Household Items You Can Use as Concrete Molds

Ready to dive into the exciting world of concrete crafting but unsure where to start? Forget the hassle of specialized molds from the hardware store—your home is a treasure trove of everyday items waiting to become unique concrete masterpieces. In this guide, we'll walk you through turning common household items into extraordinary concrete molds, letting you infuse your decor and furnishings with a distinct touch. Here are the 10 items that can create unbelievable concrete designs.

1. Plastic Patio Furniture

Purpose: Transform durable and inexpensive plastic chairs into molds for stylish concrete seating.

Process: Seal any holes in the plastic chair with duct tape to create a watertight mold. Fill the upturned chair with Quikrete 5000 concrete mix and let it cure. Due to the lightweight construction of the plastic, unveiling the concrete chaise is almost effortless.

Result: Chic and long-lasting concrete seating options.

2. Laminate Cabinets

Purpose: Repurpose laminate cabinetry, known for its particle board construction and laminate veneer, into molds for artistic concrete accents.

Process: Use laminate cabinets and rigid insulation sheets to mold Quikrete 5000 into whimsical planter boxes with integrated spouts. The rugged nature of laminate makes it suitable for holding moist concrete mix during the curing process.

Result: Rugged and stylish concrete planter boxes with a unique touch.

3. Plastic Bowls

Purpose: Retire old plastic kitchen bowls by casting them in concrete to create luminous mod-art lamps.

Process: Use old glass jars to let light shine through, and fill the wide-mouthed plastic bowls with Quikrete Countertop Mix. The bowls' shape makes it easy to achieve an even surface without troweling or leveling. Once cured, the concrete easily separates from plastic, creating stylish and radiant lighting fixtures.

Result: Eye-catching mod-art concrete lamps.

4. Beverage Bottles

Purpose: Use discarded plastic or glass bottles from the fridge or recycling bin to create shapely vases for flowers.

Process: Depending on the bottle's material, follow a video tutorial for detailed instructions on casting concrete. Once cured, separate the concrete from plastic or glass using a box cutter or hammer.

Result: Elegant and unique concrete vases for showcasing flowers.

5. Buckets

Purpose: Repurpose common household buckets into molds for modern-meets-rustic three-legged stools.

Process: Fill an empty bucket with a layer of Quikrete 5000, insert three wooden dowels, and let it cure. The deep basin and cylindrical shape of the bucket's plastic interior provide an excellent starting point for various concrete projects.

Result: Functional and stylish three-legged concrete stools.

6. Legos

Purpose: Stack plastic Lego bricks to create custom molds for structures like nesting tables.

Process: Build an outer mold using wood and tape, then stack Lego bricks inside to shape the concrete. Lego's slick finish ensures a smooth concrete surface, and the bricks can be easily reused for multiple molds.

Result: Creative and customizable concrete structures.

7. Milk Cartons

Purpose: Use empty milk cartons as molds for modern desk lamps.

Process: Nest a plastic bottle inside the carton, pour Quikrete 5000 in the space between, and let it cure. After drying, drill holes in the sides for a subtle light source, creating an affordable and stylish luminary.

Result: Modern and cost-effective concrete desk lamps.

8. PVC Tubes

Purpose: Employ PVC pipes, commonly used in plumbing, as molds for functional items like wine racks.

Process: Create outer molds from wood and tape, insert PVC pipes for snug wine bottle nests, fill with Quikrete Concrete Mix, and paint to match your decor. PVC's varying sizes and water resistance make it ideal for crafting unique designs.

Result: Functional and customizable PVC pipe wine racks.

9. Light Bulbs

Purpose: Use low-cost light bulbs as molds for creative concrete projects.

Process: Break the insulators enclosing the metal tip of the bulbs, clean thoroughly, and fill with Quikrete Sand/Topping Mix. Once cured, break the bulb carefully to unveil stylish paperweights or insert a screw during the curing process to create sturdy wall hooks.

Result: Stylish and multifunctional concrete decor.

10. Plastic Pumpkins

Purpose: Utilize hollow plastic pumpkins as molds for concrete to create unique shapes without carving.

Process: Directly pour Quikrete concrete mix into the plastic pumpkin bucket. Press a bowl into the top during curing to craft a durable pumpkin planter or candy dish with an embedded jack-o'-lantern face.

Result: Whimsical and seasonal concrete pumpkin planters or candy dishes.

Unleash your creativity by exploring these cool ways to use everyday items for your concrete projects, turning the ordinary into something extraordinary. If you're around Grand Rapids, why not get in touch with the folks at Grand Rapids Concrete Pros? We are experts at bringing concrete visions to life, adding that perfect touch to your projects. Contact us today!