Rustic Concrete Stools

Van|percivalinbloom
by Van|percivalinbloom
3 Materials
$16
2 Days
Easy

Vintage farmhouse concrete stools - the legs are detachable, which I like but might not be your thing. Use as a plant stand or side table, not for human sitting.

Final product
Materials for this project



Measure and scoop concrete into bucket


I made the bigger one by filling the lowes bucket to the 2.5" line. The little one was made using a smaller tupperware container.


Tip: using a mug to scoop is so much easier than using a red solo cups


(Optional: rub oil around the bucket to make it easier to free the stool once the concrete has set)

slowly add water to the concrete mix


I just eyeballed it. You don't want it soupy, cause the concrete will be weak and may fall apart. If you buy the 10lb packets of concrete mix, it'll give you a more specific amount of water to add. When you're done adding water and mixing, gently tap the sides to get rid of bubbles.

Position your dowels and put them into the wet concrete mix


Again, I eyeballed the placement and stuck them about 1.5" into the mix, while it's still wet and hasn't set. Then wait at least 24h for the concrete to set before trying to remove the stool from the bucket!

Free your stool


The scariest part! Turn that stool upside down and GENTLY tap on the sides to free it from the bucket.

Stain the legs


I used a wire brush to age the legs and stained them using minwax special walnut stain. But you can do whatever you want.

Tiny stool


Since I made the smaller stool in tupperware, I had to creatively prop the legs up while the concrete set. If I could redo this, I would've gotten a round 2 gallon bucket.

Invest in a 2 gallon bucket


You can see indentations from the tupperware on the little guy, but it's still pretty cute.

For this stool, I stained the legs and applied white wax to soften the finish.



The 3rd stool with white wax finish


As I've mentioned, the legs are detachable, but the stool is still sturdy. This one holds my heavy monstera.

The legs will not remain attached to the concrete!


Using this method, the legs are not permanently attached to concrete top and will detach over time (or constantly moving them for photos icon ). There are other methods using wire to wrap around the dowels before placing them in the concrete mix that will help keep them attached, but I don't mind that they come apart - made it easier for moving!

I've made 3 of these now. Find me on instagram @percivalinbloom for more styling and projects!



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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 4 questions
  • N. G. Londonderry N. G. Londonderry on Oct 09, 2020

    I meant how are the legs “ detachable?”

  • Kelly-n-Tony Kelly-n-Tony on Oct 09, 2020

    The bottom looks like you threw rocks in on the cement because normally cement is smooth. Is that something you did?


    Why don't the legs stay in the cement? Does that mean it's not safe to sit on?

  • Wanda greene Wanda greene on Oct 11, 2020

    I’m going to try this one! Thank you for sharing. I was thinking about what I could add to the bucket to put a design in the concrete...... a wooden medallion for the top? Rope hot glued to the sides of the bucket? It would leave a nice pattern in the top. Just wondering if you have tried anything like that?

Comments
Join the conversation
3 of 9 comments
  • Ronnie Ronnie on Oct 16, 2020

    Great idea! Love the way they look. Fits any decor. Thanks for sharing.

  • Beryl Angelus Beryl Angelus on Aug 09, 2021

    Having brushed against concrete edges (with abrasions as a result!) I would include a fine grit sanding of the outside, especially the lower edges. Makes me wince just to look at.

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