DIY Hypertufa Pots

A couple of years ago, I made a giant hypertufa pot. I loved making it so much that I wanted to make some smaller ones. I’ve used the giant one for so many things, even to put a tree in at Christmas time!

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They are super easy to make and very budget friendly! I started off by grabbing some containers at the dollar 25 store, you know the store that used to be the Dollar Store. I tried to get containers that had some sort of texture or pattern on them, to give the pots that I was making extra character and pattern.

Supplies needed:

Portland Cement

Spagnum Peat Moss

Perlite

A Bucket For Mixing

Cooking Spray

Something To Mix With- I Used This

Also make sure to use safety equipment, (gloves, eye protection, and a mask) as the mixture is dusty and not good to breathe, or to get on hands or in eyes

The nice thing about measurements of each ingredient, is that it’s just equal parts of everything, Portland cement, perlite, peat moss, and water. I used a small bowl to measure mine out.

I added a tad bit extra of the Portland cement. And, I actually didn’t measure out my water.

I added water, adding a little at a time, then mixing, until I had a mushy consistency, but not drippy.

This drill attachment works really well to mix small batches of concrete and things such as this. Make sure to rinse it off after, or I’m sure you know what would happen.

I rinsed all of my tools off outside with my hose and I also made sure to wipe off my hands with a wet paper towel and throw it away before I did any kind of washing my hands inside. The mixture would get on my hands, and I didn’t want to rinse any amount of cement down the drain.

I used the larger container to put the mixture in, filling the bottom 1-2 inches deep. It’s really preference as to how thick the bottom should be. it just needs to be thick enough to drill a hole in for drainage if that’s something that is desired, or thick enough that it won’t be too fragile.

I sprayed the inside of the larger container and the outside of the smaller container with cooking spray. This helps to be able to remove it easier once it starts to dry.

I put the smaller pot in for the middle part once the bottom was the thickness I desired and packed the mixture in tightly around the sides . I left the tops of mine rough, but they could have been smoothed out for a more modern look. I wanted mine to look rocky and rustic. With the largest container I had, the middle part did not want to stay down so I just added some bricks to keep it down while it started to dry.

I let them dry uncovered overnight in our garage and then brought them inside and covered them up for a good 4-5 days. I took the middle container out after they were set up (probably after 48 hours). I also took them completely out of the containers a day or two after that. If you make them, you’ll be able to tell when they are set up enough to remove them from the containers.

After the 4-5 days inside the trash bags, I took them out and let them dry the rest of the way inside. It’s good to allow hypertufa to dry slowly or it might break easier. (that’s what I hear anyways)

I sanded the top rim with 150 sand paper to smooth it out just a bit and I LOVE them!!

All of that texture!! You can see on the smallest one below, the moss is showing a bit in a couple places. I’m wondering if I didn’t mix good enough for that one. But, no worries, I can just leave it or cover it with some more cement if I choose to.

I love how the tops of them are rough! It makes them look aged and gives so much character!

The two larger ones were my fave! I love the pattern on them!

The patterns are subtle but give them the exact look I was going for!

The dips and grooves in each pot make them look so old and authentic!

They were so fun and EASY to make!

And. they all turned out so cute!!

I love this one on our laundry shelf! I want to get a faux plant for it since there is not much light in here…or maybe a small snake plant would work.

It fits in perfectly here with the decor that I already had! Now to fill those glass jars that I’ve been procrastinating doing.

It looks like aged concrete but is so much lighter when using this technique!

The larger of the three, I’m using on our coffee table. I filled it with some shells.

I didn’t end up drilling holes into any of them for drainage.

If I end up using them to plant plants or flowers in, I can drill holes later.

Typing this post is making me want to make more! It would be something fun to do with older kids too!

Do you think you would like making hypertufa pots too? The possibilities are endless!