How to Make Concrete Letters for Garden Decor

1. 1

   Step 1: Gather Cardboard Letters and Concrete Mix for Concrete Letters

   Watch this step · 0:12

   Enlarge

   Pick up cardboard papier mache letters for your word. Craft stores carry them, and online shops have the larger sizes. You also need a bag of concrete mix, a bucket for mixing, a strong stirring tool, a craft knife and newspaper to protect the floor. Coupling nuts and a glue gun are optional if you want to stake the letters into the ground later.

   Tip:

   Buy one spare letter. It is good for a test pour.

   Mark step done

   Used in this steplarge paper mache cardboard letters 12 inch5 gallon bucket

   Back to all steps

2. 2

   Step 2: Cut the Top Off Each Cardboard Letter to Make a Mold

   Watch this step · 1:04

   Enlarge

   Use a craft knife to cut around the edge of one flat face of each letter, then peel that face away. What is left is an open tray shaped like the letter. Decide now which side will be the front. The side that faces down inside the mold comes out smoother, so many makers cut off the back and use the bottom as the face.

   Tip:

   Cut a little inside the edge so the side walls stay firm.

   Mark step done

   Used in this steputility craft knife

   Back to all steps

3. 3

   Step 3: Hot Glue Coupling Nuts Inside the Letter Molds (Optional)

   Watch this step · 1:50

   Enlarge

   If you want to stand the concrete letters up in the lawn, hot glue a threaded coupling nut to the inside edge of each mold. The nut sets into the concrete. Later you can screw a bolt or threaded rod into it and push it into the ground like a stake. Travis did not end up using his, but it keeps your display options open.

   Tip:

   Tape over the open end of each nut so no concrete gets in the threads.

   Mark step done

   Used in this stephot glue guncoupling nuts 3/8 inch

   Back to all steps

4. 4

   Step 4: Mix the Concrete in a Bucket

   Watch this step · 2:10

   Enlarge

   Lay the open molds flat on newspaper. Put on gloves, pour the dry mix into a bucket and add water a little at a time, following the bag directions. Mix with a sturdy trowel or small shovel. A wooden paint stick is not strong enough, and the delay let Travis's first batch start setting before he poured.

   Tip:

   Aim for thick oatmeal. Too wet and the letters weaken. Too dry and they crumble.

   Mark step done

   Used in this step5 gallon bucketmargin trowelnitrile coated work gloves

   Back to all steps

5. 5

   Step 5: Scoop Concrete Into the Cardboard Letter Molds

   Watch this step · 2:40

   Enlarge

   Spoon the wet concrete into each letter mold with a trowel. Push it into every corner and along the thin strokes. Fill each mold right to the top edge. Work quickly so the whole batch goes in before it starts to stiffen in the bucket. Move from letter to letter rather than perfecting one at a time.

   Tip:

   Keep a damp rag nearby to wipe spills off the outside of the molds.

   Mark step done

   Used in this stepmargin trowel

   Back to all steps

6. 6

   Step 6: Press and Smooth the Concrete in Each Letter

   Watch this step · 3:06

   Enlarge

   Press the concrete down firmly with the trowel, then gently tap or jiggle each mold to bring air bubbles to the surface. Smooth the top as flat as you can. Whatever you see now is how the finished letter looks if this side faces up, so take your time here. Scrape off any extra from the edges.

   Tip:

   Tap the floor around the mold with a rubber mallet to settle the mix.

   Mark step done

   Used in this stepmargin trowel

   Back to all steps

7. 7

   Step 7: Peel the Cardboard Mold Off the Cured Concrete Letters

   Watch this step · 3:42

   Enlarge

   Let the concrete cure for at least 48 hours. Waiting a full week is even better, because the cardboard dries out and lets go more easily. Then peel the cardboard sides away, working slowly around each letter. If you are careful, the molds can survive for a second pour. These letters came out about an inch thick and solid.

   Tip:

   Keep the letters out of hard sun and mist them with water while they cure.

   Mark step done

   Used in this stepnitrile coated work gloves

   Back to all steps

8. 8

   Step 8: Make a Second Batch for Smoother Concrete Letters

   Watch this step · 4:58

   Enlarge

   Travis's first set came out rough because the mix had started to set. He mixed a second batch the right way, poured it straight away and got a much smoother finish. Once cured, he tore the worn cardboard off rather than saving it. For an even finer face, try a sand mix or countertop mix with smaller stones.

   Tip:

   Sand rough edges with a rubbing stone or coarse sandpaper once fully cured.

   Mark step done

   Back to all steps

9. 9

   Step 9: Set the Finished Concrete Letters in the Garden

   Watch this step · 5:56

   Enlarge

   Choose where your letters will live. Here they are pressed into red landscape rock like stepping stones, spelling SISU along the front yard. You can also lean them against a wall or stake them into grass with the coupling nuts. Nestle each letter in so it sits level and does not rock when bumped.

   Tip:

   A coat of clear concrete sealer keeps them looking fresh outdoors.

   Mark step done

   Used in this steplarge paper mache cardboard letters 12 inch

   Back to all steps

Keep going

How to Make a Latch Hook Rug - Easy Shag Rug for Beginners

→

Tools we recommend

• E6000

  E6000 Craft Adhesive, Clear (3.7 oz)

  The industrial-strength craft glue that bonds glass, wood, ceramic, metal, fabric, and concrete. The one adhesive most craft projects reach for.

• Gorilla

  Gorilla Dual-Temp Full-Size Hot Glue Gun

  Dual-temp so it handles delicate florals and heavy materials alike. A precise nozzle and built-in stand make it the everyday craft-table gun.

• OLFA

  OLFA 18" x 24" Self-Healing Cutting Mat

  The pro-standard cutting surface. Gridlines for square cuts, self-healing so blades never leave grooves, and big enough for paper, fabric, and leather.

Tags