrux/Rishik Sharma

DIY Ribbed Concrete Planter for Tabletop Décor - tape it — Image: Homecrux/Rishik Sharma

Here is what you can do: Cut out a circle of a diameter the same as the diameter of the cylinder and tape it nicely to the bottom without leaving any gaps.

Once the mold is ready, take a paper cup smaller than the cylinder you made, and wrap it with a plastic sheet or tape from outside.

DIY Ribbed Concrete Planter for Tabletop Décor - wrap paper cup in plastic — Image: Homecrux/Rishik Sharma

Next, mix some concrete and water in a batter-like consistency. Pour the mixture into the cylinder until it is half full and press down the paper cup with pebbles to keep it weighed down.

DIY Ribbed Concrete Planter for Tabletop Décor - pour cement mixture into the cylinder — Image: Homecrux/Rishik Sharma

DIY Ribbed Concrete Planter for Tabletop Décor - press down with stone-filled paper cup — Image: Homecrux/Rishik Sharma

Let it dry for 24 hours, peel off the cardboard, and take out the cup. If the rim of the planter seems slightly uneven, you can scrape it off, until it is uniform, using a craft knife.

DIY Ribbed Concrete Planter for Tabletop Décor - when dried peel off cardboard — Image: Homecrux/Rishik Sharma

DIY Ribbed Concrete Planter for Tabletop Décor - peel off cardboard — Image: Homecrux/Rishik Sharma

DIY Ribbed Concrete Planter for Tabletop Décor - smoothen the top — Image: Homecrux/Rishik Sharma

Now paint it in your choice of color and seal it up with varnish.

DIY Ribbed Concrete Planter for Tabletop Décor - paint exterior — Image: Homecrux/Rishik Sharma

Add soil in the planter and plant some succulents or cacti in it. And there you have a beautiful, easy, and affordable DIY ribbed concrete planter for tabletop décor.