Hand-made production of concrete small and large forms for the garden is becoming more and more popular. And this is not surprising - the mentioned building material is durable and with proper use allows you to get highly artistic things. How to make concrete products for landscape design, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of concrete material will be described later.

Description and composition of concrete

A standard concrete mix consists of the following components:

• cement - 1 part;
• building sand - 2 parts;
• tile adhesive (necessary to reduce the risk of microcrack nucleation and improve the ductility of the material) - 1 part;
• gravel of different fractions - 2 parts;
• water.

Sand is mixed with cement, gravel and glue. In conclusion, add water and bring the mixture to the texture of thick sour cream. To increase the strength of the building material, the amount of sand is halved (from the above), i.e. one piece. After the manufacture of concrete products, they require long-term drying (up to 7-10 days). So that cracks do not appear on the forms, they are covered with polyethylene.

Advantages and disadvantages of concrete as a material

Concrete has gained its popularity due to its flexibility, which allows it to produce various details of the decor. The small architectural element is mainly intended for use in the open, so the concrete mixture is best suited for its manufacture. It steadily tolerates the negative effects of weather (wind, precipitation, temperature changes, etc.) and is characterized by wear resistance.

• Building concrete has several advantages:
• differs in a long operational term;
• resistant to mold and other microorganisms;
• not afraid of corrosion, radiation, temperature difference;
• does not lose technical characteristics during the entire operation period;
• the product can be reinforced by increasing its strength and durability;
• figures do not mutate and do not lose solidity under mechanical action;
• production by the shuttering method allows you to create designs of various configurations;
• environmentally friendly material;
• affordable price;
• fireproof, non-combustible raw materials;
• you can use internal filler, for example, pigment powder, paints;
• high plasticity (it is possible to give the surface a diverse texture).

The main disadvantage of concrete products is their weight. If you plan to create a large element, you should consider that it will be difficult to move.

Concrete Products

There are many design elements made of concrete. The most popular are walkways, flowerpots, railings and tables. Next, a description will be given in more detail of each of them with a brief description of the manufacturing process independently.

Did you know? The ancient Romans built concrete from gravel, lime, sand and volcanic tuff. The solution was called “Opus caementicium”.

Tracks

Concrete path is the most common way of arranging the territory. It performs not only a utilitarian function, but also creates a certain landscape appearance. A concrete path is made by pouring material into the formwork. So you can create a monolithic neat surface of any model, which can later be decorated. The texture of the concrete path is given with the help of various accessories of artificial and natural origin, which are applied to the still surface.A decorative element in the form of a track is also made by molding. The building mixture can be pre-painted with various pigments or give the desired shade when the parts are laid. You can create tracks from concrete slabs that are prefabricated in a formwork way.

Important! The paths leading to the main objects on the site should have a clear direction. Minor paths may vary in various configurations.

As a frame, it is recommended to use such material:

• boards;
• plastic cloth;
• sheets of iron.

They also lay out paths from the finished material, which are purchased at a hardware store. Such blanks can have a different appearance, shape and pattern on the surface. Often, tiles are purchased for laying tracks in a specialized store. But you can do it yourself. Finished forms for tiles are filled with concrete, which is compacted to expel excess air.The process of drying the tiles takes about a day. Then it is removed from the workpiece and laid in the open air, but under a canopy - for hardening. The second method of laying involves the use of forms without a bottom. They are laid on a previously prepared site and half filled with concrete mortar, on top of which a wire frame is laid and concrete is poured to the upper boundaries of the mold. The workpiece can be removed in a day.

Video: do-it-yourself concrete pouring of a track

Ball

A cement ball is a good idea for landscape architecture. It can be formed monolithic, hollow and of different sizes. The voids inside the three-dimensional figure can be additionally operated as lamps or flowerpots. To do this, you just need to make a hole in the wall.

Depending on the manufacturing method, you will need such materials:

• building mixture;
• plastic mold, reinforcing mesh, balloon or inflatable ball;
• glue;
• pigment.

There are several ways to create a ball.

1. With a plastic blank. In this case, the building mixture is applied from bottom to top on the inside of the mold. By arranging several colors of the mixture, you can get a specific pattern. The two hemispheres made are held together.
2. Using a balloon. If the goal is a balloon of perfect shape, then you should find a balloon of a suitable size. The balloon is inflated and placed in a bucket. Phased rubber product is covered with concrete. The first layer should be of medium density. Gradually, going down to the main form, add thicker “cakes”. At the same time, they slam slightly - for better coupling of the mixture. At the end of the process, the finished design element is covered with polyethylene for drying. After the concrete has petrified, the rubber support can be blown off and removed.
3. Volume inflatable ball. The method is almost identical to the previous one. But, since the product is large, it is advisable to add 1-2 pinches of a reinforcing additive to the mixture.
4. Reinforcing wire and ball. It is cut into strips 15–20 cm wide. The length should equal the circumference of the product. A ring is made of durable wire. It is fixed on the surface of the ball, and strips “cover” the outer surface of the sphere. Next, a concrete solution is coated on the frame. Apply several layers.

Video: decorative balls made of cement and sand

Artificial stones

Homemade stone will practically not differ from natural (granite, marble, etc.), but it will cost much cheaper. You can use such a decoration widely: decorate the facades of buildings, porch, revetment of external and internal surfaces. Forms for finished products can be of various configurations, dimensions, materials (for example, silicone or wood).

To create a stone with your own hands you will need:

• wire mesh;
• concrete mortar (the first batch should not be liquid and not drain off the figure, the second should be made less dense);
• filler (old bags, polystyrene);
• putty knife.

First, a frame is prepared from the mesh. Then put filler in it. This will facilitate the work and reduce the amount of concrete. The solution is applied to the frame with medium-sized “cakes”. After applying the first layer, stand for some time "drying". More liquid concrete is coated on the figure.Do this with a spatula or palm, creating hollows or bulges. At the end of the process, the figure is covered with polyethylene and left to solidify. Then the stone is turned over and the lower part is formed. To give "naturalness" you can use special pigments. On small products, sand or cement is poured on top, on large products - mortar.

Flowerpot sculpture

A decorative flowerpot will become an ornament of any site. It can be placed anywhere. If necessary, the decor item can be cleaned for the winter. Concrete flowerpot-sculpture is a vase of architectural form, which will emphasize accents in landscape design.

Due to this possibility, the local area becomes unique. The dimensions of the vase can go beyond the generally accepted standards - to be small in size, like a flower pot, medium or large, focusing on yourself.

Forms of architectural elements can also be very diverse:

• round;
• rectangular;
• six or octagonal;
• square;
• ovoid.

You can make a vase in the shape of a figure:

• invented character;
• a heart;
• corrugated vase;
• part of the body (hands, lips, etc.);
• openwork cache-pot;
• stars;
• shoes, boots or shoes;
• Wicker basket;
• magic totem;
• cute kitten, puppy, etc .;
• Lotus flower.

In the formation of the sculpture will need not only experience, but also patience.

The process itself consists of:

• preparation of raw materials, outline models, finishes;
• compliance with the methodology of the process;
• form adjustments;
• flowerpot decorations.

The manufacturing process takes place only in the summer.

Important! To make the product easily separated from the main form, large formwork parameters are lubricated inside with grease or coated with polyethylene.

To implement it, you need:

• raw materials (cement, sand or "store" mixture);
• ready-made stencils;
• frame material for the base;
• polyethylene film;
• decor;
• metal pipe for drainage;
• grease or spray for molds;
• water;
• gloves, putty knife, paints, brushes, knife;
• container for concrete preparation.

Concrete is kneaded with the same texture as for the formation of tiles - the mixture should not flow, but also not be too thick. To obtain the desired shape take 2 containers. One of them is filled with a solution, and oppression is placed on top so that the material covers the edges of the desired shape. The second form is lubricated from the outside where it will come in contact with concrete.

Step-by-step production of a flowerpot looks like this:

1. Concrete is poured into a large tank. Layer thickness 3-4 cm.
2. At the bottom, the layer is leveled with a spatula. Later, this will not work.
3. Cut into small parts, a metal pipe is lubricated from the outside and installed for drainage.
4. A second tank is installed on the pipe strip, and it is covered with sand or other cargo.
5. Between the forms pour concrete, piercing it with a metal rod. Otherwise, bubbles may remain.
6. Level the top layer.
7. The product is covered with polyethylene and left to dry for 24 hours.
8. After a day, excess components are removed or broken.
9. For 7-10 days, the flowerpot is lowered into the water and covered with a film. After this period, the product can be decorated.

Video: 3 flowerpots made of cement

To create a figure you will need a plastic blank. For example, for a kitten figurine, you need to take supports (legs of broken stools - 6 pcs. Fit) and a plastic tray for the case. Supports and capacity are fastened with wire, forming the body, legs, tail and head. The tank is poured with concrete, and the outlines are sculpted. You can use any round object as a head.

Important! They work slowly with concrete, otherwise it may fall off the base. When the raw material hardens, the surface is ground.

For the preparation of vases in the form of hands, latex gloves are used. They are filled with a building mixture and give the desired shape. You can create a flowerpot from fabric (burlap, old clothes, etc.). To do this, it is immersed in a solution, well impregnated. Then stretch on the prepared case (bucket or other container). The ends are given the desired look. You can remove the flowerpot after the canvas finally hardens.

Fountains

The garden can be decorated with fountains. But here you should take care of the water supply.

To make an artificial reservoir, you will need such tools and materials:

• sewer pipe made of plastic;
• formwork boards;
• cement, sand, water.

To create an art fountain, first of all, dig a deep (at least 1 m) pit and fasten the formwork. Then wooden stakes are mounted, installed in the center of the fountain - they will become a frame. Their size should correspond to the parameters of the sides of the pond. Several boards are nailed to the fixed stakes. The wooden crate can be fixed with boards - so you can align the concrete walls. Then the inner and outer frames are combined.For this, slats are used. In the middle of elongated stakes, a circle is formed, in the center of which a ruberoid tube is installed. Water will be supplied through it. Next, the formwork is poured with concrete. You can remove the wooden frame only after 72 hours. Then the bottom is poured with cement, and after hardening, finishing work begins. If your hand is full, you can use any decorative material (natural stone, etc.). At the end of the process, ruberoid pipes in the bowl are cut off, and the drain at the bottom is sealed with a stopper.

Video: exclusive cement mortar fountain

Tables and benches

It is difficult to imagine a garden without a recreation area. And it needs to be equipped with furniture - benches and tables. The practicality of concrete products is difficult not to notice: they do not dry out over time and they do not need to be cleaned during rain. Tables can be constructed from a monolithic concrete slab in the form of a countertop, placing it on wooden supports or on bars under natural wood. The benches can be made in the form of a molded stand on which the seat will be placed.

Did you know? Concrete is dangerous for wood. It is extremely corrosive and can destroy natural plant material.

Shops from two props look good on which a seat will be located. The supports can be made either from non-ferrous metal, or decorated with additional materials (tiles, mosaics, stones).

To create a bench or table you will need the following components:

• concrete;
• boards or bars;
• MDF or particleboard.

For casting the supports, formwork is constructed. The inner surface of wooden boards is oiled. First, prepare two identical blanks for legs (wooden boxes). Bars are laid at their bottom, which will form recesses in the support for installing boards.The mold is filled with concrete in small portions, compacting it well. Excess air bubbles are removed by tapping the walls of the form with a hammer. The top is leveled with a staple. After 4-5 days, the formwork is dismantled, and boards, the finished countertop, are mounted in the left recesses.

BBQ

There are several options for making concrete barbecue. But each of them will require a lot of labor and endurance.

Did you know? The color of concrete allows the material to reflect 30–45% more light energy than asphalt. And this reduces the temperature in megacities by 5–7%.

For work, you need such materials and tools:

• cinder blocks;
• concrete;
• rebar, cut into meter pieces;
• double sheet steel;
• clay;
• Bulgarian;
• Master OK;
• shovel;
• lattice.

In the prepared area (clean and free from roots), a 15 cm deep is dug. It is covered with a sand-gravel mixture. Clay is placed on top, compacted. The result should be a flat surface. On the long side lay 5 cinder blocks, on the short - 2.5. Between the rows do dressing. In the lower tier of the short side, one cinder block is placed so that air passes through the voids.These holes will then serve to regulate the flow of oxygen.The next tier is laid out in the same way, but it is shifted by ½ block. Fittings are placed on top. For this, the product is divided into 2 parts: furnace (1/3 of the space) and the camera (2/3 of the length). In the second section, fittings with a distance of 20–25 cm are installed. To keep it tight, the ends are bent into the voids of cinder blocks. Next, lay out the third and fourth rows.

Important! Cinder blocks are necessary for less heating of the structure.

After that, the inside of the structure is coated with a thick layer of clay, and a row of cinder block is exposed between the departments. Above the chamber for burning firewood (coal), in the upper tier, 2 reinforcement rods are mounted. The distance between them depends on the length of the skewer. Install a lid on top - a steel sheet. It should not fit snugly for air to enter. Concrete will help reinforce the structure. It is poured into the cinder block voids. Outside, grill is plastered or coated with alabaster.

Video: what will happen if you make a brazier out of concrete

Materials and ideas for decorating products

Decorate finished products in a variety of ways. It all depends not only on opportunities, but also on desire.

Mainly use such decoration methods:

1. Dyeing. It is carried out either at the stage of mixing the solution, or after drying. The color may be solid or painted.
2. Mosaic. Glass, mirrors, rhinestones, broken dishes, stained glass are used.
3. Laying out. The material used is stones, pebbles, coins, shells, etc. They are glued to the surface or pressed into a form that has not yet solidified.
4. Billing Change. On top of the product can be sprinkled with sand to create a roughness or polished with sandpaper.

Did you know? The concrete mix was fully mastered in Southeast Asia. The most famous building - the Chinese wall was built at the beginning of the III century. BC e.

There are many original concrete products today. They create both elements of simple shapes and fancy, decorated in the most original way. The bas-relief made with the help of large natural leaf plates looks especially interesting. They are fixed on the inside of the product and poured with a solution.

After drying, the foliage is easily washed off with water and leaves behind a unique pattern. Production of concrete products is a fascinating process that allows you to get unique, effective figures. Such works of authorship will give the site or garden a unique, stylish look.