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1. The Sleek & Simple Coffee Table

Let’s start with the classic—because every living room needs a coffee table, and a cement one? Instant upgrade. The best part? You can make it as simple or as fancy as you want. No need to overcomplicate it.

Want to keep it easy? Cast a thick slab for the top (I used an old wooden box I found in my basement—you know, the one that used to hold my college textbooks, with a little chip on the corner). I lined it with plastic wrap (pro tip: don’t skimp on the wrap—you don’t want cement sticking to the wood) and poured the mix. Then I paired it with hairpin legs from the hardware store—$15 for a set, and they screw on in 5 minutes. Done. Want to go a little extra? Make the whole thing out of cement—legs and all. Just grab some PVC pipes (the thick kind, not the flimsy ones), cut ‘em to length, and use ‘em as molds for the legs. Super easy.

The real magic is in the finish. You can leave it raw and textured for that edgy, “I didn’t try too hard” look—and hey, this hides small mistakes. Trust me, I’ve made plenty. My first slab had a little bubble that popped, leaving a tiny hole. I left it as-is, and now people think it’s a “design choice.” Or sand it down until it’s smooth enough to run your hand over—add a sealant, and it feels luxe, like something you’d pay $300 for at a furniture store.

Mine took a weekend to make—Saturday morning mixing cement, Sunday afternoon sanding—and cost maybe $50 total. Now it’s the center of my living room. Every time someone sits down, they ask about it. And when I say, “I made it,” their faces? Priceless. Like, wide eyes, little gasps—one friend even said, “No way, you’re lying.” It’s the perfect first project—small enough to not feel overwhelming, but cool enough to make you want to try more. Plus, you’ll have a coffee table at the end of it. Win-win.

2. Chic Geometric Side Stools

Sometimes the simplest things make the biggest statement—and these little stools? Total powerhouses. I made three of ‘em last month, and I swear, they’re the most used pieces in my house.

They’re versatile, first off. Use ‘em as side tables next to the sofa (perfect for your coffee, a book, or even your phone when you’re scrolling while you watch TV). Extra seating when friends come over? Yep—my cousin sat on one for two hours last week, and she said it was “surprisingly comfy.” Or a plant stand? Oh, absolutely—I put my pothos on one, and my cat tried to climb it (she’s a little chaos gremlin), but the stool was heavy enough that it didn’t tip. No plant casualties, thank goodness.

And making them? Way easier than you think. You just need a mold. For cubes, grab those smooth melamine boards from the hardware store—cement doesn’t stick to ‘em, which is a lifesaver. For cylinders, PVC pipes work great (cut ‘em to the height you want—mine are 18 inches tall, perfect for sitting).

Here’s the fun part: customization. Leave ‘em plain gray for that minimalist vibe—they’ll blend with any decor. Add a little color pigment to the mix before pouring (I did a soft blue for mine—matches my favorite throw pillow, the one with the tiny stripes). Or paint ‘em afterward—spray paint works like a charm. I considered painting one neon pink, but my roommate said it’d “clash with the couch.” She was right.

The best part? They’re heavy enough to feel high-quality (no wobbly nonsense, unlike that flat-pack stool I had before), but small enough that you can move ‘em around easily. I made three in an afternoon—one for the living room, one for the bedroom (it holds my nighttime book), and one for the patio. They’re quick wins, too—great for practicing your mixing and molding skills before you tackle a bigger project, like a table. Pro tip: Mix a little extra cement, just in case—you don’t want to run out halfway through pouring. I learned that the hard way with my first stool (had to make a second batch, and it was slightly lighter gray than the first. Oops).

3. The Must-See: Integrated Fire Pit Coffee Table

Okay, okay—this is the one you’ve been waiting for. The ultimate outdoor statement piece. An integrated fire pit coffee table isn’t just furniture—it’s an experience. I made mine last summer, and it’s basically the reason all my friends want to hang out at my house now.

Imagine it: a cool evening, the sun’s going down, you’re outside with friends—drinks in hand, maybe some chips and salsa—and there’s a warm little fire glowing right in the middle of your coffee table. Not a big, smoky bonfire that makes your eyes water. Just a cozy, controlled flame that keeps you warm and looks totally magical. And you made it.

You

. Not some fancy contractor. You, with a mold and a YouTube tutorial.

Now, let’s be real—this project is more ambitious. You can’t wing it. Safety first, always. Gas lines, heat-resistant materials, proper ventilation—you need to get all that right. I’m not gonna lie, I watched three tutorials (twice each), then sent my dad a photo of my plan at 9 PM on a Tuesday. He called me back 10 minutes later with three tips: “Don’t skip the ventilation, kid,” “Make sure the burner kit is vent-free,” and “Wear gloves when mixing cement—your hands will thank you.” I listened to all three.

But the payoff? Insane. You’ll cast a sturdy concrete shell (mine’s 3 feet wide—big enough for drinks and snacks, small enough to fit on my patio), leave a space for a vent-free gas burner kit (you can find these online for $50-$100), and boom—you’ve got a table that’s both functional and totally wow-worthy. The first time I lit it, my friend Sarah spilled her wine because she was staring at the flame. “This is the coolest thing I’ve ever seen,” she said. And yeah—she’s right. This one’s a showstopper.

Pro tip: Let the cement cure for a full 10 days before installing the burner kit. I was impatient and tried to do it after 7—my dad called me out, and I had to wait three more days. Worth it, though—no cracks, no issues. Now, every time we use it, someone asks for the “recipe” (aka the tutorial link).

4. Modern Stackable Planters

Okay, let’s pivot a little—these aren’t strictly furniture, but c’mon. A good planter can make or break a space, and concrete ones? They’re built to last. I used to buy those terracotta pots—you know, the ones that look cute until the first frost hits and they crack. RIP to all the terracotta pots I’ve lost over the years.

With cement, though? You can make modern, geometric planters—even stackable ones! That means more plants, less space. Win-win, especially if you’re like me and have a tiny patio but a big plant obsession. I have four stackable ones now, and they take up about the same space as one big pot.

Here’s a fun trick I learned: use fabric to make textured planters. Grab an old burlap bag (I used one from the farmers’ market that held potatoes—still had little potato stains on it) or a piece of canvas, dip it in cement mix, drape it over a bowl (or any mold—my first one was a mixing bowl from my kitchen), and let it dry. The result? A unique, organic-looking pot that looks way more expensive than it is. The burlap texture adds this cool, rustic vibe—my friend thought I bought it at a boutique.

These are small projects, so they’re perfect for practicing. I made four stackable ones last month—put ‘em on my patio next to my cement bench, and now the whole area feels cohesive. Plus, concrete is porous, so your plants get just the right amount of air. But please—don’t forget to drill drainage holes. I forgot once, and my succulent (his name was Spike) did not survive. I felt terrible. Now, I drill three holes in the bottom of every planter before pouring the cement. Spike would be proud.

Pro tip: If you’re using fabric, make sure it’s fully saturated with cement mix. I had a spot that was too dry on my first fabric pot, and it cracked when it dried. Easy fix—just mix a little more cement and patch it up.

5. A Hardy Garden Bench

Every garden needs a spot to pause—somewhere to sit, sip tea, and stare at your flowers (or complain about the weeds, let’s be honest). A cement garden bench? It’s that spot, and it’ll outlast every other piece in your yard. I made mine last spring, and after a summer of downpours, a fall of wind, and a winter of snow? It still looks brand new. No rotting, no warping—just solid.

Cement doesn’t care about the weather. It just sits there, looking good, year after year. I love that—no maintenance, no worrying if it’ll survive the season. My old wooden bench? It rotted after two years. This one? I wipe it off with a hose every now and then, and it’s good to go.

You can keep it simple—cast a straight slab with legs—or get creative. I went creative. I found some old tiles at a thrift store (pastel blue and white, one had a tiny crack) and embedded them into the top before the cement set. Now it has this fun mosaic look—like a little piece of art you can sit on. Every time I water my flowers, I stop and run my hand over the tiles. It makes me happy.

Pro tip: Plan where you’re putting it before you pour. Cement is heavy—like, “need two people to carry it” heavy. I made the mistake of pouring mine in the garage, then trying to move it to the garden by myself. Spoiler: I couldn’t. I had to call my friend Mike, and we grunted and groaned our way through it. We almost knocked over my tomato plants (thankfully, we didn’t—those tomatoes were delicious). Learn from my mistake.

This is a classic project—one that adds value to your space and feels like a real accomplishment. Every time I sit on it, I think, “I made this.” And that’s a pretty great feeling. Even when I’m complaining about the weeds.

6. Minimalist Console Table with Wood Accents

Let’s bring cement indoors—because it’s not just for patios and gardens. Pair it with wood, and you get this stunning, balanced look that’s perfect for entryways or behind the sofa. It’s like the best of both worlds: the industrial edge of cement, the warmth of wood.

A minimalist console table with a slim cement top and wooden legs? It’s sophisticated, it’s current, and it’s way easier to make than it looks. I was intimidated at first—“Slim cement top? What if it cracks?”—but it turns out, if you mix the cement right and let it cure properly, it’s totally sturdy.

The key here is precision. You want the cement top to be thin (mine’s 2 inches thick—no bulky look) and smooth. I used a melamine mold that I cut to size (4 feet long, 12 inches wide—perfect for my entryway). Pro tip: Make sure the mold is level. I used a level app on my phone (couldn’t find my actual level—classic me) and adjusted it with little pieces of cardboard until it was straight. If the mold isn’t level, your table will be wobbly. Trust me, you don’t want that.

Once the cement is cured and sanded (I sanded it with 220-grit sandpaper until it was smooth as butter), attach it to wooden legs. I used oak legs—stained them a light brown to warm things up. The contrast between the cool gray cement and the warm wood? Chef’s kiss.

Mine’s in my entryway, and it’s the first thing people see when they walk in. They always comment on how “put together” it looks, like I hired someone to make it. Little do they know, I spent a Saturday afternoon mixing cement in my kitchen (pro tip: lay down a tarp—or an old sheet, like I did. Cement stains are no joke. That sheet still has a big gray spot, but I keep it anyway—it’s a souvenir). It’s proof that cement DIY can be refined, not just industrial. I put a small vase of flowers on it, and it’s become my favorite spot in the entryway.

7. Unique Statement Lampshade Base

Want to add a little “wow” to your lighting? Make a cement lamp base. It’s a small project, but it’s got big impact. Let’s be real—most lamp bases are boring. Glass, plastic, maybe wood. They get the job done, but they don’t make you smile. A cement one? It’s heavy, it’s textured, it’s a conversation starter. And you can make it look however you want.

I made mine using a crumpled-up plastic bag as a mold—dunked it in cement mix, let it dry, and now it has this cool, organic shape. It looks like a little cloud, but sturdy. I was worried it would be too weird, but it fits perfectly on my bedside table.

You can use a simple cylinder mold if you want something sleek, or carve foam into a unique shape for something more artistic. My friend made one that looks like a cactus—so cute. The only tricky part? Embedding the hardware for the light fitting. But there are tons of tutorials online—just make sure you do it before the cement sets. I fumbled with the hardware a little—dropped a screw behind my couch, spent 10 minutes digging for it with a flashlight—but I got it.

Once it’s cured, sand it down (I used 180-grit sandpaper to smooth the edges), seal it (I used a clear topical sealer), and pair it with a cute lampshade. I went with a linen one—softens the cement’s edge. Now, when I turn on the light at night, the light filters through the linen and hits the cement’s texture, making little patterns on the wall. It’s tiny, but it makes my bedroom feel cozier.

And it cost me less than $20. A bag of cement mix, a plastic bag, a lamp kit—done. Can’t beat that. I’ve already got plans to make another one for my living room.

8. Abstract Outdoor Seating Sculpture

Let’s get weird—in the best way. Why stick to a traditional bench when you can make something that’s both seating and art? This is where you can let your creativity run wild. No rules, no “this is how it’s supposed to look.” Just you, some cement, and a vision.

Think curved shapes, multi-level seating, or something that looks like it belongs in a modern art museum—but you can actually sit on it. I wanted mine to be curved, like a half-moon, so I could sit and lean back comfortably.

Here’s how I did it: I bought a big block of foam (the kind used for cushions) from the hardware store, carved it into a curved shape (think a half-moon that’s 3 feet wide and 18 inches tall—wide enough to sit on, tall enough to lean back against). Carving the foam made my hands a little sore, so I took a break to eat a sandwich halfway through. Then I covered it with cement mix and a layer of fiberglass mesh (for strength—important, because you don’t want it to crack when you sit on it). Let it dry for 7 days, peel off the foam, and boom—abstract seating.

The key here is ergonomics. It might look cool, but if it’s uncomfortable to sit on, what’s the point? I tested the foam shape with my favorite fuzzy pillow (the one my mom made me—blue with little stars) before covering it with cement. Sat on it, leaned back, adjusted the curve a little until it felt cozy. Now, it’s the most comfortable seat in my backyard.

Mine’s in my backyard, and it’s become the spot where everyone hangs out. My friend Jake said it looks like “something you’d see in a gallery,” but he sat on it for an hour talking about his new job. It’s art that works. Plus, it’s a great way to show off your creative side—no two of these will ever be the same. Yours will be totally unique, just like you.

9. Compact Desk Slab or Countertop

If you work from home (or just need a sturdy spot to do crafts), a cement desk slab is a game-changer. I work from home three days a week, and my old desk was a wooden one that got scratches every time I set down a mug. Not anymore.

Cement is impervious to spills (once sealed!), it’s durable, and it has this calm, grounded energy that makes working feel less stressful. I don’t know why—maybe it’s the smooth surface, or the fact that I made it myself—but I actually look forward to sitting at my desk now.

Casting a flat, smooth slab isn’t the easiest project—you need to make sure the mold is perfectly level, and you have to mix the cement just right (too runny, and it’ll have bubbles; too thick, and it’ll be hard to pour). But the payoff? Worth it. I made mine to fit my home office—cut a melamine mold to 4 feet long and 2 feet wide (the perfect size for my laptop, a notebook, and a small plant). Poured the cement, tapped the mold a few times to get rid of bubbles (a tip I learned from a tutorial), and let it cure for a week.

Then I sanded it until it was smooth—started with 80-grit, worked my way up to 220-grit—sealed it with a clear topical sealer, and attached it to sawhorse legs (cheap and easy—$20 for a pair). Now, when I spill coffee (which happens more than I’d like to admit), I just wipe it up—no stains, no damage. It’s also heavy enough that my laptop, books, and plant don’t tip it over. No more wobbly desk syndrome.

It’s not just a desk—it’s a workhorse. And it looks way cooler than a regular wooden desk, too. My coworker zoomed into my office last week and said, “Is that a cement desk? That’s awesome.” Made my day.

10. Industrial Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are great, but cement floating shelves? They’re next-level. They have that industrial edge that makes a room feel modern, but they’re sturdy enough to hold heavy stuff—books, big plants, even decorative vases (the heavy ceramic kind). I put three of them in my living room, and they’re my favorite part of the wall.

The key here is reinforcement. Cement is heavy, so you need hidden brackets or steel rebar inside the shelves to hold them up. I used rebar—cut it to size (my shelves are 2 feet long), placed it in the mold before pouring the cement, and anchored it to the wall once it was cured. No sagging, no worries.

You can make the edges raw (for that “undone” look) or sand them smooth. I went with raw edges—they add texture to my living room wall, which is painted a soft white. The contrast is nice. I put my favorite books on them (the ones with the cool covers), a few succulents (Spike’s replacements—RIP Spike), and a vintage camera I found at a flea market for $5. It looks like a little curated display, but it’s all stuff I love.

Pro tip: Use a level when hanging them. Nothing ruins the look of floating shelves like one that’s tilted. I messed up the first one—hung it, stepped back, and went “Wait, that’s not right.” Took it down, found my level (finally!), and got it straight. Lesson learned. Also, make sure to use heavy-duty wall anchors. These shelves are heavy—you don’t want them falling off the wall.

Every time I walk into the living room, I glance at those shelves and smile. They’re simple, but they make the whole room feel put together. And knowing I made them? Even better.

11. Simple Bench + Planter

Why have a bench and a planter when you can have both in one? This project is clever, functional, and perfect for small patios or garden borders. It adds greenery right where you sit—so you can enjoy your plants while you relax. I made mine for my patio, which is only 10x10 feet—space is at a premium, so this was a lifesaver.

Imagine sitting on a bench, sipping tea, and having flowers right next to you. No need to lean over to smell them—they’re right there. It’s little things like that that make a space feel special.

Here’s how to do it: Make a mold for the bench (mine’s 4 feet long, 18 inches wide—big enough for two people), but leave a void in the middle (that’s where the plants go). I used a piece of foam to block off the middle section—cut it to size, then taped it to the mold to make sure it was secure (you don’t want cement seeping in). The foam was a little lopsided, but the cement filled in the gaps perfectly—no big deal.

And please—don’t forget drainage holes. I can’t stress this enough. Without them, water will pool in the planter, and your plants will rot. I drilled three holes in the bottom of the mold before pouring the cement—worked like a charm. My marigolds are still blooming, months later.

I put mine on my patio, filled the planter with marigolds (they’re easy to grow—great for beginners), and now it’s my favorite spot to read. I sit there every morning with my coffee, watching the marigolds sway in the wind, and think “This is perfect.” It’s functional, it’s pretty, and it shows that cement DIY can be both practical and creative. No need to choose between form and function—you can have both.

12. A Striking Outdoor Bistro Set

Last but definitely not least—an entire bistro set. Imagine having a small cement table and two stools on your patio, perfect for morning coffee, al fresco lunch, or evening wine. It’s cohesive, it’s durable, and it makes your outdoor space feel like a little restaurant. I made mine last summer, and I use it every single day.

There’s something about sitting at a bistro set that feels fancy—like you’re on vacation, even if you’re just in your own backyard. I used to have a plastic bistro set, but it blew over in a windstorm. This cement one? It’s not going anywhere.

The trick here is consistency. You want the table and stools to match—same color, same finish. So mix enough cement for all pieces at once (or measure your ingredients exactly if you mix in batches). I mixed a big batch in a plastic bucket—enough for the table top and two stools—and poured them one after another. That way, the color was exactly the same.

I used a round mold for the table top (2 feet wide—perfect for two mugs and a plate of snacks) and cylindrical molds for the stools (18 inches tall). Simple, modern, and easy to make. The table top took a little longer to cure—7 days—while the stools cured in 5. I sanded all of them with 220-grit sandpaper, then stained them a soft gray-blue (my favorite color). The stain looks different in the sun versus the shade—cool in the sun, warm in the shade. I love that.

This project takes a little time (you’ll need to let each piece cure), but it’s so worth it. Every weekend, I make coffee, sit outside at my bistro set, and feel like I’m at a fancy café—except it’s my own patio, and I made the furniture. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your cement DIY journey—proof that you can furnish an entire space with this humble material.

Pro tip: Ask a friend to help you move the table top once it’s cured. It’s heavy—my neighbor stopped by while I was struggling with it, and he helped me carry it to the patio. He even stayed for a beer afterward. Win-win.

Bringing Your Cement Creations to Life: Finishing Touches

Once your concrete piece is cured (and yes, this takes time—don’t rush it! Most pieces need 7-10 days to fully set), the finish is where it really shines. This is the part that turns a “good” piece into a “great” one. Here’s what you need to know, from someone who’s made a lot of mistakes (and learned from them):

Sanding: This is non-negotiable if you want a smooth surface. Start with a coarse grit (like 80) to get rid of rough edges—this is where you’ll fix any little bumps or uneven spots. Then work your way up to a fine grit (like 220) for that buttery feel. Pro tip: Wear a dust mask—cement dust is not fun to breathe in, and it’ll make your nose itch. I learned this the hard way—sanded a table without a mask, and sneezed for an hour afterward. Not fun. Also, wear old clothes—you’ll get dust on everything. I still find little gray specks in the pockets of my jeans.

Filling Voids: Small air bubbles (they call ‘em “bug holes”) are totally normal. Don’t panic—they’re easy to fix. Just mix a little cement with water to make a slurry (thin enough to pour, thick enough to stick), then use a small brush to fill in the holes. Let it dry for 24 hours, then sand it down—good as new. I had a tiny bug hole on my bistro table top that looked like a little dot. Filled it with slurry, sanded it, and now you can’t even tell it was there.

Sealing: CRUCIAL. Especially for indoor pieces or anything that might get wet (like outdoor furniture or planters). Sealers protect against stains and can make the cement look darker or more vibrant. I use a penetrating sealer for outdoor pieces—it soaks in, no slippery surface (important for seating!). For indoor pieces, I use a topical sealer—it gives it a nice sheen, like it’s polished. Do your research—different sealers work for different projects. I once used an indoor sealer on an outdoor planter, and it peeled off after a rainstorm. Oops.

Painting or Staining: Want color? Go for it! Use concrete-specific paint or stain—regular paint will peel, and you’ll be frustrated. I stained my bistro set a soft gray-blue, and it looks amazing. Just make sure the cement is clean and dry before you start. I wiped my pieces down with a damp cloth, let them dry for 24 hours, then applied the stain with a brush. Two coats, let it dry between coats—and done. You can even add patterns if you’re feeling bold. My friend stenciled little flowers on her planters—so cute.

Ready to Get Your Hands Dirty (Literally)?

See? I told you DIY cement furniture is amazing. From coffee tables to bistro sets, from simple stools to artful seating—this material can do it all. And the best part? You don’t need to be a pro. My first project was a lopsided stool that I almost threw away. Now it’s my favorite plant stand (holds my pothos, the one the cat tried to climb). Imperfections are part of the charm—they make your pieces feel human, not factory-made. No one’s gonna judge you if your table top has a little bubble or your stool is an inch shorter than you planned. Trust me, they’ll be too busy asking “How’d you make that?”

So what are you waiting for? Grab a bag of concrete mix (you can get it at any hardware store for $10-$15), dig out some old containers or boards for molds (I used an old wooden box, a PVC pipe, and a plastic bag for my first three projects), and let’s get messy. Your hands will be gray, your clothes will have dust, but when you step back and look at what you made? Worth every speck.

Your home is about to get an upgrade—one handcrafted, incredible concrete piece at a time. Which project are you dying to try first? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to see what you make! And if you make the fire pit table? Send me a photo—I wanna see that flame. Happy crafting!

12 Incredible DIY Cement Furniture Ideas That Will Wow Your Guests (#3 Is a Must-See!)