Which concrete to use for concrete furniture, concrete decoration & co?

• Why concrete furniture "> Concrete: firm on pressure, weak on train
  • Process concrete free by hand
  • Mix concrete
  • Smooth or structured?
  • To seal
• Tips for quick readers

Concrete furniture initially sounds very unusual. Concrete is used to connect load-bearing, high-strength components that are functional but not very aesthetic. By itself, however, the gray texture of concrete is not all that unattractive. Polished, polished and sealed, a smooth concrete surface looks very noble and confident. However, to ensure that the concrete furniture remains usable and mobile, the construction should be planned precisely. This also applies to the type of concrete used.

Why concrete furniture?

Concrete furniture and decorative elements made of concrete are very popular in horticulture. The advantage of a concrete bench is above all its durability. Concrete furniture can stay outside year-round. With a little care keeps a concrete furniture as long as desired. And if actually a damaged spot has to be repaired, this is done quickly.

The disadvantage of concrete furniture is above all their weight. A concrete bench can easily weigh well over two hundred kilograms. Then a transfer is not so easy. For the production of concrete furniture such as benches and tables, therefore, always a precise planning, where the furniture is placed. It is best to always set it up directly at your site. That is why the top priority in the construction of concrete furniture is to build as thin as possible. But that's just not so easy with concrete.

Concrete: firm on pressure, weak on train

Concrete is an excellent material when it comes to absorbing pressure loads. However, it is weak in all types of tensile and shear loads. Whether concrete furniture or buildings, the trick to make concrete strong is always the same: Reinforcements.

For concrete furniture, it depends on what type of load is expected. Overhanging or only supported at two points components must be reinforced, as little loaded parts. For this reason, table tops and benches require a real reinforcing mat in order to be permanently usable. For less stressed components, however, herniated wire mesh is sufficient. The reinforcement needs a double-sided cover of at least 1.5 cm. This results in a minimum width of 3 cm from each element on a concrete furniture.

Process concrete free by hand

Free design with plastic concrete

The wire mesh has the advantage that the rough shape of the final product can be preformed. The plastically mixed concrete can then be distributed with it. This is best done with a trowel and bare hands. However, it is very important to wear rubber gloves! Concrete is highly alkaline and causes severe chemical burns on skin contact. Kitchen rinsing gloves and disposable gloves are too thin. Ideal are rubberized work gloves. These cost 1.50 - 3 euros the couple. Eye protection is also very important when working with concrete. The slightest splash of cement slurry in the eyes threatens blindness! Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to use safety goggles for 3-5 euros.

Mix concrete

Concrete for concrete furniture: the finer, the better

Conventional concrete is usually a fairly coarse material. Up to 12 millimeters large pebbles hardly allow filigree structures. However, cement is just as effective with fine aggregates. There are offers for creative design with concrete that are extremely expensive. A 5-kg bucket of creative cast concrete costs 25 euros. However, just as useful concrete can also be produced very easily. You need:

• 1 mixing bucket 10 l (about 5 Euro)
• 1 sack of Portland cement (2.50 per 25 kg)
• 4 sacks of quartz sand 0, 4 - 0, 8 grain size (about 5 Euro per 25 kg)

Concrete is always mixed in a cement-to-aggregate ratio of 1: 4. From the ingredients given, 125 kilograms of fine concrete for garden furniture can be produced at the same price as the finished concrete should cost. You can also mix the concrete a bit thicker, this results in a smoother surface and increases the weather resistance. A ratio of 1: 3 can lead to slightly better results. The concrete produced in this way is so fine that even filigree structures can be produced.

Smooth or textured "> Seal

To make the concrete furniture really weatherproof, it still needs to be sealed. It is recommended to colorless seal, so that the concrete retains its character. A 2.5 L canister with concrete / stone seal costs about 25 euros. The clear coating enhances the color and ensures a particularly aesthetic appearance.

Tips for quick readers

• Making concrete for furniture and decorative elements yourself
• Always oil concrete formwork
• Always seal concrete furniture
• Always build as thin as possible
• Always defend
• Always provide the edges with chamfers or fillets