When you think concrete, you probably envision buildings and other big industrial products made with this heavy-duty material. But despite its rough and tough appearance, concrete is actually a very versatile material that can be used for smaller DIY projects.
At One Stop Rental in Liberty/Fairfield Township, OH, we carry all the tools and equipment you need to create your own concrete masterpiece. Here are four fun projects you can do using this amazing material.
Concrete Bucket Stool
For this project you’ll need:
- Quick-setting concrete
- A wooden dowel (at least 1 ¼ -inch in diameter)
- 5-Gallon bucket
- Clean water
- Sandpaper
- Saw
Begin by cutting the wooden dowel into three or four equal pieces, depending on how many legs you want your stool to have. Aim to have them each be 16 inches in length. Next, the quick-setting concrete into the 5 gallon bucket until it has formed a 3-inch deep layer. Add clean tap water to the concrete and mix with a paddle until the concrete has formed a smooth paste. Once the concrete has settled, insert the wooden dowel legs into the concrete, being careful not to push them all the way through to the bottom of the bucket. Hold them in place until the concrete has set enough to keep them from tilting. Once dry, pull your stool out of the bucket and sand down any uneven legs. Voila! Your stool is finished.
Light Bulb-Shaped Wall Hook
The supplies you’ll need for this project are:
- An old light bulb
- Small pliers
- Small screw driver
- Lag bolt
- Old toothbrush
- Plastic spoon
- Safety goggles
- Concrete
You’ll first need to disassemble the light bulb. Take your pliers and peel off the brass contact at the bottom of the bulb. Next, take the screw driver to chip away at the black glass in the bulb. Where safety goggles during this part! Once you’ve removed the glass on the inside of the bulb you can use your pliers to reach in and pull out the filament. You may need wire cutters to fully detach it from the bulb. Next, take your old toothbrush with some water to gently clean out any remaining particles in the bulb, then rinse clean. Now for the concrete! Mix the concrete with water until it forms a thick paste and use your plastic spoon to fill the bulb. Once full, stick your lag bolt in the bottom and let dry. When the concrete is dry, put your safety goggles back on and crack the glass. You’ll be left with a unique and durable wall hook to use anywhere in your home.
Concrete Garden Path
Creating your own concrete garden path is a piece of cake with the right equipment. Here are the materials you’ll need:
- Quick-setting concrete
- Concrete mold for path making
- Mixer or wheelbarrow
- Shovel
- Level
Clear the area where you want to set your path, removing excess grass and debris. Putting down a layer of gravel can help even out the area. Next, mix the quick setting concrete using the directions on the package in a mixer or wheelbarrow. Place your mold down where you want to begin your path and use your shovel to scoop your concrete into each of the cavities. Smooth out the top with your level then lift up the mold. Continue this process until your garden path is the length you desire.
To make any of these DIY concrete projects, visit us at One Stop Rental in the greater Cincinnati area. Just tell us your project and we’ll help you find the tools and equipment you need. Let us know how your project turned out on social!