DIY Concrete Risers for Your Rock Garden (Simple, Affordable & Weatherproof)
Do you love the look of concrete in garden design, but not always the price tag that comes with it? Me too! Concrete adds such a grounded, timeless feel to any outdoor space—but buying pre-made concrete decor can get expensive fast. That’s why today I’m sharing how we made these simple DIY concrete risers for our rock garden using just a few inexpensive supplies.
When I say simple, I mean it. No fancy tools, no complicated molds—just a little concrete, a couple of bowls, and a willingness to get your hands a little dirty. Anyone really can do this, I promise.
Why I Love Concrete in Garden Design
I think my love of concrete started long before I ever mixed up a batch myself. As a child, my mom used to take us to every garden shop and nursery in town. Now, I say “drag us” with love, because if you’ve been around here long enough, you know flowers and I have never really been best friends.
But there was one spot that always stuck with me—Elizabeth’s. Every spring, my mom would get the urge to sprinkle a little whimsy into her garden, and Elizabeth’s was her go-to place for charming, unexpected garden accents. I was always happy to tag along, mostly because there was a dog I adored. But eventually, I found myself equally fascinated by the concrete statuary scattered throughout her property.
There was just something about them—these heavy, utilitarian forms that somehow managed to be beautiful. Frogs, angels, urns… every corner of the garden had something new to discover. I think that’s where the seed was planted for my love of rock gardens and concrete decor.
A Found Bag of Concrete Sparks a New DIY Garden Project
Fast-forward to last year. We were cleaning out our garage—something that always leads to some sort of DIY project around here—and what did we find? A full, unopened bag of concrete. Of course, I wasn’t about to let it go to waste.
We picked up two plastic bowls from Family Dollar. You know, the kind you’d serve dips in for family gatherings (not small, not large, just right as Goldilocks would say). As soon as I saw them, I thought they’d make the perfect molds for a quick concrete project. And before you could say “garden decor,” we were back home, mixing concrete and trying something new.
My husband took charge of the mixing—he’s the designated concrete guy around here because of all the dust it kicks up. We settled on a set of concrete risers to use in our rock garden which ended in one hourglass riser. These little platforms are perfect for adding height, dimension, and visual interest to your outdoor decor. They’re also great for lifting up a lantern, statue, or potted plant just enough to make it pop.
Materials Needed for DIY Concrete Risers
You don’t need a lot to get started, and most of these supplies are things you probably already have lying around if you are anything like me:
-
Two matching plastic bowls (one will work if you’re patient)
-
Concrete (we used what we had, but Quikrete or similar works well)
-
Water
-
Spray oil or cooking spray (we used Pam to coat the bowls)
-
Trowel or old spoon for mixing
-
Small bucket or container for mixing the concrete
How to Make Concrete Risers for Your Garden
Here’s how we made our risers, step by step:
-
Mix the Concrete: In your bucket, mix the concrete with water until it reaches the consistency of thick pancake batter. Not too runny, not too dry—just thick enough to hold its shape once poured.
-
Prep Your Molds: Spray the inside of your bowls with cooking spray. This helps the concrete release cleanly once it’s dry.
-
Pour the Concrete: We started by spooning the mix into the first bowl, then realized it was faster to just pour it into the second. Either way works—just be sure to tap the bowl gently on a flat surface to release any air bubbles.
-
Let It Set: Place the filled bowls in a shaded area (not in direct sunlight) and let them cure overnight. If it’s too hot or sunny, the concrete can dry too quickly and crack.
-
Unmold and Enjoy: By the next morning, our risers had hardened enough to be popped out of the bowls. We set them on our garden bench and started playing with different ways to style them.
Are DIY Concrete Risers Weatherproof?
Now, I know what you might be thinking—what about winter? We had the same question. These risers have been sitting outside year-round in our Ohio weather, and I’m happy to report that they’ve held up beautifully. They’ve aged a bit, sure, but in that charming, weathered way that makes concrete even more appealing, but that's just my personal opinion.
I’ve placed a solar lantern on top of them in the warmer months and brought out our concrete doves this spring. They look just as cute perched on or beside the risers as they did when we made them.
Creative Ways to Customize Your Concrete Risers
We played around with a few other ideas while making our concrete risers, and you might want to try some of these too:
-
Smoothing Out the Seams: Since we used two bowls to make a sort of hourglass shape, we thought about smoothing out the seam with extra concrete to make a seamless pedestal. But in the end, I liked having the option to separate them, so we left them as-is.
-
Adding Texture: We also considered using bowls with a patterned inside—like floral or geometric designs—to imprint a decorative texture into the concrete. It’s a fun idea, but we weren’t sure how easily the concrete would release from a textured mold. (If you try this, let me know how it works!)
-
Painting or Staining: You can easily paint or whitewash your concrete risers for a more finished look. I prefer the natural aged concrete appearance, but it’s a great way to match your existing garden decor.
-
Stacking Options: Try using different bowl sizes to create a tiered effect or stack risers of varying heights for a more dynamic display.
Why I Wait Before Sharing Certain DIYs
I’ll admit, I don’t always share all of my DIY projects right after making them. I like to see how they hold up—especially since these risers were meant to live outdoors. These concrete risers passed the test, and I thought it was finally time to let you in on our little experiment.
While they might be simple, I love the subtle statement they make in our rock garden. Sometimes the easiest projects turn out to be the most satisfying—and in this case, super budget-friendly too.
 |
| Just curious, has anyone seen a succulent grow like this? It's a first for us. |
What Do You Think About Making Your Own Concrete Risers
If you’re looking for an easy garden project that adds charm and function without breaking the bank, these DIY concrete risers are a great weekend activity. Whether you place a lantern on top, a garden statue, or simply use them to elevate your favorite plants, they bring texture and style to any outdoor space.
