Forming a Concrete Planter | QUIKRETE: Cement and Concrete Products
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A great way to view and understand your building or repair project before you get started. Find out just about everything you need to know by watching the video below.

Forming a Concrete Planter

Successfully form a concrete planter with QUIKRETE® 5000. This piece can be a great design element for your home or repurposed as an ice cooler for parties and events.


Project Instructions

When working with cement-based products, always wear eye protection and waterproof gloves.

Step 1
Cut 3 pieces of the rigid foam to fit inside the cabinet. Leave about 1 ½” to 2” of space between the foam and the cabinet.

Step 2
Mark and measure where to drill the hole for the spigot. Measure the distance from the edge of the cabinet to the top of the foam. Mark that distance on the exterior side of the cabinet and where the center of the hole should be.

Step 3
Drill through the cabinet at the marks and insert the pipe.

Step 4
Use a knife to cut away the foam to make room for the pipe.

Step 5
Use duct tape and silicone caulk to seal the pipe to the foam and the edge of the cabinet.

Step 6
On the inside of the cabinet, mark a line about 2” above the top of the foam insulation. This will serve as a guide for pouring the concrete.

TIP: If necessary, before mixing and pouring the concrete, brace the cabinet with a ratchet strap, to keep the concrete from pushing out the sides.

Step 7
Mix the concrete until it reaches the consistency of wet cookie dough.

Step 8
Pour the concrete. Make sure that it reaches the corners and fills under and around the pipe.

TIP: Use a stick or a pipe to push the concrete down into the form.

Step 9
After pouring the concrete, use a hammer to shake and vibrate the mold.

Step 10
Place the plywood on top of the wet concrete and push it down, so that it is flush with the surface of the concrete. It may be necessary to put a heavy object on top, to keep it from floating.

Step 11
Let the concrete cure for at least four days before removing the form.

TIP: While the concrete is curing, cover it with a plastic sheet to control the moisture level.

Step 12
After the concrete has cured, remove the cabinet mold. Make sure not to crack or damage the concrete in the process.

Step 13
Then, remove the foam insulation using a knife and prybar.

Step 14
Screw the spigot on and seal it with silicone or latex caulk.

Step 15
Screw the wheels to the plywood and flip the piece over.


Shopping List

  • 80 lb QUIKRETE® 5000 Concrete Mix
  • 2" Thick XPS Rigid Foam Insulation
  • 1/2" Brass Pipe
  • Heavy Duty Casters
  • 3/4" Plywood
  • Caulk
  • Glue
  • 1/2" Spigot (optional)
  • Ratchet Strap (optional)
  • Old Cabinet
  • Stick or pipe
  • Crow bar
  • Hammer
  • Pencil or Pen
  • Waterproof Gloves
  • Safety Glasses