7 DIY Concrete Home Renovation Projects For Summer

Even though concrete has been an essential material for large-scale construction projects for thousands of years, it’s finally getting its day in the sun as a popular option in home decor. Instead of covering up concrete, designers and homeowners everywhere are embracing the unpolished, simple look of concrete surfaces and decor both inside and outside their homes.

Spring is the perfect time to dust off your toolbox and get started on those home renovations you’ve been putting off all winter. If you want those renovations to have a modern feel, upscale look, and still be kind on your wallet, concrete is the perfect material. Here are seven home renovation projects you can easily DIY.

Preparing Your Concrete

Working with concrete can be difficult if you aren’t familiar with the material, proper mixing formulas, and its necessary setting conditions. But once you have a couple of small projects under your belt you’ll be more than ready to tackle those larger concrete projects.

One of the most attractive parts of using concrete for home renovation projects is that you don’t need dangerous power tools or expensive equipment to create a stunning final product. Aside from custom molds, you only need a few staple materials to get started on your DIY concrete project:

Ready-mixed concrete: Do your research on what concrete mixture option will work best for your type of project. Fast-setting, high-strength, or all-purpose mixtures are the most common pre-mixed options you’ll choose from.

Concrete mixer: If you have a larger renovation project like flooring or countertops, you’ll need to mix larger batches of concrete at a time. You can rent concrete mixers from local construction companies or even your neighborhood Home Depot. Make sure to read up on safety guidelines before operating the mixer.

Water: Water is the main bonding agent in concrete mixtures, so having the right ratio of water to dry mixture is important.

Concrete Floors

If you’re thinking of the concrete floors you have in your garage and driveway, think again. Stained and finished concrete floors are a great alternative to carpet and hardwood floors. They’re incredibly durable, scratch-resistant, heat absorbent, and only require regular dusting and mopping to keep them clean and beautiful. You can also level up your concrete floors by adding colors and embedded aggregate to your mixture or stamp on a pattern into the semi-dry mixture.

Fireplace Hearth

Not only does a concrete hearth combine a modern feel to a cozy, traditional piece in your home, but it can also help you save money in the long run. Concrete absorbs and retains heat more effectively than other materials. That means that it will release the heat back into the room even after your fire dies, keeping your home warm and cozy for longer.

Concrete Bench

Make your own furniture with just a few simple slabs of concrete. They’re a modern looking addition to indoor decor, while still being durable enough to withstand outside weather. Add a couple cushions and pillows to make the bench cozy, or set some potted plants around to add some color and a natural feel to the industrial look.

Concrete Fire Pit

Turn your backyard into a cozy hangout area for every season by adding a fire pit. For this project you either pour a custom mold to create your pit structure, or you can easily go to your local hardware store and buy pre-made concrete pavers to create the pit. Either way, once it’s finished you’ll have a safe and modern looking fire pit that will serve as the perfect centerpiece for your backyard hangouts.

Concrete Planters

You can spruce up your backyard quickly with some new planters for your budding garden. The contrast of an industrial aesthetic to your colorful flowers you’ll plant this spring will enhance your whole yard. You can either use pavers for this project or get creative with your own custom concrete mold.

Concrete Countertop

This project is as simple as it gets while still adding maximum aesthetic value to your kitchen or bathroom. Concrete is a popular choice for kitchen designs because of its durability and weathered look. Since countertops are a single slab, you don’t need to craft a custom mold to get the correct shape. Make sure that when you pour the concrete into your mold that you leave holes for any appliances or plumbing to fit in during installation. And keep in mind that concrete is (of course) heavy and any furniture you’re setting the countertop on needs to be able to withstand a considerable amount of weight.

Bathroom Tub

A full concrete tub can make any bathroom feel upscale, sleek, and modern. This will be a larger build, so only advanced concrete renovators should attempt this one. You’ll also want to consult an architect or structural engineer before you begin, since a concrete tub will weigh a lot and could cause structural damage to your home.