How to Create Colorful Concrete Stools

Concrete stool drying while in the plastic bucket
Imagine if someone walked in on this and didn’t know what you were doing. It’s probably hard to guess from the looks of it!

7. Let It Dry

Wait for the concrete mix to dry according to the package’s instructions — in this case, we’re going to let it dry overnight — and then carefully cut out the Quik-Tube with a sharp utility knife.

Tearing out Quik-Tube and revealing hollow center in concrete form
This is what we want to see — a nice, hollow center.

Then, turn the bucket over and gently remove your concrete stool. The cooking spray you added earlier should make this easy to do.

Before and after photo of two concrete stools, one rough and one sanded
There’s no contest between the ‘before’ and ‘after’ pic. Sandpaper is your friend.

8. Sand Your Stools

Your stools can be as smooth or rough as you want — it just depends on the look you want! If you’re not a fan of lines or jagged edges, grab some 60- or 80-grit sandpaper and sand ’em down.

These stools look mighty nice sanded down — check out the before and after! — but we’re not done.

Chelsea Lipford Wolf applies Frog Tape to concrete stool to prepare it for design
Concrete looks beautiful as is, but I’m going to jazz up these stools with a little help from my trusty roll of painter’s tape.

9. Add Designs

I want to stain these stools to give them some character, so I’ll first create a design with painter’s tape. (We’ll stain outside the lines.)

Painting a concrete stool bluish-purple.
Watering down the paint results in more of a stain. It doesn’t hide the concrete’s texture; it enhances it. 

10. Stain Your Stools

You can paint or stain the stools; either option would look great. But why not get the best of both worlds? For this project, I’m watering down the paint so it looks like stain!

I’m using 75% water and 25% paint, so the color will soak into the concrete instead of sitting on top of it. Bonus tip: Since we’re using so little actual paint, sample cans are all you need, saving you some money, and who doesn’t love that? 

I started with a light blue for the primary color on the bottom. Then cut the same blue with a creamy white to get a lighter shade for the smaller section.

Painting a concrete stool white
Don’t worry about choosing a paintbrush for staining — whatever you have on hand is probably fine.

I’m applying it with a run-of-the-mill latex paint brush, but you can use a chip brush, foam brush or small roller! The staining process is very forgiving, so the type of paintbrush isn’t that important. Just apply and let dry! 

Finally, apply some Quikrete Concrete & Masonry Waterproofing Sealer over the paint, as directed on the can, and let dry.

Concrete ottomans on display beside two Adirondack chairs in a backyard
Whichever function these pieces serve — stools, ottomans or side tables — one thing is certain: They add color, texture and interest to any backyard.

Enjoy!

That’s all there is to it! These stools are perfect for roasting marshmallows around a fire pit.

Or they could serve as side tables on your patio, or even ottomans — gotta love multipurpose outdoor furniture!

And the best part is that you made these beauties all by yourself. And they’ll last for many years to come.

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5 COMMENTS

  2. That is so neat. I guess that someone could do a small table the same way . Maybe a front porch lighting on each side of the front door. Do you have any else like this?

    • Thanks for your content suggestion! We are always looking for ways to enhance todayshomeowner.com. Take care. 🙂

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